This weekend in Kennebec County, ME

A full-day French immersion at the University of Maine at Augusta offers a completely French-speaking environment with small groups organized by proficiency, designed for intermediate and advanced speakers. Interactive workshops include crepe making, songs, games, art, and nature walks, along with cultural sessions focused on Francophone Africa, Québec, and Franco-Americans in New England. A featured workshop from the Alliance Française du Maine spotlights the Festival Champlain film festival. This gathering brings together high school and college students, French teachers, and community members on a university campus. Recommended preparation is at least two years of high school French or one year at the college level, and heritage or native speakers are welcome. Supportive instructors, handouts, and visual aids help participants stay engaged. Pricing is $90 for students and $125 for community members. An optional catered dinner the evening before is $40. Scholarships are available, and a FRE 202 college credit option is offered. Registration involves two steps, a form and payment, and the event often reaches capacity with a waitlist. Questions may be directed to Professor Chelsea Ray.

A family-friendly ceramic painting experience invites participants ages 5 and older to express their creativity and decorate unique pieces, whether for fun or to make a keepsake. The ticket price covers all painting materials and kiln firing, along with the choice of one regular-size item or two small items. Extra large ceramics are available for an additional $13. Inventory rotates regularly, so items featured in promotional photos may not be available at the event. Requests can be made, though availability is not guaranteed. Pricing is per participant.

Compete in an advanced Yu-Gi-Oh! tournament. Registration includes an OTS pack, and prize packs are added to the pool based on the number of players. The number of Swiss rounds and top cut will also depend on attendance, with prize support paid out according to standings.

Follow Spirit, a young stallion captured by a U.S. Cavalry squad, as he faces cruelty and kindness while striving to regain his freedom and save his herd. With help from a young Lakota brave and his mare Rain, Spirit holds on to his wild independence. This animated adventure combines hand-drawn and computer-generated animation and is suitable for adults and children. The film is eligible for the Youth Arts Access Fund for patrons 18 and under.

Play Commander in a pod of three to five people. Most players bring lower-power decks, making this a place for lower-level games. Pod winners receive a random promo.

Enjoy an evening of trivia, laughter, and friendly competition, with pizza and snacks available. The event is free and welcomes the whole family.

Celebrate the third season of the Ladies Acceleration Tour at a banquet with a 1920s theme. Attendees may embrace the era with flapper-inspired dresses, suits, hats, and pearls, or arrive in everyday attire. The occasion invites dressing up and time on the dance floor while recognizing a milestone season.

Enjoy Memphis-style barbecue, decadent cocktails, and great music at the Gin Mill, a setting for a night out.

Head to Viles Arboretum for a relaxed gathering with the ScrapDogs team and fellow compost enthusiasts. Chat about composting in Maine, learn what ScrapDogs is working on, and take part in a friendly celebration of soil-saving know-how. The team will be circulating throughout the event and will offer a short talk on the present and future of composting, followed by time for questions. Feel free to come and go, grab a snack, and wander the Arboretum grounds, which are open until sunset. The event is free and open to all. Every attendee receives one raffle ticket for a chance at prizes, including ScrapDogs merchandise and items from partner organizations, with additional tickets available for purchase on site. Bring a friend, your curiosity, and plenty of compost spirit.