Springtime in Portland, Maine is a special time of year, where the air is crisp, the flowers are blooming, and the city comes alive with an array of exciting events and activities. From to outdoor dining to workshops, walking tours and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this vibrant season.
If you’re planning a trip to Portland this spring, or you’re a local looking for some fun things to do, this guide will take you through the best spring activities in the area. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or a nature enthusiast, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest in this bustling coastal city.
Let’s dive in and explore the best spring activities that Portland, Maine has to offer in 2023!
See Spring Blossoms Across the City
It’s just not a spring well spent without seeking out the cherry blossoms, a symbolic flower of the season! From outside City Hall in downtown Portland, to lining up outside the grand historic homes of the West End, Portland’s cherry blossoms put on their own magical display every year.
Usually heading into peak bloom around the end of April and beginning of May (exact dates vary each year, of course), you’ll have to move quickly because from the time the cherry blossoms show signs of first bloom to when the petals fully fall, it’s only a short timespan – two weeks at most under the perfect conditions.
Immerse Yourself in the Art of Mixology
What better time to try something new? Immerse yourself in the art and science of mixology this spring with Vena’s Fizz House’s Maine Sipper Mixology Class at the Blind Tiger Guest House, which was a speakeasy during Maine’s prohibition era.
A hands-on experience, the Vena’s Fizz House team will provide a mini bar station and carefully curated ingredients so that you can mix and make two cocktails, the Maine Margarita and Campfire. In addition to the mixology experience, you will also learn about the history of spirits, bitters, and the temperance movement in Maine. You don’t have to be an experienced bartender to attend, this class is suitable for all skillsets.
The best part? You won’t go home empty handed. In fact, you’ll receive a take-home goody bag from Vena’s Fizz house, which contains ingredients to recreate the cocktails at home using your new bartending skills.
Where: Blind Tiger, 163 Danforth St.
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Refresh with a New Do
As the season geared toward growth, change, and renewal, spring is the perfect opportunity to start fresh with a brand new look!
Treat yourself to the services of Eunoia, a hair salon located in the Old Port that takes pride in their mindful approach to beauty. At Eunoia, the team of stylists are dedicated to creating genuine connections in order to properly enhance their clients’ natural beauty. For a bit of pampering, Eunoia offers services from blowouts (Brazilian Blowouts included), to color retouches, haircuts, glazes and more. Leave feeling confident and taken care of for the spring season!
Where: Eunoia 4 ½ Milk St.
Embrace Outdoor Dining
Why spend one more second indoors this spring, especially now that many of Portland’s eateries, bars and restaurants have reopened their waterfront patios, decks and sidewalk seating for the season. With temperatures hitting that sweet spot between not too hot and not too cold, it’s the perfect time to book an al fresco dinner.
For a lineup of all the best places to enjoy a meal outdoors – including Blyth & Burrows, Luke’s Lobster’s, Bramhall, Butcher Burger, The Porthole, and more – check out our guide to Outdoor Dining in Portland, Maine.
Unwind with a Self Care Day
Looking to live your best blissed-out life this spring? Then refresh for the season by booking yourself a treatment with Health Resonates.
This charming boutique wellness spa in Portland’s West End is like nothing else you’ve experienced. With top-quality massage, skincare, beauty, and wellness services, they’re dedicated to helping you feel your best both inside and out. Whether you’re in need of some relaxation, healing, or simply a little self care, Health Resonates has you covered with one of their many services. With a talent for intuitive engagement and use holistic prescription, Health Resonates covers services from massage therapy, Ashiatsu massage, crystal healing, expert gua sha techniques, holistc skincare, and more!
Where: Health Resonates, 773 Congress Street
Tune In and Energize with a Ride
Transforming the studio into a sanctuary by turning off the monitors and tuning into the beats, CycleBar Portland, is a premier indoor cycling studio that aims to invigorate you during your ride so that you are feeling empowered and confident for the season.
And whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, CycleBar is a place where riders can come to feel alive and live in the moment. Driven by music and guided by passion the team is dedicated to helping their riders find focus and find their inner strength for the year.
No matter where you are in your fitness journey, CycleBar has got a ride for you. Hop on for one of their themed-rides, including Wine Down Wednesday, #TBT: Decades Ride, T-Swift Sunday and more. Oh, and did we mention that first ride is free for newbies?
Where: CycleBar, 82 Hanover St.
Experience the Life of A Lobsterman
Have you always wanted to know what it is like to lead the life of a Maine lobsterman? Find out with Rocky Bottom Fisheries’ Lobster Demonstration Tour – a family-friendly, unique and hands-on tour that allows you to experience the industry first-hand.
You’ll have the opportunity to haul and set lobster traps, while taking in the stunning landmarks and sea life that Maine is known for. Interactive and fun, this tour offers an immersive experience that will help you grasp the concept of the lobster fishery. Get up close and personal with traps, lobsters, and other sea-life.
Want to bring home some of the catch? You’re welcome to bring a small drink cooler with you. Join for a day on the water, and discover the thrill of lobstering. Tours reopen at the end of May.
Where: Rocky Bottom Bottom Fisheries, 60 Portland Pier
Take a Wine Tour Through South Africa
Wine lovers, pay attention! Get ready to tour through the beautiful and bountiful wine regions of South Africa this spring with none other than Wine Scholar Anne Arnold. An exciting event hosted by Grippy Tannins, you’ll get to sample six different wines that showcase the range of styles being made throughout South Africa. From the terroir to the modern history of winemaking in the region, Anne will guide you through it all, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the craft.
What’s better than enjoying delicious wine? Pairing it with some delicious cheese and charcuterie, of course! A unique and educational wine-tasting experience that should not be missed.
Where: Grippy Tanins, 16 Middle Street
Get your Hands Dirty with a DIY Workshop
Nothing says spring quite like working with plants and getting your hands dirty! Terrarium, a garden center and hub for green thumbs, offers a variety of different build your own terrarium workshops – from glass top to half gallon cookie jars, apothecary and more!
Book a workshop and leave with a living piece of art or just pop on in to shop house plants, grab a drink, or enjoy a quick snack. Happy Hour also runs Tuesday through Friday, 4 PM – 6 PM, where all of beer, wine and seltzers are $5 (or less) and their house made Chex mix is free to snack on.
Where: Terrarium, 98 Cross St N
Learn to Shuck Oysters
Time to learn something new! Become an oyster aficionado and get ready to break out your new party trick after taking this oyster shucking class at Maine Oyster Company.
Includes a step-by-step instructions on how to pry, shuck, slurp, and savor 12 delicious Maine oysters. Enjoy a glass of Prosecco or a draft beer pour while learning from knowledgeable experts who will be on hand to assist with any difficult shucks and answer questions about all things oyster related. The class ends when all oysters are shucked or when participants are satisfied with their bellies full of fresh, tasty oysters!
Where: Maine Oyster Company, 38 Portland Street
Dip into the Ocean
Complete your spring excursions with an unforgettable experience with Two Maine Mermaids‘ Full Moon Dip Series, a unique opportunity to connect with nature, your body, and a like-minded community.
Come rain, high tide, low tide, warm days or blowing sideways days, these ocean dips are held on the full moon of every month. It’s a chance to meet new people, attune yourself to nature, and experience the joy and power of being part of a community. Whether you’re a seasoned dipper or new to the experience, the Two Maine Mermaids welcome you to come and join the fun!
Where: Willard Beach, South Portland
Take A Swing at Golf
Get out there and take a swing at golf as it was meant to be played! The Riverside Golf Course is a public golf facility owned and operated by the City of Portland that since opening in 1932, has become a popular destination for golfers of all skill levels. Today it features an 18-hole course, a 9-hole course, and a 3-hole practice course.
The classic layout of the course includes rolling hills and tree-lined fairways that are bordered by the picturesque Presumpscot River, offering you a beautiful and serene setting to play in. Riverside Gold Course is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves golfing in the spring. Memberships are full for the 2023 season, but non-membership rates and reservations available.
Where: Riverside North Course, 1158 Riverside St. Riverside South Course, 1010 Riverside St.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour Deals
If you’re in Portland and looking to take advantage of dining and eating without a hefty price, then now is the perfect time to visit for happy hour deals before they disappear for the busy summer season! Many restaurants and bars will have happy hour menus available so that you can make the most of dining out in Portland and trying new food and drinks without breaking the bank.
Enjoy discounts on drinks and appetizers by checking out our Happy Hour Guide to Portland, Maine.
Dance the Night Away
Portland’s hottest dance club is warming up spring with live music and DJ sets! Back from winter break, Citrus offers a lively and enjoyable experience to dance and party with top DJ’s spinning EDM, deep house, bass, techno music and more. Hosting a diverse event calendar filled with themed parties, costume raves, and salsa dance nights, Citrus kicks off the weekend early on Thursday nights and provides visitors with a range of music and nightlife all weekend long. Additionally, CITRUS offers an outdoor patio where you can relax and cool down with a cocktail.
Regardless of the occasion, Citrus provides a fun and exciting place to celebrate and party in Portland.
Where: Citrus, 1 City Center
Explore Walking Trails
Experience the natural beauty of the region with one of Portland’s many walking trails! With the weather usually on the milder side, and the flora starting to come to life, there are several popular trails in the area that offer a range of scenic vistas and different levels of difficulty.
One of the most popular trails is the Eastern Promenade Trail, which follows the shoreline of Casco Bay and provides stunning views of the harbor and islands. Another popular trail is the Fore River Sanctuary, which winds through 85 acres of woods and wetlands and is home to a variety of wildlife.
This is a great way to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and get some exercise at the same time, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual walker.
More Information through Portland Trails
Walk Through History
Step back in time this spring and explore Portland’s rich history with Maine Day Ventures!
Join on a leisurely, scenic stroll through the historic Old Port, downtown and waterfront areas, as tour guides share highlights of Portland’s history since 1820 and as far back as 1632. Their highly trained guides are passionate about local history and will bring it to life as you explore locations such as the lobsterman’s statue featured at the World’s Fair, the home of famous poet Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow, the Eastern Cemetery, and several underground railroad markers. End the tour on a sweet note – be treated to a local treat at the close of the tour! This is a fascinating journey through Portland’s past.
Where: Maine Day Ventures, 94 Commercial St.
Make the Perfect Crepe
Impress your family and friends at the next brunch by mastering the art of making the perfect crêpe at The Maker’s Galley’s Spring Crêpe Making Class. An exciting cooking class where you’ll learn everything you need to know to create these delicate and delicious treats including tips and tricks for making your own sweet and savory filling options.
That’s not all – you’ll also enjoy a refreshing orange supreme, fennel, arugula salad with candied walnuts and a preserved lemon dressing to compliment your crêpes perfectly. For those who like to sip while they cook, beer and wine will be available for purchase. So why not book and join for an evening of crêpe-making fun? Bring your appetite and a willingness to learn!
Where: The Maker’s Galley, 5 Commercial Street
Attend Yoga in the Park
Stretch out that last bit of winter while soaking up the afternoon spring sun with Yoga in the Park with Ashley Flowers Yoga! An outdoor yoga class in Edward Payson Park, this class offers movement, breath work, and intention-setting while enjoying the fresh air and natural surroundings. Feel your feet on the Earth while you reach hands to the sky and your soul expands.
All levels are welcome to attend the classes! Evening classes start on May 17th, 2023 and run through September 2023.
Where: Edward Payson Park
Kayak Across Portland Harbor
Venture out onto the water and tour Fort Gorges – Maine’s most fascinating historic site – with Portland Paddle! A guided trip that begins with a paddle into Portland harbor before making a crossing to Fort Gorges, a Civil-War-era fort located in the middle of Casco Bay.
Considered to be one of the most interesting places to explore in the area and is only accessible by small boat, during this tour, you will land on a beach and have plenty of time to explore the Fort, while a knowledgeable guide will provide information about its storied history. If you’re looking, you may even spot a variety of wildlife such as seals, eider ducks, guillemots, osprey, eagles and other seabirds during the kayak. Tours will be available to book in May.
Where: Portland Paddle, Cutter Street and Eastern Promenade
