Fall is in full swing, but the cooler weather isn’t slowing down Portland’s event scene!
This weekend, you can dive into all the seasonal fun, from an authentic Oktoberfest celebration at Novare Res Bier Café to the return of the Naija Party at The Portland Zoo, complete with Nigerian BBQ. If you’re in the mood for live music, don’t miss the high-energy tunes of TopHouse or the soulful tribute to Jerry Garcia at Bayside Bowl. Plus, there’s a vintage market, Portland Public Library book sale, and plenty more to keep your weekend plans buzzing!
Here’s The Weekend Guide for Friday, September 27th – Sunday, September 29th, 2024
Friday the 27th
Rose Alley – A Tribute to Jerry Garcia Band | Bayside Bowl | 8:00 PM
Get ready to groove with Rose Alley, New England’s premier Jerry Garcia Band tribute act, as they bring their soulful sound back to Bayside Bowl for an unforgettable all-ages show. Known for their authentic take on JGB’s timeless music, Rose Alley features a stellar lineup of Maine music scene veterans: Kevin Roper, Aaron Nadeau, Neil Carroll, and Drew Wyman. Their electrifying jams, three-part harmonies, and deep appreciation for the legendary Jerry Garcia will transport you straight to the heart of a classic JGB performance, while their own creative flair adds fresh, captivating twists. Tickets.
Dirty Honey | Aura | 9:00 PM
Los Angeles rockers Dirty Honey are proof that some bands don’t need decades to make a splash—they hit the ground running and haven’t looked back since. In 2019, they made history as the only unsigned band to reach #1 on Billboard’s Mainstream and Hard Rock charts with their electrifying debut single, “When I’m Gone.” Since then, they’ve rocked stages opening for legends like The Who, Guns N’ Roses, Slash, and The Black Crowes, earning standing ovations and critical acclaim along the way. With their bluesy, hard-hitting rock sound and a reputation as a “must-see” live act, Dirty Honey is bringing their high-energy show to town. Expect soaring vocals, killer riffs, and a band that knows how to command the stage. Tickets.
Oktoberfest | Novare Res Bier Cafe | Through October 6th
Get ready for a taste of Munich right in the heart of Portland! Novare Res Bier Café is throwing an authentic Oktoberfest celebration complete with German brews, festive vibes, and a whole lot of fun. Sip your way through a rotating list of Oktoberfest lagers, Festbiers, and Märzens, along with some local autumnal options, all served in proper .5L mugs or the mighty 1L maß. Pair your pint with German-inspired festival fare, from pretzels to bratwurst. Dirndls and lederhosen are highly encouraged—come dressed to impress and celebrate Oktoberfest in true Bavarian style! Prost!
Portland Public Library Annual Book Sale | 1000 Riverside Street | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Repeats Saturday)
Book lovers, rejoice! It’s time for the Portland Public Library’s Annual Book Sale—a perfect opportunity to support your local library while stocking up on great reads. With a wide selection covering everything from Children’s and Youth books to Cooking, Mystery, Science, Literature, Business, and beyond, there’s something for every reader to discover. Held at the PPL Annex, this event is the ultimate treasure hunt for bookworms. All purchases are made by donation, meaning your generosity directly helps ensure everyone in the community can continue to learn and explore through PPL. Bring your friends, fill up those book bags, and dive into the stacks!
Book of Mormon | Cross Insurance Arena | 7:00 PM (Repeats Saturday at 2:30 PM + 8:00 PM)
Get ready to laugh until you cry! Hailed as “the best musical of this century” by The New York Times and “the funniest musical of all time” by Entertainment Weekly, The Book of Mormon is coming to town. This nine-time Tony Award®-winning sensation combines razor-sharp wit with big musical numbers, creating an unforgettable evening of theater. Whether you’re a seasoned Broadway fan or new to the scene, this uproarious show will leave you in stitches. Tickets.
Saturday the 28th
The 5th Annual Beautiful Blackbird Children’s Book Festival | Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Celebrate the legacy of African Diaspora children’s book authors and illustrators at the Beautiful Blackbird Children’s Book Festival at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine. In partnership with Indigo Arts Alliance, this festival offers an exciting day of literary and art activities, including art-making workshops and read-alouds for the entire family. Don’t miss the debut of “Beautiful Blackbird,” a special stage play for the little ones! Plus, enjoy the festival as part of the Dollar Day$ event, with $1 admission for all visitors.
Oktoberfest | Henry’s Public House | 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Repeats Sunday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Oktoberfest at Henry’s Public House is happening all weekend long, and it’s going to be a celebration you don’t want to miss! Get ready for great beer, including classic Oktoberfest brews, paired with mouthwatering food specials that capture the spirit of the season. With live music to keep the energy high, it’s the perfect way to embrace fall in the heart of the Old Port. Dust off your lederhosen, grab a pint, and join in on the fun at Henry’s!
Vintage and Sustainable Market | Definitive Brewing Co.| 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Get ready to dive into the charm of yesteryears at Definitive Brewing’s Vintage and Sustainable Market! Explore a curated selection of local Maine vendors showcasing vintage, repurposed, and sustainable clothing and goods that are as unique as they are eco-friendly. Come hungry—Black Salt Dining will be on-site serving up delicious bites to keep your energy high while you hunt for treasures! Whether you’re a vintage enthusiast or looking to discover sustainable styles, this market promises a delightful afternoon of shopping and community spirit.
Family Day: Natural Wonder | Portland Museum of Art | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Join Portland Museum of Art for a delightful Family Day! Dive into the beauty of nature and wildlife showcased in the Passages in American Art exhibition, where art meets the great outdoors. Plan Your Day: 10 AM to 5 PM.: Kick off your visit in the Read & Relax space on the Lower Ground Floor—perfect for unwinding with family-friendly books; 10 AM to 12:30 PM: Join children’s author Minquansis Sapiel to design signs and advocate for wildlife and Mother Nature; 11 AM to 11:45 AM.: Embark on a kid-centered, interactive tour with educator Heather Livingstone; Noon to 1:15 PM.: Enjoy a screening of Disney’s A Bug’s Life, following Flik on his adventure to save his ant colony; and 12:30 PM to 3 PM: Grab a Seek and Find activity and explore the museum’s collection. Complete it for a chance to win a prize in the Great Hall! This event is free with museum admission, and remember, children 21 and younger always get in free! Don’t miss this chance to connect with art and nature in a fun, family-friendly environment!
Embracing Change: In-Person Breathwork | The Portland Yoga Project | 1:00 PM – 2:15pm
Join Breathe with Katelyn at The Portland Yoga Project for a transformative breathwork session designed to help participants release old patterns and welcome new beginnings. This gathering focuses on the changing seasons and the internal shifts we all experience. Attendees will enjoy a supportive community atmosphere, guided meditation, and an intuitively chosen playlist that enhances the experience. Mats, blankets, and props are provided, making it easy for everyone to immerse themselves in this healing journey. Come and discover the magic of breathwork in a nurturing environment! Reserve
240 Strings and the Portland Piano Trio | 28 Neal Street | 3:00 PM
Kick off 240 Strings‘ season with an unforgettable concert featuring the Portland Piano Trio, showcasing a powerful program of music by women composers. Experience the enchanting Clara Schumann Piano Trio, the evocative Brilliant Blue by Jennifer Higdon, and the dynamic The Scarlatti Effect by Elena Ruehr. Praised as “astounding,” “remarkable,” and “thoroughly enjoyable,” this trio promises a captivating evening. Join for this free event, open to everyone! Convenient street parking and a lot are available. Donations encouraged.
Sunday the 29th
Naija Party with Oga Suya | The Portland Zoo | 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The wait is finally over! Naija Party is back at The Portland Zoo for one last outdoor end of summer bash. Join for a night of Nigerian BBQ from Oga Suya and beats from DJ Onax, Nik Luis, and Our Latin Thing ME. Please note: After 5 PM, this event is 21+ (strictly enforced). Before then, feel free to bring your MA or PA and enjoy the vibes!
Tophouse | PHOME | 8:00 PM
If you’re wondering what genre TopHouse fits into, well… they don’t quite know either! Their sound is a mix of fast-paced, high-energy foot stompers and emotional ballads that pull at your heartstrings. Imagine a rock band marrying old-school bluegrass and creating something entirely unique—and that’s TopHouse. Come to the show, say hi, and get swept up in their one-of-a-kind music. It’s sure to be a night of foot-stomping fun! Tickets.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.
