Hold on tight, it’s quite a weekend ahead! Maybe it’s early spring fever brought on by too much snow but the weekend ahead in Portland is looking pretty packed full of events, shows, live music, performances and more.
This weekend the tastiest annual event makes its way back into town for its 15th year, Three of Strong goes all out for a good cause, Indigo Arts Alliance gives us a beat, and the women of Maine dip into Women’s History Month. Check it all out.
Please be advised that there is a big storm headed to the area Friday night into Saturday. Events are subject to change and cancellations. Please be sure to check before you go!
Here’s the Weekend Guide for Friday, March 3rd – Sunday, March 5th, 2023
Friday the 3rd
Maine Restaurant Week 2023 | Across the State – Portland, Maine | March 1st – March 12th
The tastiest week of the year kicks-off in March! Maine Restaurant Week will run until March 12th. Participating restaurants will include special offers and dishes, and some will have even have three-course menus as in years past. A way to celebrate and support locally and independently owned restaurants during the slower off-season months. Since its inception, Maine Restaurant Week has grown to become one of Maine’s most anticipated annual events with this year featuring more than 50 participating restaurants across the state and throughout Portland. Participating restaurants include Sur Lie, ViA VECCHiA, Broken Arrow, Batson River, and more!
Read more about Maine Restaurant Week in Portland Old Port’s “The Dish on Maine Restaurant Week:Participating Restaurants and Events”
Afrorriqueña Musical Performance | Portland Museum of Art | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Groundbreaking cuatro virtuoso Fabiola Méndez presents the music from her latest album “Afrorriqueña”, paying tribute to the African influences in Puerto Rican culture and figures like the Jíbaro, farmers who were iconic symbols of traditional Puerto Rican country life and drove many populist political and artistic movements. With the Puerto Rican cuatro (5-double string traditional guitar) as a protagonist, Méndez and her trio take the listener on a journey through various styles of Afro-Caribbean genres with a hint of jazz, inspiring feelings of pride, beauty, and love for our rich cultures.
All Out Purple: A Community Spirits Kickoff Event | Three of Strong | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Come help Three of Strong Spirits celebrate their March Community Spirits Partner partner, Best Buddies in Maine! They will be going “All Out Purple” to raise awareness for BBME’s mission of inclusion for people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Doors open at 6:00pm, and they’ll be rocking out to the best ‘purple-themed’ music from 7:00-9:00pm. $2 from every cocktail special will be donated to this amazing organization all month. Special N/A sips available as well!
Freestyle Friday | Indigo Arts Alliance | 6:00 PM
Curated by Signature Soul and community friends, Freestyle Friday is presented as a part of the Parable Path Maine Initiative. Participants are invited to engage in freestyle exercises and interactive materials that will help expand on the concept of “change” based on the chapters in Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower. You are welcome to rap, sing, dance, DJ, play instruments, create art, or just catch a vibe during a session. No registration necessary.
Afro Beats Workshop with Veeva Banga | Casco Bay Movers | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
This class will be beginner-level. Come enjoy a fun, slow-paced routine with a brief warm-up and then go into a detailed breakdown of the choreography. Presented by Veeva Banga a dance instructor based in Portland, Maine. She specializes in Afro Beats and Hip Hop. Veeva teaches for Portland Public Schools and local dance studios in Portland. She’s a South Sudanese native dedicated to sharing dance. Pre-registration is mandatory. Sign up.
Saturday the 4th
Live Music with Stealing Sunday | The Porthole | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Stealing Sunday is a rock/pop band playing an eclectic mix of songs from the 1950’s to today’s hits. They love music and like to have fun while providing a positive atmosphere and musical experience for their audience. Performing live at The Porthole.
Comedy Night | Stroudwater Distillery | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Kick your weekend off with dinner, drinks and comedy by grabbing tickets for an awesome comedy show at Stroudwater Distillery! Produced by the River Comics, Stroudwater Distillery will have their kitchen open with food available during the show. Full bar open for cocktails, Stroudwater spirits, beer, wine and N.A. options. Limited ticket availability at the door. Tickets.
Smoke & Mojo with This or Better | The Dogfish Bar and Grille | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
CANCELLED AND RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL 22ND DUE TO SNOW
The Dogfish Bar and Grille will be opening their temporarily closed doors for another concert series featuring local bands Smoke & Mojo and This Or Better. The bar will be open for service and there will be food available. Doors open at 6pm so come on by to see some familiar faces and enjoy some great music.
Sarah Tonin Overload | Geno’s Rock Club | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
CANCELLED AND RESCHEDULE FOR MAY 13TH.
It’s Here! Pisces season is here! Get in your feelings and celebrate with Pisces birthday girls, Sarah Tonin and Moxie Sazerac. Your favorite Pisces princesses will guide you through the night of your life! With performances from: GiGi Gabor, Cherry Lemonade, Kitty Caboose, Raya Sunshine, Thorn, Heathen, Spreada LaJoy, and Bunny Wonderland, and help from the wonderful stage kitten Salsa. They hope to make you cry happy tears that will carry you all the way to spring! 21+ only. Cash only.
Sunday the 5th
3rd Annual International Women’s Day Celebration + Ocean Dip | Willard Beach | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
RESCHEDULED FROM SATURDAY TO SUNDAY DUE TO STORM.
Presented by Two Maine Mermaids, this is a cold water ocean dip to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Together you’ll unify head hand-in-hand to walk boldly into the icy ocean for a massive cold water dip. This year, to make a bold statement of support for women, TMM has a lofty goal – to cover Willard Beach’s 2,100 feet of shoreline and walk hand-in-hand into the water. Sign up.
Mike Stackhouse | Fore River Brewing Co. | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Live music with Mike Stackhouse at Fore River Brewing Co.! A native Mainer, Mike is a natural singer, songwriter and storyteller. You may recognize his CD “Big Ol’ Maine Heart”, which came out in February in 2020.
King Pong Presents “Maine Magic” | Mayo Street Arts | 3:30 PM (Repeat Saturday)
King Pong (aka Michael Trautman) hosts an all-magic variety show, featuring Leland Faulkner, Andrew Silver, Phil Smith & Peter Boie. Maine is the home base for many nationally and internationally known magicians, and Maine Magic will be your chance to see some of your favorite performers in this exciting show. If you love magic, prepare to be amazed by these talented artists as they manipulate cards, coins, eyeglasses, your mind, and of course, ping-pong balls! Saturday’s show is recommended for ages 13 and up, and Sunday afternoon is all ages family-friendly! Tickets.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.
