Portlanders, now is not the time to let those winter blues get the best of us. Yes, summer still feels far away but instead of dwelling on that reality, let’s switch up the narrative and focus on what we have right in front of us, right here, right now.
With a ton of opportunities to get out there and explore the city (no really, one event this weekend includes a scavenger hunt around Portland), this weekend you’ll get the chance to put on your slip dress, your flannel shirt, and/or your bomber jacket to celebrate everyone’s favorite decade, listen to lots of live tunes, get a good laugh from one of Boston’s funniest and finest, and cringe from second-hand embarrassment as a colorful cast of locals relive their teenage years.
Here’s the Weekend Guide for Friday, January 27th – Sunday, January 29th, 2023
Friday the 27th
NOW That’s What I Call a Throwback: 90s Dance Party | Three of Strong Spirits | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Join Three of Strong Spirits and DJ Mosart212 for a night of nostalgic tunes and 90s themed cocktail specials. Leave your phone at home! Get down with your friends! Wear your 90s best!
Unholy Winter Masquerade | Aura | 9:00 PM
Gothic Maine presents the Midwinter Masquerade Ball! Vampires, zombies, ghouls, etc. get ready. Bring out your undead for DJ sets by DJs DoomdayJ and Sawtooth spin goth/industrial/romantic undead music! Tickets at the door.
Mike Maurice & Chris Peters | Urban Farm Fermentory | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Mike Maurice a singer/songwriter from Biddeford Maine headlines this singer/songwriter showcase with support from New England-based Chris Peters. Mike Maurice combines soulful and earthy instrumentation with melancholy undertones to create a unique sound. Influenced by the playing of John Mayer and the writing of Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes and Gregory Alan Isakov. Chris Peters’s music is solidly rooted in Rock, and colored with Americana influences. Live performances are highlighted by Chris’ strong vocal delivery. Tickets here.
Maine Takht Ensemble | Mayo Street Arts | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Join Mayo Street Arts for an evening of traditional Arabic music with the Maine Takht Ensemble. Maine Takht Ensemble performs classical, art, and folk music from the Arab World on instruments that make up the traditional chamber ensemble of Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine known as a Takht. The members of the group are Eric LaPerna, riqq, darbouka, and nay; Nathan Kolosko, oud; Duncan Hardy, qanun; and Mary Hunter on the violin. Tickets here.
Saturday the 28th
Weekend Scavenger Hunts | Three Dollar Deweys Starting Point | 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM
What better way to beat the winter blues by participating in Portland’s #1 Scavenger Hunt? Scavenge Portland takes the traditional scavenger hunt and adds in a mini bar hop to create a Portland adventure! You can sign up as an individual, group, or customize your own private event. As you go on your journey, you will need to take pictures, find items, and have a wicked awesome time. Book here.
CNS Winter Carnival | The Children’s Nursery School | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The Children’s Nursery School is thrilled to re-introduce the Grand Bazaar – now called the CNS Winter Carnival! Join in the Chapel Hall for games, food and drink, and exciting animal entertainment from Sparks’ Ark. This is a free* family fun event. *$5 donation (or whatever you can spare) suggested.
Saturday Night VIBES | Portland Media Center | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Boston’s Peter Lio headlines. Peter is one of Boston’s fastest rising comics. His comedy is sharp and insightful. Peter has been featured on Amazon Prime, the New York Comedy Festival, and was a semi-finalist at the Boston Comedy Festival, Massachusetts’ Funniest Contest, Last ComiX Standing and the New England’s Funniest Comic Contest. Tickets here.
I Could Just Diary | Geno’s Rock Club | 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Join Cherry Lemonade, Bunny Wonderland and a colorful cast of locals for a night of knee-slapping secondhand embarrassment as grown-ass adults read excerpts from their teenage diaries! A portion of the door proceeds will be donated to the teen shelter at Preble Sreet! Laugh along to their delicious teen angst for a good cause! Cash only venue.
FLASKDance! | Flask Lounge | 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Ain’t no party like a DJ Cougar party! For January this year some of Portland’s best DJs have really upped the talent at Flask Lounge for our monthly FlaskDance! Featured DJ sets include Tylord, Meech, Thiccboi Drewski, DJ Cougar. Ain’t nothing but a dance party all night long, you won’t want to miss! Dance out those winter blues.
Sunday the 29th
Kid Flicks 2 | SPACE Gallery | 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM (Happening Saturday Additionally)
Presented in partnership with New York International Children’s Film Festival! Deep and daring films for ages 8-13 in English or with English subtitles, Kid Flicks Two is full of journeys big and small, from a young artist’s river-bound trek to school and a passerby’s neighborhood stroll to the search for a loving home and or the path to understanding between friends. Tickets here.
Sweet Goats and Blueberry Señoritas | Portland Stage | 2:00 PM (Multiple Dates + Times)
Portland Stage Co.’s January + February play! Synopsis: Beatriz, a Cuban American baker in Maine, tries to figure out whether she should stay with the community she’s developed, or reunite with her estranged mother in Miami. Along the way, Beatriz explores what it means to belong as she cooks up the recipes of her childhood with the raw ingredients of Maine. This is a Maine Made Play commissioned by Portland Stage. Tickets here.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.