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

Big top time

PORTLAND – The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has come to town. Catch the pre-show event and spend time on the circus floor meeting the animal stars. (Free for all ticket holders.) >>When: Today through Sunday >>Where: Cumberland County Civic Center, 45 Spring St. >>Tickets: $13 to $31 >>FMI: 775-3458 or visit ringling.com

Gone wild

LEWISTON – The Marsden Hartley Cultural Center’s Wildlife Film Weekend will feature a selection of nine award-winning documentaries from the International Wildlife Film Festival, including the Maine-made short “Project Puffin.” Free admission. >>When: 7 to 9:45 p.m. Friday; 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9:45 p.m. Saturday >>Where: Lewiston Public Library, 200 Lisbon St. >>FMI: 784-0135 or visit lplonline.org

Squeezing out sound

Deer Isle – The Maine Squeeze-In and Accordion Rally offers a day of workshops for accordion performers, followed by an evening concert featuring Cajun/Zydeco artists Chad Huval and others. >>When: Workshops 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; concert 7 p.m., Saturday >>Where: Stonington Opera House, School Street >>Tickets: $45 registration for workshops and concert; $15 concert only >>FMI: 367-2788 or visit operahousearts.org

Country calling

LEWISTON – The Maine Country Music Association 24th Annual Award Show will likely please fans of old-fashioned country sounds, including yodeling. >>When: 1 p.m. Sunday >>Where: Dudley’s, Ramada Inn, 490 Pleasant St. >>Tickets: $4 to $8 >>FMI: 744-0447

Art opportunity

LEWISTON – Practice figure drawing during an evening session sponsored by the Bates College Museum of Art. Bring a drawing board and supplies (easels provided). >>When: 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday >>Where: Room 259, Olin Arts Center, 75 Russell St. >>Tickets: $7 (free for Bates students) >>FMI: 786-6158 or visit bates.edu

Also this week

John Eddie benefit show, with The Kopterz, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Asylum, 121 Center St., Portland >>FMI: 772-8274 or asylumlive.com

L-A Community Little Theatre performs “The Fantasticks,” Friday through Oct. 22, Great Falls Performing Arts Center, 30 Academy St., Auburn >>FMI: 783-0958

19th Annual Apple Day Festival, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth >>FMI: 781-2330 or maineaudubon.org

Check out Encore on Fridays for complete event listings.