TGIF? More like Thank God It’s (almost…so close) Spring! Sunday, March 20th marks the first official day of spring but Portland is celebrating early with a bunch of events that are sure to kick off what is to be a busy spring/summer event season. In addition, if you’re crying over missing out on St. Patrick’s Day (responsibilities, you win again!) some spots will be keeping the party going this Saturday. ☘️
Here’s the Portland Old Port Weekend Guide for all that’s happening March 18th – 20th, 2022 including a visit from SNL’s John Mulaney, live music galore, continued St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, a fundraiser to benefit Ukraine, and so much more.
Friday the 18th
John Mulaney: From Scratch | Cross Insurance Arena | 10: 00 PM
Two-time Emmy and WGA award-winning writer, actor, and comedian, John Mulaney is coming to Portland! As seen on SNL as recently as this February 2022, John Mulaney began writing for SNL in 2008 and created memorable characters such as ‘Stefon’ with Bill Hader and appeared as a “Weekend Update” correspondent. He has written for IFC’s Documentary Now! and Netflix’s Big Mouth, on which he voices the character of Andrew. In addition, he has also starred on Broadway in the runaway hit written and performed alongside Nick Kroll in Oh, Hello On Broadway. Tickets here.
John Cameron Mitchell – The Origin of Love: Songs & Stories of Hedwig | State Theatre | 6:00 PM
Tony Award-winning, Golden Globe-nominated co-creator, star, and director of Hedwig and the Angry Inch John, Cameron Mitchell regales like no other with his production, “THE ORIGIN OF LOVE: The Songs and Stories of Hedwig.” Part cabaret, part confessional, and always big, bold and brash – in this multi-media concert Mitchell entertains theater-goers with his songs and stories of living with Hedwig for more than 20 years. Tickets here.
Yellow Ledvedder – A Tribute to Pearl Jam + Loud Love + Soundgarden | Portland House of Music | 7:00 PM
New England’s Pearl Jam tribute band hits the stage at the Portland House of Music. Doors open at 7 PM, music starts at 8 PM. Tickets here.
Bearly Dead | Free Street | 8:00 PM
Bearly Dead is coming back to Portland!! A night of Grateful Dead music at Free Street. Doors open 8:00 PM, show Start 9:15 PM. Tickets here.
Friction Friday | Flask Lounge | 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Friction Friday is Portland, Maine’s Premier BASS music monthly. If you are a fan of Jungle, Drum & Bass, Dubstep or Garage then this is the Friday night for you! Good Vibes great drinks and BIG BASS every third Friday.
Saturday the 19th
Homeboy Sandman LIVE| Gritty’s | 9:00 PM
New York rapper Homeboy Sandman will be performing live at Gritty’s on Saturday. Don’t miss an exclusive performance from this award-winning artist, who has been seen at some of the biggest hip hop shows in the country including South by Southwest, the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival, Rock the Bells hip hop festival, and more.
Kegs & Eggs: St. Paddy’s Day | Stroudwater Distillery | 11:00 AM
For all of you that had to work this Thursday and are saving your St. Patrick’s celebrations for the weekend, head on over to Thompson’s Point to party all day long at Stroudwater Distillery. Live music, Irish Brunch & Draft specials! The festivities begin at 11 with brunch and continued all day. Corn hole, holiday drink deals & live Irish music with Jim Brady.
St. Patty’s Weekend Party | The Yard | 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
The St. Patrick’s Day party continues! Start the afternoon with Ross Adam, an electric one-man band, that kills it on the bagpipes and fiddle (5-8:30 PM). The night also includes a hip-hop fashion show by Upstylish LLC, and live performances by Percy P, Menyce, and ILLiJah. Live 90’s & 2000’s DJ Music from DJ Scott LaRoc. No cover charge.
Shop N’ Shuck Saturdays with Lady Shuckers | The Maker’s Galley | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
What better way to kick off the weekend than to eat oysters, drink champagne and hang out with friends at Portland’s coolest new marketplace!? Slurp down fresh Maine oysters provided by the Lady Shuckers– shucked right in front of you – plus cheap bubbles and local shopping. Still hungry? Sit down and enjoy the Maker’s Gallery Maine tapas menu and local wine and beer. Grab your friends and make an afternoon out of it in their sunlit, open air space. Call 207-536-1189 to reserve a table–or just stop by!
Creative Collective Market | Apres | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
✨a traveling market put on by local creatives ✨
Candle Handbuilding Workshop | Salt Yard | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Campfire Pottery is excited to announce that they will be teaching a hand-building candle workshop at Salt Yard Cafe in the Canopy Hotel. Each participant will learn a simple hand-building technique to create their own candle container while enjoying a delicious brunch served by the team at Salt Yard. (Salt Yard Café brunch cocktails, coffee, tea and snacks included in ticket price). Tickets here.
Pirate’s of Geno’s Live Band Burlesque | Geno’s Rock Club | 8:00 PM
Local burlesque performers of Portland have teamed up with the Shank Painters (a pirate-themed folk music trio based) to bring you naughty nautical nonsense. Pirates of Geno’s: The Quest for the Golden Booty is an evening of striptease and live music that will have you ready to hoist up your sails and swab the deck! Hosted by Portland Maine’s most lovable drag queen: Ophelia Johnson, Tickets here.
Gold Series: Volume I | SPACE | 8:00 PM
Gold Coast Labels presents a showcase of local hip-hop, afro-beat, and r&b, with performances by Sydney The Singer, Chrizi Jamer, Veeva Banga, King Drppy, and AF1 Shawty. Tickets here.
Sunday the 20th
Paul Simon Songbook | Merrill Auditorium | 2:30 PM
The Portland Symphony Orchestra explores the genre-defining artistry of one of the most acclaimed songwriters of the last several decades, Paul Simon. From his work with Simon and Garfunkel through his solo albums, experience gorgeous versions of beloved hits including “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard,” “The Sound of Silence,” “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” and “The Boxer.” Tickets here.
An Afternoon for Ukraine | Aura | 1:00 PM
In light of everything going on in Ukraine, Aura is hosting “An Afternoon for Ukraine”. There will be music from world-renowned pianists from across the globe, music teachers, talented students, and other local musicians. They will also have Ukrainian beverages and food where 100% of the proceeds will be donated to help our friends in Ukraine. Doors open at noon, show starts at 1 PM. Tickets here.
Yogathon 2022 | Virtual| 9:00 AM – 12:45 PM
Sea Change Yoga’s 4th Annual Yogathon fundraiser is an opportunity for people from across Maine and the globe to come together to relax, breathe, and care for ourselves and our community, all in support of the organization’s mission to bring the healing power of yoga and meditation to historically marginalized Maine communities. Will include virtual sessions of guided yoga, meditation, breath, and relaxation practices that are all accessible to everyone, from first timers to experienced yogis. Register here.
Noah Fishman Band | Maine Craft Distilling | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Rotating string band series with styles ranging from bluegrass to old-time to Scandinavian to Celtic!
There’s more! Head to our Events Calendar here for more.