Turns out April showers just brought May showers in Portland! Despite the crummy weather, we can tell it’s going to be an amazing weekend with the Kentucky Derby on Saturday and Cinco de Mayo on Sunday, how could you go wrong? We’ve got a great line up of events that you won’t want to miss.
Friday
Happy First Friday! Head to Congress Street for the art walk from 5 pm – 8 pm. For those new to First Friday, it’s a monthly celebration of creative culture that makes Portland one of the best small cities in the country. Don’t forget that Portland METRO is free after 4 pm!
Head to Maine Craft Distilling for an intimate acoustic set with Jason Spooner! Locally crafted spirits and live music are the perfect way to spend a rainy Friday evening. The set starts at 7 pm.
Magician and performance bizarrist Michael Carbonaro is bringing his highly acclaimed national theater tour, “Michael Carbonaro Live!” to the State Theater. This show will leave you bewildered! See for yourself why Michael was named “magician of the year.” Door open at 6 pm. This is an all ages event.
Saturday
Happy Derby Day! Rí Rá is having a Kentucky Derby Watch Party from 3 – 8 pm with a special southern inspired menu and drink specials. Wear your favorite derby outfit for a chance to win a gift card!
If you’re just a simple man trying to make your way in the universe… you should probably head to Portland House of Music for their May the 4th Be with You Party! Door open at 8 pm, this is a 21+ event.
Hippocampus is involved in the formation of new memories and is also associated with learning and new emotions. Oh, wait, you meant Hippo Campus the band? They’re at the forefront of the indie rock genre and ready to rock your socks off at the State Theater! Door open at 7 pm, show starts at 8 pm.
Donuts + beer = a dream come true! Lone Pine Brewing partnered with Holy Donut to make their Dark Chocolate Toasted Coconut Imperial Stout. It drops at both their Portland and Gorham tasting rooms at noon. There are 300 donuts in this beer and it clocks in at a whopping 10.5% ABV. Available in limited quality in cans to-go and on draft!
Sunday
Be Well Events and Root Wild Kombucha are hosting Bend & ‘Booch for all you kombucha loving yogis out there! This one-hour vinyasa flow class starts at 9:30 am and is followed by kombucha flights.
Head to Makers Market at the Point to see a showcase of products from the creative community in Maine and New England! The market is carefully curated with a versatile mix of local artisans. There will also be a full bar with bloodys and mimosas and to enjoy while you shop!
Do you love Harry Potter? What about classical music? Arcadia National Bar and the Portland Symphony Orchestra are hosting a Symphony and Spirits event. Have a specialty cocktail and then head over to Merrill auditorium for music from Harry Potter. This is a networking event from 12 – 3 pm for individuals age 21-39 wanting to explore the world of classical music!
Happy Cinco De Mayo! El Rayo will be hosting a rain or shine fiesta that you won’t want to miss. There will be drink specials, beer buckets, giveaways, live music and more! Starts at 11 am.