Goodbye 2022, hello 2023! The final few days of 2022 are going out with a bang here in Portland, Maine. Friday night kicks it all off with live music and special film premiers, while Saturday is when the party really starts with New Year’s Eve celebrations, bashes, parties and more. On Sunday, we bring it all on home with hungover brunch. With last minute tickets still available for some NYE events, check it all before the year is done. Happy New Year!
Here’s the Weekend Guide for Friday, December 30th, 2022 – Sunday, January 1st, 2023
Friday the 30th
Live Music from Miguel Perez | Austin Street Brewery | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Come enjoy some chill vibes in the Austin Street tasting room as Miguel Perez joins to play. A singer-songwriter and music producer from Key West, Florida, Miguel Perez is known for his original music and unique renditions of cover songsMiguel has opened for David Shaw (Revivalists), Donovan Frankenwreiter, G-Love & The Special Sauce and Rusted Root.
Leonor Will Never Die | SPACE | 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Film Synopsis: Leonor Reyes was once a groundbreaking figure in the Filipino film industry during its ragtag action cinema glory days, but now she struggles with old age, mounting bills, and the untimely death of her son. While revisiting an unfinished script about a fearless protagonist trying to avenge his brother’s murder, Leonor is struck on the head and knocked into a coma. As she lays unconscious in the hospital, fantasy and reality begin to blur when Leonor finds herself awake inside her script, becoming the hero of her own story. An innovative blend of pulpy action homages, playful comedy, and touching family drama, Leonor Will Never Die is a wonderfully imaginative tribute to the art of filmmaking. Tickets here.
Home for the Holidays | Dimensions in Jazz | Portland Conservatory of Music | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Dimensions in Jazz is excited to welcome homegrown jazz musicians back to Portland Conservatory of Music as they come “Home for the Holidays” for these special DIJ performances. These concerts will feature contemporary jazz standards and improvisations. Traditional holiday music will not be featured. Tickets here.
PMA Films: All the Beauty and the Bloodshed | Portland Museum of Art | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Laura Poitras, All the Beauty and the Bloodshed is an epic, emotional and interconnected story about internationally renowned artist and activist Nan Goldin told through her slideshows, intimate interviews, ground-breaking photography, and rare footage of her personal fight to hold the Sackler family accountable for the overdose crisis. Tickets here.
Saturday the 31st – New Year’s Eve
Ready to ring in 2023? For the full rundown of NYE in Portland – including where to dine-in, hangout and party – check out our guide here.
New Year’s Bash | Arcadia National Bar | 10:00 PM
Secure your New Year’s Eve plan at Arcadia! Early Entry tickets (doors open at 7PM) includes: A complimentary cocktail, a slice of “Grandma Style” pizza. coat check, DJ HiDuke & Dad’s Denim starting at 8pm. If you don’t want to wait in line or find out they are at capacity later that night? This is for you! 21+. Open until 2am. $20 at the door or put your name on the ‘Early Entry’ list for $50 and party all night. Early Entry tickets here.
Moonshake New Year’s Party | SPACE Gallery | 9:00 PM
SPACE rings in the new year with the Moonshake crew! Immersive light show by C. Gilman, custom sound system, and proper dance party vibes spanning house, disco, electro, dancefloor, techno, and beyond. Wear what you like and come ready to dance. Sweat out 2022 and kick off 2023 right with everyone you love. DJ sets by Madel, Ben Spaulding, Cecil G, and Just Milk. Tickets here.
FLASKDance NYE | Flask | 8:00 PM
FLASKdance your way into 2023 at Flask Lounge! 6 hours of musical bliss from top-list DJs, professional lighting and visuals, complimentary snacks and a midnight toast. All your favorite genres represented. Tickets here.
NYE Dance Party | Aura | 8:00 PM
The biggest and best New Years Dance party is at AURA…Club AURA that is! DJ Jay-C will be spinning the hottest dance music from every era featuring GO GO by TEALL. Mind Blowing lights, lasers, and visuals from VJ FOO. The entire venue is open to dance! Three full bars. Full concert sound. 21+ event. Tickets here.
Sunday the 1st – New Year’s Day
The New Year’s party is over, instead it’s time to cure your holiday hangover with a hearty Sunday Brunch. In replacement of events, parties, concerts and more on January 1st, 2023, check out our guide to brunch in Portland, Maine here. Be sure to check hours before you go as some may be closed for the holiday.
New Year’s Day Bagels & Mimosas | The Chadwick Bed & Breakfast | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
A special New Year’s Day brunch run meet-up with Runaways Run Club! Start 2023 on a high note with bagels and fixings, mimosas, friends and a bit of a run. The way New Year’s Day should be!
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.
