For all of you new, we figured the new year is as good as time as any to properly re-introduce our weekly Weekend Guide. Welcome!
Dropping every Thursday on our Facebook and every Friday on our Instagram and via our email newsletter (sign up now if you haven’t already!), our Weekend Guide offers a ‘lil something for everyone from new parents, to partygoers, foodies, music lovers, and more. This makes it the only Portland event round-up that you’ll need in order to get the most out of your weekend.
With all that being said, here’s the crème de la crème for the weekend ahead, including the chance to get funky, the chance to wear your pajamas in public, the chance to sing your heart out and the chance to be the bell of the masquerade ball.
Here’s the Weekend Guide for Friday, January 20th – Sunday, January 22nd, 2023
*Snow is expected Friday. Please be sure to check for cancellations or delays due to storm.
Friday the 20th
Honeysuckle & Ben Cosgrove |One Longfellow Square | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Honeysuckle is a progressive folk act that blends older influences and traditional instrumentation with modern effects and inspiration. Comprised of Holly McGarry and Chris Bloniarz, this Boston based band can frequently be found performing across the country. Honeysuckle has performed at Newport Folk Festival, Lollapalooza, Mountain Jam, Americanafest, Otis Mountain Get Down, and Audiotree. Awards include Americana Artist of the Year (2019) and Folk Artist of the Year (2018) at the Boston Music Awards, in addition to having been nominated every year since 2016. Tickets here.
Karaoke | East Ender | 8:00 PM
Warm up those vocals because East Ender is hosting the most happening karaoke night on the first floor at their MiniBar. An inclusive, supportive and positive karaoke culture that pairs nicely with a cheeseburger or salad. If karaoke isn’t your thing they have The Hideaway Bar upstairs with plenty of cozy nooks to relax with a drink. See what the hubbub is about!
Funk Night | Maine Craft Distilling | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
All winter long come get funky with Maine Craft Distilling as they host Funk Night every Friday. Come grab a drink and hang as they feature a special musical guest throughout the residency! 10/10 fun times guaranteed.
Saturday the 21st
Anniversary Party | Fore River Brewing Co. | 12:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Crafting traditional and innovative styles in South Portland since 2015, Fore River Brewing will be celebrating their 7th anniversary they best way they know how – with a party! They will be releasing SIX beer options in addition to having 18 draft options, food from Highroller Lobster Co., and live music all day starting at 12:30 PM.
Kids Club Pop-Up Class | Beacon Community Fitness | 8:15 AM – 9:15 AM
At this kid-centric pop-up class, kids ages 4-11 will get the opportunity to move around, play group games, and take on an obstacle course! Limited space! Sign up here.
An Evening with Clarisse Karasira | Mayo Street Arts | 7:30 PM
Boasting over 30 million views on Youtube, Rwandan superstar Clarisse Karasira was awarded the title of the best female artist in Rwanda in 2019 and again in 2021. She will be joined on stage with local pianist Mesa Schubeck, a teaching artist at 317 Main Community Music Center and winner of the 2022 Judith Elser Concerto Competition. Clarisse’s performance will be infused with Rwandan traditional music and dances, with Clarisse singing primarily in Kinyarwanda with English sprinkled throughout. Tickets here.
HIVE: Snow Masquerade | Free Street | 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Get ready for a mysterious night of music, snow, masks and dancing. When Hive made their new home at Free Street, they found many surprises including a beautiful industrial SNOW MACHINE ready for action. This HIVE’s theme is: masquerade masks, glitz, glam, apres ski all in one! Expect absolutely crystal clear sound with earth shattering bass, live projection mapping provided by resident artist Alex Prevey, and more! Tickets here.
Midnight Ramblers | Thirsty Pig | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Midnight Ramblers, an original alt-country roots band with acoustic and electric gigs under their belt, will be taking the stage at The Thirsty Pig. Grab a beer, grab a seat, and get ready to jam out to live music this Saturday.
Sunday the 22nd
Space Jammies Brunch Pop-Up with Rebel Cheesesteaks | Full Turn | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Come get jiggy in your jammies at Full Turn’s new restaurant as Rebel Cheesesteaks lives out his dreams of cooking you all eggs while you all get to live out your dreams of living a Saturday morning cartoon fantasy on a Sunday.
Hot Cocoa Sip-off | Congress Square Park | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
A chili cook-off but with hot cocoa at Congress Square Park. Come taste a wide variety of creative takes on the classic winter beverage we all know and love: hot chocolate! Creations by The Pink Waffle, The Frying Dutchman, Dila’s Kitchen, and Pho Huong. Voting categories include Most Creative, Most Chocotastic, I Want A Bucket Of This, and How Did You Do This. Alongside the festivities will be a mug market, inspired by the amazing Mugfest hosted by the wonderful Speckled Ax Coffee. The event is free and open to the public, but Friends of Congress Square Park are asking for a suggested donation of $5 to cover costs. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN SIPPING VESSEL. Weather date: January 29th.
Dragology: Encore! | St. Lawrence Arts | 6:00 PM
Join St. Lawrence Arts for an exclusive walk down the aisle of lights experiencing everything from Wicked to Spamalot! This is an immersive drag show hosted by Gem Fatale featuring the returning talents of Clamz Kasino, Mike Hawk, and Obscura Freakshow, as well as welcoming Cordelia Rose of NH! Dragology will focus on conceptual numbers and ballads that combine drag performance with multimedia tools and effects for the ultimate Drag experience! This show is 18 years and up as adult themes and subject matter will be present. Tickets here.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.