This weekend is about the highbrow entertainment from the Camden Conference events all over Midcoast to Venus In Fur’s funny, sassy spin on girl power. And don’t forget the Oscars Sunday night with a red carpet event before the festivities.

Thursday, Feb. 19

· To Russia with... love? The Camden Conference kicks off this weekend with a completely cool event at Fog Bar and Cafe with a screening of the documentary, Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer, about the Russian all-female band Pussy Riot. Admission is free. The film is presented by CMCA in conjunction with the Camden International Film Festival and Camden Conference 2015: Russia Resurgent. Q/A with the film maker will follow the screening. Show goes from 8-9:30 p.m.

· The Postman Cometh plays at The Speakeasy from 8-11 p.m.

· Open Mic at Highlands Coffee House from 6 to 9 p.m. Get there at 5:30 p.m. to sign up to play.

· FOG Bar and Cafe is continuing their Drink and Draw Thursday night from 7-11 p.m. Guest artists come with new themes and materials provided. Happy Hour goes on all night. No cover.

· Karaoke at Cuzzy’s, starts at 9 p.m.

· Each Thursday, Cappy’s Chowder House is doing game night with Cards Against Humanity from 6 -9 p.m. Meet people who share your sense of humor and enjoy drink and food specials. FMI: Facebook

Friday, Feb. 20

· The 220s, a fave of the Midcoast music scene will celebrate the release of their CD at The Speakeasy, 7-11 p.m.,The band weaves the influence of Funk through the base of Prog Rock. They will be playing the songs from the album, in it's entirety, as well as selections from their favorite artists such as Pink Floyd, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Neil Young, Led Zeppelin, and Sublime. FMI: 220s

· Venus in Fur, the ‘Thinking Person’s ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ plays all weekend at the Belfast Playhouse, starting Friday night at 8 p.m. FMI: See our story.

· Amy Nicole and Zydeco Soul bring the Big Easy to the Samoset Resort. Cost: $20 advance; $25 at door; $150 advance for table of 10. FMI: 596-6055. Doors open 7 p.m.

· The Rusty Hinges, a  country folk/blues group plays Thinking of Spring concert at The Highlands Coffee House, 189 Main St./Route 1, Thomaston. FMI: 354-4162.

· Singer/songwriter Stesha Cano warms up Rock City Café from 7-9 p.m.  No cover.

· Rockland Food Service is holding its monthly beer and wine tasting from 4-6 pm.

· Trackside Station is hosting an all ages Open Mic and Karaoke evening with Annette Lorraine Young, from 6 to 9 p.m.

· Bowen’s Tavern in Belfast has a DJ playing from 7 p.m. - 12 a.m.

· Open Mic at the Time Out Pub downstairs.

· Karaoke at The Myrtle Street Tavern, starts at 9 p.m., 21+. · Celtic Band Jam at Bell the Cat, Belfast goes from 6:30-9 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 21

· For some real old-timey outdoor fun, the New England Runnersled Championships are taking place on the back side of Hogback Mountain in Montville. Starts at 8 a.m. Shine your runners! FMI: Facebook

· “Hard folk” band St. Huckleberry plays Rock City Café from 7-9 p.m.  No cover.

· The Speakeasy changes musical gears and present Mes Amis, a gypsy jazz combo. Music starts at 8pm and goes until 11p.m. No Cover.

· 3rd Annual Edward Gorey Birthday Catoonery!  In honor of the birthday and genius of Edward Gorey, Maggie Trout brings her Free Art to Atlantic Baking Company in Rockland from 1-3 p.m. Come with your favorite word containing, or sounding like "cat", a cat idiom, expression, or human or feline friend in mind to be drawn as a cartoon, in celebration of the "O of it all" that is Edward Gorey's greatest legacy.

Sunday, Feb. 22

· Rounding out the Camden Conference, author Suzanne Massie (Trust But Verify: Reagan, Russia and Me) will be giving a talk on the culture of Russia at the Owl and Turtle Bookshop will host Suzanne Massie, 2-4 p.m.. Massie will present a talk on her experiences with the people and culture of Russia. 

· The Strand Theatre will again roll out the red carpet for the glittering 87th Annual Academy Awards ceremony with a free live screening. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for the Red Carpet previews; the ceremony begins at 7 p.m., and the broadcast will continue until the last statuette is presented.

· Rock Harbor Brewing Co. will be hosting a cribbage tournament every Sunday beginning at 8 p.m.

· Musicians, bring instruments and voices and make music together at Sail, Power and Steam Museum at Sharp's Point South, 75 Mechanic St., Rockland. Free. FMI: 701-5050 or 701-7627. Coffee and cookies provided. Every Sunday, rain or shine.

Want to know where to go for happy hour every day of the week? Check out our updated Guide To Midcoast Happy Hours.

 If you have an arts and entertainment event that fits within the adult scope of fun and cool things to do for Weekend Picks, contact Kay Stephens at news@penbaypilot.com or like The Killer Convo on Facebook and put her on your events list.