Happy 4th of July, Portland! What many may consider the real kickoff to the summer season, the 4th of July weekend is finally here and with it brings celebrations filled with American cheer (and probably lots of local beer). Looking at the long weekend ahead, there’s a sunrise meditation session that will help you find your center for when those cookouts and parties begin, a booze cruise that’s cryin’ out for all music lovers to come aboard, and of course the firework display on the Eastern Promenade that is sure to enthrall and dazzle the whole city! Check it all out!
Here’s the Weekend Guide for Friday, July 1st – Monday, July 4th, 2022!
Friday the 1st
Coffee & Coloring | Congress Square Park | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
A morning of coloring and coffee! Anyone who wishes to join will be given a coloring book to color in the company of others in the park. The coloring book made by Josie Colt and Myles Bullen is titled “What Can I Do To Feel Better” and features twenty pages of illustrations and a poem of suggested mindfulness activities. Come explore the benefits of art therapy and group activity! Come color, daydream, connect and enjoy the morning! Open to all ages!
Deer Den Presents: Free Your MInd | Free Street | 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
The mad brains at Deer Den Radio bring you Free Your Mind, a bass music event following First Friday’s Art Walk! Continue the adventure into the evening with great music from DJs/Producers from all-over, accompanied by a varied selection of mixed-medium art vendors, next-level lighting and stage design including lasers, and 3D projection mapping, along with a fully built stage set up. A spectacle to behold! $10 cover.
Magic Bus – A Who Tribute Band | The Porthole | 7:00PM -11:00 PM
Magic Bus captures the sound and feel of The Who. They will take you on a tour of the rock band’s discography, covering songs from “My Generation” to “Who Are You.” They also perform select songs from the rock operas “Tommy” and “Quadrophenia.”
Saturday the 2nd
Silent Sunrise Meditations | East End Beach | 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Join Kaneel for a soothing morning practice where you will experience the gradual shift from dark to light and bathe in the first moments of the summer sun. During each practice, you will come together in silence, just before the sun arrives, using the walk along the beach to slowly awaken the senses and notice your relationship to the land and elements. You will then branch off, finding a unique spot that calls to each of us, where you’ll sit and observe the movement and stillness of the land as you take in the panorama of the sun rising over Casco Bay. As the sun illuminates the beach, Davinica will lead a group sharing circle, where your first words of the day will be full of gratitude, acceptance, and community. Sign up here.
Sean Mencher & The Hedgehogs | Jones Landing| 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Come listen to live western swing guitar/ rockabilly music provided by Sean Mencher and The Hedgehogs at the newly renovated open-air Jones Landing on Peaks Island. Take the Ferry out to Peaks Island and enjoy the waterfront deck’s stunning views just steps off the boat. Order ice cold beers, wines and island cocktails all evening long to enjoy at the bar, covered deck, or in the sunshine on the oceanside lawn.
Susan Esthera | Citrus | 9:00 PM
Growing up just outside of Boston, Susan was surrounded by the sounds of disco, freestyle, and hip hop which ended up being the foundation to her passion for dance music. Known to play trance, hard house, and even drum & bass, in the early 2000s Susan began DJ’ing at various nightclubs in the Boston area until she was hired as the resident DJ to noteworthy venues such as Avalon, Axis, and Embassy. From 2003-2007 She was seen spinning up to 5 times per week and had won many “Best of Boston” awards. $10 cover.
Vinyl Tap | Portland Lobster Co. | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The members of Vinyl Tap have a combined 40+ years of experience in and around the New England music scene playing different events including weddings, corporate events, parties, and more with a variety of musical stylings. You may have seen them in various bands throughout the years opening for acts like Warren Haynes (The Allman Brothers), John Popper (Blues Traveller), Smash Mouth, Big & Rich, Miranda Lambert, Greg Rzab (Buddy Guy’s band/The Black Crowes), Hall n’ Oates, Tommy Stinson, The Bacon Brothers (Kevin Bacon), and more! On any given night you can expect to hear music by Hall n’ Oates, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Johnny Cash, Bruno Mars, The Beatles, and more!
Port Gorges | Maine Craft Distilling | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Port Gorges is a Southern Maine based music group that draws on rock, funk, soul, punk, and ska influences. The blend of styles is delivered to audiences throughout their energetic show, and is sure to make everybody move!
Sunday the 3rd
Lobster Demonstration Tour | Rocky Bottom Fisheries | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM (Multiple Dates + Times Available)
Experience a day in the life of a Maine lobsterman/woman! Rocky Bottom Fisheries will haul and set lobster traps alongside beautiful landmarks and sea life. This fun and interactive environment offers an experience to feel like a Maine lobsterman/woman and grasp the concept of the lobster fishery. Kid friendly. Tickets here.
Cryin’ Out Loud Concert Cruise | Casablanca Cruises | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Cryin’ Out Loud is a super fun, high energy band that does a lot of up-beat blues and plenty of “classic rock”! 21+ event! Tickets here.
Stars & Stripes Forever | Blackstones | 9:00 PM
Danielle Dior is popping up at Blackstones! She will be joined by the dazzling Ophelia Johnson and the reigning Miss Blackstones GiGi Gabor, for the only entertainment you’ll need this Independence Day weekend! A dance party will follow this pop-up event. 21+, ID required, and always cover-free.
East End Vend | Belleflower Brewing Co. | 12:00 PM – 4:00 pM
East End Vend is Portland’s open-air market with even more crafts, food + farms to explore! Offering a wide variety of art, craft, and other Maine products in a laid-back and community neighborhood setting, this weekend the market will be popping up Belleflower Brewing Co., a family-owned, small-batch craft brewery offering thoughtful beer brewed with local ingredients.
American Ride | The Porthole | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
The members of American Ride have been on the smallest of stages to the largest Arena stages, and they bring a collective 120+ years of showmanship and touring experience with them each and every time they step on stage! At an American Ride show you will hear them cover music from artists like Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown, Jason Aldean, Eric Church, The Doobie Brothers, The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and many more…
Monday the 4th
Fort Gorges Sea Kayaking Tour | Portland Paddle | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Multiple Dates + Times Available)
The mid-19th-century granite fort known as Fort Gorges is one of the most fascinating spots in Casco Bay, and it’s only accessible by small boat. This three-hour trip through Portland Paddle is the best way to combine the experience of sea kayaking on the Maine coast with exploring one of the region’s most exciting historic landmarks. Tickets here.
4th of July Fireworks | Eastern Promeande | 9:15 PM
The City of Portland will host a fireworks display on Monday, July 4th in its usual spot on the Eastern Promenade, with fireworks set to go off at approximately 9:15 PM! Fireworks will be launched from the East End Trail. The rain date is scheduled for Tuesday, July 5. For more information on parking and street closures head here.
OC and the Offbeats | Portland Lobster Co. | 12:30 PM – 3:30 pM
Dubbed “New England’s Fun Machine”, OC and the Offbeats has had the pleasure of playing at events, restaurants, and music halls across New England since 2015. Armed with one of the tightest rhythm sections around, along with the infectious sound of horns and three part harmonies, this rock group brings a new brand of blues and soul to the city.
Funky Monday with Gina & The Red-Eye Flight Crew | Portland House of Music and Events | 8:30 PM
When Boston-based vocalist Gina Alibrio moved to Portland, Maine, she joined forces with members of Rustic Overtones, Jaw Gems, Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds and Model Airplane to form “Gina And The Red Eye Flight Crew.” The energetic nine-piece collective tackles originals with a flair for the funky and seasoned professionalism. Their catalogue draws from a list of Pop, Soul, and R&B favorites that may surprise you, but most certainly will make you move. Tickets here.
Independence Tea Dance with DJ Ben Spalding | Cocktail Mary | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Join Cocktail Mary for an Independence Tea Dance party With DJ Ben Spalding! Cocktail Mary is your friendly, neighborhood cocktail bar in the east end offering a modern twist on traditional favorites, local beer and cider, natural wines and soft beverages!
For 4th of July fireworks information (including pre + post-events) head here. For more events, head to our full Events Calendar here.