Whether you’re a dog lover, a dino enthusiast, or an art aficionado, there’s something for every interest in this week’s line-up!
Treat your pup to some pampering at Dog Days of Summer or bring your furry friends to the annual Pet Rock in the Park for a day filled with music, food, and four-legged fun. For a prehistoric twist, check out Jurassic Quest—an epic dino adventure the whole family will love. Plus, don’t miss the Portland Fine Craft Show, showcasing stunning art from Maine and beyond. Time to make the most of these final weeks of summer!
Here’s The Weekend Guide for Friday, August 23rd – Sunday, August 25th, 2024
Friday the 23rd
Dark Star Orchestra | Thompson’s Point | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Experience the legendary sound and energy of the Grateful Dead like never before with Dark Star Orchestra ! For over 20 years and more than 3000 shows, this incredible band has been recreating iconic Grateful Dead setlists and crafting their own unique performances, allowing fans to relive the magic of past eras or discover something entirely new. From sold-out shows at Colorado’s Red Rocks to international tours and their own festival, the “Dark Star Jubilee,” DSO has built a loyal fanbase that spans generations. Expect not just the sound, but the spirit of the Dead in every note, riff, and improvisation. Tickets.
Marble Eyes – Dark Star Orchestra After Party | PHOME | 10:30 PM
Keep the groove going after the Dark Star Orchestra show with Marble Eyes, a vibrant rock band from the New Hampshire Seacoast. Known for their “Rock & Roll For The Soul” sound, Marble Eyes brings an energetic blend of multiple lead singers and harmonious vocals reminiscent of The Band and Traveling Wilburys. Formed during the pandemic, this band features members from national acts like Pink Talking Fish, Twiddle, and The Indobox. Marble Eyes is ready to deliver a night of feel-good rock. Tickets.
Jurassic Quest | Cross Insurance Arena | All Weekend
Prepare for a prehistoric adventure! Dive into a world where you can play with adorable baby dinosaurs, excavate fossils, and even train a raptor—all while surrounded by towering giants like the Spinosaurus and the mighty T-Rex. As the world’s largest and most popular dinosaur event, Jurassic Quest offers unforgettable experiences for the entire family. Don’t miss out on the chance to see life-size dinosaurs including the Apatosaurus and an awe-inspiring T-Rex. Grab your tickets before they go extinct! Tickets.
Don Campbell | Alto Terrace Bar + Kitchen | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Join for an unforgettable evening as Don Campbell graces the stage at Cambria Hotel’s Alto Bar and Terrace. Known for his soulful melodies and engaging performances, Don Campbell brings a blend of folk, rock, and Americana that promises to captivate and entertain. Enjoy a night of live music with stunning views from the terrace and a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his sound, this is a show you won’t want to miss.
Breaking Down The House Comedy Show | Free Street | 7:00 PM Doors
Get ready to laugh out loud at Breaking Down The House, a comedy showcase featuring the talented roster of Maine House of Comedy’s house comedians! Stephen Barton, the mastermind behind this hilarious event, has lined up an evening packed with local comedic talent. For the past two years, Maine House of Comedy has been Portland’s go-to spot for independent comedy, and now it’s time to celebrate with a lineup of Maine’s finest. Lineup Includes: Achilles; Caleb Sherman (Empire Comedy Club); Pat Neuguth (BNW Productions); Chris Neuguth (The Roast of Timmy Elliott); Leah Douglass (Points In Case); Josh Marquis (Strictly Cheese At Cheese Louise); Danny Jordan (Deep Thoughts Comedy); Mo Awale (The Onion, Don’t Tell Comedy) Hosted by Amanda Reynolds-Gregg (Mainely Mandy on YouTube). Tickets.
Saturday the 24th
Portland Fine Craft Show 2024 | 120 Free Street | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Featuring 100 juried exhibitors from Maine and the Northeast, this highly anticipated show brings together artisans from across a variety of media categories including baskets, ceramics, fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, paper, printmaking, stone, and wood. It’s a celebration of fine craftsmanship at its best. In addition to the incredible exhibits, there will be outreach booths showcasing New England and Portland arts organizations, international artists new to Maine, guilds, and schools. Don’t miss the chance to meet the talented makers behind the craft and discover one-of-a-kind pieces.
Club 302 Summer Camp: A Queer Pop Summer Bash | Austin Street Brewery | 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Hello campers! Get ready to unleash your inner diva and dance the night away! Hosted by the one and only New England drag icon Raya Sunshine, this night promises non-stop fun with music from your favorite pop divas spun by the fabulous DJ SYD, along with electrifying drag performances by Boston’s own Shakaren, the queen of camp Raya Sunshine, and Portland’s rising star Ginjer Vitus! Come for the dancing, stay for the drag, and embrace the campiest summer vibes. Tickets.
Dog Days of Summer | Definitive Brewing Co. | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
A day full of tail-wagging fun! Join at Definitive Brewing for a pop-up Pet Market and Fundraiser supporting the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. Explore local purveyors of pet products, including treats from Super Mutz Dog Bakery, quirky comics from Souki Comics, and much more! You’ll even have the chance to meet the ARL foster families and learn about adopting your new furry friend. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Animal Refuge League, so come out and support a great cause while spoiling your pets!
Hit the Lights! Co. “ISLA” | Mayo Street Arts | 2:00 PM + 7:00 PM
Step into a world of magical realism with “ISLA”, a gripping story of three sisters who escape their island in search of a new home. Inspired by real-life family history, this performance dives deep into the emotional journey of political refugees, the strength of sisterhood, and the love of family. Through an immersive blend of shadow puppetry, poetry, original music, and audio interviews, “ISLA” intertwines Cuban mythology with documentary theater to explore the complexities of displacement and rebuilding. Stay after the matinee for a thought-provoking panel discussion led by co-directors and local voices from Portland’s immigrant and artist communities. Tickets.
Mini Horse Yoga | Eastern Promenade | 2:00 PM
Looking for a unique way to unwind while supporting a good cause? Join Mini Horse Yoga hosted by Impact Horse on the beautiful Eastern Promenade! Led by yoga instructor Ashley Flowers, this 60-minute, beginner-friendly class invites you to breathe, relax, and connect with nature—alongside the adorable miniature therapy horse, Toast. Not only will you leave feeling refreshed, but you’ll also be supporting Impact Horse’s mission of creating positive change through equine therapy. Sign-up.
Sunday the 25th
Pet Rock in the Park | Deering Oaks Park | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Get ready for a pawsome day at the annual Pet Rock in the Park in Deering Oaks Park! This free festival is all about celebrating our four-legged friends, featuring live music, food trucks, vendors, and animal welfare organizations. Bring your pets and join the two-legged and four-legged party! You’ll also have the chance to meet representatives from local shelters and rescue groups—and maybe even adopt a new furry family member. Best of all, the event helps support the Animal Cancer Foundation!
Rebel Market | Root Wild Kombucha | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
This Sunday, swing by Root Wild Kombucha for a women-run pop-up event you won’t want to miss! The Rebel Market brings together talented local makers offering crafts, tarot readings, and more. Shop pottery from Find Seak Pottery, luxurious bath brews from White Pine Bath Brew, and botanical goodies from Rooted By Botanicals And that’s just the start! Enjoy oysters from Lady Shuckers while vibing to live music by Kelsey Veillette & Friends. It’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday—stop by, say hey, and share the love.
Groove Atlas | Rising Tide Brewing Co. | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Looking for some folk-rock vibes this weekend? Head to Rising Tide Brewing for a performance by Groove Atlas, a talented band hailing from Dover, NH. Their sound blends the beauty of bluegrass and folk with the high-energy of rock and blues, creating a perfect soundtrack for your summer day. Enjoy their live tunes at this family-friendly, no-cover event, happening rain or shine. Grab a cold brew and settle in for an afternoon of great music!
80s Day at Sea Dogs Game | Hadlock Field | 1:00 PM
Get ready to throw it back to the ’80s at the Sea Dogs game! It’s a night packed with big hair, retro vibes, and nonstop fun. Head to the front plaza before the game for live music from Girls Just Want to Have Fun, and don’t miss your chance to snap a pic with the DeLorean from Back to the Future! Fans are encouraged to go all out with their best ’80s attire—think neon, leg warmers, and high hair—because it’s all about celebrating the decade of excess in style.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.