Embrace the spirit of fall with a weekend packed full of thrilling events! From spine-tingling Halloween parties to soul-soothing concerts, this Weekend Guide has it all.
Get ready for spine-chilling scares at Halloween bashes like ‘Love Bites 2,’ or dive into the eerie world of the after life with ‘Evening of Spirits’. If you’re looking for something more enchanting, join the ‘All Hallows Market’ and find mysterious delights. Plus, don’t miss the ‘Stevie Wonder Tribute’ benefiting Sweetser or the ‘Tats 4 Tails’ tattoo event supporting the Animal Refuge League.
Here’s The Weekend Guide for Friday, October 20th, 2023 – Sunday, October 22nd, 2023
Friday the 20th
“An Evening with the Spirits” presented by Stanley the Great | Mayo Street Arts | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Repeats Saturday)
Do you believe in spirits? This October, join Stanley the Great as he attempts to connect with spirits from beyond the grave in this Victorian styled magic show. Experience haunting effects performed with antique and period props, mysterious illusions, and a ghost story that will send shivers down your spine! You’ll gasp, you’ll scream, you’ll have the most fun in Portland this Halloween! The evening will also feature Master of Ceremonies, Andrew Harris, presenting gothic and chilling tales from the past. Tickets.
Smells Like Nirvana (Tribute to Nirvana) w/ Dead Original | PHOME | 8:00 PM
It’s the 90s all over again! Get ready to relive the grunge era with ‘Smells Like Nirvana‘ and ‘Dead Original’! Join for an unforgettable night celebrating the iconic music of Nirvana and the legendary Kurt Cobain. ‘Smells Like Nirvana’ will take you on a musical journey through Nirvana’s greatest hits, including tracks from Nevermind, In Utero, Bleach, and more. With the support of ‘Dead Original,’ this show promises to be an electrifying experience. Featuring former members of Grammy-nominated metal band Trivium and the powerhouse vocals of Paul Wandtke, known for ‘Rock of Ages,’ along with bassist Mike Petrasek and drummer Christopher Scheutz, ‘Dead Original’ brings their own brand of rock to the stage. They’ve shared it with legends like Candlebox and supported bands like Seether, Jonathan Davis (Korn), and 10 Years. Tickets.
Quaint AF | Gritty McDuff’s | 9:30 PM
Get ready to rock out like it’s the good ol’ days with Quaint AF! Join at Gritty’s for an epic night of nostalgia and non-stop hits. Quaint AF is your ultimate millennial rock tribute band, and they’re bringing all your favorite jams from the 90s and 2000s back to life. From grunge to pop-punk, they’ve got it all covered.
Walk Among the Shadows | Eastern Cemetery | 6:30 PM (Repeats Friday + Saturday, Sunday at 5:30 PM)
The ghosts of people who died in our city rise in the evening to tell the tales of their extraordinary lives! For 8 dark nights, ghostly storytellers, some buried at Eastern Cemetery, will materialize in the cemetery to tell their own stories. The stories were written by Lynne Cullen who also directed the spirits (as best she could—you know spirits, sometimes they listen, sometimes they don’t.) Presented by Spirits Alive! Tickets.
Saturday the 21st
Coffee! Crafts! Crepes! | Coveside Coffee | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sip, shop, and savor this Saturday at Coveside Coffee! Here’s what’s brewing: A delightful Fall mini-market from 9 am to 1 pm. Explore unique creations from their favorite artisans and makers. Indulge in irresistible crepes by the one and only Crepe Elizabeth. It’s a morning of coffee, crafts, and crepes that you won’t want to miss!
Tats 4 Tails | Dark Harbor Tattoo | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Get ready for a day of ink and compassion at Tats 4 Tails at Dark Harbor Tattoo! Here’s what to expect: Walk-In Tattoo Flash Event from 11 am to 6 pm where tattoo prices range from $60 to $100 (cash only!) Tattoo designs will be revealed in the Facebook event the week prior, featuring simple yet fun preset designs. Tattoos will be limited to arms, legs, or upper back (no exceptions). Check-in starts at 10:30 am, and the tattooing begins at 11 am. You must be 18 years or older with valid ID as of 10/21/2023. 100% of the proceeds from this event go straight to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, with Dark Harbor Tattoo’s talented artists generously donating their time. If you’re feeling extra appreciative, tipping your artist is always welcomed!
Halloween Boobtacular | Geno’s Rock Club | 9:00 PM
Halloween Boobtacular presented by Vivian Vice is a night to celebrate boobs, boos, and booze with supernatural burlesque and drag performances! Come dressed to kill in your ghastliest get up for a chance to win the costume contest, and boobtacular treats! A portion of the nights proceeds will go to the North East Breast Cancer Alliance. This is going to be one sexy and spooky party! Bring your cash for the bash for tips! $15 cash at door.
Higer Ground | Sun Tiki Studios | 8:00 PM
A musical journey celebrating the legendary Stevie Wonder, whose soulful tunes have shaped the hearts of many! Stevie’s timeless hits like ‘Sir Duke,’ ‘Superstition,’ ‘You are the Sunshine of My Life,’ and more have become iconic treasures in American music history. Featuring eighteen of Portland’s most accomplished musicians from esteemed bands like Hambone, Akela Moon, BOBA FUNK, and many more, this event promises a night of soulful performances with 24 of Stevie Wonder’s greatest songs. Higher Ground: A Tribute to Stevie Wonder is not just a tribute; it’s a benefit concert for Sweetser, a behavioral health nonprofit dedicated to providing hope and support through mental health services. Make a difference, one soulful note at a time. Tickets.
Love Bites 2- A Halloween Dance Party & Fundraiser | Urban Farm Fermentory | 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Get ready for the spookiest and grooviest Halloween party of the year! Love Bites 2 is here to haunt the dance floor with beats served up by the dynamic duo Mr. Dereloid & Cakewalk. From house music to techno, acid house to breaks, and more, they’ve got your dancing pleasure covered. Plus, it’s all for a great cause as proceeds will help Mr. Dereloid (Darrell Tapley) kick cancer’s ass! There will be art vendors, delectable food, thrilling games, costume contests, and awesome prizes. Tickets.
Sunday the 22nd
Maker’s Market at The Point | Thompson’s Point – Brick South | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Maker’s Markets are back baby, and the lineup is perfection! Over 1oo of the best and most talented local artisans, artists, craftspeople, farms, vintage goods, flowers and eateries. Oh, bevvys you ask? Starting at 10am (because why later?) Maker’s Market’s fabulous bar staff will be pouring out Mimosas and Bloody Marys, local craft beers, NA drinks and thier signature Bourbon Apple Cider. Because dang it, you deserve it. Free entry!! Food from Pepperell Provisions, BOGS Bakery, Mr.Tuna, and Empanada Club.
All Hallows’ Market | Congress Square Market | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Get ready for Halloween with the return of FoCSP’s All Hallows’ Market! Enjoy Halloween-specific crafts, cards, art, accessories, and more, as well as lots of tasty treats! Plus, free face-painting! Current vendor lineup includes: Meadowsweet Bakery & Kitchen, Redmond Philbert Handwork, Moonlighter Ceramics. Lady Krispie, The Lucky Fox Bookshop, Midcoast Vegan, Fred’s Fried Dough and MORE!
Kings of Soul | Merrill Auditorium | 2:30 PM
A dazzling performance honoring the legendary artists of classic soul, including tributes to Marvin Gaye, James Brown, The Temptations, Al Green, and Otis Redding. American Idol contestant Michael Lynche and Broadway performers Chester Gregory and Darren Lorenzo join your PSO in this showcase of soulful rhythms and melodies. Tickets.
We’re getting well into spooky season! Check out our Guide to Halloween in Portland, Maine!
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.