If you’re seeking heart-pounding performances, enriching workshops, or community celebrations, this Weekend Guide is for you!
From heartfelt music nights honoring the one and only Johnny Cash to immersive workshops at Coffee By Design, the city has come alive with creativity and celebration. Delve into the vibrant spirit of International Women’s Day with The Two Maine Mermaids, or sip craft brews while crafting sea glass masterpieces at Goodfire Brewing Co. Whatever your interest, Portland offers a weekend brimming with possibilities.
Here’s The Weekend Guide for Friday, March 8th – Sunday, March 10th, 2024
Friday the 8th
Prom Night with Best Buddies | Three of Strong Spirts | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Dance the night away and make unforgettable memories at Prom Night with Best Buddies! Hosted by Best Buddies Maine, this event promises an evening filled with fantastic music, delicious tacos from Ironclad Eats, and the chance to mingle with amazing people. Join Mosart212 on the dance floor and support a great cause, as proceeds from the event go to Best Buddies Maine, an organization dedicated to ending the isolation of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Johnny Cash – The Official Concert Experience | Merrill Auditorium | 7:00 PM
Step into the world of the legendary “Man in Black”! Produced by the same team behind the beloved The Simon & Garfunkel Story, this immersive concert transports audiences through the life and music of Johnny Cash like never before. Featuring captivating video footage from The Johnny Cash TV Show projected above the stage, accompanied by a live band and singers, this experience offers a unique blend of visuals and live performances. From classic hits like “Folsom Prison Blues” to heartfelt anecdotes and stories of the people he championed, Cash’s spirit comes to life on stage. An unforgettable journey through the iconic songs and timeless tales of one of music’s greatest legends! Tickets.
Big Night Celebration | Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine | All Weekend 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Experience the magic of spring! An exciting celebration of nature’s wonders as the amphibians awaken and embark on their journey to vernal pools. Join the Children’s Museum & Theatre for special programming dedicated to exploring the fascinating life cycle of frogs and the significance of vernal pools in our ecosystem. Dive into interactive learning activities, hands-on exhibits, and engaging workshops designed to inspire curiosity and discovery. From meeting a frog up close to delving into educational adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Tickets.
Women in the Wild: A Film Event for International Women’s Day | Toad & Co. | 6:00 PM Doors
Celebrate International Women’s Day with an exhilarating showcase of woman-driven adventure and conservation films at Toad&Co in Portland! Hosted by Maine Outdoor Film Festival, this two-hour program features a curated selection of short films highlighting the remarkable achievements of women in outdoor recreation, conservation, creativity, and beyond. Immerse yourself in stories of courage, resilience, and passion as they honor the contemporary feats of women breaking boundaries in the great outdoors. Indulge in delicious local eats from Meet on the Street food truck and sip on hard seltzer, cider, beer, and wine available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Maine chapter of the Pink Boots Society—a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women in the beverage manufacturing profession. Tickets.
The Midnight Riders | The Thirsty Pig | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Get ready to rock with The Midnight Riders as they bring their Maine-inspired songs and stories to The Thirsty Pig. A night of southern Maine camaraderie as they celebrate the arrival of spring with tales of outlaws, pirates, whiskey, and more. The Midnight Riders, hailing from Knox & Waldo County, are a dynamic live band dedicated to Smugglers, Outlaws & Pirates. Their eclectic mix of Alternative Country, Soul, Roots, and Blues/Rock N Roll originals will have you dancing all night long. Drawing inspiration from the Drive-By Truckers, Steve Earle, and Maine’s own Mallett Brothers Band, they pay homage to the classic rockers of the 70s & 80s with a modern twist.
Yin & Yoga Kidney Mudras | The Portland Yoga Project | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Join Portland Yoga Project for a rejuvenating 90-minute Yin Yoga class focused on restoring balance to your spine and body. In this session, you’ll explore the full range of movements of the spine through a gentle yet deeply nourishing practice. Led by their experienced instructor, Kelly Voegelin, this class will incorporate the ancient practices of mudra, pranayama (breath control), meditation, and relaxation techniques to enhance your overall well-being. You’ll have the opportunity to release tension, increase flexibility, and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Sign-up.
Saturday the 9th
10 Year Anniversary Party | Foundation Brewing Co. | All Day
Celebrate a decade of Foundation Brewing Co. with an all-day bash featuring special throwback beer releases, exclusive commemorative merch, mouthwatering pizza, and live music. Don’t miss this milestone event as Foundation raises a glass to double digits and kick off another decade of crafting exceptional beer. Cheers to ten years of Foundation Brewing Co. and many more to come!
Art of Specialty Coffee Blending | Coffee By Design – Diamond St. | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Immerse yourself in the world of specialty coffee blending with Coffee By Design! This event offers an exciting opportunity to learn the secrets of crafting the perfect coffee blend from their expert roastery team. Dive into the nuances of coffee profiles, experiment with different beans, and unlock the art of creating your own unique blends during this hands-on experience. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or simply curious about the world of coffee blending, this event is tailored for you. Your ticket includes a hands-on blending tutorial with our roastery experts and a gift box to continue your exploration at home. Tickets.
Gabán & Venezuelan Strings Workshop | Mayo Street Arts | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
An engaging exploration into the rich musical traditions of Venezuela and beyond! Larry & Joe will delve into the intricacies of the two-chord gabán, a fundamental rhythmic structure of música llanera, while showcasing the percussive techniques used on string instruments to create the iconic joropo feel. Although the cuatro will be the primary instrument used for instruction, the lessons are applicable to other string instruments such as the banjo. Discover how Venezuelan musical cosmology draws inspiration from nature, with Larry sharing insights on the influence of birds like the gabán (great blue heron). A unique opportunity to experience the magic of Venezuelan and Appalachian folk music intertwined. Reserve.
Night 2: Go Big For Hunger: The GBFH All-Star Band Feat. Jon Fishman + MORE | PHOME | 8:00 PM
Join PHOME for a spectacular fundraising event, Go Big For Hunger, dedicated to combating childhood hunger in Maine. Founded by lifelong Mainer and passionate music enthusiast, Greg Martens, in 2016, Go Big For Hunger draws inspiration from John Lennon’s vision of a world without hunger. This grassroots initiative channels 100% of its proceeds to frontline feeding efforts through Maine-based Full Plates Full Potential. Night Two of this incredible event features The GBFH All-Star Band, headlined by none other than Jon Fishman, renowned drummer of Phish. Joining Fishman are an extraordinary lineup of musicians including Wally Ingram, John Kadlecik, Tom Constanten, and Melvin Seals. The night promises electrifying performances by Down East Dead, Darby Sabin & Friends, and Frank Bang 3, with special appearances by an array of talented guests. Tickets.
Emo Night | Aura | 9:00 PM Show
Get ready to relive the angst and energy of the early 2000s at Emo Night, happening at Aura! A nostalgic journey through the emo and pop-punk hits that defined a generation, embrace your inner emo kid as they spin your favorite tunes from bands like My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, Taking Back Sunday, and many more. Dust off your skinny jeans and band t-shirts and get ready to sing your heart out with fellow fans of the emo genre. Emo Night at Aura promises an unforgettable evening filled with raw emotion and infectious melodies. Tickets.
International Women’s Day Celebration + Ocean Dip | Willard Beach | 12:00 PM – RESCHEDULED FROM SUNDAY
RESCHEDULED FROM SUNDAY DUE TO HIGH WINDS
Join Two Maine Mermaids as they honor International Women’s Day (IWD)! IWD is a global initiative recognizing the remarkable achievements of women while advocating for gender equality. This celebration combines empowerment with a refreshing ocean dip, symbolizing resilience and unity. All are welcome to join in this empowering experience, as they gather to celebrate the strength, magic, and love of women. Together, they’ll brave the chilly waters of Willard Beach, hand in hand, aiming to cover 2,100 feet of coastline and make a bold statement of solidarity. Come together, raise awareness, and take action for a more inclusive world! Sign-up.
Sunday the 10th
Sea Glass Craft | Goodfire Brewing Co. | 3:00 PM – 4:30 pM
A creative evening at Goodfire Brewing Company’s inviting taproom with Sea Glass Craft! Join for a relaxing and enjoyable experience as local artist Kara guides you through crafting beautiful creations from sea glass. Unwind and let your creativity flow while enjoying the company of friends and delicious drinks. Each ticket includes one beer pour. No prior skills or experience are necessary, and you’ll walk away with 2-3 stunning sea glass canvases. A memorable evening of crafting and camaraderie. Tickets.
96th Oscars® Watch Evening | Rigby Yard | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Experience the glamour of Hollywood at Rigby Yard’s exclusive 96th Oscars® Watch Evening! Join for an unforgettable night as Rigby Yard watchs the Oscars® live on the big screen. Doors open at 4pm, and walk-ins are welcome, but for the ultimate VIP experience, reserve a table for 2-16 people online. Get ready to be dazzled and indulge in the glitz and glam of Hollywood’s biggest night!
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.