What are you doing this weekend? Beer events, happy hour for people with babies, and zombies – what more do you need for Memorial Day weekend?
Thursday, May 21
Memorial Day weekend is upon us! That means we’re officially taking it to 11 with things to do in the Old Port every weekend. This Thursday, May 21st, we kick things off early with two amazing beer events. First up, New Hampshire’s Henniker Brewing Company is bringing their tasty beer to the people of Maine with a launch party at The Thirsty Pig from 5:30-8:30 pm. Beer specials, free sausage appetizers, and bluegrass tunes from the Grassholes on the deck make this a fantastic start for the unofficial beginning of the summer season.
37 Exchange St., Portland
Meanwhile, Novare Res is celebrating their 7th birthday with a big bash from 4-10 pm. Weather permitting, there will be free BBQ on the deck and revelers will be able to choose from a variety of Novare Res collaboration birthday kegs with local brewers, including Allagash Brewing, Maine Beer Company, and Marshall Wharf. Both events are free to attend and pay-as-you-go for beer.
4 Canal Plaza, Portland
Friday, May 22
East Bayside is clearly not the Old Port, but we love all the goings on the brewers, distillers, kombucha makers, and baristas are up to in the formerly industrial neighborhood. This Friday, May 22, Kafari will be performing at Bunker Brewing from 6-8 pm.
122 Anderson St., Portland.
Saturday, May 23
I know what you did last summer…starred in a movie about zombies! OK, not all of us were lucky enough to be cast as brain-eaters, but now you can finally see the movie everyone in Portland was buzzing about while it filmed last summer. Night of the Living Deb, directed by Maine native and Project Greenlight alum Kyle Rankin, stars cult favorite and Rankin-regular Ray Wise (Twin Peaks, Reaper). Night of the Living Deb will screen in two showings at SPACE Gallery on Saturday, May 23, at 6:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Tickets are $8 general admission, $6 if you’re a SPACE member or possess a valid student ID.
538 Congress St., Portland
Night of the Living Deb – Official Trailer from Cocksure Entertainment on Vimeo.
Zombies not your thing? It’s also the official patio-opening party at MJ’s Wine Bar at One City Center. From 12-4 pm, $15 gets you a bottle of Vinho Verde and strawberries, and acoustic reggae duo Never Been to Kingston will be performing live from 1-4 pm.
Sunday, May 24
For you family types, it’s a special Lil’ May Flower edition of BYOB (that’s Bring Your Own Baby) at Little Tap House on Sunday, May 24. The baby-filled happy hour runs 3-5 pm and they promise “floral fun for the whole family.” Remember, just because you’ve procreated doesn’t mean you can’t still go out to cool bars and drink amazing local brews.
106 High Street, Portland
Monday, May 24
Celebrate Memorial Day by honoring our veterans at the annual Memorial Day Parade. Portland’s edition begins at 10:30 am at Longfellow Square and makes its way down Congress Street, concluding with ceremonies at Monument Square.