Marching right into another action-packed weekend in Portland, Maine! From tantalizing beer dinners to side-splitting comedy shows and soulful live performances, this weekend’s lineup is bursting with excitement.
Explore the vibrant culinary scene with Maine Restaurant Week, indulge in laughter at the Ladies Night Comedy Show, or sway to the beats at the Forest City Dance Party. Plus, don’t miss out on unique experiences like Therapy Dog Yoga Sessions and the Art for Good First Friday Art Exhibit. Grabs your family and your friends…endless fun awaits!
Here’s The Weekend Guide for Friday, March 1st – Sunday, March 3rd 2024
Friday the 1st
Art for Good | Toad & Co. | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
An inspiring evening at Art for Good! Hosted at Toad & Co.’s Portland store, this First Friday Art Exhibit is a collaboration between Toad & Co., Double House Arts Collective, Best Buddies Maine, and The Art Department. Join to celebrate the disability community and its talented artists while mingling with local creators. Art pieces will be on display and available for purchase throughout March. Plus, enjoy delicious snacks and drinks provided by Orange Bike Brewing and Bite into Maine. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support local art and connect with your community!
Maine Restaurant Week | Portland, Maine – Multiple Locations | Ends March 12th
Maine Restaurant Week (MRW) kicks off this weekend, offering a delectable journey through Portland’s vibrant food scene. Founded in 2009 to support local eateries during the winter lull, MRW has become a beloved tradition. Explore a diverse array of culinary delights as participating restaurants showcase their finest offerings. The chance to savor special prix-fixe menus and support the Preble Street community while indulging in a culinary adventure.
Participating restaurants include Sur Lie, Batson River Brewing & Distilling, Henry’s Public House, The Knotted Apron, Luke’s Lobster Portland Pier, Paper Tiger, Papi and more.
Organically Good Trio ft. members of Slightly Stoopid, John Brown’s Body | Bayside Bowl | 8:00 PM
Get ready for a night of soulful rhythms and infectious grooves with the Organically Good Trio! Hailing from Boston, this Hammond organ trio brings a unique reggae spin to the stage. Led by Slightly Stoopid keyboard player Paul Wolstencroft, the band infuses elements of reggae, soul, and boogaloo into their music, creating a fresh sound in the reggae scene. With influences from Jamaican organ legend Jackie Mittoo and classic boogaloo albums of the late 60s, the trio delivers a dynamic performance that’s not to be missed. Tommy Benedetti of John Brown’s Body on drums and Van Gordon Martin of Dub Apocalypse on guitar round out the lineup, ensuring a night of unforgettable music. Tickets.
Saturday the 2nd
Sparkle and Soul – Mental Health Charity Event | Maine Studio Works | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Maine Women’s Cannabis Connection is bringing art, community, and a touch of springtime “buds” together in support of Maine-based mental health nonprofits. Dive into a day of creativity and connection at Maine Studio Works as you meet local artisans, engage in discussions on mental health, and contribute to the community mural. From T-shirt making to canvas painting, charity raffles to art auctions, there’s something for everyone. Plus, indulge in delicious tacos and unwind with an optional yoga class. Tickets.
Bianca Del Rio Dead Inside Comedy Tour | State Theatre | 8:00 PM
Everyone’s favorite “clown in a gown”, Bianca Del Rio, is returning to the stage with a new comedy show, aptly titled “Dead Inside”. This will be the seasoned comic’s sixth, worldwide stand-up comedy tour. Bianca will be entertaining the masses with her iconic lightning-fast wit and razor-sharp tongue. Her new show will cover politics, pop culture, political correctness, current events, cancel culture, and everyday life through the eyes of someone who’s “dead inside” and finds humor in everything. As with all of her shows, there will be lots of audience interaction. When the “Joan Rivers of the Drag World” has a microphone in her hands, no one is safe! Tickets.
Funkationland Night 2- A Night of Horn-Powered Funk in Portland! | One Longfellow Square | 8:00 PM
Warm up your soul as Funkationland, a dynamic ensemble of 12 of Maine’s top musicians, brings the house down at One Longfellow Square with their electrifying horn-driven funk. With influences ranging from Tower of Power to Stevie Wonder, this powerhouse performance promises an evening of soulful sounds. Featuring a lineup of six talented horn players and a rhythm section that knows how to lay down the groove, Funkationland guarantees to fill every corner of the venue with infectious energy. Tickets.
A Forest City Dance Party | Woodfords Club | 6:30 PM Doors
Groove the night away at the Forest City Dance Party with the Rockingham Groove! This 15-piece Soul, Funk, and R&B Dance Orchestra will have you on your feet from start to finish with their high-energy tunes spanning over six decades. From Aretha to Stevie, Amy to Elvis, and J Geils to the Kinks, they bring the big-brassy, knee-knocking, hip-swinging grooves like no other. Doors open at 6:30, with a free dance lesson at 7:00, so dust off your slickest duds and get ready for a night of unforgettable music and dancing with the seacoast’s premier dance band! Tickets.
Ladies Night Comedy Show | Empire Comedy Club | 7:00 PM
Get ready for non-stop laughs at the Ladies Night Comedy Show, featuring hilarious performances by Rachel Gendron, Michelle Lisi, Sarah Mather, Cindiana Jones, and Ann-Marie Keene, all topped off by the incomparable Sue Costello. It’s the ultimate girls’ night out, where the comedy is top-notch and the fun never ends! Join Empire Comedy Club in celebrating Women’s History Month with this fantastic lineup of talented female comedians. Tickets.
Sunday the 3rd
Cocktail Remix | Three of Strong Spirits | 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Step out of your winter cocoon and mix up your Sunday schedule to join in on the fun as 2023 James Beard Semi-Finalist, Sur Lie, takes over Three of Strong Spirits’ bar for one night only. A night of tantalizing cocktail remixes, savory bites by Ironclad Eats, and vibrant beats spun by DJ B. Aull. With just a $5 admission fee at the door, it’s an affordable escape from the winter doldrums. Plus, you’ll be supporting a great cause as a portion of the proceeds will benefit ToSS’ March #CommunitySpirits partner, Indigo Arts Alliance.
A Beer Dinner with Bissell Brothers | Thistle & Grouse | 6:00 PM
Indulge in a delectable 5-course Bissell Brothers Beer Dinner at Thistle & Grouse! This culinary journey pairs Chef’s Farmers Market-inspired passed appetizers with the refreshing Dbl Lux Mosaic IPA. Savor dishes like Heirloom Carrot “Tartare” alongside the Omniflora Saison with Maine Honey, followed by Maine Grains Wheatberry Risotto and the Chance Tripel. The culinary experience continues with Roasted Tide Mill Farm Chicken Breast paired with the Reciprocal brew, ending on a sweet note with Chocolate Torte and Revival. This event, led by Chef Bobby and Nate from Bissell Brothers Brewery, promises to showcase seasonal Maine ingredients in every bite and sip. Please note that the dinner takes place upstairs, accessible only via stairs, and reservations are required. Reserve.
Therapy Dog Yoga | SerenityME | 11:00 AM
Unwind and find inner peace with Therapy Dog Yoga Sessions, where gentle yoga meets canine cuddles and unconditional love! Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, this 45-minute class welcomes all levels in a supportive environment. With 1 or 2 therapy dogs per class and a maximum of 10 participants, there’s ample opportunity for stretching, snuggling, and spreading joy. After class, enjoy 15 minutes of extra snuggle time and photo opportunities with the pups! These remarkable therapy dogs, known for their selflessness and affection, bring comfort and happiness to various settings, including yoga classes. Sign-up.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.