‘Tis the season for festive cheer, and we’ve got your weekend covered with a sleighful of holiday delights!
From a sustainable market offering unique, eco-conscious gifts to Ugly Sweater shindigs that’ll have you rockin’ around the Christmas tree, there’s something for anyone looking to celebrate the holidays. Join a neighborhood party, groove to the tunes of a David Bowie cover band, and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of holiday markets. This weekend, let the spirit of the season light up your heart and soul as you explore the best events in town!
Here’s The Weekend Guide for Friday, December 15th – Sunday, December 17th, 2023
Friday the 15th
It’s A Neighborhood Party | Toad & Co. | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Shop, drink and be merry! Get ready to party in Bayside because Toad & Co. is throwing a neighborhood bash, and you’re on the guest list! It’s time for some holiday cheer with festive drinks, fantastic discounts on local gifts, and the warm company of friends from Maine the Way.
Ugly Sweater Party | RiRa | 10:00PM
It’s about to get ugly at RiRa Irish Pub’s Ugly Sweater Party! Wear your favorite ugly sweater, they will have prizes + fun speciality cocktails! DJ Padre will be spinning bangers and mashups.
The Church of Good Times | Maine Craft Distilling Co. | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Church of Good Times is all about practicing loving kindness and peace through music. This live music event features improvised jam-based instrumental music, promising a soulful and exciting experience for all music enthusiasts. Come, unwind, and let the music soothe your soul at Maine Craft Distilling.
Saturday the 16th
Sustainability Holiday Fete Market | Toad & Co. | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Get ready for a festive holiday market! The Holiday Fete Market, hosted at Toad & Co. is all about celebrating sustainable makers and finding those perfect last-minute holiday gifts. This event offers a unique shopping experience with over 20 local artists and creatives showcasing their work. But it’s not just about shopping; it’s a laid-back gathering with live music, plus, it’s an LGBTQ+ safe space where you can slow down, enjoy time with friends and family, and soak in the vibrant Maine art scene. Local food and brews available for purchase RIGHT next door at Bite Into Maine’s newest location. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to support local businesses and artists while getting into the holiday spirit!
Inaugural 3 Kings Holiday Party | The Porthole | 8:00 PM
Together with State Lunch, The Porthole is elated to host a festive and fun-filled evening! Get ready to celebrate the holiday season in style with great food, drinks, and live entertainment. Come in your holiday best as this is an event you will not want to miss – 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales will be going to the the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund, organized by the Maine Community Foundation. This unforgettable event will feature a live auction filled with unique treasures and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Proceeds will also benefit the victims and families of the Lewiston tragedy. Revel in the festive atmosphere with live music by Hot Mess, and indulge in delectable fare. Cash bar has you covered serving up drink specials and classic cocktails for you to imbibe. Tickets.
Holday Market | Safe Combinations | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Loquat and EnVibe are hosting a holiday market at Safe Combinations thrift! Join for a day of day of music, food, and non-alcoholic drinks all while enjoying the variety of goods crafted by their artists and vendors. Tell your friends!
The Fogcutters Superfantastic Christmas Extravaganza | State Theatre | 8:00 PM
The Fogcutters are a 19-piece big band from Portland with a different perspective on the format of the classic big band: writing and playing original music unencumbered by a singular music style, and influenced by musical masters of the past and present. The result is a unique sound and eclectic style that is anything but traditional. This is not your grandfather’s big band! With 13 horns, a burnin’ 5-piece rhythm section and the stellar vocals and presence of Megan Jo Wilson and Chas Lester, they balance subtlety and power by playing their own unique blend of funk, rock, afro-cuban,and hip hop and combining them with traditional sounds. The groove is infectious and the impact is stunning. Tickets.
portBOWIE: A Celebration of David Bowie | Portland House of Music & Events | 8:00 PM
Experience the timeless and legendary music of David Bowie like never before! PortBowie, your ultimate Bowie cover band, is here to whisk you away to the enchanting world of the Starman himself. From “Space Oddity” to “Heroes” and everything in between, PortBowie has mastered the art of bringing Bowie’s hits to life with stunning accuracy and a whole lot of passion. With electrifying performances and a dedication to the artistry of David Bowie, you’re in for a night you won’t forget. Tickets.
Holiday Makers Market | The Post Supply | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Also Happening Sunday)
The Post Supply is getting in on all the holiday action with the return of their holiday market! They are over the moon with this incredible line up of Maine makers, bakers and craftspeople which includes Cece & The Seams, Jenny Ibsen, Soma Metalworks, Clo Floral and more!
Sunday the 17th
Deck the Halls | Arcadia National Bar | 5:00 PM Start
Get ready for some holiday fun at Arcadia! It’s the ultimate tree decorating competition. Here’s how it works: each team starts with a 5-6′ bare tree. But you won’t just be hanging ornaments and tinsel. You have to earn your tree decorations by playing arcade games and completing tasks. It’s not your typical holiday decorating challenge – expect some surprises and twists along the way. To get a head start, each team can bring one box of their own ornamental items, but there’s a catch – it has to be approved by Arcadia. Get your game faces on and your creativity flowing! Sign-up. All Proceeds To Midcoast Humane Society.
Prime Rib Dinner | Helm Oyster Bar & Bistro | Seatings 5:15 PM – 7:45 PM
Indulge in a classic Prime Rib Dinner at Helm! They’re bringing you the finest roasts from Cold Spring Ranch, complete with all the traditional fixings. But that’s not all – start your culinary journey with à la carte Raw Bar selections, featuring delectable choices like oysters and prawns. As for your main course, dive into the mouthwatering $80 prix-fixe Prime Rib menu. For the perfect pairing, consider sipping on an ice-cold martini before delving into a bottle of robust red wine. It’s a night of exquisite dining and bold flavors. Book.
Rock My Soul | One Longfellow Square | 4:00 PM
Join the Rock My Soul choir and band (complete with horns!) for a spirit-soaring evening of R&B, pop, soul, and doo-wop flavored arrangements of Christmas carols and popular holiday favorites. Numbers range from high-energy, emotionally charged arrangements of familiar songs such as “Joy to the World” and “Jesus, O What a Wonderful Child” to the less familiar but no less inspiring “Hey, Skinny Santa” and “Behold That Star.” In contrast, introspective carols such as “O Holy Night” and a Temptations arrangement of “Silent Night,” along with an Eartha Kitt-influenced version of “Santa Baby” will also be performed. A magical and uplifting night for the entire family! Tickets.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.