Almost as if on cue, when May 1 comes around this weekend, no more of this drizzly 40-degree balderdash. Sunny in the 60s people! That means the long slow wall slide of winter is over and it’s time to play!

Rockland’s first Art Walk of The Season Kicks Off

Friday, May 1— Downtown, Rockland

The "1st Friday" Art Walk of the year starts in downtown Rockland to kick off the season. Yaaaas! Grab a buddy, stroll through the downtown galleries to see what all of the artists who have been holed up this winter have been making. Do a little window shopping, and enjoy dinner at one of Rockland’s  restaurants. To see a list of artist receptions happening that evening visit: www.artsinrockland.org

Cinco de May(hem) at FOG

Saturday, May 2 — FOG Bar, Rockland

FOG Bar in Rockland is just as sick of this nonexistent spring as you, so, they’re pre-gaming Cinco de Mayo with the band that’s everywhere—Just Teachers. Come shake it off like a Polaroid picture and dance starting at 9 p.m. until the fire alarm goes off again (Too hot...hot damn...) Everything is a costume event these days in Midcoast, so dress like your favorite rebel or maker of mayhem and you may win a prize! Suggestions: Joan Jett, Robin Hood, Pablo Picasso, Han Solo, Einstein, Ozzy Osbourne...you get the idea.

Swamp Rockers The Rugged Perform at Three Tides

Saturday, May 2 — Three Tides, Belfast

It’s not often that Three Tides in Belfast throws a musical event, but when they do, it’s always good. They’re hosting The Rugged, a trio of good friends from Jackson, Maine. The Rugged’s first album, (recorded by local engineer Edward Goguen), blends swamp rock rhythm with atmospheric guitar and introspective lyrics. No cover and the show goes from 9-11 p.m. Give them a listen on Reverbnation.

Killer Road Trip: Take A Spin Around The May Pole

Saturday, May 2 — Downtown locations, Kennebunk

It’s going to be beautiful Saturday and the 17th Kennebunk May Day Festival will be a great place to land. Beyond the twirl of the May Pole, the festivities start at 8:00 a.m with a pancake breakfast, craft market, book sale, Faerie Festival and continue all day with parades, food trucks, free wagon rides, outdoor music, a farmer’s market and so on. In the afternoon, they’ll be putting on another outdoor concert and a pig roast. See the entire schedule here. No cover. Great for a Cheap Date or fun for the whole fam.

Atmospheric singer Gintarė Takes The Stage At Riley School

Sunday, May 3 — Riley School, Rockport

Gintare, who lives in Maine, was raised in Lithuania where she received classical music training.  The late Gus Dudgeon, great British producer  who extensively worked with Gintarė in 1993-97, said her work "has all the quality of a diamond — it is timeless while being undeniably contemporary, polished by the surreal dream like beauty of her vocal performances, enhanced by in depth intelligence of her luminous poetry." A singer-songwriter and recording artist, she creates music that blends her voice, piano and ambient electronic sound. The school grounds will be open for picnicking at 5 p.m.; the concert will start at 6:00 p.m., and a reception for the artist will follow.Reserved seat tickets, $15, are available at Owl and Turtle Bookshop or by calling the school in advance at 596-6405. Donations will be accepted at the door. For more information, go to www.gintare.com or www.rileyschool.org.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com