Squeezing the last bit of summer out is the plan for the weekend, especially after this wet week and perhaps more to come (hey Erika!). The Midcoast is in for a treat with several extraordinarily talented visiting bands serving up reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, funk and blues. And don’t forget that old time rock and roll at the Union Fair, which continues through the weekend. Make the most of it people. I’m going on vacation for the next two weeks—see you in the fall!

Belfast Art Walk

Friday, Aug. 28 — Belfast

Step out and enjoy the paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, etchings, assemblage and fine craft of local Maine artists. Look for Brio, a dynamic vocal ensemble playing on the streets along with other live musicians and dancers. While you’re at the art walk, toddle on over to the Belfast Co-op, which is hosting a free wine tasting of highlighted seasonal wines and the opening for An Illustrator's Art, an exhibit of delicately painted and detailed watercolors by Brooks artist Kim Jacobs.  The reception is from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Belfast Co-op Café with Jack Scully of Easterly Wines offering the wine tasting with a focus on seasonal wines

Vibe Out with Jamaican singer Ras Ian

Friday, Aug. 28 — Rockland

Jamaican singer Ras Ian performs this weekend at The Speakeasy. Ian will bring his “unique style of baritone roaring roots reggae, dancehall and hip-hop sounds” to the stage, backed by the band Da Vibes. He has shared the stage with Gully Bop, Spanna Banna, Andrew Bees, Plies, Hot Like Fire, CatchaVibe, Mavado and Turbulence. The message of the music is oneness, love and understanding for all mankind. The show starts at 9 p.m. $5 cover charge.

Street Dance at Union Fair

Friday, Aug. 28 — Union

It’s your last weekend to eat a Frisbee-sized fried dough treat and (hopefully not) get sick on the rides at the Union Fair. At 8 pm. the oxen and sheep will surely get nervous as a street dance is set to break out, featuring the popular rock and roll band, Creatures of Habit. Admission is $12 and gets you unlimited Midway rides, contests and entertainment.

Funk Soul at Three Tides

Saturday Aug. 29 — Belfast

Cactus Karma, a six-piece funk/soul band based in the New York/New Jersey area is traveling up this way to kick out the grooves on what is looking to be one of the warmest last nights of the summer. The band starts at 9 p.m. No cover. They are seriously infectious. Give ‘em a listen here:

Killer (Boat) Trip: Farm-To-Table Dinner on an Island

Saturday, Aug. 29 — Hurricane Island

This is one of those summer bucket list things to try at least once. From 3 to 9:30 p.m., step off and be whisked out to sea, arriving on lovely Hurricane Island, where you will be greeted with wine and delectable treats. After a tour of the island, chef Ladleah Dunn will prepare a feast with foods farmed, fished and/or foraged, with exceptional wines to go with each course. The cost is $150, which includes transportation to and from the island.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com