In this Weekend Guide round-up, we bid adieu to the romance of Cupid’s arrow and gear up for an eclectic mix of events that promise to keep the excitement alive for the rest of February!
Join us as we explore the highlights, including a Winter Masquerade inspired by Alice in Wonderland, a Cheese Shop showdown featuring delectable small bites, and the immersive soundscape journey of “32 Sounds”. Plus, don’t miss out on the Portland String Quartet’s captivating performance, blending classical masterpieces with contemporary compositions. The fun starts here!
Here’s The Weekend Guide for Friday, February 16th – Sunday, February 18th 2024
Friday the 16th
Week of Love | Harbor Bistro + Terrace | Ends the 17th
Catch the tail end of a week-long love affair! Immerse yourself in romantic dining experience and delicious treats specially crafted for Valentine’s Day at Harbor Bistro + Terrace. Dive into their “Week of Love” specials alongside their extensive menu for a truly memorable celebration of love. Reserve.
Shrek Rave | State Theatre | 9:00 PM
Get ready to ogreload at the Shrek-themed Rave! It’s dumb, it’s fun, and who cares about being cool? Join at the State Theatre for a night of pure ogre excitement. This 18+ event promises to be an unforgettable evening with layers of Shrek references, funky beats, and all-around silliness. Grab your Donkey, your Puss & Boots, and Princess Fiona and together, join in on this swamp-tastic party! Tickets.
San Souci: Tribute to Jerry Garcia Band | Portland House of Music and Events | 9:00 PM
A musical journey with San Souci: Tribute to Jerry Garcia Band! Dive into the extensive catalog of the JGB as San Souci delivers meticulously crafted renditions of Jerry Garcia Band’s iconic songs. Groove to the soulful sounds and timeless melodies that pay homage to the legendary Jerry Garcia. Tickets.
Pours & Pucks Tour with Maine Brews Cruise | Cross Insurance Arena | 5:15 PM Pick-Up Time
Night of brews, cheers, and hockey action with Maine Brews Cruise! Start your journey with visits to local favorites, Lone Pine Brewing and Three of Strong, where you’ll savor generous pours of craft brews and spirits in a lively atmosphere. Then, immerse yourself in the thrill of hockey at its finest with prime seats at the Mariner’s game, right at Center Ice. Fuel up for the excitement with a hearty meal at the arena, including a sandwich, fries, and a drink. Don’t miss the chance to capture memories with a group photo on Center Ice and join in on the fun with Chuck-A-Puck, where each participant gets a shot with their own puck. Tickets.
Gruppo Antudo and El Malo | SPACE | 8:00 PM
Get ready for a cultural and musical fusion with Gruppo Antudo and El Malo! Gruppo Antudo takes you on a journey through the folk music of Sicily and Southern Italy, from lively tarantellas to poignant protest songs and ancient ballads. Drawing from rich traditions, their acoustic ensemble offers a soul-stirring experience. Meanwhile, El Malo brings a vibrant blend of Latin-influenced jazz infused with funk, punk, and dance elements. With their nine-piece instrumental setup, including a dynamic horn section, keys, drums, and percussion, El Malo delivers electrifying performances filled with improvisation and original material. Tickets.
Saturday the 17th
Dead Gowns with No Fun Haus and Little Oso | Oxbow Blending & Bottling | 7:30 PM
A night of eclectic sounds and vibrant energy with Dead Gowns, Little Oso, and No Fun Haus! Dead Gowns will captivate you with their indie folk melodies and poignant lyrics, creating an intimate atmosphere that tugs at the heartstrings. Oso brings their unique blend of indie rock and dream pop, delivering dreamy melodies and infectious rhythms. Meanwhile, No Fun Haus injects a dose of punk rock energy into the mix, with raw vocals and dynamic instrumentals that promise an exhilarating performance. Tickets.
PLAYFIGHT: Unprofessional Wrestling Theater | Mayo Street Arts | 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Enter the electrifying world of PLAYFIGHT: Unprofessional Wrestling Theatre, a riveting exploration of professional wrestling’s eccentric realm. Follow two characters embroiled in a dynamic, ever-shifting relationship as they dive headfirst into a classic showdown between hero and villain. Amidst the unfolding drama, witness a kaleidoscope of personas emerge, with the duo inhabiting multiple roles and weaving in historical and personal wrestling tales. Experience the spectacle escalate into a whirlwind of text and movement, punctuated by fleeting moments of intimacy and radical cooperation. Directed, performed, and designed by Dani Robbins (they/them) in collaboration with Sophia Eliana (she/her). Tickets.
Louisa Stancioff + Molly Parden + Eliza Edens | One Longfellow Square | 8:00 PM
A captivating evening of alternative folk with songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Eliza Edens, Molly Parden, and Louisa Stancioff! With her recent signing to North Carolina-based label YepRoc Records, Stancioff brings her buoyant rock tunes that weave tales of her rural Maine roots. Molly Parden, known for her work with Darlingside, offers kaleidoscopic folk-pop compositions that traverse heartache to uncover glimmers of hope. Brooklyn-based Eliza Edens completes the lineup with a luminous repertoire, skillfully transforming despair into opportunity. Joined by each other on guitar, bass, fiddle, and backing vocals, the trio conjures a mesmerizing fusion of masterfully-crafted art-folk. Tickets.
HIVE: Winter Masquerade – Alice in Wonderland Theme | Free Street | 9:00 PM
Step into a whimsical wonderland at the HIVE: Winter Masquerade – Alice in Wonderland Theme! This 21+ event promises a mind-blowing evening filled with enchantment and intrigue. This in-person celebration invites you to don your most fantastical costumes and embark on a journey down the rabbit hole. Get ready to dance the night away in a world where the Cheshire Cat’s grin awaits around every corner and the Mad Hatter’s tea party is in full swing. Let your imagination soar as you mingle with characters straight out of Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale. Don’t be late for this very important date! Tickets.
Sunday the 18th
32 Sounds | SPACE | 7:00 PM
Experience the immersive wonder of “32 Sounds,” a captivating feature documentary directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Sam Green and featuring original music by JD Samson. Presented in surround sound, this profound sensory journey delves into the elemental phenomenon of sound, weaving together 32 specific sound explorations into a cinematic meditation on its power. Join filmmaker Sam Green on a voyage through time and space, from forgotten childhood memories to the soundtrack of resistance, and delve into the astonishing sounds of our everyday lives in new and unexpected ways. “32 Sounds” invites audiences to explore the mysterious nature of perception and the profound politics that arise from being present in one’s body. Tickets.
Small Bites Showdown | The Cheese Shop of Portland | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Get ready for a cheesy showdown at The Cheese Shop of Portland! Join for an evening of cheese-focused small bites where their cheesemongers will go head-to-head to create the most delicious and creative treats. From cheese newbies to connoisseurs, this event offers a fun-filled and informative experience where you can learn about cheesemaking, cheese care, tasting, and beverage pairings in an intimate and welcoming environment. Be sure to cast your vote for the winning bite! Plus, $5 of every ticket sold will be donated to Full Plates, Full Potential so you can indulge in cheese while supporting a great cause. Tickets.
Portland String Quartet | Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine | 2:00 PM
Experience an enchanting evening with the Portland String Quartet at the Jewish Community Alliance’s “Music at the J” series as they co-present PSQIII. Prepare to be captivated by a diverse program featuring masterpieces from renowned composers. The journey begins with Joseph Bologne’s Quartet No. 4 in C minor, Op 1, followed by Jessie Montgomery’s dynamic “Break Away.” Then, immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Ludwig van Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 7 in F major, Op. 59 No. 1, also known as “Rasumovsky.” Dean Stein and Callie Brennan on violins, Brianna Fischler on viola, and Kelly Knox on cello. Tickets.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.
