As we step into the upcoming weekend, we’re thrilled to present a vibrant array of events to brighten your weekend!
Whether you’re in the mood for a musical adventure at One Longfellow Square, sipping fine wines at Cellardoor Winery, or celebrating the best of all things Irish , the weekend ahead promises to be rich with experiences that resonate. Join us as we explore the best of what’s happening in and around town in this week’s Weekend Guide!
Here’s The Weekend Guide for Friday, November 17th, 2023 – Sunday, November 19th, 2023
Friday the 17th
Brews for Lewiston | Austin Street Brewery | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
This Friday, Austin Street Brewery is opening up their space to raise money for the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund. Come out between 6-8 to give back to the Maine community and enjoy some live music from Jelly Sauce. Event is sponsored by Lotfey Dennett Insurance and Morong Falmouth who is donating $5 for every pour sold during the event!
“The Barrel Room Sessions” | Maine Craft Distilling | 7:00 PM
Introducing The Barrel Room, a hidden gem within Maine Craft Distilling, designed for the true music connoisseur. This intimate space offers an exclusive experience for just 45 music enthusiasts. Get ready to immerse yourself in soulful performances in an atmosphere that truly celebrates the artists and their craft. First up in this new musical series is Maya de Vitry. Maya’s voice carries the essence of gathering, a musical upbringing in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She’s taken her captivating talent from street musician to renowned stages, including her role as a founding member of The Stray Birds. As a solo artist, Maya’s performances exude sincerity, playfulness, and a deep reverence for the power of music to bring people together. She’s shared stages with renowned artists like John Craigie, Aoife O’Donovan, and more, leaving audiences enchanted by her soulful intimacy. Maya’s latest creation, the EP ‘Infinite,’ showcases her exceptional depth and tenderness, a musical journey that will envelop you in warmth and freedom. Don’t miss this rare chance to experience music in an entirely new dimension. Tickets.
Food and Wine Pairing | Cellardoor Winery | 5:00 PM, 5:30 PM & 6:00 PM
Indulge in a memorable culinary experience at Cellardoor Winery with their ‘Sip, Eat, Sip’ Food and Wine Pairing event. Embark on a journey that tantalizes your taste buds with carefully curated bites perfectly matched with their exquisite wines. This intimate gathering promises a relaxed atmosphere where you can savor three delectable bites, each expertly paired with three of their finest wines. Menu includes refreshing Salmon Cucumber Cup with Dill Cream Cheese, savory Spinach Sausage Feta Stuffed Mushrooms, and delightful Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. Join Cellardoor host and fellow wine enthusiasts for an unforgettable evening of culinary artistry and fine wines. Tickets.
Vinyl Tap | Gritty McDuff’s | 9:30 PM
Experience a night of musical nostalgia as Vinyl Tap, New England’s ultimate good-time band, brings the magic of classic hits to Gritty McDuff’s. With a playlist featuring iconic tunes like Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets,” Billy Joel’s “Only the Good Die Young” and “Piano Man,” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop,” they’re set to transport you back in time. Get ready to sing along and dance the night away to these beloved songs in a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for a memorable evening out.
Saturday the 18th
Best of All Things Irish 2023 | Maine Irish Heritage Center| 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Join for an unforgettable evening celebrating the “Best of All Things Irish in Maine” at the Maine Irish Heritage Center. This special event is their primary fundraiser for 2023, supporting their mission to enrich and preserve Irish arts in Maine. Enjoy a spectacular lineup of musicians, including a debut concert by The Friel Sisters from Donegal, known for their captivating blend of music and songs in English and Irish. Plus, they’re crowning the “Best Irish Beers of Maine” with local breweries showcasing their finest Irish-style brews for your voting pleasure. Discover the magic of Irish culture and music in the heart of Portland while savoring the best Irish beers Maine has to offer. Tickets.
Crys Matthews | One Longfellow Square | 8:00 PM
Crys Matthews is a rising star in the realm of socially conscious music, often lauded as “the next Woody Guthrie.” Her songwriting prowess marries poignant lyrics with a profound commitment to social justice causes, making her a beacon of hope in turbulent times. Justin Hiltner of Bluegrass Situation aptly describes her music as a bridge that unites diverse perspectives, emphasizing the beauty that emerges when divisions are overcome. Matthews, based in Nashville, brings her genuine voice and compassionate storytelling to the forefront with her latest album, “Changemakers.” In this powerful collection, she aspires to stand alongside icons like Sweet Honey in the Rock and Holly Near in the realm of social justice music. With roots in classical training as a clarinetist and a background as a drum major, Matthews uses her musical gifts to answer Dr. Martin Luther King’s call to be a “drum major for justice,” spreading messages of unity, compassion, and change through her music. Tickets.
Ladies Night w/ DJ Onax | Citrus | 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Ladies, it’s time to let loose and groove to the global rhythms at Citrus! DJ Onax is your musical maestro, ready to sweep you off your feet with beats that’ll send shivers down your spine. Get ready for a night or two of mind-blowing international world music that’ll leave you utterly speechless.
Hallowell does The Last Waltz! A tribute to The Band | Portland House of Music and Events | 8:00 PM
Get ready for a musical journey as Hallowell pays homage to The Band with “The Last Waltz” tribute concert! It’s a night filled with soulful melodies and timeless classics that’ll transport you back in time. Join for this unforgettable musical journey celebrating the legendary sounds of The Band. Tickets.
Sunday the 19th
A Walk in the Park | Edward Payson Park | 9:00AM
You are cordially invited to join the Friends of Payson Park for “A Walk in the Park”. Grab your coffee and your walking shoes and come join your fellow Payson Park lovers for a 30 – 60 minute walk. This will be an opportunity to connect with your neighbors, enjoy the beauty of Payson Park, and catch up on what is going on in the neighborhood. Gather at the bottom of the sledding hill for brief introductions and a Friends of Payson Park update.
STOMP | Merrill Auditorium | 1:00 PM (Also Happening Saturday)
Stomp returns to Portland! Explosive, provocative, sophisticated, utterly unique and appealing to audiences of all ages, the international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. The return of the percussive hit also brings some new surprises, with some sections of the show now updated and restructured and the addition of two new full-scale routines, utilizing props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans. See what the noise is about. Tickets.
Les Sages Fous “Tricyckle” | Mayo Street Arts | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Also Happening Saturday)
Come experience the bewitching spectacle of Les Sages Fous’ TRICYCKLE! Performed wordlessly through a musical score composed of invented instruments, an assortment of inscrutable objects, and precise, captivating puppetry, TRICYCKLE shares the journey of a scrapman’s quest for freedom from his dark past. Guided by a curious bike, his life unfolds in surreal illusions and surprising encounters. Tickets.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.