We’re not going to lie to you, it’s gonna be reeeaaaalllly cold this weekend. While we encourage you to stay as safe and warm as possible, we know that Mainers have never been afraid of a real New England winter.
If you find yourself itching to still get out during this cold front, just know that there are events still happening this weekend including a citywide scavenger hunt that honors the great State of Maine, a comedic solo performance so hilarious it kills, and a reggae – rock show that will hopefully trick your mind into thinking that it is already summer. Bundle up for the weekend ahead (no, really put on your warmest socks, bring multiple layers and have back up blankets and clothes in your car. Do we sound like your mother?)
Here’s the Weekend Guide for Friday, February 3rd – Sunday, February 5th, 2023
On a serious note: If you or someone you know/love is experiencing homelessness, the City of Portland will be opening a temporary overnight warming shelter at the Salvation Army gymnasium at 297 Cumberland Avenue Friday and Saturday. Full details here.
Friday the 3rd
Funk Night | Maine Craft Distilling | 7: 00 PM
The party continues at Maine Craft Distilling! All winter long, every Friday at MCD is Funk Night with musician/ drummer John Suntken and a rotation of special guests throughout the residency. 10/10 fun times guaranteed!
Salsa Night | Stroudwater Distillery | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Wanting to learn something new this winter? Maybe just looking to move your body to warm up this weekend? How about learning how to Salsa dance? The evening begins with an hour long class from 7 PM – 8 PM and a Latin dance party after! Featuring Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Kizomba, you can skip the class and come straight to the dance party for just $10! Led by instructor Anna Golenudkhina, cocktails and food will be available all night. Tickets here.
Happy Hour | Cabana | 4:00 PM – 5:00PM + 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Adding another happy hour into the mix! Cabana has announced their “Power To The People” happy hour. Enjoy $10 cocktails such as the Bodega HighBall, Tlaxcala Old Fashion and Hanky Panky Cocktails from 4 PM – 5PM and 10pm until close on weekdays. For our full list of current Portland happy hours, find here.
Tim Winchester at Salt Yard | Salt Yard | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Join Maine songwriter and contemporary folk artist Tim Winchester for 3 sets of original music in a spacious, industrial-style setting located in Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront!
Saturday the 4th
207 Day Scavenger Hunt | Portland Citywide | All Weekend
Named for the State of Maine’s area code, the 207 Day Scavenger Hunt is a wicked fun way to celebrate Portland and the greater 207. Presented by Portland Downtown, this self-guided, virtual scavenger hunt guides Portlanders out of winter hibernation to explore, shop, eat, drink, and think like a Mainer. If you are ready to solve Portland riddles, take goofy photos of city statues, and score $2.07 deals downtown, then you’ve come to the right place. Participating locations include Eighty 8 Donuts, The Porthole, Zephyr Ice, The Fish & Bone. Register here.
Portland on Tap | Cross Insurance Arena | 5:00 PM (2nd Session)
Portland on Tap will be pouring up good times and great beer at the Cross Insurance Arena! Sample over 120 craft beers from over 60 breweries. Tickets will include three hours of sampling and a souvenir sampling glass.Tickets here.
The O Harrows | RiRa | 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM
The O Harrows bring a night of catchy and danceable music to this live show! They blend a unique sound of reggae and rock, paired with honed vocal harmonies and capturing saxophone leads.
Killer Comfort | St. Lawrence Arts | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Grab your bestie and join the Good Theater for a hilarious comedic solo show about maintaining sanity in a world gone mad. Coping has never been such fun when murder, maniacs, and musicals are the antidote. Tickets here.
Sunday the 5th
McCoy Mrubata & Gary Wittner | Dimensions in Jazz | Portland Conservatory of Music | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Featured South African jazz musician McCoy Mrubata (Tenor Saxophone) returns to Portland, Maine in his 4th tour of the US and will be performing at the Portland Conservatory of Music alongside his friend Gary Wittner (Guitar). McCoy Mrubata was a member of the legendary Hugh Masakela’s band in the 1990s and has since established himself as a bandleader, touring regularly throughout the African continent and Europe.
Dragology: Sweet-Tarts | St. Lawrence Arts | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
DRAGOLOGY returns for a Sweet-Tart Valentine extravaganza! Love is in the air and so is drag! Join for an explosive drag show hosted by Gem Fatale featuring the returning talents of Raya Sunshine and Seth Thorn of NH and welcoming Sarah Tonin and Tasha Tektite of Portland! Experience the art of drag told by performers from across New England all in one exciting night! This show is 21+ adult themes and subject matter will be present. Tickets here.
Cloche Terrarium Workshop | Terrarium | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Create something awesome with Terrarium in a classic dome-style cloche! During this workshop you will be adding plants and hardscape of various heights for a dynamic scene that will look beautiful in your home or office. Tickets here.
Craft Beer x Craft Fair | Rising Tide Brewing | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Looking for that perfect gift for your Valentine/Galentine or just want to get out of the house and support local art? Come to Rising Tide Brewing on Sunday where they will have 12+ local vendors selling handmade art, ceramics, gifts + more! Dean’s Sweets in Portland will be joining on-site with handmade gourmet chocolates for sale with food and drinks by Rising Tide Brewing!
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.