It’s time to gear up for another exciting weekend! This weekend, the hottest bike club is pedaling out for another excursion, the freshest dance spot is squeezing out the disco beats, the kid-friendliest museum is celebrating a milestone age, and the most edible tour is taste-testing the plants of the Eastern Promenade.
With so much happening, this weekend is destined to be a whirlwind of unforgettable experiences.
Here’s the Weekend Guide for Friday, May 19th – Sunday, May 21st, 2023
Friday the 19th
Children’s Theatre Centennial Celebration Weekend | Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine | All Weekend
Celebrating 100 Years of Children’s Theatre with a Centennial Celebration Weekend of theatre-focused events for adults, children, and their families! Celebrations continue into the weekend with a two-day festival of theatre-focused programming for children and families performed throughout the facility. Over a dozen original plays will debut written by local and national playwrights, young and old, and inspired by museum exhibits. Tickets.
Art in the Wake: Film Screening and Talkback | Hannaford Hall -USM | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Saturday Events FULL)
Screening the film: Descendant followed by post-film discussion among NMAAHC Archaeologist, Gabrielle Miller, NMAAHC Historian, Kate McMahon, filmmaker Margaret Brown, and descendants of The Clotilda. Screening is part of Indigo Arts Alliance’s symposium that brings together artists, curators, and historians from across the U.S. and around the world to engage in dialogue with members of the New England community. Helping people and communities better understand and grapple with the history and legacies of slavery and forced migration in their lives today, Art in the Wake provides a platform to discuss and enact how art can be integrated with other forms of research and knowledge-making. The symposium is free and open to the public. Tickets.
Fresh Pressed Friday’s w/ Last Minute Zach | Citrus | 10:00 PM – 1:00 AM
A veteran behind the decks with more than a decade of experience, Last Minute Zach will be taking over every third Friday of the month at Citrus. With deep cuts that will keep you on the dance floor, Last Minute Zach will be bringing his curation of music inspired by throw back classics of the past. Continuing to play the funky disco beats that he is known for with an added twist of playing open genres including disco, house, funk, hip, hop and beyond, Last Minute Zach will also be joined by some of his favorite local DJs!
Portland Bike Party | Woodfords Corner | 7:00 PM
“The Hottest Club in Portland”, Portland Bike Party is a monthly group slow ride complete with music, lights, candy, good cheer, and good folks that meets the 3rd Friday of every month in various locations around the city. This month’s location will take place in Woodfords Corner and will consist of a loop ride with a dance party half way. Meet at Edward Payson Park and bring front and rear lights!
Citizen Cope – Solo Acoustic | State Theatre | 7:30 PM
The one and only Citizen Cope will be taking stage at the State Theatre for an intimate solo acoustic experience! Citizen Cope, the talented artist behind hits like “Son’s Gonna Rise” and “Let the Drummer Kick,” will be performing all your favorite songs from his extensive catalog and some brand new tunes from his upcoming LP, “The Victory March.” Prepare to be blown away by his musical prowess and soulful vibes. Tickets.
NAWA Pro Wrestling Returns! | Geno’s Rock Club | 8:00 PM
North Atlantic Wrestling Association is bringing you an electrifying lineup of action-packed matches that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The main event features a tag team grudge match. The reigning North Atlantic Champion, “Big” Geno Bauer, teams up with Cousin Larry to take on the formidable duo of Flash Nick McKenna and Cocky Kyle. This is a clash of titans that promises to deliver an intense and hard-hitting showdown inside the wrestling ring. In a Ladies Matchup, Big Juicy steps into the squared circle to face off against Spitfire Jessie Nolan. Big Juicy has been on a winning streak ever since her debut, while Nolan is known for her cunning tactics and willingness to bend the rules to secure victory. Features a stacked lineup of other talented wrestlers, including Lee Miller + Mr. Robert Benson III, Dr. Heresy with Alexander Worthington III, Blade Bandit, CC Dunks, and more! The event is 21+. $10 cover. Cash only venue.
Saturday the 20th
Lindsey Bourassa Flamenco Student Showcase | Mayo Street Arts | 7:30 PM – 12:00 PM
Be swept away by the vibrant and passionate world of flamenco dance as the Maine flamenco dance community comes together for a dazzling celebration! A showcase of the hard work and talent of student dancers of all ages and levels. Over the past year, these dedicated dancers have been honing their skills, and now they’re ready to shine on stage. Get ready to witness their growth and progress as they present a captivating array of traditional and contemporary flamenco pieces. This event is not just a display of technical skill, but also a celebration of the deep passion and dedication that fuels the flamenco dance community in Maine. Let yourself be mesmerized by the artistry and energy of flamenco. Ole! Tickets.
50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Show with Ed O.G. + Termanology + Akrobatik with Stay on Mars | Bayside Bowl | 8:00 PM
Get ready to witness a celebration of Hip Hop’s rich history and incredible talent as Bayside Bowl brings together a lineup of legends that will blow you away! Prepare for an unforgettable night filled with incredible performances from hip-hop heavyweights Ed O.G., Termanology, Akrobatik, and special guest Stay On Mars. Ed O.G., a true icon in the game with a career spanning decades, has collaborated with legendary producers as well as worked alongside hip-hop legends. Known for his lyrical prowess and prolific mixtape releases, Termanology’s energy and skill on stage will have you vibing all night long. Joining the lineup is Akrobatik with his dynamic stage presence and thought-provoking lyrics. Not forgetting the special guest, Stay On Mars! A New England Hip Hop Artist and the organizer behind the Monday of the Minds Community Hip Hop Showcase. Tickets.
State Theatre Presents: Joe Henry | One Longfellow Square | 8:00 PM
In a career spanning more than 25 years, Joe Henry has left an indelible and unique imprint on American popular music. As a songwriter and artist, Henry is celebrated for his exploration of the human experience. A hyper-literate storyteller, by turns dark, devastating, and hopeful, he draws an author’s eye for the overlooked detail across a broad swath of American musical styles — rock, jazz and blues — rendering genre modifiers useless. Taking the stage to perform his intimate and highly emotional album, “All The Eye Can See”. Amazingly quiet and beautiful, and relaxed, with simple yet skillful tunes and touching lyrics, this album features 12 new and unforgettable songs, framed by an instrumental prelude and prologue. Tickets.
5th Anniversary Party | Definitive Brewing Co. | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Hold on to your beer and get ready to party, because Definitive Brewing Company is turning 5, and they’re throwing an anniversary bash like no other! They’re bringing the party vibes with live music that will keep your feet tapping and your spirits soaring. And of course, it wouldn’t be a proper anniversary celebration without food trucks and some special releases from Definitive themselves. Expect an array of mind-blowing craft beers that will make you say, “Cheers to five fantastic years!” They’ve been hard at work, perfecting their brews, and now it’s time for you to sip and savor their creative concoctions. Throughout the day, you can expect surprises, contests, and giveaways that will add an extra sprinkle of excitement to the festivities.
Sunday the 21st
Art Against Domestic Violence Fundraiser | Paper Tiger | 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Paper Tiger is proudly teaming up with Magical Art Offerings to throw an event benefitting Through These Doors Stop by the Old Port bar and restaurant for a Silent Art Auction and a specialty cocktail Tiger’s Whiskers — 100% of proceeds will go to Through These Doors. Additionally, Paper Tiger will be donating 10% of their total sales are being donated to Through These Doors!
Wishes on Tap: Cornhole Tournament | Bunker Brewing | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Gather your throwing arm, find a partner who’s up for the challenge, and head on over to Bunker Brewing Co. for an afternoon of cornhole fun. Compete, have a blast, and help Make-A-Wish Maine. Teams of two will be battling it out for the ultimate grand prize. For every delicious beverage you purchase, $1 will be donated to help make dreams come true for kids who need it most. So, while you’re enjoying a cold one, you’re also making a positive impact. It’s a win-win all around! Register.
Sunday Strings with Celia Woodsmith | Maine Craft Distilling | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
An afternoon of Folk music with Celia Woodsmith at Maine Craft Distilling’s Public House! Celia Woodsmith is a GRAMMY Nominated performer, vocalist, percussionist, and songwriter. With a style that can be described as “one of a kind: gritty, muscular, folksy and intimate sometimes all at once” (Bluegrass Situation) she has been a fixture of the New England Roots Music scene since 2005.
Walking Edibles Tour | Eastern Promenade | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
A fun and educational walking tour of wild edible plants! Discover the ancient and invaluable skill of identifying wild plants that have provided us with food, medicine, tools, and more throughout history. Gathering at the Cleeves Memorial, and taking a short loop around the Eastern Promenade, during this tour you’ll identify as many wild edible plants as can be found. It’s a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with nature and gain a deeper appreciation for the resources around us. Tickets.
Maine Heart Walk | Back Cove Trail | 8:30 AM Check-In
Be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives at the Maine Heart Walk with American Heart Association! The Heart Walk will kick off with a morning celebration hosted by Channel 8 WMTW Anchor Kathleen Jordan and 101.9 POR morning host Courtney Ross. The program will include a local heart disease survivor speaker, the presentation of the 2023 Lifestyle Change Award, and useful prevention information aimed at inspiring people to improve their heart and brain health. Every walker who joins and every dollar donated means more research, more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more medical breakthroughs and more champions for equitable health. Register.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.