Headed into another summer weekend, and oh boy, it’s gonna be a good one. Here’s what we got for ya this round!
This weekend, we’re going back to the 9os at Portland House of Music, socializing with Portland’s newest ice cream shop, racing to the finish lane with SailMaine, and embarking on an otherworldly journey at Maine Studio Works. Check it out!
Here’s The Weekend Guide for Friday, August 11th – Sunday, August 13th 2023
Friday the 11th
Guster’s On The Ocean | State Theatre (Friday) + Thompson’s Point (Saturday & Sunday) | All Weekend
An unforgettable celebration of the Guster community at “On the Ocean”! Three nights of epic performances, featuring an aquatic-themed acoustic “prom” at the State Theater (dress up in your most weird/wonderful prom-themed attire) and two fantastic nights at Thompson’s Point. Get ready for an incredible lineup, including Shakey Graves, Lucius, Bahamas, Madison Cunningham, The Ballroom Thieves, Oshima Brothers, and Brooke Annibale. Don’t miss the special 20th-anniversary performance of “Keep It Together” on Sunday. Enjoy the Kid’s Zone, live merch screen-printing, games, food trucks, and more. Come be a part of the magic and create lasting memories with the Guster family. Tickets.
Grand Opening Ice Cream Social | Monument Square | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Get ready for a fabulous and sweet time at Twirl’s (formerly Twist Food Truck) Grand Opening Ice Cream Social! Join Twirl in Monument Square, where they will be dishing out delicious ice cream funzees to celebrate their new home in Portland’s Public Market House. In addition to ice cream, amazing floral arrangements will be available from Electric Flora and Yellow Twist Floral Design. Curbside Queens will be serving up a side of dazzling performances as well. It’s going to be an evening filled with laughter, joy, and of course, scrumptious treats.
Sub:Frequency Friday’s by Sanctuary w/ Chris Complex & BB-808 | Citrus | 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Get ready to experience electrifying beats and bass drops at “Sub:Frequency Friday’s” brought to you by Sanctuary Entertainment! Hosted by the dynamic duo BLK Widow & Skinny Jeans and featuring the sensational BB-808, this bass music monthly event is a collective of talented DJs and producers from New England serving up an eclectic mix of electronic dance music styles, from melodic bass to heavy dubstep, and everything in between! Don’t miss this unforgettable night of high-energy music and non-stop party vibes.
Portland Chamber Music Festival: Charles Overton Quartet | SPACE | 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Celebrate the 30th anniversary summer season of Portland Chamber Music Festival with a captivating performance by the Charles Overton Quartet, making their Portland debut! This fascinating ensemble boasts a unique instrumentation of concert grand harp, tenor saxophone, bass, and drums, promising an unforgettable evening of original tunes and jazz standards. Co-presented by the multi-disciplinary arts center SPACE, this concert is a must-see for music enthusiasts and jazz lovers alike. Don’t miss this rare opportunity. Tickets.
Saved By The 90’s Party with The Bayside Tigers | Portland House of Music and Events | 8:00 PM
Cowabunga, dudes! The 21st century is sooooo overrated, but you know what’s ALL THAT? The Saved By The 90s Party! Boo Ya! Hailing originally from New York City and now active all over the U.S., this party has tons of live 90s music from a totally fresh band (they’re da bomb). Get ready for everything from Third Eye Blind to the Spice Girls, from The Backstreet Boys to The Beastie Boys. And after that, get jiggy with the DJ spinning dope tunes all night. Tickets.
Saturday the 12th
Summer Series Vinyasa | Luke’s Lobster | 9:30 AM
Get ready to sweat and flow with the best ocean view in town! Join Portland Yoga Collective for Vinyasa classes on the deck of Luke’s Lobster. Vinyasa Crew: Outdoor flow with Tizzy this summer! Embrace the creative sequences and amped-up tunes you adore, followed by a delicious brunch beverage to sip on after class. Sign-up for this can’t-miss class, where you’ll feel the ocean breeze, smell the salt water, and hear the waves while grooving to pumping jams. Let’s make this summer the best one yet! Sign-up.
SailMaine Festival & Regatta | SailMaine| 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM (Racing wraps up), 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM After Party
Ahoy there, sailors and sailing enthusiasts! Join SailMaine for an incredible day at the third annual SailMaine Festival & Regatta / Windward Exhibition, their highlight fundraiser of the summer! Before the racing begins, witness the magnificent Windward Exhibition: a boat parade featuring stunning painted sails by local artists, right on Fish Point. Prepare to be amazed! After the action-packed day on the water, the fun doesn’t stop. Join at the after-party, where you’ll enjoy delectable food, toe-tapping music, and refreshing drinks. Best of all, your participation supports community sailing! A fantastic celebration of sailing and artistry.
Modular on the Spot | Congress Square Park | 8:00 PM
Experience the captivating sounds of synthesizers under the open sky at Modular on the Spot, a free and inclusive outdoor concert series showcasing local modular synthesists and their mesmerizing compositions and improvisations! Originally born in Los Angeles a decade ago, this incredible series has now spread its creative wings to cities like Boston and Tokyo. And guess what? Modular on the Spot is thrilled to announce the very first Portland event! Be prepared to be taken on a sonic journey as talented artists weave their magic with modular synthesizers, creating unique and immersive musical experiences for all to enjoy.
Encounters: Firefly The Hybrid | Maine Studio Works | 7:00 PM + 9:00 PM
Embark on an otherworldly journey with Firefly The Hybrid as he bridges ancient traditions and modern music and technology, seeking to connect with celestial beings at Encounters (a pop up interactive immersive art experience in the East Bayside neighborhood) and illuminate the beauty and healing power of his indigenous culture through mesmerizing music, visuals, and creativity. This talented artist, a proud member of the Penobscot Nation, weaves a captivating tapestry of sound and visuals that places Indigenous people in a modern context, while preserving and honoring their heritage. Don’t miss this extraordinary performance that celebrates Indigenous wisdom and the boundless possibilities of the cosmos! Followed by a DJ set to celebrate from 10pm to midnight. Tickets.
The Blueberry Hill Band | Portland Lobster Company | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Blueberry Hill Band, a talented trio that will transport you through time with their eclectic selection of songs, infusing each melody with their own distinctive style and creative flair, will be playing at Island Lobster Co. on Peaks Island. The combined sound of a Ukulele, Bass, and Cajon creating unique covers from Classic Rock to 90’s to today’s hits. Mark your calendars for this one-of-a-kind experience that bridges generations and brings the magic of the past, present, and future together in an unforgettable melodic fusion.
Sunday the 13th
Sunday Sunsets | The Porthole | 7:00 PM
Experience the ultimate dance party vibes every Sunday at The Porthole’s deck as DJ Wireless and DJ Dara take the stage! After a soulful Reggae on the Bay session, get ready to elevate your night with electrifying beats, non-stop grooves, and an atmosphere filled with nothing but good vibes and pure joy! Let loose, dance to your heart’s content, and make unforgettable memories with friends old and new. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your weekend. Join The Porthole every Sunday at 7 PM for the ultimate dance party in town!
Terrarium Anniversary Party | Terrarium | 3:00 PM
Come celebrate with Terrarium as they mark the first anniversary of Terrarium’s grand opening! Join in the festivities for a chance to win exciting prizes, including a $100 gift card in their raffle giveaway. No purchase is necessary to participate! To add to the excitement, they have additional raffles where you can win a stunning 4” Monstera ‘Thai Constellation’ plant or the opportunity to create your own terrarium in a one-gallon ‘orb’ jar. Groove to the beats of Dewpoint, who will be providing a fantastic lo-fi and good vibes DJ set. While you enjoy the music, you can also grab some delicious snacks and refreshing drinks available for purchase. And most importantly, don’t miss the plant sale, where you can find potted plants outside the store at a whopping 50% off and potted plants inside at a delightful 15% discount.
Art on the Porch & Art Walk | Fifth Maine Museum | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Fifth Maine Museum invites you to immerse yourself in a celebration of art and community at their much-anticipated Art on the Porch/ART WALK event! The picturesque setting of 45 Seashore Avenue will transform into an artistic haven, welcoming visitors to explore the remarkable talent of island artists. As you arrive at the museum, you’ll receive a handy map guiding you to the home studios of various island artists, where you can witness firsthand the masterpieces they’ve crafted with passion and skill. Prepare to be captivated by a diverse range of handcrafted items, including stunning jewelry, intricate textiles, captivating paintings, and unique leather goods. Be inspired by the mastery of hand-pulled prints, admire the intricate beauty of stained glass, and indulge in the aromatic allure of botanical soaps and candles. As a special highlight, don’t miss the chance to participate in the thrilling 50/50 raffle!
Catch on the Field at Sea Dogs Game | Hadlock Field | 10: o0 AM – 11:00 AM
Calling all baseball fans! Join the Portland Sea Dogs at Hadlock Field for an exciting pre-game experience. The ballpark will open its gates early at 10 AM to allow fans like you to step onto the field and play catch! This is a fantastic opportunity to create memories with family and friends as you toss the ball around on the same field where the Sea Dogs play. After the catch session, stick around to watch the Portland Sea Dogs take on the Hartford Yard Goats in an action-packed game starting at 1 PM. Be sure to arrive on time with your gloves and baseballs in hand. Tickets.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.