We’ve finally busted out of the rainy cold temps and Maine is shining this entire weekend with multiple kick off parties for the summer, comedy, and great ideas for Dad!

Camden Harbor Kick off Party

Friday, June 17—Camden

Camden Harbor is pulling out all of the stops with a harbor party 6-11 p.m. with a DJ Terry Frank spinning tunes down by the wharf. Harbor Dogs Chef Jesse will be supplying pulled pork, chicken, ribs, vegan baked beans, and cole slaw free with donations. All proceeds go to the Hospitality House. 

Comedian Juston McKinney’s “How to Train Your Dad”

Friday, June 17—Camden

JustOn (you’d better not spell that with an “i”) McKinney is taking the stage at the Camden Opera House for a Father’s Day special with jokes and stories about his own dad and being a dad in New England. Having been numerous times on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien and the Blue Collar Comedy Next Generation Tour with Bill Engval, Juston’s act “How To Train Your Dad” is the perfect Father’s Day present. Tickets are $17 and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. FMI: Juston McKinney

Summer Solstice & Dock Party

Saturday June 18—Rockland

The traditional Summer Solstice Street Party is going to rock Main Street, complete with music, food, fun and games (as well as a flash mob!) from 4 to 7 p.m. After that, toddle on down to the first-ever Summer Solstice After Hours Dock Party at Journey's End Marina at the end of Tillson Avenue, featuring a cash-only bar, music and dancing from 6 to 10:30 p.m. The street party is family-friendly, while the dock party is strictly for adults, 21 and over, with ID. Both events are free to the public and no cover charge.

Free admission to Maine’s state parks for Mainahs

Sunday, June 19—statewide

If you possess a Maine identification, today is your lucky day. From 9 a.m. – closing, all residents will be allowed free day-use entrance to Maine State Parks and Historic Sites. No rain date will be available. The open admission does not apply to Acadia National Park, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway (AWW), Baxter State Park, the Maine Wildlife Park, Peacock Beach, Scarborough Beach, Swan Island, Penobscot River Corridor (PRC), or the Penobscot Narrows Observatory in Prospect, though admission to Fort Knox State Historic Site will be free that day. (If you’re scratching your head and wondering, okay, what does have open admission? click here.)

Roll up to Bangor for Rock of Ages

Sunday, June 19—Bangor

This play has been getting some buzz over how funny it is. Rock of Ages will take you back to the times of big bands with big egos playing big guitar solos and sporting even bigger hair! This Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical features the unforgettable hits of the 1980s, including songs from Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, and Poison, and more. Here’s the latest review in The Maine Edge. Check out the 3 p.m. matinee. Tickets are $35 and can be bought here.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com