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Your weekend of fun awaits!
This weekend, get ready to rock in the park with your furry best friend; enjoy a good laugh with the return of Portland, Maine’s Comedy Festival; grab your mateys and surround yourself with the music of the high seas with The Shank Painters; and put on your favorite flannel, turn up Nirvana and head back in time with Batson River Distilling and Brewing.
Here’s The Weekend Guide for Friday, August 25th – Sunday, August 27th 2023
Friday the 25th
Portland Maine Comedy Festival | Multiple Locations | All Weekend
Get ready to bust a gut at the Portland Maine Comedy Festival happening from August 24-27! Whether you’re a seasoned chuckler or just starting your laughing journey, this festival has got you covered. As the ultimate comedy event of the summer, they’re bringing you 45 side-splittingly FREE shows across 20 venues citywide, showcasing 150 of the hottest rising comics from all corners of the country. Headlining gigs with the hilarious Rodney Norman, Zac Amico, and Dusty Slay will be rocking Sun Tiki, Studios, Portland House of Music, and Aura. Don’t miss out – grab your tickets now and get ready for a hilariously good time!
Salsa Dancing feat. Primo Cubano | Congress Square Park | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Feel the rhythm and let the Latin beats move you as Primo Cubano takes the stage at Congress Square Park for a night of sensational Cuban dance music! Swing by at 5 PM for a swift salsa lesson by PM Salsa, and then let loose with live music. Don’t miss this chance to groove and sway to the infectious tunes of Primo Cubano!
The Shank Painters | Hi-Fidelity Brewery | 6:00 PM
Every fourth Friday Hi-Fidelity Brewery welcomes the Shank Painters to their tasting room to fill Portlander’s hearts with nautical folk tunes and sea shanties! This extremely talented trio really know how to put on a show and always arrive with props, costumes, and a great sense of humor. There’s a reason why they have a monthly residency at Hi-Fidelity— come find out for yourself!
Classic Rock Hustlercise Pop Up | Hustle and Flow | 7:00 PM
Rock right into your weekend with Hustle and Flow, Portland’s most eclectic movement studio offering body positive dance-based fitness, flow and movement! Borrow your Dad’s (or granddad’s) favorite rocker tee-shirt and see how many classic jams you recognize in this addictive, easy-to-follow, dance-infused fitness class filled with high cardio series of simple and fun repetitive sequences. This hybrid fusion of dance and strength moves make for a fierce and wild workout. Sign-up.
Saturday the 26th
Portland Fine Craft Show 2023 | Free Street Parking Lot | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Experience the best of fine craft at the Portland Fine Craft Show, featuring a curated selection of approximately 100 skilled exhibitors from Maine and the Northeast. Explore an array of media, including baskets, ceramics, fiber arts, furniture, glass, jewelry, metalwork, and more. This highly anticipated event showcases the craftsmanship of both local and regional artisans, along with outreach booths from arts organizations and international artists. Hosted in the heart of Portland’s vibrant arts district, the show offers a unique opportunity to discover exceptional works, connect with artists, and immerse yourself in the thriving creative scene.
90’s Brunch | Batson River Brewing and Distilling | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Cred: @hitchedwillie
You know and love a Batson Brunch – decadent french toast, savory benedicts, bloodies, beer, and more! But they are taking it to the next level with specialty menu items, cocktails, music, and costumes celebrating their favorite era with a 90’S BRUNCH! A playlist of all Batson’s favorite 90’s tunes plus all the scrunchies, flannels, and bold patterns they can find. Come dressed the part ready to sport your favorite 90’s nonsense, it’s gonna be all that and a bag of chips!
PLUMP Lemons w/ Thiccboi Drewski & M33ch | Citrus | 9:00 PM
Join Citrus every Fourth Saturday of the month for a night of the thickest, juiciest, and plumpest tunes brought to you by Thiccboi Drewski! Experience the PLUMP residency, with a unique fruity theme every month. This time, they are celebrating Lemons with M33ch. Don’t miss out on the grooves!
Sunday the 27th
Pet Rock in the Park | Deering Oaks Park | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Get ready for the 12th annual Pet Rock in the Park! This FREE festival, proudly sponsored by Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care, is a paws-itively fantastic way to celebrate furry friends. Join for a day filled with live music from The Time Pilots (music from the 70s, 80s, & 90s), delicious food trucks (Totally Awesome Vegan Food, Pinky D’s Poutine, Fred’s Fried Dough, Taco Del Seoul, Mainely Burgers, and more), awesome vendors, and animal welfare organizations that are doing amazing work. Bring your pets along to enjoy the fun, as this event is a big party for both two-legged and four-legged attendees Plus, meet adorable pets available for adoption right on-site from area Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups.
Introduction to Wild Mushrooms | Evergreen Cemetery | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Discover the ancient art of identifying wild mushrooms and their invaluable uses in the modern world. Join Rewild Maine for a guided walking tour of wild mushrooms, where you’ll learn methods to identify these fascinating organisms. From food to medicine, mushrooms have played a vital role in human history. Meet at the Evergreen Cemetery Duck Pond Parking Lot for a short loop around the area, exploring the diverse world of mushrooms. Please bring a notepad or camera to document your findings. Limited spots available, pre-registration is required. The class will take place rain or shine. Tickets.
Portland Maine Comedy Fest | Portland Lobster Co. | 4:00 PM
Join for a special Portland Maine Comedy Festival showcase at Portland Lobster Company, featuring a lineup of eight top-notch up-and-coming comedians from around the country. This 90-minute free show promises a great time for all ages, with delicious food and drinks available for purchase.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.
