The jump into May is always so sweet. Plants start budding, magnolias trees and cherry blossoms bloom, and it’s finally time to pull the sandals and shorts out of the back of the closet. Ready to make the jump to warm weather? Here’s our roundup for this weekend in Maine: 

Something to Do: 

We’re celebrating the people and places that make our state’s culinary culture so special with our inaugural Maine Food and Drink Awards, presented by Eaton Peabody. The past two years have been challenging for restaurants and other food-related businesses, so we’re excited for the opportunity to recognize an industry that provides so much to our communities—and our plates and glasses. Over the past two weeks, readers submitted their nominations for more than 50 categories, and it’s now time to vote for the winners! 

When: Until Thursday, May 5

Somewhere to Go: 

How’s that pandemic-era sourdough starter doing? Is it going strong, or could it use a little help? If you’re looking to give your fermentation a facelift, head to Portland this Saturday for the grand reopening of Onggi! Named after Korean earthenware vessels, Onggi is a fermentation shop and food counter now located in the previous A&C Grocery space on Washington Avenue. Try fermented baked goods, learn about various types of fermentation to pursue in your own kitchen, and be sure to grab some kimchi, umeboshi plums, and even dried sourdough starter if you need to start from scratch. 

When: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday
Where: 131 Washington Ave., Portland

Something to Drink: 

Do you love both Maine Beer Company and Mast Landing Brewing Company, and have trouble choosing which taproom to visit when you’re in Freeport? This Sunday, you don’t have to! Lace up your running shoes and sign up for the Beer-to-Beer 1.43K, a short but mighty race from one tap room to the other. Start at the brewery of your choice to get your race bib and adequately hydrate before making the 1.43 kilometer trek to the other! The first 100 finishers at each location will receive a special edition stainless steel pint, with a limited number of additional pints available for purchase. Come thirsty! 

When: 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Sunday 
Where: 525 US Rt. 1, Freeport, and 200 Lower Main St., Freeport

Something to Read: 

Ready to dive into a bone-chilling page turner? Pick up a copy of Trailed: One Woman’s Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders, an exposé of an unsolved murder case from 1996 written by Maine author Kathryn Miles. Following the mysterious deaths of two outdoorswomen with ties to Maine in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, Miles delves into a seemingly cold case while shining a light on often-covered up violence experienced by women in the backcountry. Plus, next Tuesday, Print Bookstore in Portland will be holding an in-person book launch event featuring a conversation between Miles and fellow Maine writer Jaed Coffin. Please note that proof of vaccination is required for entry and masks must be worn at all times. 

When: 7–8 p.m. Tuesday, May 3
Where: 273 Congress St., Portland 

Something to Look Forward to: 

Are you looking forward to outdoor dinners all summer long? Make a habit of it! Sign up for the Farm to Table Dinners at Wolfe’s Neck Farm, starting with a seasonal meal prepared by the James Beard Award winning team at Big Tree Hospitality on Sunday, June 12. Sign ups for the public just opened today, so grab your tickets before they sell out! Plus, keep an eye out for the other two dinners in August and September, and four smaller, more casual Sip and Savor events in June, July, September, and October. 

When: 5–8 p.m. Sunday, June 12
Where: 184 Burnett Rd., Freeport

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