This weekend in Portland has a little bit of everything!
Kick off the Halloween season with an eerie stroll through the historic Eastern Cemetery, or craft your own glowing lantern at the PMA’s Lantern Making Workshop to prepare for the Portland Lantern Walk. Dance the night away at Maine Craft Distilling with Church of Good Times, or dive into the world of LEGO® at the BrickUniverse Fan Expo. And for live music fans, Chromeo is in town, ready to bring the funk with their latest album.
Here’s The Weekend Guide for Friday, October 4th – Sunday, October 6th, 2024
Friday the 4th
International Kids Music Day | Portland Lobster Co. | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Portland Lobster Company is celebrating International Kids Music Day for the first time! Join after school from 4 pm – 5:30 pm for a lively performance by Rad Dad—Kyle Gervais, where kids can sing along to modern and classic tunes. Then, from 7 pm – 9 pm Roots n’ Boots (an all-teen Maine band) will take the stage with pop rock hits from the Grateful Dead to Dire Straits. It’s a day of music and fun for all ages— a new family tradition!
Curiosity Lab Productions Presents: Now That You’ve Seen Me Naked…a Musical Comedy | The Hills Art | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Repeats Saturday and then Sunday 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Saturday Night Live meets “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” in Curiosity Labs hilarious musical comedy, Now that You’ve Seen Me Naked. Whether you’re in or out of love, this is the most fun you can have with your clothes on! (PG-13). Observe their clueless, but well-meaning, scientists as they try to discover the perfect formula for love. With their not so helpful interns, and with the need for a grant looming, they explore such deep questions as: Are we all “mad scientists” in the laboratory of love? Can men and women exist in the same bathroom? What do Prince Charming and Snow White talk about after that kiss? Do you know what’s in your partner’s nightstand? Is love just Performance Art? With hilarious, original, memorable scenes and songs that cover everything from fairytales to quantum physics, you’re going to want to put on your goggles and join the experiment as they bumble their way to relationship enlightenment! Tickets.
The Maine Stage: Burlesque, Drag, Flow | Mayo Street Arts | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Repeats Saturday)
Prepare for a two-night celebration of Maine’s finest in Burlesque, Drag, and Flow at The Maine Stage Weekender! Friday, October 4th, kicks off with the legendary Reverend Legs Malone, an internationally acclaimed burlesque performer and producer, leading the show. With a career that spans stages from NYC to Sweden, she’s bringing her signature style to Maine. The night will also feature a stellar lineup of local talent, including Chartreuse Money, Gem Fatale, and Letta Dicken. From bold burlesque to daring drag, this night promises unforgettable performances. You won’t want to miss it! Tickets.
Roots, Rhythm & Dub | RiRa | 10:00 PM
Roots, Rhythm & Dub are making their debut at Ri Ra! Get ready for an evening of original reggae fusion and covers! This is the perfect chance to experience their unique blend of rhythms in one of the Old Port’s favorite spots. Whether you’re a reggae fan or just looking for great live music, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
Saturday the 5th
BrickUniverse Portland, ME LEGO® Fan Expo | Portland Expo | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Repeats Sunday)
On October 5th & 6th, the BrickUniverse 2024 Build it! Tour brings an epic LEGO® Fan Expo to the Portland Exposition Building. Join thousands of fellow enthusiasts at BrickUniverse Portland for an unforgettable celebration of creativity and engineering. Experience incredible works of art crafted entirely from LEGO® bricks by renowned artists from around the country. Unleash your imagination in interactive Building Zones and let your creativity soar! Don’t miss the Brick Market, where vendors will have everything from rare sets to unique LEGO® accessories and collectibles. Perfect for fans of all ages! Tickets.
Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance Presents: Everything, Everywhere All At Once | Novel | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance presents Everything, Everywhere All At Once at Novel, Portland’s book bar and café! This exciting event brings together artists, cover designers, writers, and publishers from across Maine. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet key players in the publishing world, make connections, and have meaningful conversations with fellow creators. Whether you’re an established artist or an aspiring writer, come immerse yourself in this creative community at one of Portland’s coziest literary spots! RSVP.
Lantern Making Workshop with Love Lab Studios | Portland Museum of Art | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Join the Portland Museum of Art for a Lantern Making Workshop with Love Lab Studios! This free, family-friendly event invites all ages to craft their own lantern for the upcoming Portland Lantern Walk. Using various materials provided, you can create a beautiful lantern to take home or bring to the Lantern Walk on October 19th at Deering Oaks Park. The workshop will take place outside in front of the PMA, but if it rains, it will move indoors to the Selma Wolf Black Great Hall. Don’t miss this fun, creative opportunity—materials are free, and all are welcome!
A Bizarre Victorian Bazaar: An Exhibition of Oddities & the Obscure | Victoria Mansion | 10:00 AM – 4:00 AM
Kick off the Halloween season at Victoria Mansion’s A Bizarre Victorian Bazaar—a quirky outdoor fair exploring oddities from Victorian times. Learn about poison books, séances, mummy unwrapping parties, and more! Enjoy performances from Portland Ballet’s Dracula, live music by the Shank Painters, and Victorian crafts. Don’t miss the fun activities, games for kids, and delicious treats from Sullivan House Bakery. Ideal for ages 8 and up, this one-day event promises a unique blend of history and Halloween fun! Tickets.
Chromeo & The Midnight | State Theatre | 8:00 PM
Get ready for an unforgettable night as Chromeo and The Midnight take the stage! Chromeo is back with their latest album, Adult Contemporary, which promises to redefine the genre with a fresh take on maturity and relationships. This album blends funk with lyrical depth, exploring themes of modern romance through danceable tracks like “BTS” and “Personal Effects.” The duo’s signature sound combines elegant instrumentation with infectious grooves, showcasing their evolution as artists while staying true to their funky roots. This show is not just a concert; it’s an invitation to embrace adulthood with style and rhythm. Tickets.
Church Of Good Times | Maine Craft Distilling | 7:00 PM – 9:00pm
Get ready to elevate your FUN Meter with the Church of Good Times at Maine Craft Distilling! Enjoy a night filled with sweet sonic instrumental excursions provided by Eric Napier on guitar, Rev. Todd Ketcham on bass, and Rev. Todd Glacy on drums. Whether you’re dining, drinking, dancing, or just soaking in the good vibes, this show promises to be a blast. Bring your friends and join for an unforgettable evening!
Sunday the 6th
Move Wild: Brewery Yoga | Austin Street Brewery | 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Join Celine of Move Wild Studio for Brewery Yoga at Austin Street Brewery! Bring your yoga mat and water bottle for an all-levels vinyasa flow designed to help you feel centered and grounded. As a special treat, ticketed attendees will enjoy a $5 draft first pour! This is a great opportunity to bring your friends, meet new ones, and enjoy a relaxing Sunday Funday in a gorgeous space. Let’s move wild together and toast to a refreshing spring SIGN UP.
Maine Marathon | Baxter Boulevard | 7:45 AM
Lace up for the Maine Marathon! This scenic event features an out-and-back course for the marathon, relay, and half marathon, offering rolling hills and stunning views of the Portland skyline, Back Cove, Casco Bay, and vibrant fall foliage. Both the Marathon and Half Marathon are USATF certified and serve as qualifying races for the Boston Marathon. Make it a family weekend by exploring Portland’s breweries, restaurants, and Old Port shopping before and after your race. If you’re there to support and cheer on, the race has an easy access to the start/finish line along the picturesque Back Cove. Join for a fantastic day of running and celebration! SIGN UP.
Eastern Cemetery Tour | Eastern Cemetary | 4:00 PM
A fantastic way to get you in the Halloween spirit! Join Spirits Alive for the Eastern Cemetery Tour, recognized as one of Yankee Magazine’s top five cemetery tours in New England! Explore Portland’s Old Burying Ground with a knowledgeable guide and uncover its rich history. You’ll visit unique underground tombs, see the oldest gravemarker dating back to 1717, and pay respects at the graves of the famed Captains from the 1813 battle between the Boxer and the Enterprise. Delve into early gravestone art and learn about important local figures and historic events, all within this National Historic Landmark. Discover the cemetery’s landscape, which includes segregated sections for Black people, Catholics, Quakers, and strangers. Tours proceed unless the weather is stormy, and please note that dogs are not allowed. Tickets.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.