A long holiday weekend with no shortage of fun events! Winding down the summer season in just a few short weeks, Labor Day Weekend is one of the final opportunities to bask in summer’s rays before our timelines and calendars are taken over with Pumpkin Spiced Lattes, spooky skeletons, and fall foliage. Check out what’s in store for you this weekend!
Here’s The Weekend Guide for Friday, September 1st – Monday, September 4th 2023
Friday the 1st
Summer Sunsets LIVE! | Thompson’s Point | 4:00 PM – Sunset
The last one of the season! One last time to catch good vibes and good views at Thompson’s Point! Join for the ultimate summer send-off and experience Portland’s finest live music, tantalizing food trucks, handcrafted cocktails, and local brews. Free entry for all, this Thursday and Friday bash has become a beloved tradition for Portlanders and visitors alike. Bring your pets, kids, and party spirit. Gather your crew and witness the most mesmerizing sunset over the majestic Fore River estuary – a perfect way to bid adieu to summer!
8BallPosse | Root Wild Kombucha | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Get ready for the ultimate First Friday fiesta! Join Root Wild Kombucha and 8BallPosse for a Booch Bash like no other, where fantastic kombucha, killer beats, and summer nostalgia collide. 8BallPosse is taking over the iconic Washington Ave hotspot, spinning the best in R&B, 90’s Hip Hop, and House. Get ready to dance, sip, and savor the essence of summer.
New Moon Ensemble, Drum & Dance of Guinea, West Africa | Congress Square Park | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
A vibrant, annual, family-friendly affair that allows you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rhythm of cultures! Presented by Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center, this extraordinary series is back with a spectacular performance that will transport you to the heart of Guinea, West Africa. Get ready to be enchanted by the spellbinding melodies and dances of New Moon Ensemble. This group is more than just a musical act – it’s a fusion of cultures, a celebration of diversity, and a bridge of connection between nations. Led by the extraordinary Namory Keita and Marita Kennedy-Castro, the ensemble’s soul-stirring beats and dances resonate with healing energy, fostering unity through the power of music. Free and open to the public.
September 2023 First Friday Burn | Monument Square | 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Are you ready to be mesmerized by the enchanting glow of fire and art at September’s First Friday Art Walk?A sizzling evening of creativity is in store as the Maine Fire Dancing Collective returns to ignite the streets with their breathtaking fire performances/dances. Ready to dazzle you with their fiery artistry, this group is led by the skilled Th3y Floww and Kyla. The Maine Fire Dancing Collective creates a welcoming space where both beginners and experts can unite in the magic of fire spinning. Come be part of the flame-fueled community, share skills, and bask in the warmth of shared artistry. This family-friendly event is open to all and free of charge.
New England Art Book Fair 2023 | SPACE | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Repeats Saturday 11:00 AM – 4:00PM)
Unleash your inner bookworm and art lover at the annual New England Art Book Fair! Explore the captivating world where publishing, art, identity, and storytelling collide. All about celebrating local publishers, makers, and artists who bring visual ideas to life in small batches and limited editions, this year, the fair boasts a diverse array of independent publishers and artists from all corners of the country. From limited edition books to thought-provoking zines and captivating ephemera, immerse yourself in the artistic convergence that defines this event.
The Fifth Dimension: A Hoedown On The High Seas | Casablanca Cruises | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saddle up for a wild dance ride on the high seas! Get ready to groove to soulful house tunes, enjoy interactive photo ops, dazzling light shows, and more! Step aboard The Casablanca in Casco Bay for a night of energetic rhythms and unforgettable fun. Renowned DJs will keep you dancing all night, from classic anthems to the latest tracks, while a breathtaking light show syncs perfectly with the music for a visual spectacle. Cruise also includes cozy lounge areas, cocktails, and a sea breeze to chill out. Be sure to dress up in your best western disco gear for unique photo opportunities throughout the boat! Tickets.
Saturday the 2nd
Christopher Muneza | Aura | 9:00 PM
Experience the rhythm of Rwanda in Portland, Maine! Join for an unforgettable live performance by Rwandan RnB/Afropop sensation Christopher Muneza. From his notable finishes in Primus Guma Guma Superstar (PGGSS) to his chart-topping hits like “Micasa,” “Hashtag,” “Nibido,” and “Pasadena,” Christopher Muneza is a musical force to be reckoned with. Accompanied by a talented band, this is a night of music and energy you won’t want to miss. Tickets.
University of Michigan Football Watch Party | Foundation Brewing Co. | 9:00 PM
Calling all Michigan Wolverines fans in Portland! Show your maize and blue spirit as Foundation Brewing Co. gathers fans to cheer on the Wolverines as they take on East Carolina! With Co-Owners John and Tina Bonney being Michigan Alums themselves (Class of ’96 and ’99), you know you’re in the right place to catch all the action. The excitement kicks off at 12pm so be sure to deck yourself out in your Michigan gear! Game day complete with Foundation’s Detroit-style square pizza.
Sanctuary City | The Hill Arts ME | 7:00 PM (Also Happening Friday + Sunday)
Step into the poignant world of “Sanctuary City,” a compelling play written by Martyna Majok and brilliantly directed by Bari Robinson. The Portland Theater Festival 2023 Season proudly presents this thought-provoking masterpiece. In the backdrop of post-9/11 Newark, NJ, immerse yourself in the gripping narrative of two teenagers, brought to America as children, who find solace in each other’s company amidst challenging circumstances. As G attains naturalization, she and B hatch a daring plan – to marry, ensuring his legal stay and pursuit of a promising future. Yet, the passage of time brings unforeseen complications, testing the very foundation of their profound bond. Prepare to be enthralled by a story that navigates the complexities of friendship, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit. Pay-what-you-wish Tickets.
Sunday the 3rd
Bread & Puppet’s “The Heart of the Matter Circus and Pageant” | Fort Allen Park | 4:00 PM
Bread & Puppet Theatre presents their Domestic Resurrection Circus and Pageant, a brand new show in the tradition of the iconic Bread & Puppet Circuses that began at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont in 1970. This spectacle is a vibrant fusion of protest and celebration, urging us to confront pressing issues through a riotous display of stilt dancers, paper maché wonders, and a lively brass band. With a deep sense of urgency, “Domestic Resurrection Circus and Pageant” explores themes of sacrifice, Earth’s rebellion against civilization, and the collective responsibilities as earthlings. Join for an electrifying journey that marries art with activism, offering a vivid tapestry of thought-provoking imagery and compelling storytelling. After the spectacle, delight in the irresistible aroma of free sourdough rye bread with aioli, a beloved tradition of Bread & Puppet Theatre. Tickets.
Blackstones 36th Anniversary | Blackstones| 9:30 PM
It’s a double celebration! Blackstones is celebrating 36 years, and Drag Queen and icon, Mama Martini is celebrating another fabulous year of life! Come party with your hostess Miss Danielle Dior, and her girls Tasha Tektite, Chartreuse, and of course the birthday girl Mama Martini!
Juke Joint Devils | Amigos | 9:30 PM
A swinging good time at Amigos! What’s better than sipping on Margaritas on a summer evening? Pairing them with the infectious rhythm of Old School Jump Blues and Swing, that’s what! Join Amigos on their back patio as they welcome the incredible Juke Joint Devils. With their soulful tunes, electrifying energy, and a groove that’s impossible to resist, the Juke Joint Devils are here to turn up the heat and keep the summer party alive.
“Black & Red” DJ Onax 20th Anniversary Labor Day Party | Citrus | 9:00 PM
The party of the holiday weekend! Join Citrus and DJ Onax as they mark a remarkable two decades of musical enchantment. On the first Saturday of every month, he has been setting the stage on fire with beats that create an unforgettable vibe. This Labor Day weekend, prepare to experience a night of music that transcends boundaries and leaves you utterly mesmerized. From world beats to mind-blowing tunes, this celebration promises to be the ultimate experience for music lovers of all kinds.
Monday the 4th – Labor Day
Trivia Night | Austin Street Brewery (Fox St)| 6:00 PM
Test your knowledge at Trivia Night! Looking for a fun and brainy night out? Join Austin Street Brewery for their exciting weekly Trivia Night, hosted by the dynamic team from Game Time Trivia. Gather your friends, sharpen your wits, and get ready to battle it out in a battle of brains! Put your knowledge to the test across various categories and challenge your rivals to see who emerges as the ultimate trivia champions. The victorious team will seize the coveted first-place prize.
Open Mic Monday | Hi-Fidelity Brewery | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Mondays just got a whole lot more musical! Calling all talented songwriters and performers, join Hi-Fidelity Brewery for their electric Original Music Open Mic Night every Monday. It’s your time to shine on their stage and share your unique melodies with a vibrant community of fellow artists. From soulful ballads to upbeat anthems, they welcome all genres and styles. The sign-up sheet goes live at the stroke of midnight every Monday morning. Seize the chance to showcase your originality, meet fellow creatives, and soak in the creative energy of the night.
Monday Night Boogie: ThinkFishTank with Bright Individual and Soulstice | Portland Zoo | 6:00 PM
Don’t miss out on the ultimate summer finale with ThinkFishTank live with Bright Individual and Soulstice at Portland Zoo! It’s the last Boogie of the season and they are going all out! Ready to pack the yard and make it a night to remember, join Labor Day for an electrifying evening of live electronic and hip hop music. The lineup includes the talented Portland-based artists ThinkFishTank (electronic), Bright Individual (hip hop), and Soulstice (beats). Get ready to groove to their tunes while enjoying great beer, immersive visuals, and custom lighting.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.