Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine’s Flying Colors Art Benefit Auction
What to expect in this week’s Weekend Guide: creative workshops, comedy shows, a lotta live music, and one last 4/20 bash!
There’s a lot to choose from this weekend! Discover the tranquility of mind-body connection at Terrarium’s yoga class or unleash your inner artist at Botanically Curious’ Paint & Sip event. Join in on the excitement at the 4/20 Skate Jam or immerse yourself in the captivating documentary about Louis Armstrong at WMPG’s Jazz At The Movies. Whether you’re planting trees for a brighter future or savoring grilled cheese delights at Cheese Louise After Dark, this weekend is full of promise and fun.
Here’s The Weekend Guide for Friday, April 26th – Sunday, April 28th, 2024
Friday the 26th
Opening Day | Portland Lobster Co. | Open at 11:00 AM
Brace yourself for all the excitement as Portland Lobster Co. throws open its gates for the 2024 season! The beloved seafood restaurant and bar is excited to welcome back locals and visitors from near and far to their waterfront establishment, signaling the start of live music on the deck and the arrival of warmer days and carefree nights in Portland. Join the revelry at Portland Lobster Co. and dive headfirst into a celebration that sets the stage for a sensational summer ahead!
Todd Barry with Special Guest Ken Reid | One Longfellow Square | 8:00 PM
Get ready to split your sides with laughter as the iconic Todd Barry takes center stage for a night of comedy! With an impressive resume boasting four one-hour stand-up specials, including the acclaimed “Domestic Shorthair,” Barry’s comedic prowess is unmatched. Having graced the sets of late-night favorites such as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Conan, and Late Night With Seth Meyers, his quick wit and razor-sharp humor have earned him a legion of fans worldwide. Barry’s talents extend beyond the comedy stage, with memorable acting roles in beloved classics like The Wrestler and Flight of the Concords, as well as lending his voice to animated hits like Bob’s Burgers and Aqua Teen Hunger Force. Witness this comedy legend live in action! Tickets.
Cheese Louise After Dark | Cheese Louise | 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM (Fridays + Saturdays)
Elevate your late-night cravings and imbibing with Cheese Louise After Dark, the ultimate party in the Old Port. Cheese Louise After Dark is a midnight rendezvous, serving up cheesy delights until the early hours of the morning, every Friday and Saturday night until 2 AM. Picture warm, golden-brown slices of bread embracing gooey cheese, grilled to perfection. Cheese Louise will be taking things up a notch by teaming up with local bartenders to craft an exciting cocktail menu that will transform them into a hotspot for late night libations. Join for the ultimate cheesy fun and make memories that melt in your mouth.
Cultivating Environments with CMTM Artist in Residence Conary N. Howard-Rogers | Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine | 2:00 PM (Repeats Saturday + Sunday)
Experience the magic of Earth Week at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine with Artist in Residence Conary N. Howard-Rogers! Howard-Rogers is a Maine-based artist whose large-scale sculptural installations utilize scientific discovery and preservation techniques to explore the effects of time on the natural world. Receiving his degree in Biochemistry and Visual Art from Wheaton College, Howard-Rogers has worked with galleries and businesses throughout New England to create site-specific work. Guided by Howard-Rogers’ expertise, families can join in the MakerSpace to craft mini ecosystems using recycled jars, native plants, and water. Dive into hands-on environmental education as you explore topics like the carbon cycle and sustainability, addressing Maine’s unique environmental challenges. Take home your miniature world to watch it grow or contribute to a collaborative installation, fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship. Plan your visit.
Deep Thoughts Comedy Show | Three of Strong Spirits | 7:00 PM Doors
Get ready for a good laugh as Maine House of Comedy presents Deep Thoughts Comedy Show, Portland’s Queerest Comedy Show, at Three Of Strong Spirits. Featuring Maine favorites Madelein Murphy and Kendra Dawsey as co-headliners, along with Rachel Gendron of the Portland Comedy Co-Op, prepare for an epic comedic journey. Madelein Murphy, with a decade of experience and a dynamic stage presence, has conquered comedy stages worldwide, with her debut album “Belle of the Ball” soaring to #1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts. Kendra Dawsey, a stand-up comedian and writer based in New York, formerly Boston, brings razor-sharp wit and engaging delivery to the stage, earning spots opening for comedy greats like Eddie Pepitone and Jenny Yang. Hosted by Danny Jordan and Leah Douglass, Portland’s premier karaoke emcee at The East Ender. Tickets.
Saturday the 27th
Portland Chowderfest | Definitive Brewing Co | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Portland will play host to a showdown of epic proportions as local restaurants and food trucks battle it out for the coveted title of Best Chowder in Portland, Maine this weekend. Organized and hosted by Definitive Brewing Co., Chowderfest will take place at the Industrial Way tasting room. Ticket includes a passport that entitles you to a sample from every single vendor. From classic renditions to bold and unexpected flavor combinations, each chowder will be a delicious representation of Portland’s culinary landscape. Participating restaurants and food trucks include Clam Bar Portland, Iron Clad Eats, Andy’s Old Port Pub, Portland Lobster Co., Fat Kid Culinary, Bite Into Maine, J’s Oyster, Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room, The Highroller Lobster Co., Crave ME, SoPo Seafood, and Salvatore’s Hoagies. Tickets.
Soft Deck Opening Weekend with 12/OC | The Porthole | 7:00 PM
Photo: Maria Collins (@maria.t.collins)
Get ready to kick off the season of live music at The Porthole as the boys of 12/OC return to celebrate the Soft Deck Opening Weekend! This family band’s musical journey began in their kitchen, with the youngest brother stepping into the spotlight as their lead singer at just 12 years old. From humble beginnings at open mic nights to becoming one of New England’s fastest-growing bands, 12/OC’s versatile mix of music has earned them widespread acclaim. With the most requested song on Maine’s #1 Country Music station for 16 consecutive weeks and a 2022 New England Music Award for Rising Stars, 12/OC promises an unforgettable evening of live music on the town’s biggest deck.
Bikes for Birgit Fundraiser | Maine Craft Distilling | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Join Maine Craft Distilling for an evening of fun and philanthropy at Bikes for Birgit, a Pan Mass Challenger fundraiser dedicated to supporting cancer research at Dana-Farber. Indulge in cold drinks, groove to live tunes by Jelly Sauce starting at 6 PM, and have a chance to win exciting local raffle prizes. With all donations going directly towards cancer research, your participation ensures progress in the fight against cancer. For just a $5 suggested donation, receive a raffle ticket and contribute to a cause that impacts countless lives.
4/20 Skate Jam | Portland Skate Park | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Get ready to roll the 4/20 Skate Jam, rescheduled for this Saturday. It’s time to shred with your fellow skate enthusiasts and celebrate the joy of skating in style. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, come join the fun and showcase your skills on the ramps. Live music, free goodies, and a contest for Best Trick. Soak up Portland’s skate culture and enjoy an afternoon of thrills.
Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues | Portland Conservatory of Music | 6:45 PM
Experience an enlightening journey into the life of one of the 20th century’s most beloved icons, Louis Armstrong, with WMPG’s Jazz At The Movies and the Portland Conservatory of Music. A captivating evening featuring the documentary “Louis Armstrong’s black & blues”. Delve into the personal scrapbooks, tapes, and private journals of the world-renowned trumpeter and vocalist, shedding light on the man behind the music. Led by a short introductory talk, Sacha Jenkins Jammie’s illuminating film offers a behind-the-scenes portrait of Armstrong, revealing the complexities of his public persona as a cultural ambassador and his private struggles as a black man in racially segregated America.
Sunday the 28th
Yoga with Mov(e)volve | Terrarium | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Join Mov(e)volve at Terrarium’s stunning plant shop and garden oasis for a rejuvenating Sunday morning yoga class suitable for all levels, with variations to accommodate everyone, including chair options. After practice, enjoy one complimentary beverage while exploring the plant shop and terrarium offerings and connecting with the Mov(e)volve community. Experience the tranquility of mind-body connection in this gorgeous space. A chance to nourish your body and soul in a serene and inspiring environment. Reserve.
Paint & Sip: Spring Herb Pot with Herbal Elixirs | Botanically Curious | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Unleash your inner artist and cultivate creativity at Botanically Curious’ Paint & Sip event – Spring Herb Pot with Herbal Elixirs! Led by Asia DeRosby, resident artist and graphic designer, guests will embark on a botanical journey, painting plants while enjoying mocktails and herbal elixirs. Each participant will receive a herb pot and seed packet from a local farm, making it a truly immersive experience. All materials are provided, so come sip, paint, and create lasting memories surrounded by nature’s beauty. Reserve.
Plant Maine’s Future with Chickadeeds and Living Lands and Waters | Portland Museum of Art | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Join Chickadeeds and Living Lands and Waters at the Portland Museum of Art (PMA) for “Plant Maine’s Future,” where they’ll plant 500 trees across the state as part of the Two Million Trees project. Volunteers can sign up to plant and steward tree saplings and receive complimentary admission to the PMA. Dive into environmental initiatives with activities like learning about The Tidal Shift Award and exploring tree-focused treasure hunts at the museum. Volunteer families will take home three native sapling trees to nurture, symbolizing their commitment to environmental stewardship. Register.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.
