By Kelly Morgan

Every Thursday, right here. Entertainment highlights for in town and beyond.

Backwoods Rally

NEWRY – Racing goes off-road for the Maine Forest Rally, taking drivers over 95 miles of logging and back routes from Mexico to Berlin, N.H. Meet the drivers from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday at the Sunday River ski resort. >>When: Events scheduled Thursday through Saturday >>Where: Various locations >>FMI: Visit maineforestrally.com



Dog Days

SCARBOROUGH – Take your pooch out to the Dog Fest Film Festival, an outdoor event featuring dog-related films, a BBQ ($10), flyball and police dog demonstrations. Sponsored by My Wonderful Dog, which trains assistance dogs for individuals with disabilities living in northern New England. >>When: 6 p.m. tonight >>Where: Camp Ketcha, 336 Black Point Road >>Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 day of, $5 children under 10, with family discounts available >>FMI: Call 780-9792 or visit wonderfuldogs.org

Free Jam

PORTLAND – Popular jam band Strangefolk takes the stage for the Portland Downtown District’s free Alive At 5 concert series this week. Wear those dancin’ shoes. >>When: 5 p.m. tonight >>Where: Monument Square >>FMI: Visit portlandmaine.com

Frozen Treats

AUGUSTA – Celebrate the Maine State Museum’s From Dairy to Doorstep exhibit by checking out their Ice Cream Social, with free ice cream samples from Maine companies. Free museum admission all day. >>When: Museum open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., ice cream served from 1-3 p.m., Saturday >>Where: 230 State St. >>FMI: Call 287-2301 or visit mainestatemuseum.org

Shuckin’ Clams

YARMOUTH – Shellfish lovers won’t want to miss the 41st annual Yarmouth Clam Festival. Plenty of clam eatin’, the Maine State Pro-Am Clam Shucking Contest and live entertainment are just a few of the highlights. >>When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday through Sunday >>Where: Yarmouth village >>FMI: Call 846-3984 or visit clamfestival.com

Also this week

Public readings by authors of the Stonecoast Summer Writers’ Conference, daily starting Friday, through July 29, Brunswick and Freeport, free >>FMI: 780-5617 or visit usm.maine.edu/mcr/events/



Open Farm Days, Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, Livermore, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, free >>FMI: 897-4366 or norlands.org

Check out Encore on Fridays for complete event listings.