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Chainsaw artist Greg Waters of Lisbon Falls transforms a log into a sculpture of a bear May 2025 at the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray. (Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer) Purchase this image

Maine Wildlife Park opening day

Maine Wildlife Park is set to open for the season Wednesday at 56 Game Farm Road
Gray.

The park is home to more than 30 species of Maine wildlife that cannot return to the wild, either due to injury, orphancy, or human-dependency — having been raised in captivity (sometimes illegally).

These residents are eager to share their stories and teach attendees about their species, to help inspire a deeper connection to our state’s native critters. The adventure doesn’t stop there; from family-friendly events to educational activities and experiences, the calendar is filled with opportunities for adventurers of all ages to make wild memories this season.

Admission will cost $15, $12 for seniors, $10 for children 2-10; maine.gov.

‘The Sound of Music’

Monmouth Community Players plan to present “The Sound of Music” April 16-25 at Cumston Hall, 796 Main St., Monmouth.

Show times are set for 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, April 16, 17, 23 and 24, and at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, April 18, 19, 25 and 26.

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This musical is set in Austria on the eve of World War II. The story follows Maria, a young postulant nun who becomes governess for the Von Trapp family. 

Maria brings joy and music into their strict household and forms a special bond with the seven Von Trapp children. As Maria and Captain Von Trapp spend more time together, they find themselves drawn to each other. A timeless tale of love, resilience and hope, “The Sound of Music” is based on the true story of the family of former Austrian naval commander Georg Von Trapp.

Tickets cost $20 and $17 for students and seniors; monmouthcommunityplayers.org.

Maine Home Show

Catch the 2026 Maine Home Show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Augusta Armory at 179 Western Ave. in Augusta.

Explore creative design ideas, meet expert home professionals and find solutions for everything from major renovations to small upgrades.

Admission will cost $7.50 or $6.50 for seniors; mainehomeshow.com.

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Laugh Harder, Not Smarter

Johnson Hall Opera House is set to host Laugh Harder, Not Smarter, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 280 Water St. in Gardiner. 

The comedy show, presented by The Second City Touring Company, is a celebration of legendary American comedy, 65 years in the making. Featuring an array of classic sketch comedy and songs from the company’s rich history, fresh new favorites, as well as the signature brand of irreverent improv. 

The Second City’s alumni list includes names such as John Belushi, John Candy, Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Keegan-Michael Key, Eugene Levy, Tim Meadows, Bill Murray, Mike Myers, Suzy Nakamura, Catherine O’Hara, Amy Poehler, Gilda Radner, Sam Richardson, Joan Rivers, Amber Ruffin and Jason Sudeikis.

Tickets cost $42.99; johnsonhall.org.

Judges scrutinize contestants’ pies in April 2025 during the Maine Culinary Festival at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta. (Rich Abrahamson/Staff Photographer) Purchase this image

Maine Culinary Festival

Get ready for the Maine Culinary Festival set from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Augusta Civic Center, Civic Center Drive in Augusta.

Whether you’re a foodie, a home cook, a curious shopper, or someone who just loves discovering new treats, this event is your chance to explore Maine’s vibrant culinary community under one roof.

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The festival will feature dozens of local food vendors, bakers and makers; unique spices, sauces, jams, sweets and handcrafted goods; kitchen tools, home cooking essentials and culinary crafts; and more.

Admission is $5; maineculinaryfest.com.

Martin Sexton. (Courtesy of the artist)

Get tickets: Martin Sexton

Martin Sexton is set to perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, at Waldo Theater, 916 Main St., Waldoboro.

Sexton tours in support of the 25th anniversary of “Live Wide Open”  the critically-acclaimed double vinyl live album. The show will include these fan-favorites as well as some new material.

Tickets cost $45-$65; thewaldotheatre.org.

Jot it down: ‘Parlor Games’

“Parlor Games,” by James C. Wall, will open the Lakewood Theater season May 21 at 76 Theater Road in Madison.

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Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. May 21-23 and 27-30; 4 p.m. May 24; and 2 p.m. May 27.

About the play: Practical joker Mort McNulty hosts his own wake so he can hear what people will say about him after he’s dead, before he’s dead. Mort’s wife, Tricia, gets unwillingly drawn into the action and apologetically tries to convince everyone that Mort is playing another joke. 

We meet a variety of wakegoers —some on purpose, some not— who eventually, with the right amount of suggestion and imagination, convince themselves that Mort is dead and Tricia is in denial. And then there is the surprise birthday party.

Starring: Matthew Stubenrod, Emily Carlton, Ethan Richards, Henry Quintal, Cherie Champe, Lyn Govoni, Heidi Cray, Steve Mudie and Donna Irish.

Tickets cost $30-$52, $23 for children;lakewoodtheater.org.

​​Looking for more? Check out the online calendar listings for other entertainment offerings.

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