We’re settling into spooky season this weekend with not one but SIX Halloween-centric events happening across Portland, Maine. This weekend, there are TWO carnivals in town (one geared toward Portland’s maddest of mad scientists), there’s murder and mayhem to be solved at Victoria Mansion, the doctor is in at Sun Tiki Studios and Flask Lounge is bringing the pre-Halloween party for all the spooky kings and queens.
Here’s the Weekend Guide for Friday, October 14th – October 16th, 2022
Friday the 14th
Free Friday | Portland Museum of Art | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Portland Museum of Art is proud to offer free admission every Friday! With an extensive collection and nationally renowned exhibitions, the PMA is the cultural heart of Portland, Maine. The PMA boasts significant holdings of American, European, and contemporary art, as well as iconic works from Maine—highlighting the rich artistic tradition of the state and its artists.
Showcase Comedy Night | Austin Street Brewery | 6:30 PM
This weekend is packed with some great events at Austin Street! First on the docket is a Comedy Night! Join them as Daniel Joseph Jordan hosts this stellar line up! Show is free – come early to save table!
Victorian Murder and Mayhem | Victoria Mansion | 5:30 PM + 7:00 PM (Repeats Saturday)
Join Victoria Mansion for a macabre evening featuring performances by the cast of Portland Ballet’s Giselle and a selection of tales of Victorian murder and mayhem from New England. Don’t miss this ghoulishly fun night! This event is aimed toward adults. Due to potentially scary or disturbing themes, the event may not be suitable for children. Tickets here.
Carnivale Bella Morte | Geno’s Rock Club | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
A spooky and sexy burlesque carnival to celebrate Halloween. Step right up to the Carnivale Bella Morte, a sexy and spooky burlesque sideshow! Witness impossible feats, and be charmed by the mesmerizing dancers, There is a night of unimaginable entertainment in your future! With sword swallowing, hooping, hootchie coochie dancers, fortune tellers, drag darlings and more! Featuring the enchanting painted lady, Siren of the Circle! She will lure you in and make your head spin! Tickets here.
Stone Broke | Three of Strong Spirits | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Live music at Three of Strong Spirits from Stone Broke, a 4 piece Country Rock/ Rock/Blues Band located here in Southern Maine. Bar opens at 3pm and food from Lucky Lou’s food truck starts at 4pm!
Bad Combo | Maine Craft Distilling | 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Come join Maine Craft Distilling as they host Bad Combo, who will be playing original songs blending elements of Punk, Funk, Ska and Rock. Free admission, come party!
Saturday the 15th
Big Queer Historical Bar Tour | Equality Community Center | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Join the LGBTQ+ Collection of the Jean Byers Sampson Center for a historical walking tour of Portland’s LGBTQ+ bars. The tour will take you to seven locations that were the site of seventeen LGBTQ+ bars, past and present, in Portland. They will be talking about the history, and importance of these spaces in the LGBTQ+ community and how they changed over time in Portland. 2 mile walking tour meets outside of Equality Community Center. October 22nd rain date. Tickets here.
A&C Soda Shop Pop-Up | South Portland | 12:00 PM – Sellout
Mark you calendar! This Saturday is the return of the A&C Cheeseburger! Along with milkshakes, the upcoming A&C Soda Shop will be doing a little pop-up to kick the tires for their November opening. Noon until sellout and on a first-come, first-served basis.
FRIEND-O-WEEN | Free Street | 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Innsound Productions returns to Free Street with a special Halloween installment of FRIENDS. Dress up and join for celebrations and libations. Expect a night of Dubstep & Drum and Bass featuring Yung Abner, Noremac, SPVNYVN and Unreal. Flow toy friendly. 21+ and $10 at the door.
Doctor Gasp’s 20th Halloween Special featuring Muddy Ruckus | Sun Tiki Studios | 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Do you distaste the flavor of wax lips? Throat sore from cackling like a phantom? Well… don’t lose your head! Haunting can be daunting… and to be Frank; a pain in the neck! This season, leave all the ghoulishness to that maniacal minstrel… Doctor Gasp! Beneath the mask of this phantom is a New England folk musician Dan Blakeslee with his unique bag of all original songs of Halloween oozing with vampires and ghastly creeps. Joining Doctor Gasp is the darkly inventive Americana of Muddy Ruckus, a power-duo that blends rootsy guitar and edgy percussion on a suitcase drum kit, and is known for a full rock band sound. Tickets here.
Pistacia, Alley Trash, WTDWD, The Idiot Flesh | The Apohadion Theatre | 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Bringing forth a new brand of metalcore with their debut EP “Edgy”, Pistacia confronts relatable issues set to emotional and powerful music through personal and poignant lyrics. Making music for people who are scared and voiceless is their passion, to date, they have released five stand-alone singles, and are gearing up to release their EP in the fall. They promise that each of the tracks on it are full-fledged bangers that will provoke and challenge the listener. Pistacia is recommended for fans of Pierce the Veil, Slipknot, and Bring Me the Horizon. Tickets here.
Marcus Rezak’s Shred is Dead | Portland House of Music and Events | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Shred is Dead is progressive instrumental and vocal performances of The Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band, harvesting a pure blend of inspirational jams and fierce rock n roll. Led by guitarist Marcus Rezak with an all-star group of musicians from across the universe. Known as a master of jazz improvisation and a seasoned artist of the sit-in, Rezak is a frequent call among bands and musicians. Rezak’s 2018 debut as a bandleader saw him collaborating alongside Kris Myers and Joel Cummins of Umphrey’s McGee, Arthur Barrow of Frank Zappa’s band, and legendary saxophonist Bill Evans. Tickets here.
Sunday the 16th
Mad Science Halloween Carnival | Mad Science | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Combining all the magic and mayhem of Halloween and modern science in an action-packed day of activities, demonstrations, challenges and performances. Come see a show, grab a bite, get involved and stay for the day at Mad Science. This family friendly event is setup to entertain, educate, inspire and send chills up your spine! Free admission for all ages (some activities have additional cost).
Autumn Fest 2022 | Portland Gear Hub | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Queer Craft Maine invites you to the event of the season held outdoors in the parking lot at Portland Gear Hub! This year’s fest will feature: Art market featuring Queer artists from across Maine, pumpkin carving + crafts, sponsored by Queering The Spotlight, live music, food, and MORE! This is a free event, with a suggested donation of $5 at the entrance.
Back Cove Neighborhood Get-Together | Pizzaiolo | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The Back Cove Neighborhood Association invites you to a neighborhood get-together at Pizzaiolo. Come meet your friends and neighbors and enjoy free pizza, hors d’oeuvres and soft drinks. No RSVP — just show up!
Friends & Family’s First Birthday Party! | Friends & Family | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friends & Family is ONE WHOLE YEAR OLD and they are throwing a big party to celebrate! The kick-ass part will include all you can eat pizza, tons of delicious and fun wines, guest bartenders, loud music, and maybe even a cake! Limited tickets available here.
Sanctuary Sunday Spooky Bass Pre Party | Flask Lounge | 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Spooky Bass: Confession Edition – The Sanctuary takeover of Flask Lounge Sundaze! As they embark on their fourth month, The Sanctuary comes together collectively for the best Sunday funday event Portland has to offer. Each month they showcase a different theme. This month is a pre-party for spooky bass with a door prize giveaway for the first 20 attendees, merch raffles, 50/50 raffle and a ticket giveaway. Come dressed to impressed with your Halloween best. Feel free to where whatever costume you want, just for the halloween spirit. 21+ event and $5 at the door.
For more events, head to our full Events Calendar here.