There’s some very cool stuff going on in Rockland this weekend and the hard part will be trying to choose which venue to go to. Or, you can hop in the car, go down to a just-opened outdoor skating rink in Portland, take a twirl on the ice and sip craft brews after.

Strand Theatre presents Rockland Shorts

Friday, December 11—Rockland

They’re back again, the always entertaining series of short creative films put on by the Maine Short Film Festival on subjects close to Mainer's hearts: art, environment, horror, social justice, comedy, and organic farming. The shorts cover all genres including fiction, non-fiction, experimental and animation. Admission is $8.50 and the show starts at 5:30 p.m.

Save Rock City Launch Party

Saturday, December 12—Rockland

Here’s the skinny (latte). Rock City Café is under threat of having to close unless they purchase a new roaster as the smell and smoke of the current one is causing problems with neighbors. To crowdfund a new roaster, they’re throwing an all-ages launch party featuring The Dolphin Strikers with special guests First In Maths and poet Dave Morrison. The suggested donation is $10, which gets you admission and some snacks. The show starts at 6 p.m. FMI: Rock City Café

PopUP art show at Steel House

Saturday, December 12 to Sunday, December 13—Rockland

Pop ups are the hot thing now and the Steel House in Rockland will be featuring the area’s hottest artists and makers. They will also have their letterpress fired up and ready to print cards on-demand. The event is at 711 Main Street, Rockland and goes both days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Electronic Dance Music at The Speakeasy

Saturday, December 12—Rockland

Get lost in electronic soundscapes and booty shaking with Quantum. This is an interesting project band led by founding member Jason Dean, who has been a professional drummer for 15 years. His goal is to create a vehicle for fresh and exciting music from Midcoast Maine to NYC. The show starts at 9 p.m. and will be recorded for DVD concert release.

Killer Road Trip: Ice skating with beer and PB&Js

Saturday, December 12 to Sunday, December 13—Portland

Last week The Ice Rink at Thompson's Point (located right off I-295 in Portland) opened with a warming tent serving peanut butter sandwich creations by the food truck PB&ME and beer and wine available from The Bar Association. You can bring your own skates or the rink will have hockey skates for you to rent. The rink is open seven days a week. Admission is $8. The Ice Rink is at 10 Thompsons Point, Portland or call 207-239-3729.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com