October Editors' Picks

American Idol Carrie Underwood and a weekend celebrating Maine food are special events not to miss in Maine this October.

MUSIC
IDOL INSPIRATIONS
Photo Credit: Andrew Eccles
Even the notoriously critical Simon Cowell can’t deny the superstardom of this 2005 American Idol winner turned Grammy award-winning country singer. Carrie Underwood’s rocking tunes and sassy lyrics spice up the stage — you won’t have to be an American Idol judge to figure out why her two albums have been wildly successful. Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. $35-$55. Cumberland County Civic Center, Spring St., Portland. 207-775-3458. www.theciviccenter.com

ART
CRAFTS ON THE COAST
Photo Credit: courtesy Center for Maine Contemporary Art/ Shannon Smith
More than forty artists from Maine and New England converge on Rockport Harbor for the Center for Maine Contemporary Art’s nineteenth annual Work of the Hand, a prestigious invitation-only craft show and sale. You’ll find jewelry, furniture, glass, lighting, pottery, clothing, fiber, and leather works for sale, order, or commission. Oct. 11 – 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 162 Russell Ave., Rockport. 207-236-2875. www.artsmaine.org

EVENT
GOURMET WEEKEND
Photo Credit: courtesy harvest on the harbor
What happens when you combine Maine’s best chefs with Maine’s best ingredients and a lot of hungry guests? Harvest on the Harbor, also known as the Maine foodies’ dream. This three-day epicurean event features seminars, wine and food tastings, and dinners crafted by local chefs and other culinary experts. Don’t miss the Maine oyster tasting and the mixology seminar on Friday. And remember to dress to the nines for the black-tie Gala by the Sea on Saturday night. This event is co-sponsored by Down East. Oct. 23 – 25. $25-$150. Venues include Ocean Gateway, Portland Harbor Hotel, Portland Regency, Eastland Hotel, and Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth. 207-772-4994. www.harvestontheharbor.com

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Our New Books
	Journey of the Sea Glass \| Full-color spreads with no words will inspire a child's imagination.
	Maine ABC \| Illustrated with distinct Maine icons, such as moose, lobster, and Katahdin, this book has a rhyming verse that will have children singing the words, asking for it to be read again and again, and learning the alphabet in no time.
	Cartoons from Maine \| Collecting more than 100 of his best, most popular comics, Cartoons from Maine: How’s the Water, Bob? presents a hilarious alternative look at Maine.
	Ultimate Acadia \| Ultimate Acadia is the essential book about Maine’s Mount Desert Island, providing everything you need to know to make the most of your time there.