Get ready to paint the town green and embrace the luck of the Irish as St. Patrick’s Day approaches this weekend!
This week, we’ve got a lineup of exciting events to keep the celebration going all weekend long. From lively St. Paddy’s Day festivities like the St. Patrick’s Day parade and Paddy’s Day Plunge, to eclectic entertainment options such as comedy shows, live music at Thompson’s Pint Beer Hall, and even a soulful performance by Drake White. So grab your shamrocks, put on your green attire, and gear up for St. Patrick’s Day in Portland, Maine!
Curious for more? Be sure to check out our St.Patrick’s Day Guide to Portland, Maine!
Here’s The St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Guide for Friday, March 15th – Sunday, March 17th, 2024
Friday the 15th
Tunes from Portland | One Longfellow Square | 8:00 PM
Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of traditional Irish music! Rooted in the lively Irish-American musical landscape of the 1920s and 30s, Will Woodson and Caitlin Finley bring a modern twist to timeless classics. Drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia, Woodson and Finley infuse their music with the spirit of dance halls, vaudeville theaters, and intimate house sessions. The show celebrates the legacy of Irish music and the talented artists keeping it alive in Portland. Tickets.
Bachata Night with Danza Latina | Three of Strong Spirits | 7:00 PM
An electrifying evening of dancing hosted by Danza Latina! Every third weekend, immerse yourself in the rhythm of Bachata with a one-hour beginners lesson starting at 7 PM, followed by a pulsating Latin Dance Party until closing time. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just starting out, this event promises an unforgettable experience for those looking to get up and dance. With a fusion of Bachata, Salsa, Merengue, and Kizomba, there’s something for everyone on the dance floor. Entry is $15 before 9 PM for the lesson and party, and $10 for the dance party after 9 PM. Tickets.
Enter The Haggis | Portland House of Music | 8:00 PM
For over two decades Enter The Haggis, has been captivating audiences with their unique blend of bagpipes, fiddles, and rock rhythms. From singalong melodies to deep, meaningful lyrics, their music tells the stories of hardworking people facing life’s challenges head-on. Signature songs like “One Last Drink” and “Gasoline” have become anthems for fans around the world, featured in Hollywood movies and performed by artists internationally. Enter The Haggis’s live shows are nothing short of electrifying, with fiery fiddle lines, trumpet solos, and spontaneous moments that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. One of Canada’s most beloved bands brings their infectious energy to the stage and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style! Tickets.
Dubwise & Beyond with 8BallPosse | Free Street | 9:30 PM – 12:30 AM
Step into the world of bass-heavy rhythms and soulful vibrations! Presented by 8BallPosse every 3rd Friday at Free Street, join for an unforgettable journey through the roots of dub music. Delve into the origins of dub in Jamaica and follow its evolution as it influences genres like hardcore, jungle, drum and bass, UK garage, dubstep, and beyond. This is an all-vinyl night of eclectic sounds that transcend borders and genres, all curated by 8BallPosse. Best of all, there’s no cover charge – just pure musical bliss!
Saturday the 16th
St. Patrick’s Day Beer Hall | Thompson’s Point | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Get ready for an epic St. Patrick’s Day weekend at Thompson’s Pint Beer Hall! Join Thompson’s Point for a jam-packed day of festivities from noon ’til 5. Enjoy live local music by The Crowded Table and The O’Harrows, as they celebrate in style with green decor and award-winning local eats. Plus, get your game on with fun activities from Skillful Home, perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Good times and great brews collide!
Make it an all weekend rally on Sunday, March 17th 10am – 3pm with the Thompson’s Point SPD Maker’s Market, serving up “the best Bloody Marys east of the Mississippi,” along with the finest artisans, makers, artists, craftspeople, movers and shakers in the state with no fee for entry. Green drink specials and local bites available as well.
MAINE MADE ‘Local Showcase’ | Empire Comedy Club | 7:00 PM
Get ready to laugh till it hurts with “Maine Made”! This brand-new comedy showcase is all about celebrating the hilarious talent right here in the state of Maine. Featuring a rotating lineup of local comedians—from seasoned pros to up-and-coming stars—each show promises non-stop laughter and plenty of surprises. Join for a night of gut-busting humor and support your fellow Mainers as they take the stage to deliver side-splitting jokes and witty observations. Tickets.
Drake White with Adam Hood | Aura | 9:00 PM
An unforgettable night with country sensation Drake White! Hailing from Alabama, White’s journey from singing in church choirs to topping the charts is nothing short of inspiring. Despite facing a life-threatening hemorrhagic stroke in 2019, White’s resilience and unwavering spirit have brought him back to the stage, captivating audiences with his infectious positivity and soulful music. Join us as Drake White takes us on a musical journey with his latest album, “The Optimsystic,” showcasing his incredible talent and uplifting message. Tickets.
Sunday the 17th – St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Commercial Street | 12:00 PM Start
The The Irish American Club of Maine’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a can’t miss event! Kicking off at noon at the intersection of Commercial Street and Center Street, the parade continues down Commercial to Bell Buoy Park. The parade is the largest celebration of Irish and Irish-American culture north of Boston is always a highlight for St. Paddy’s festivities in Portland, including two bagpipe and drum bands, Irish dancers, local sports mascots and more.
Paddy’s Day Plunge | Rí Rá | 5:30 AM / All Day
If you’re looking to party for St. Paddy’s Day, Rí Rá has got you covered. As is tradition, Rí Rá kicks off St. Patrick’s Day early with a 5:30AM plunge into East End Beach to benefit the Portland Firefighters Children’s Burn Foundation. Back at the pub, doors will open at 6am and reservations upstairs will begin at 8am for their Paddy’s Day menu. They’ll have live music all day—traditional Irish music early morning, an auction + raffle to support the Portland Firefighters Children’s Burn Foundation, Stillson School of Irish Dance dancers, Two Minutes Out in the afternoon and The Jameson Four and The Kilcollins Band into the evening. Sign-up.
Raising of the Irish Flag + St. Patrick’s Day Open House | Maine Irish Heritage Center | 8:30 AM Flag Raise + 1:00 PM Open House
Join Maine Irish Heritage Center at 8:30 AM on the front steps of the MIHC (corner of Gray & State Streets) and walk through Portland’s old Irish neighborhood for the raising of the Irish flag at Harbor View Park. Coffee, tea, and Irish soda bread will be served at the MIHC afterward (and pre-parade) from 9 AM – 10 AM. This year, the parade along Commercial Street will be followed by an open house at the MIHC for tours, music and family fun, beginning at 1 PM. They’ll have food trucks and beverages on hand, as well as a few more surprises!
The Ghost of John Ford – St. Patrick’s Day | Henry’s Public House | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
A nod to the legendary John Ford! Henry’s Public House’s first St.Patrick’s Day celebration is starting early at 6 am and continues until 10 pm. An all-day extravaganza of live music and drink specials as Henry’s honors John Ford, a native son of Portland, Maine, and a cinematic icon of Irish descent.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations | Three Dollar Deweys | 8:00 AM Doors Open
You can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning! Three Dollar Deweys’ doors will be opening at 8 AM on St. Patrick’s Day with a special St. Paddy’s Day brunch and live music by Andi Fawcett. All day specials include Corned Beef & Cabbage as well as Bangers & Mash (vegan and gluten free). Starting at noon, they’ll also have a new Grab & Go station with $5 hot dog, soft pretzels, French fries, or house-made Guinness cheddar beer bread.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.