As the crisp breeze of fall fills the air, it’s time to embrace the beauty of the season. And what better way to do that than by exploring the exciting events lined up for you in this week’s weekend guide?
This weekend, join the community for the mesmerizing Portland Lantern Walk, where lanterns light up the night and forge connections. Dive into the spooky spirit with Thirsty Pig’s Cat-themed costume party, where eerie delights, live music, and prizes await. For thrill-seekers, the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks show promises heart-pounding stunts and adrenaline-packed excitement. And that’s just the start!
Here’s The Weekend Guide for Friday, October 13th, 2023 – Sunday, October 15th, 2023
Friday the 12th
Yoga with Live Cello: A Vinyasa & Yin Class | Portland Yoga Project | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Experience the harmony of yoga and live cello music with Lauren Znachko and Robin Lane! Lauren (she/they), co-owner of The Portland Yoga Project, will guide you through a 90-minute session that’s more than just yoga – it’s an exploration of self. With a playful spirit, she creates a welcoming space for everyone, integrating safety and precision with compassion and curiosity. This unique class offers 60 minutes of invigorating vinyasa flow, followed by 30 minutes of deep yin poses, all while Robin’s live cello melodies fill the room. The experience culminates in a restorative savasana, leaving you refreshed and renewed. Register.
Furriday the Purrteenth Costume Party | Thirsty Pig | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Get ready for a meow-tastic time! Join Meowy Jane at Thirsty Pig for a feline-filled evening of live “mewsic,” costume fun, raffles, and more! Dress up your purrfect pet or yourself in your most pawsome costume and celebrate together on Furriday, Octopurr 13!
Beer for Buddies | Battery Steele Brewing | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Join at Battery Steele Brewing for a fantastic fundraiser in support of Best Buddies Maine! Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). For every pour of beer, $1 will be donated to Best Buddies, helping to make a positive impact in the community. Raise a glass to friendship and inclusion!
This is a fundraiser organized by Champion Candidate for Best Buddies and reporter for CBS13 News in Portland, Johnny Maffei. Donate HERE.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party | Cross Insurance Arena | Multiple Shows (7:30 PM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM) All Weekend
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party brings fans’ favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks to life including Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, Demo Derby™, Bone Shaker™, Bigfoot®, Gunkster™, and introducing the brand new HW 5-Alarm™, the firetruck hero of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks! The Glow Party production features a laser light show, spectacular theatrical effects, dance parties, and Hot Wheels toy giveaways. Fans can also witness a special appearance from a transforming robot, plus the high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team. Tickets.
Drivetrain “The Party” Record Release Show | Portland House of Music & Events | 8:00 pm Show Starts
Drivetrain is a full-throttle hard rock band with the swagger of early AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses and the modern bombast of Clutch delivered with a double shot of bottom-shelf bourbon and a healthy dose of ironic wit. These four Maine boys bring the hot n’ sweaty stomp of 70s- and 80s-style hard rock to the frosty tip of the northeast USA. Don’t miss ‘em when they bring their brand of motorized muscle to your hometown! Tickets.
Saturday the 14th
Portland Lantern Walk | Deering Oaks Park | 5:00 PM

photo/Winky Lewis
After a three year hiatus, the Portland Lantern Walk is returning! The Portland Lantern Walk, a heartfelt initiative by The Friends of Deering Oaks (FoDO), is illuminating the way for a brighter community and a more vibrant Deering Oaks Park. This enchanting event, now in its fourth year, unites hundreds of people in a magical procession, celebrating public art and the beauty of Portland’s green spaces. Over the past three years, this lantern-lighted community has grown remarkably. In 2017, over 500 participants joyfully walked together, with hundreds more engaging in workshops citywide. Gathering begins at 5 PM with music and community sing at 5:15 PM. Walk starts at 6:00 PM.
Valerie Omari | Henry’s Public House | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Come see new R&B sensation Valerie Omari at Henry’s Public House! Soulful and sultry, with a smooth voice and a sweet soul. She is a rising star!
Best of Portland Tour | Portland, Maine | 1:45 PM – 4:15 PM
Explore the best mixed spirits Portland has to offer with Maine Brews Cruise! This afternoon tour is a look at many different craft alcohol products that are being made here in the city of Portland. The tour begins in East Bayside, the mecca for all things brewing and distilling in Portland. The first stop is Après where you will sample flavorful hard seltzers and alcoholic apple ciders. From there, a quick jaunt will get you to Three of Strong Spirits for spirit tastings and to learn about their fascination with taking their time to create high-quality rums. Pallets cleansed with rum, you’ll travel by bus into the heart of Portland’s Old Port visiting Shipyard Brewing Company for a selections of seltzers and beers that are only produced and served at this location in Portland! Tickets.
Iliza | Hard Feelings Tour | Merrill Auditorium | 7:00 PM
Iliza Shlesinger, the multi-talented comedy sensation, is hitting the road with her “Hard Feelings” comedy tour. With an impressive career spanning stand-up, acting, writing, producing, and even podcasting, Iliza has become a household name in comedy. Her previous specials like “Elder Millennial,” “Unveiled,” and “Confirmed Kills” have left audiences in stitches. She’s also ventured into film, starring alongside Mark Wahlberg in “Spenser Confidential” and impressing critics in “Pieces of a Woman” with Vanessa Kirby. With the “Hard Feelings” tour, she’s ready to bring her trademark wit and relatable humor to Portland! Tickets.
ColoniAle 2023 | Tate House Museum | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Beer, beer, beer! You can never know too much when it comes to beer and ale in the 18th century. Come join the Tate House Museum docents as they take you on an afternoon of education and entertainment surrounding the making of beer in colonial times. This all-new tour will enlighten guests as to the role of servants in brewing and other kitchen duties. Learn what “pounded cheese” was, how to make it, and enjoy a sample. What did the colonials learn from Indigenous people that impacted their foods and its preparation? Cocktails from beer? You’ll be introduced to beverages you may want to try. ColoniAle consists of a one-hour beer-centric house tour followed with a social time in the backyard of the Tate House where you will be given a Tate House pint glass and 2 pints of Mast Landing ale. Tickets.
Sunday the 15th
Move Wild: Brewery Yoga | Austin Street Brewery | 11:00 AM
Join Move Wild Studio for Brewery Yoga at Austin Street Brewery’s Fox Street location!What to expect? A rejuvenating 50-minute vinyasa yoga class suitable for all levels led by Celine, the founder of Move Wild Studio. It’s all happening in a private indoor space, so you’ll be in a peaceful setting to connect your breath with movement. Celine encourages modifications and listening to your body, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and supported. As an added bonus, Austin Street Brewery is offering a $5 first pour of any size draft to all ticketed attendees. Flow, breathe, and sip our way to relaxation and wellness! Register.
Connor Garvey Band | Portland Lobster Company | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
A night of soul-stirring melodies and lyrical enchantment with the Connor Garvey Band at Portland Lobster Co. No ordinary singer-songwriter, Connor Garvey Band is an award-winning artist celebrated for his heartwarming performances and poetic storytelling. Garvey’s music is a tapestry of positivity and self-awareness, delivered with an amiable presence that captivates audiences. His lyrics delve deep, much like a seasoned poet, and his tunes carry the enchantment of a master storyteller. Connor’s sandy tenor voice, paired with his exquisite sense of rhythm and melody, draws comparisons to musical legends like Paul Simon, Josh Ritter and Jason Mraz.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.