Cabin fever settling in? Feeling those winter blues? We’ve all been there. When the days are short and the cold weather seems to seep into your bones, it’s easy to hibernate indoors until the ground thaws. But fear not, brave soul, because we’re laying out a vibrant array of events—many inspired by vacation destinations and warmer climates—that serve as winter warmers, guaranteed to shake off that cabin fever despite winter’s lingering chill.
So grab your scarf, don your mittens, and join us as we explore the best ways to beat the winter chill in Portland!
… don’t forget that spring is right around the corner…hold on!
End of Vacation Dance Party
Unable to travel for winter vacation? No worries, because at Après, they are bringing the vacation vibes to you! Join them for a summer-inspired dance party featuring the sensational beats of DJ Nik Luis. It’s the perfect way to cap off your staycation and soak up those vacation feels without leaving town. Plus, you’ll be dancing for a cause – 100% of ticket sales will benefit Portland Public Recreation, ensuring that our community continues to thrive. Staycation is all you ever wanted!
When: February 24th from 8pm – 11pm
Where: Après
Rum for Improvement
The ultimate tropical getaway is happening every Tuesday right here in Portland. Immerse yourself in a paradise of rum-infused delights and island-inspired vibes every week at Room for Improvement. Indulge in a menu of $10 tropical classics, including their signature Mai Tais and Discount Scorpion Bowls guaranteed to warm you up. Treat your taste buds to their Crab Rangoon Hot Dogs for the perfect surf and turf combo, and don’t miss out on their homemade Malibu concoctions. Plus, dress for the occasion and receive a free shot on them! Swap out the snow boots for flip-flops and escape to your own slice of paradise.
Just a heads up Room for Improvement will be on a winter break starting 2/26 reopening 3/5
When: Every Tuesday
Where: Room for Improvement
Game Night
Need a laid-back reason to get out of the house? Fill your Wednesday evenings with fun and games at Foundation Brewing Co.’s Game Night. Bring your own cribbage board or Magic: The Gathering deck, or dive into their selection of in-house board games for a chance to try something new. Enjoy $2 off delicious snacks, including their mouthwatering Zachos (pizza nachos), Chips and Salsa, and Buffalo Queso Dip (available with chicken or cauliflower). Seasoned gamer or just looking for a casual hangout spot? Foundation Brewing Co. is the place!
When: Every Wednesday from 5pm – 8pm
Where: Foundation Brewing Co.
Saturday Sessions
Fun is in session every Saturday at Henry’s Public House. Join for a lively experience that promises to lift your spirits and get you moving this winter. With DJ Jay-C spinning pulsating rhythms and Henry’s handcrafted cocktails taunting your taste buds, Saturday Sessions offers the perfect opportunity to shake off the chill. Whether you’re craving a night of dancing or simply seeking a fun-filled outing, Saturday Sessions is ultimate destination for winter fun.
When: Every Saturday starting at 9:30pm
Where: Henry’s Public House
South American Wines and Pinchos
Escape the winter chill without leaving Portland by joining at SMALLS Cafe for a South American wine tasting and pinchos event. Explore the flavors of Argentina and Chile with Coco from Devenish Wines as your guide through the world of fantastic New World wines. If you are a wine enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out, this casual tasting event is perfect for every taste. Pair your wine with delicious pincho-style snacks and immerse yourself in the lively culture of South America right here in Portland.
When: February 27th from 6pm – 8pm
Where: SMALLS
MAMM Winter Rise Gala
It’s an event not to be missed as Maine Academy of Modern Music embraces the spirit of winter in style! Hosted at The Garden, Bissell Brother’s captivating event space nestled in Thompson’s Point, this soirée promises an unforgettable night of festivities. Get ready for an electrifying evening filled with a rocking raffle prize, live auction, awards ceremony, and entertainment that’ll keep you grooving. Indulge in complimentary food and drink as you mingle and celebrate with fellow music enthusiasts.
When: February 29th from 6pm – 9pm
Where: Bissell Brothers Brewing Co.
Leap Year Party Reggae Night
Escape winter’s grasp with an island getaway (or the next best thing)! Lap into a night of reggae rhythms at Maine Craft Distilling with Feel Good Portland! Get ready for live reggae music all night long, with happy hour specials from 4pm 6pm to kick off the festivities. The evening kicks off with an all-vinyl opening set by Due Season Sounds from 6pm – 8pm, followed by the infectious beats of Dub Apocalypse from 8pm – 10pm. A unique opportunity to dance the night away and celebrate the extra day of the year in style!
When: February 29th from 6pm – 10pm
Where: Maine Craft Distilling
Sparkle and Soul
Maine Women’s Cannabis Connection is bringing art, community, and a touch of springtime “buds” together in support of Maine-based mental health nonprofits. Dive into a day of creativity and connection at Maine Studio Works as you meet local artisans, engage in discussions on mental health, and contribute to the community mural. From T-shirt making to canvas painting, charity raffles to art auctions, there’s something for everyone. Plus, indulge in delicious tacos and unwind with an optional yoga class.
When: March 2nd from 4pm – 7pm
Where: Maine Studio Works
Funkationland
Warm up your soul as Funkationland, a dynamic ensemble of 12 of Maine’s top musicians, brings the house down at One Longfellow Square with their electrifying horn-driven funk. With influences ranging from Tower of Power to Stevie Wonder, this powerhouse performance promises an evening of soulful sounds. Featuring a lineup of six talented horn players and a rhythm section that knows how to lay down the groove, Funkationland guarantees to fill every corner of the venue with infectious energy.
When: March 2nd starting at 8pm
Where: One Longfellow Square
Cocktail Remix
Step out of your winter cocoon and mix up your Sunday schedule to join in on the fun as 2023 James Beard Semi-Finalist, Sur Lie, takes over Three of Strong Spirits’ bar for one night only. A night of tantalizing cocktail remixes, savory bites by Ironclad Eats, and vibrant beats spun by DJ B. Aull. With just a $5 admission fee at the door, it’s an affordable escape from the winter doldrums. Plus, you’ll be supporting a great cause as a portion of the proceeds will benefit ToSS’ Marc #CommunitySpirits partner, Indigo Arts Alliance.
When: March 3rd from 6:30pm – 10:30pm
Where: Three of Strong Spirits
Noche Divina! Latin Dance Night
Embrace the warmth and energy of Latin Dance Night at Free Street with PM Salsa, the perfect winter escape! PM Salsa’s new venue offers an inviting retreat where you can dance the night away to the pulsating beats of Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue. Kick off the evening with an introductory lesson from 8pm – 9pm.
When: March 8th starting at 8pm – 1am
Where: Free Street
Women in the Wild: A Film Event for International Women’s Day
As winter’s end approaches and spring begins to stir, celebrate the transition with Women in the Wild, a specially curated program of adventure and conservation films showcasing the remarkable achievements of women in outdoor recreation, conservation, creativity, and professional fields. Enjoy a two-hour screening inside the cozy Toad&Co warehouse, will showcase women-made and women-focused short films. Meet on the Street will be onsite offering delicious local eats, while hard seltzer, cider, beer, and wine will be available for purchase (21+ only), with proceeds benefiting the Maine chapter of the Pink Boots Society.
When: March 8th starting at 7pm
Where: Toad & Co.
Celebrate Big Night – Amphibians on the Move
This event at The Children’s Museum & Theatre calls for nature lovers and curious minds! Fun for the whole family, Amphibians on the Move,’ a special event dedicated to the fascinating world of amphibians and the arrival of spring in Maine. Experience the wonder as salamanders and frogs emerge from their underground homes and embark on their journey to vernal pools. Dive into interactive learning activities focused on the life cycle of frogs and the importance of vernal pools in our ecosystem. From hands-on experiments to exploring our exhibits, there’s a whole lot of fun to be had in winter’s final days.
When: March 8th – March 11th
Where: Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine
Disco Biscuits
And for those craving an electrifying night of music to get you out of a winter slump, look no further than the Disco Biscuits show at the State Theatre. Hailing from Philadelphia, the Disco Biscuits have evolved into pioneers of “trancefusion,” seamlessly blending electronic beats with the improvisational spirit of jam bands. Known for their marathon dance parties and live improvisational journeys, the Disco Biscuits promise to take you on a sonic adventure. Experience their unique sound that is 100 percent human, yet somehow otherworldly, as they push the boundaries of music exploration.
When: March 15th starting at 8pm
Where: State Theatre
Rira’s Paddy’s Day Plunge
Paddy’s Day Plunge
Nothing will liven you up this winter like taking the (cold) plunge to kick off St. Patrick’s Day celebrations! Every year, RiRa Irish Pub kicks off St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with a refreshing dip into the ice-cold waters of the East End Beach in Portland. Be one of the many to brave the chilly waters to raise funds for the Portland Firefighters Children’s Burns Foundation, supporting their vital work in assisting burn survivors and their families. After the plunge, warm up at Ri Ra Irish Pub + Restaurant for an Irish breakfast, a raffle, and plenty of St. Patrick’s Day festivities!
When: March 17th at 5:30am
Where: East End Beach + RiRa Irish Pub
And keep an eye out for our updated Where to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Portland, ME for a full rundown of SPD shenanigans.
… and then it’s officially spring! We’ll find out how accurate Punxsutawney Phil was in predicting an early spring. Fingers crossed!
