TGIF and all those other cliches that let us know that the weekend is near! If you’re as ready as we are for the weekend then you’ll want to stay put, because we’re breaking down special events, parties, and more available in Portland this weekend!
This weekend you can let your hair down in a number of varied ways including a flirty mixer, a dinner party, distillery tour, plenty of live music, Bingo night and more! Check it out!
Here’s the Weekend Guide for Friday, February 17th – Sunday, February 19th, 2023
Friday the 17th
PMA Films: 2023 Oscar Nominated Shorts – Animation | Portland Museum of Art | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (All Weekend)
For the 18th consecutive year, ShortsTV presents the Oscar-Nominated Short Films taking place at the Portland Museum of Art. With all three categories offered – Animated, Live Action and Documentary – this is your annual chance to predict the winners (and have the edge in your Oscar pool)! A perennial hit with audiences around the country and the world, don’t miss this year’s selection of shorts. Rating equivalent of PG-13/R. The first four films are suitable for kids 10 and up, but the final film is for adult audiences only. Tickets here.
4-Course Croatian Dinner Party with Eva Mrak | The Maker’s Galley | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Paying Homage to Great Grandma Marica, join Chef Eva Claire Mark for a weekend that celebrates her Croatian lineage. Eva and her team will prepare a 4-course Croatian Tasting Menu including Knedle (schmaltz, sour cream, paprika), Croatian stuffed cabbage rolls, Beef pasticada, potatoes, scallion, and more. Throughout hear stories of how these dishes came to be, how they have evolved, and other family food lore. Welcome drink included. Beer and wine available for purchase. Tickets here.
Living Legacy: An Evening with the Ashley Bryan Fellows | Indigo Arts Alliance | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
A reading and discussion brought to Portland by LORE and Indigo Arts Alliance to honor the priceless and intangible legacy left by the beloved writer Ashley Bryan, featuring 2021 Bryan Fellows Liz Iversen, Christina Richardson, and Ning Sullivan, and 2022 Bryan Fellows Wendy Newell Dyer and Maya Williams. These Fellows will be sharing their original writing with and connecting with each other and the with community though conversation about their work and approaches to writing in these uncertain times. LORE is a space for the BIPOC community to connect, create, and collaborate. Tickets here.
Three of Hearts: A Flirty Mixer | Three of Strong Spirits | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tired of Tinder matches that lead nowhere? People skills a little rusty? Wishing that spark would ignite into a full-blown bonfire? Get off the dating apps, shut off Netflix, and turn that chill into a thrill! Whether you’re a single looking to mingle, or partnered and looking to deepen your connection, join Three of Strong Spirits at Three of Hearts! An out-of-the-box heart-to-heart with your flirting coach, Diana. Forget icebreakers – let TOS melt that ice for you. With drink specials, both boozy and not, and a prize awarded to Best Flirt, cure your post-Valentine’s Day woes with a hefty dose of humor, bubbles, and match-making.
The Earthtones | Fore River Brewing Co. | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Earthtones take stage at Fore River Brewing Co.! The Earthtones are a 4 piece acoustic string band with vocal harmonies and tight instrumental interp.
Saturday the 18th
Distillery Tour: Farm to Flask | Maine Craft Distilling | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
An hour long tour of Maine Craft Distilling, including a tasting flight of their local spirits, local cheeses, and lot’s of stories about how the magic actually happens! Stories about the distillery, the founder, and the mission, tour of the distillery, tastings: Fifty-Stone Whiskey, Alchemy Dry Gin, Sprigge Barrel Rested Gin, Queequeq Spiced Rum, Whipple Tree Brandy, and Blueshine Maine Wild Blueberry Liquor. Tickets here.
Maiden New England | Bayside Bowl | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Maiden New England has built a reputation as New England’s premiere Iron Maiden Tribute act. The band has garnered a rabid live following for their legendary shows, bringing the arena riffs and anthems of the UK classic metal band to clubs and theaters through the Northeast and beyond. This weekend, the band joins forces with regional heavyweights Sunrunner and Apollyon. Tickets here.
Taylor Marie | Thirsty Pig | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Taylor Marie is back at The Thirsty Pig this February! Taylor Marie is a country-pop singer/songwriter from Dover, NH. Marie writes music based on her life.
Gwynne and the Tonics | Hi-Fidelity Brewery | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Hi-Fidelity Brewery is welcoming Gwynne & the Tonics back to their tasting room for an evening of live music. A deep, swampy rock and roll band in Portland, Maine, this band grooves and bops and are sure to fill the space with some of the best vibes in town! Come get your rock & roll fix!
Sunday the 19th
Fork on Fire! | Fork Food Lab | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM AND 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
This Hot Ones inspired event and Fork Food Lab fundraiser allows you to sample a variety of different hot sauces made by some of Fork Food Lab’s members on house made 75 cent wings- vegan option available! They will have live music so wear your dancing shoes, too! Sauce slingers include Smokey & Brines, Maine Gravy, Evan’s Rockin Hot Sauce and the brand new Comatose Pepper Co. Tickets here.
Once Upon a Time | A Discovery Concert for Families | Merrill Auditorium | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Spend an afternoon with your Portland Symphony Orchestra traveling through beloved fairy tales and daring adventures! Family-friendly music and fun, Discovery Concerts are designed for families with children ages 4-12, but are enjoyable for all. Includes music from Frozen, Harry Potter, Encanto and more! Tickets here.
Maine Track Club’s Longfellow Frostbite 2.5K 2023 | Equality Community Center | 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
The Maine Track Club will be hosting their annual Longfellow Frostbite 2.5K in downtown Portland, starting and ending right at the Equality Community Center. Celebrate the 216th birthday of Portland, Maine’s No. 1 bard, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, with an in-person 2.5K run or 2.5K walk on the scenic route on Congress St. or take the plunge for the one-of-a-kind virtual 2.5K swim (or sign up for both!). This year, there are registration categories for non-binary members of community and teams. Prizes for the best time in each registration category plus fun giveaways and prizes for best costumes! All proceeds from the race will support ECC’s capital campaign to build affordable housing for LGBTQ+ older adults, their families and allies. Register here.
Bingo Night | Arcadia National Bar | 7:00 PM
Arcadia Presents Bingo Night! Enjoy music, trivia and prizes while you look for the ever elusive BINGO. Always free to play.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.
