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

Woodland Journeys

PORTLAND – Photographer and balladeer Walkin’ Jim Stoltz has walked more than 26,000 miles through the country’s last wild places. He entertains and educates with a multimedia show, “Forever Wild – 2006,” based on his journeys. With Gordon Bok and Gary Lawless. Donations accepted. >>When: 7 p.m. Friday >>Where: Saint Luke’s Cathedral, 143 State St. >>FMI: Call 626-5635 or e-mail [email protected]

Fruity Fun

S. HIRAM – Listen to live bluegrass while picking apples with the family at the 10th Annual Bluegrass Gathering at Apple Acres Farm. With bands Muddy Marsh Ramblers, North Star and Evergreen, and a chicken barbecue. >>When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday >>Where: 363 Durgintown Road >>Tickets: $7 adults, $5 seniors, children free >>FMI: Call 625-4777 or visit appleacresfarm.com

Chowda Heads

FREEPORT – It’s people’s choice this year at the 14th Annual Freeport Chowdah Challenge, so go with an appetite and be prepared to cast ballots for your favorite chowders from area restaurants. >>When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday >>Where: Freeport Community Center, 53 Depot St. >>Tickets: $8 >>FMI: Call 865-3985 or visit fcsmaine.org

Fine Fair

FRYEBURG – The Fryeburg Fair has everything you’d expect and then some. Check out Woodsmen’s Day (Monday), when men and women compete at traditional events like tree felling and log rolling. >>When: Sunday to Sunday >>Where: Fryeburg fairgrounds >>Tickets: $6 to $8 >>FMI: Call 935-3268 or visit fryeburgfair.com

Life in Maine

PORTLAND – The latest exhibit at the Portland Museum of Art, “Maine: The Way Life Is,” focuses on themes like the working class, the degradation of the rural landscape and poverty, with a display of contemporary photographs by various artists. >>When: Now through Nov. 26 >>Where: 7 Congress Square >>Tickets: $4 to $10 >>FMI: Call 775-6148 or visit portlandmuseum.org

Also this week

Camden International Film Festival, today through Sunday, various locations, Camden >>FMI: camdenfilmfest.org

Blue Man Group, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland >>FMI: 774-3331 or theciviccenter.com

“Slices of Life: A Festival of Short Plays,” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Strider Theater (Runnals Building), Colby College >>FMI: 859-4521 or colby.edu

Check out Encore on Fridays for complete event listings.