Let’s get right to it and dive into this weekend’s adventures!
Embrace your inner sushi chef at the immersive Sushi 101 class, where you’ll roll and savor delectable creations. Celebrate the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, with arts, poetry, and storytelling programs that inspire courage and community. Experience the magic of Broadway with a national tour that promises a night of enchanting performances. And don’t miss the return of Dudefest at OLS, where “The Big Lebowski” takes center stage, complete with costumes and White Russians.
Here’s The Weekend Guide for Friday, January 12th – Monday, January 15th 2023
Friday the 12th
Ray Harrington | Empire Comedy Club | 7:00 PM
Get ready to bust a gut with the one and only Ray Harrington, a comedian known for his irresistible charm and uproarious humor that knows no bounds! Ray’s comedic journey has taken him around the world, delivering side-splitting performances and spontaneous riffing that’ll leave you in stitches. He’s graced the stage on Conan and even has a documentary, BE A MAN, which conquered the LA Comedy Festival and made its exclusive debut on Hulu. Not just a stand-up sensation, Ray’s documentary and web series have received accolades, including Best Documentary at the LA Comedy Festival and the SNOB Film Festival. Plus, his web series ‘Undependent’ clinched the Best Comedy title at the NYC Web Festival and nabbed Best Actor at the London Web Festival. Tickets.
Album Release: Snaex ‘HAS BEEN GIVEN’ w/ TOM K. & NYAH | Mayo Street Arts | 7:30 PM
The mesmerizing melodies of SNAEX, the brilliant ensemble hailing from Portland! SNAEX presents their seventh studio masterpiece, ‘HAS BEEN GIVEN,’ a sonic journey that seamlessly weaves together acoustic and electronic, concrete and abstract elements. This album encapsulates the very essence of SNAEX, a group that dances effortlessly between these musical realms. Tom K. will also grace the stage with a mesmerizing set of piano music, showcasing his four decades of musical prowess with a career that’s spanned numerous Boston and Portland bands. Evening’s line-up also includes Nyah from Portland’s very own Stream Reggae. Nyah’s musical journey began in Dominica, and he’s graced stages across the Caribbean Islands, sharing his joyful energy and infectious tunes. Tickets.
Broadway National Tour “Come From Away” | Merrill Auditorium | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Repeats Saturday at 1:00 PM + 7:00 PM)
SELLOUT WARNING!
On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all. This stirring and inspiring musical takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of the small town in Newfoundland that opened their homes to 7,000 stranded travelers on that tragic day. During that fateful week, cultures clashed and nerves ran high—but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Celebrate the best of humankind and the best in all of us at Come From Away – a breathtaking musical! Tickets.
Saturday the 13th
Brenton, Trash Fire, Suburban Surf Club, Covery Live | Sun Tiki Studios | 7:00 PM Doors
Get ready to rock your socks off as Sun Tiki Studios bring you an electrifying night of Emo and Alternative Rock. Meet the headliners, Breton – the sensational Maine-based band that’s taking the music scene by storm! Their new singles, ‘April’s Bloom’ and ‘All Alone,’ dropped like dynamite in July. Joining the lineup is the incredible Suburban Surf Club, hailing all the way from the heart of NYC. This dynamic duo combines the best of indie, surf rock, and punk, and trust us, you won’t find better surfing indie rockers in the city! That’s not all – brace yourself for the high-octane, adrenaline-pumping sound of Trash Fire, the 3-piece alternative rock powerhouse from Portland. Formed in 2018, they’ve been setting the stage on fire with their intense blend of early 90’s alt-rock, punk, and hardcore! Last but certainly not least, get ready to be captivated by the dark and melodic tones of Covery, a 5-piece band that delves into the deepest corners of the heavy metal genre. Tickets.
Dudefest: Big Lebowski Screening | One Longfellow Square | 7:00 PM Doors
Dude, it’s that time again! Dudefest returns to One Longfellow Square, and you don’t want to miss it! Gather your crew and get ready to kick back and enjoy the cinematic masterpiece, ‘The Big Lebowski.’ And here’s the deal: costumes are not just welcomed, they’re totally encouraged. Grab your bathrobes, cardigans, and those oh-so-cool sunglasses, and strut your stuff like The Dude himself. And what’s a Lebowski screening without a White Russian in hand? Head to the bar, abide, and let the good times roll. Tickets.
Saturday Afternoon Cartoons | Portland Public Library | 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Ready to embark on a creative adventure? Join Portland Public Library for a fantastic journey with local cartoonist Isabella Rotman! Dive headfirst into the vibrant world of comics in this one-of-a-kind class. You’ll discover the ABCs of comics, from lingo to character creation, setting the scene, portraying emotions, and the fascinating art of crafting comics. Each student gets to write, storyboard, illustrate, and even publish their very own comic! Free and open to anyone over 16. PPL has all the materials covered, and whether you’re a rookie artist or a seasoned cartoon pro, they welcome all skill levels. Register.
Sunday the 14th
Two Steppin’ Sunday | Maine Craft Distilling | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Join at Maine Craft Distilling for a foot-stompin’, boot-scootin’ Sunday evening with Two Steppin’ Sunday and their captivating Sunday Strings performance! Led by the incredibly talented Erica Brown on fiddle and vocals, and backed by the sensational Matt Shipman on guitars and vocals, this classic country band is set to take you on a musical journey through the heart of country music. Get ready to tap your toes and swing your partner to the sweet sounds of classic country tunes spanning the decades, from the honky-tonks of Bakersfield to the iconic stages of Nashville and beyond.
Maine Celtics vs. Fort Wayne Mad Ants | Portland Expo | 1:00 PM (Also Saturday)
It’s game time in Portland, and you’re invited to the ultimate hardwood showdown as the Maine Celtics take on the Fort Wayne Mad Ants! Expect nothing but top-tier basketball excitement, dazzling dunks, precision three-pointers, and some intense on-court battles. Whether you’re a die-hard hoops aficionado or just looking for a thrilling night out, this game promises to deliver the ultimate game time action and jaw-dropping plays. Tickets.
Happy Hour | Bonfire Country Bar | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Daily)
FREE BACON alert! Enjoy sizzling, crispy bacon on the house at the happiest hour in town! Get fired up for Happy Hour at Bonfire Country Bar. Incredible deals also include: $2 Bonfire whiskey, $3 tacos, $4 hand cut fries or beer, and $5 burgers. Great deals that won’t break the bank.
References w/ Chartreuse & Bunny Wonderland | Blackstones | 10:00 PM
Prepare to be dazzled at “references,” a spectacular artistic collaboration brought to life by two of Portland’s performance powerhouses, Chartreuse Money and Bunny Wonderland. Hosted by the fabulous Miss Danielle Dior, this show promises to be a jaw-dropping experience you won’t want to miss! Be part of the excitement as “references” debuts at Blackstones, marking the beginning of a thrilling journey with 12 incredible traveling shows. Get ready for a night of glamour, laughter, and unforgettable moments! 21+ and there’s never a cover charge to enjoy these sensational performances.
Monday the 15th – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend: Celebrating Courage & Community | Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (All Weekend)
Celebrate and honor the extraordinary legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine. Get ready for an inspiring weekend that’s all about embracing the themes of community and courage through arts, poetry, and storytelling. Immerse yourself in creative experiences led by special guest artists who will be showcasing their talents right in our MakerSpace. Tickets.
Sushi Class 101 | Definitive Brewing Co. | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Indulge in a sushi lover’s dream with the Sushi 101 class led by the expert hands of Owner and Sushi Chef Alexander from Great Wave Sushi. This immersive 2-hour workshop is your ticket to becoming a sushi chef extraordinaire! Learn the art of precision with knife techniques that would make any sushi chef proud. Dive into the world of sushi rolling, where you’ll craft 5 distinct sushi rolls and 1 delectable hand roll: Cucumber Roll, Avocado Roll, California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Special Deluxe Roll, Hand Roll. Not only will you master these sushi creations, but you’ll get to savor the fruits of your labor as you enjoy the delicious rolls you’ve crafted. Tickets.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.