Before we jump into the Weekend Guide for Memorial Day weekend, we would like to take this moment to honor and thank the brave individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. This weekend and always we remember those who courageously gave their lives.
This weekend’s events include a comedy show to benefit Portland veterans, Memorial Day Procession, chess in the park, the kick-off to Reggae Sunday, Tiki Week, and more.
Here’s the Weekend Guide for Friday, May 27th – Monday, May 30th, 2022!
Friday the 27th
Got Your 6: A Comedy Benefit for VFW Post 6859 | VFW Post 6859| 8:00 PM
The Portland Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6859 are hosting a comedy benefit show with Boston comedians, Jimmy Dunn and Tony V, who will keep you laughing all night while supporting a great, local cause. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 the day of. To purchase tickets, call the VFW at (207) 773-8745.
Bob Log III with The Gamme Goochies | Sun Tiki Studios | 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Bob Log III is a one-man band slide guitar party. A perverse product of the Arizona desert, Bob Log III has been diligently traveling the globe since 1996, showcasing his incomparable talents and developing a devoted following along the way. A whirlwind of dexterous limbs and digits, this super star sonic showman has to be seen to be believed. Tickets here.
Hive | Free Street | 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Featuring a completely new mini-festival stage design that will truly blow you away, please expect to go absolutely balls to the wall for this event and dance your asses off! Featured artists of the month are Ooze founder and Boston legend Kerry Quirk under the techno alias Kerry St. Kerry, and Dornan, Portland favorite Last Minute Zach’s darker and mysterious pseudonym. Evenings events will include blacklight painting, next-level lighting, and a projection-mapped Portal Experience.
Trash Blues Bash | Amigos Mexican Restaurant | 9:30 PM – 12:45 AM
Fat Knuckle Freddy’s annual Amigos patio gigs with BB Webber on drums. Psychobilly Trash Blues at it’s best. A duo so good that you will swear there’s a full band.
Hello Newman | Gritty McDuff’s | 9:30 PM – 12:30 AM
Catch Portland’s favorite 90s and 2000s cover band at Gritty’s! As always – no cover!
Saturday the 28th
Chess in the Park | Congress Square Park | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Come play! Chess boards and pieces are provided, but please feel free to bring your own. All levels are welcome.
Tiki Week | Stroudwater Distillery | 11:00 AM – June 3rd, 9:00 PM
Featuring an entire cocktail menu of tiki classics & not-so classics. On Saturday, May 28th the tiki bar will be open starting at 11 & running all day long! Karaoke will run from 7-10 PM! Sunday events include live music with Champagne Casanova. For the full list of week’s events head here.
Birthday Bash | Blue | 10:00 PM
Birthdays are weird right? But what better way to celebrate birthdays than with something you love! Trumpet player, Edward Mitchell, celebrates his 22nd Birthday at Blue with an all-star band featuring some of Portland’s best musicians!
One Last Cheers | The Yard | 4:00 PM -1:00 AM
Say goodbye to The Yard with one last cheers this Saturday starting at 4pm. They will have Sam Avery + Ross Gregor Adam closing out with some beautiful songs and entertainment. DJ ONAX will host his last private club night Sunday the 29th. Doors open at 8pm. 0% off all food. Learn more about The Yard closing here.
Baby Shark LIVE | Merrill Auditorium | 2:00 PM -4:00 PM
Splash along with Baby Shark and Pinkfong as they journey into the sea to sing and dance through some of your favorite (and well-known) songs in Baby Shark Live! This one-of-a-kind immersive experience will have fans of all ages dancing in the aisles as they join Baby Shark and friends for exciting adventures into the jungle and under the sea to explore shapes, colors, numbers and so much more. Tickets here.
Ragged Jack | Casablanca Cruises | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
All aboard! The Casablance is taking off this Saturday for a cruise around the harbor with Ragged Jack a high-energy, rockabilly trio with powerful vocals, unique instrumentation, and ASTOUNDING stage energy! If you’re looking for a swinging Rockabilly recipe, with the flavors of rock n’ roll, blues, country, and bluegrass then Ragged Jack will satisfy your craving like no other. Tickets here.
Portland Rising vs. Nashville Nightshade | Fitzpatrick Stadium | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Portland Rising, Maine’s professional ultimate frisbee team home game! Food trucks, prizes, and high-level ultimate frisbee! Come see Portland Rising take on Nashville Nightshade in their final game of the 2022 season. Tickets here.
Aquarius Dance Party | Aquarius New Age Playground | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Learn to dance! Argentine Tango at 6PM and West Coast at 7PM group classes! All rhythms and you can come with or without a partner. To register learn more here, price is $10. Proof of vaccination is required. Masks should be worn at all times.
Sunday the 29th
Reggae Sunday | Jones Landing | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Beloved Stream Reggae returns for their 31st year! Stream Reggae is Maine’s premier reggae band offering 100% authentic Reggae music from the heart and soul of the Caribbean. Immerse yourself in our original compositions and enjoy the deep roots reggae, soca, dancehall, and zouk styles. $10 cover.
Slygo Road | The Porthole | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Slygo Road is a Southern Maine-based blues, rock, soul, and R&B band, cranking out an eclectic mix of originals and classic covers. Hitting The Porthole stage at 2 PM!
All That Glitters is Not Girls | Blackstones | 9:00 PM
Blackstones Presents “ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GIRLS!” Pop-up drag queens show featuring, Miss Danielle Dior with Cheryl Lynn & Bunny Wonderland. 21+, ID required, and always cover-free.
Wild Edibles Walking Tour | Eastern Promenade | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Join in on a walking tour of wild edible plants. You’ll identify as many plants as possible as you walk a lovely loop around the Prom. You may want to bring a notepad, camera, or a basket to collect samples! Rewild Maine will provide some tasty snacks made from foraged ingredients! Space in this class is limited. RSVP here.
Monday the 30th
Deering Center Memorial Day Procession | Longfellow School-Portland | 2:00 PM
Annual Memorial Day procession begins at 2pm near Longfellow School and proceeds north on Stevens Ave, ending at Evergreen Cemetery. Ceremonies follow at the Wilde Chapel lawn of the cemetery. Events include guest speakers and honoring of Veterans. The Chapel will be open for tours. Activities are also being held at the Deering Center Community Church and the Vet Center before and after the parade.
For more events, head to our full Events Calendar here.