As the leaves start to turn, the city comes alive with exciting events. This weekend, we’ve got a little something for everyone.
First up, join us in celebrating Jar Cannabis Co.’s one-year anniversary in the Old Port! For the comedy enthusiasts, head over to One Longfellow Square for an evening of laughter with a stellar lineup of comedians. For those seeking something a bit more mysterious and enchanting, THEM Burlesque is conjuring up a witchy-themed burlesque performance at Free Street. Prepare to be spellbound! And if you’re in the mood for a fall extravaganza, don’t miss the Fall Festival at Henry’s Public House. It’s a day filled with music, delicious food, and drink specials.
Here’s The Weekend Guide for Friday, October 6th, 2023 – Sunday, October 8th, 2023
Friday the 6th
Artist Showcase with Visibility Art | Toad & Co. | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Join Toad & Co. in Portland for an unforgettable Art Showcase! They are thrilled to introduce you to the incredible artists from Visibility Arts, a remarkable project brought to life by their nonprofit partner, Search, Inc. Visibility Arts has created a haven where professional and emerging adult visual artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities can shine, explore, and share their incredible talents with the world. All the way from the vibrant city of Chicago, these artists are bringing their awe-inspiring creations to Toad & Co.’s Portland store, and you’re invited to be part of this captivating experience. Lights snacks and beer available.
Maddy’s Theatre Presents: Go, Dog. Go! | Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine | Runs until November 5th: Wednesdays + Fridays at 11 am; Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am + 3 pm
Maddy’s Theatre at the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine Presents: Go, Dog. Go! P.D. Eastman’s classic children’s book comes to life in this silly play starring a pack of silly dogs. The dogs love to sing, dance, and howl at the moon. Guess what? They can even drive cars like people! Together, they have the most colorful and exciting adventures you can imagine. A big and little world of dog fun like a pop-up book that comes to life – and never stops. Tickets.
First Friday Art Walk After-Party With Catcha Vibe | L3GACY888 Studio | 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
The ultimate First Friday Art Walk After-Party, brought to you by L3GACY888 Studio! Music and beats provided by Catcha Vibe, DJ Miss Haze, and opening support by Screaming J’s. With a suggested $10 donation at the door (21+ only), you’ll be supporting local talent and ensuring an unforgettable night filled with music, art, and positive vibes. Catcha Vibe, a collective group of musicians hailing from Portland, Maine since 2004, promises to keep the energy high and turn into a pulsating dance hub.
Jar Co 1 Year Anniversary! | Jar Cannabis Co. | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Can you believe it’s been a whole year since Jar Cannabis Co. opened in Portland? Time to celebrate! Join the Jar Co. team in the Old Port for their 1 Year Anniversary bash. They are pulling out all the stops with ALL of their daily deals (that means up to 25% off everything), mouthwatering mocktails, delicious food, and live music by the amazing Bandwich. This party will be the high-light of your weekend.
Allegra Duchaine | Three Dollar Deweys | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Get ready for an unforgettable evening at $3 Deweys! Join them for live music with the incredibly talented Allegra Duchaine, a soulful folk musician and songwriter whose music is like a warm embrace for your soul. Her tunes have a magical way of making you feel great and infusing your life with even more love and positivity. Come on down to enjoy some soul-folk melodies.
THEM Burlesque Presents Coven: The Fallen | The Cavern – Free Street | 8:00 PM
There is a house in Portland, Maine… The House of Havoc. A collection of outcast mystical beings has congregated together to grow their powers. Delve into this magical world of witchcraft, voodoo, and blood magic. Allow yourself to be glamoured by a host of ethereal creatures as they exhibit their craft. THEM Burlesque is excited to bring this theatrical production to the stage! Featuring mesmerizing performances by: Rosie Havoc, Kinky Slippers, El Ixir, Georgi Petals, Poletoria, Sweet Dee, Aubergine Dream, Fabergé, Radio, Pixel Angel, Lada Lush. Hosted by Faces of McGinty. Tickets.
Saturday the 7th
Best Buddies “Champions Of The Mic” Karaoke Battle Royal | Empire Live | 6:00 PM
Best Buddies “Champions Of The Mic” Karaoke Battle Royal – a night of music, fun, and a fantastic cause! Contestants will take the stage to vie for the coveted title of “Champion of the Mic,” with cash prizes and a live band performance on the line. The evening begins with general karaoke open to all from 6 PM to 8 PM, followed by the contest at 8 PM. The top 4 vote-getters advance to the final round, where the ultimate winner not only grabs a cash prize but also performs six classic karaoke hits with a live band. Proceeds greatly benefit Best Buddies Maine, part of the “Champion Of The Year” initiative. Best Buddies International fosters friendships, employment opportunities, and leadership development for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tickets.
Fall Festival | Henry’s Public House | All Day
An all-day Fall Festival extravaganza at Henry’s Public House! Get ready for a day packed with music, irresistible food and drink specials to satisfy your taste buds, and an abundance of fun.
2 Day Dance Workshop with Veeva Banga & Kaolack | Indigo Arts Alliance | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Repeats Sunday)
Join at the Indigo Arts Alliance studio for a weekend of dance! Their Fall 2023 Mentorship Artists in Residence, Pape Ibrahima, widely known as Kaolack of Kaolack Arts Company and Veeva Banga will be hosting a two-part dance workshop! You don’t want to miss this special opportunity to learn the versatility, range and diversity of Contemporary African Dance by these incredible teachers. Free and open to the public, IAA encourages attendees to participate in both days of the workshop, if possible. No previous dance experience is required, this workshop is intended for all ages! Register.
Lantern Making Workshop with Love Lab Studios | Portland Museum of Art | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Join the Portland Museum of Art with Love Lab Studio to create your own lantern using different materials! Bring it home or take with you to the Portland Lantern Walk, happening on October 14 in Deering Oaks Park. The plan is to make lanterns outside in front of the PMA. If it rains, it will move indoors to the Selma Wolf Black Great Hall. Open to all ages!
A Bizarre Victorian Bazaar: An Exhibition of Oddities & the Obscure | Victoria Mansion | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Join Victoria Mansion for “A Bizarre Victorian Bazaar: An Exhibition of Oddities and the Obscure.” This one-day fair kicks off the Halloween season with an educational (and entertaining!) take on Victorian folklore, camera trickery, Spiritualism, and more. Learn about Cabinets of Curiosities, how mediums conducted seances in the 19th century, and how two girls tricked several newspaper readers into believing they had caught evidence of real fairies on camera. Have your palm read, create Victorian crafts, and much more! Plus, a visit from Charles Dickens, scenes from Portland Ballet’s “Tales by Poe”, and live music by the Shank Painters! They will also have The Pink Waffle food truck onsite for visitors who want to grab a bite to eat while they enjoy demonstrations and performances on the lawn. The fair will have activities for kids throughout the day. This event is designed for visitors ages 8 and up. Tickets.
LOLS: An Evening of Local Comedy | One Longfellow Square | 7:00 PM
Get ready for a night of laughter like no other at One Longfellow Square! Headliner Lloyd Legacy Sharp is set to take the stage, bringing a tidal wave of humor that’ll have you in stitches. You’ll also be treated to the comedic stylings of the fabulous Mike Gray, whose wit and charm will leave you grinning from ear to ear and the irreverent and fearless Cindiana Jones, a stand-up veteran who thrives on dark humor and challenging taboos. Joining this comedic ensemble is the talented Tim Hofmann and Ann-Marie Keene, ensuring a night packed with punchlines and hilarity. Your hosts for this uproarious evening are Nikki Martin and Clenched Sphinx, the dynamic duo hailing from Biddeford, Maine. They’ve been delivering laughter for five fantastic years. Tickets.
Sunday the 8th
Live Music w/ Mike Nelson | Foundation Brewing Co. | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Come hang out on Foundation Brewing Co.’s patio and enjoy live music! This Sunday, enjoy the sounds of Mike Nelson, an instrumental chameleon with an ever-growing collection of musical works that represent his relationship with words and music.
Lost & Found Market Pop-Up | Maine Studio Works | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Lost & Found Market, a Maine vintage pop up market with a focus on sustainability and self-expression, is popping up at Maine Studio works in Portland for a 23 vendor indoor market! You will find an impressive selection of vintage clothing, jewelry, decor, records + more! $3 cash or Venmo entry.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.