This weekend is all about celebrating Independence Day with flair, starting on Thursday with holiday celebrations, fireworks, and more!
The 4th of July Holiday Weekend Guide gets the party started early Thursday with dazzling fireworks displays and celebrations. As the weekend continues to unfold, prepare for an array of live music events that will keep the rhythm going. Explore the soulful sounds of local bands at Portland Lobster Co., groove to the beats of Salsa Night at Blue Lobster Urban Winery, and unwind with the acoustic melodies of Lincoln Meyers at Maine Craft Distilling on Sunday.
Here’s The Weekend Guide for Thursday, July 4th – Sunday, July 7th, 2024
Thursday the 4th
Fireworks Display | Eastern Promeande | 7:00 PM Music + 9:15 PM Fireworks
Celebrate the 4th of July at Portland’s Eastern Promenade with a spectacular fireworks display! This year, the festivities kick off at 7 PM with a rousing performance by the Casco Bay Wind Symphony. Enjoy a delightful mix of patriotic anthems, popular hits, and symphonic classics that set a perfect tone for the evening. Prepare to be dazzled by a breathtaking fireworks show starting at 9:15 PM. Grab your friends and family, pack a picnic, and join the community for an unforgettable night of music, celebration, and pyrotechnics. Free to attend!
City of Portland 4th of July Fireworks Information and Street Closures.
4th of July Celebration | Bug Light Park | 6:00 PM Start
If you’d prefer to watch from across the way then head on over to Bug Light Park for a fantastic vantage point of Portland’s 4th of July fireworks display. Starting the festivities at 6 PM, the Downeast Brass Band will fill the air with lively tunes until 8 PM. Enjoy an array of yard games that are sure to entertain the entire family. Plus, with a variety of food trucks on-site, you can indulge in delicious dinner options while soaking in the festive atmosphere. Free to attend!
Community Paddle for SUP Paddlers | Portland Paddle | 7:30 AM
Rise and shine for a refreshing morning paddle with Portland Paddle! Join their Community Paddle for SUP enthusiasts every Thursday from June to August, 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM at East End Beach. It’s free for members and those with their own boards, or just $25 to rent a SUP. Arrive early to ensure a prompt launch and enjoy an hour of paddling on Casco Bay. Reservations are required for rentals, but not if you have your own SUP. Check their Facebook Page for weather updates and get ready for an invigorating start to your day!
Deck Dance Party with DJ Father Tish at The Porthole | The Porthole | 6:00 PM
It’s a sizzling summer party! Celebrate the 4th of July with an epic Deck Dance Party! Starting at 6 PM, DJ Father Tish will be spinning his famous reggae beats, spreading the vibrant sounds of Jamaica. Join the crowd on the deck, enjoy the fantastic waterfront views fireworks display, and dance the night away.
The Few – July 4th Special | Casablanca Cruises | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
You and your whole family watching the fireworks on a sunset concert cruise for the 4th of July? Immediately YES. Join Casablanca Cruises for a spectacular July 4th celebration aboard their sunset concert cruise featuring The Few! Gather your whole family for an unforgettable evening watching fireworks against the stunning backdrop of the sky. It’s an all-ages event, promising fun and music that will make this Independence Day truly special. Tickets.
Friday the 5th
David Jacquet | Wilson County Barbecue | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Keep the excitement of the July 4th holiday going with a visit to Wilson County Barbecue for live music with Dave Jacquet. Experience the soulful sounds and lyrical insights of Dave Jacquet, a wise and talented musician. As part of Uke’n’Smile, Dave brings his mastery of ukulele, guitar, and vocals to create a memorable evening of live music. Bring your song requests and appetite for delicious food!
Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in A Play” | Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Multiple Dates + Times through July 28th)
An enchanting theatrical experience! Now through July 28, 2024, witness the dynamic duo in “Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!’” as they explore the joys and challenges of friendship through a series of whimsical adventures. Watch as they navigate through melting ice cream cones, broken toys, and the true essence of being best friends. This interactive play promises plenty of audience engagement and even invites you to join in singing classics like “Banana!” Inspired by Mo Willems’ beloved books, this production reminds us that every day is a chance to play and create together. Get your tickets and embark on this playful journey with Elephant & Piggie! Tickets.
The Smith Collaboration | Portland Lobster Company | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Who’s ready for another a summer evening spent out on the deck at Portland Lobster Co.!? This time, add in the soulful melodies and rocking beats of The Smith Collaboration, a dynamic four-piece band hailing from Central Maine! Since their formation in 2018, they’ve been captivating audiences with their unique blend of upbeat rock, blues, and R&B/soul classics. Set against the scenic waterfront, Portland Lobster Co. provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of lively music and delicious seafood.
Salsa Night with Danza Latina | Blue Lobster Urban Winery | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Spice up your First Friday at Blue Lobster Urban Winery’s newly opened space with Salsa Night featuring Danza Latina! Join for an energetic evening starting at 7 PM with a beginner Salsa lesson, perfect for those new to the dance or looking to brush up their skills. Afterward, at 8 PM, the dance floor heats up with a Latin Dance Party featuring a mix of Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and Kizomba until closing time. Perfect for seasoned dancers or those just starting out! Cover charges are $15 for both the lesson and dance party, or $10 for the dance party alone after 9 PM. It’s an 18+ event to dance and 21+ to enjoy the winery’s offerings.
Saturday the 6th
Tarot & Herbal Elixirs New Moon in Cancer | Botanically Curious | 6:00 PM
Join Lunalux Botanicals and Botanically Curious for a magical evening celebrating the New Moon in Cancer! Dive into the mystical realm with Cass Haze, the herbalist and tarot reader behind Lunalux Botanicals. Begin with a fascinating discussion on harnessing the energy of the New Moon and the astrological sign Cancer. Explore the herbs selected for their energetic correspondences and health benefits, designed to enhance your lunar rituals. Sip on herbal elixirs infused with intention as you participate in a tarot card pull and reading, guiding you through the upcoming lunar cycle. Cass Haze, a passionate advocate for turning self-care into meaningful rituals, brings her expertise in herbalism, astrology, and tarot to enrich your spiritual journey. Tickets.
NOFUN, Gumparker, Skymall | The Apohadion Theater | 8:00 PM Doors
Get ready to rock out at a good ol’ fashioned show featuring NOFUN, Gumparker, and Skymall! Join at The Apohadion Theater for a night of high-energy music where the doors open at 8 PM and the music kicks off at 8:30 PM. Expect a lively atmosphere filled with rock and roll vibes, and who knows—there might even be hotdogs! Don’t miss this chance to catch these bands live and experience the thrill of live music at its best.
Fifth Maine Museum Art Walk | Peaks Island | 10:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Embark on a creative journey at the Fifth Maine Museum’s first ART WALK of the season on Peaks Island! Explore the island’s vibrant artistic community by visiting local artists in their home studios. From paintings to stained glass, fiber arts to handmade body products, jewelry to baskets, and much more—you’ll discover a wide array of artistic expressions. This free event promises a day filled with artistic inspiration and unique discoveries. Pick up an ART WALK map at the Fifth Maine Museum to guide your exploration and ensure you don’t miss any of the incredible talent that Peaks Island has to offer. Map can be viewed here.
Priscilla Block | Aura | 8:00 PM Doors
Sunday the 7th
Son of the East w/ Ben Goldsmith | PHOME | 8:00 PM
Don’t miss out on an unforgettable evening at Portland House of Music featuring Sons of the East with Ben Goldsmith! Hailing as premier songwriters and a captivating live act, Sons Of The East have forged a remarkable path as independent artists. Their debut album, “Palomar Parade,” has amassed over 60 million streams and their performances at iconic venues like O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London and the Troubadour in LA have sold out. Sons Of The East continue to defy genre boundaries with their indie folk sound. Known for their infectious energy and rich vocal harmonies, their music promises an atmosphere of euphoria that’s impossible to resist. Tickets.
Lincoln Meyers | Maine Craft Distilling | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Looking for a memorable night out? Head over to Maine Craft Distilling for live music with award-winning guitarist Lincoln Meyers from 3-5 PM! With decades of experience on the New England music scene and a diverse background performing with renowned artists, Lincoln will deliver an afternoon of exceptional tunes. Don’t miss this opportunity to end 4th of July weekend on a high note – with great drinks and and great music!
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.