Let’s dive into this weekend’s line-up! It’s all happening in Portland, and you won’t want to miss a beat.
Your ticket to a whirlwind of excitement, this weekend’s Weekend Guide includes everything from Americana/roots rock, to a night of gritty ‘Trash Blues’ with Fat Knuckle Freddy. Feeling adventurous? Join the Naija Party Reloaded for a vibrant taste of Nigeria right here in Maine, or explore the cultural richness of Ireland at RiRa’s Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Enjoy!
Here’s The Weekend Guide for Friday, September 15th, 2023 – Sunday, September 17th, 2023
Friday the 15th
Fat Knuckle Freddy | Amigos Mexican Restaurant | 9:30 PM
A night of pure, unadulterated “Trash Blues” like you’ve never heard before! Fat Knuckle Freddy and drummer Timothy “BB” Webber are set to blow your minds on the Amigos patio. Their brand of blues is unlike anything you’ve experienced—imagine the boogie-woogie of John Lee Hooker, the dirty blues of Hound Taylor, mixed with the sludge of Alice In Chains, and the doom of Black Sabbath. It’s a musical rollercoaster that’ll have you head-banging all night long. This is blues, but not as you know it!
Saturday the 16th
Bellefest | Belleflower Brewing Co. | Open at Noon – Repeats Sunday
Two days of pure beer bliss as Belleflower Brewing Co.’s Bellefest returns for its 3rd year, bigger and better than ever! Be the first to experience the mystery and delight of “Crown Of Flowers,” a brand-new beer style from Belleflower. In addition to the new beer release, Belleflower Brewing Co. will be rocking their fan-favorite, Bellefast Lager, available on tap and complete with collectible souvenir glasses. Belleflower doubles the music, with live music available both days. Prost! All ages welcome. Well-behaved pups welcome on the patio.
Gnarly Darling | Maine Craft Distilling | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Join Maine Craft Distilling for a night of Americana/roots rock with Gnarly Darling, a lively group, blending jangle and groove in the most delightful way. Gnarly Darling is all about musical synergy, featuring talented artists like Ryan Feeley, Pete Lassey, Scott Methe, Noah Berman, Gary Goodman, and Jessi Rigordaeva. They’ll treat your ears to a mix of melodic originals by Ryan Feeley, along with their unique takes on classics from The Band, Wilco, Gillian Welch, The Decemberists, KALEO, Amy Winehouse, John Prine, The Kinks, and more!
2023 Maine Children’s Cancer Program Walk | Edward Payson Park | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Lace up your sneakers, because the 2023 Maine Children’s Cancer Program Walk is happening this Saturday! For 36 incredible years, this event has united communities statewide in a powerful show of support for local heroes — the children battling cancer and blood disorders. But it’s more than just a walk; it’s a family reunion filled with love and hope. Together, you’ll celebrate the incredible courage of MCCP patients and cherish the memories of those who are no longer with us. You can make a difference! Register as an individual or gather your squad to join us, whether in-person or virtually. Register or donate.
First Draft Brewery Tour with Maine Brews Cruise | Meet at Portland Beer Hub | 10:00 AM (Repeats Every Saturday and Sunday)
Kickstart your weekend with the ultimate Portland beer adventure – the First Draft Brewery Tour with Maine Brews Cruise! For those who believe it’s never too early to savor fantastic local brews, this tour was tailor-made for you. The 3 stops included in this brewery tour include Bissell Brothers Brewing Co., Belleflower Brewing Co. and Goodfire Brewing Co. Savor and sample a delightful array of beers crafted by each incredible brewery team. At the end of the tour, Maine Brews Cruise will drop you back off at Portland Beer Hub, where you can stock up on bottles and cans to continue your exploration of the vibrant downtown Portland scene. Tickets.
Sunday the 17th
The Endless Summer Party | The Portland Club | 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
RESCHEDULED TO SUNDAY DUE TO HURRICANE LEE. Savor the last of summer with The Portland Club as they host a night filled with everything that makes summer unforgettable. Groove to the tunes of the amazing the Lazzlo Family Band (a melding of alternative country Americana style with psychedelic gospel-infused), sip on refreshing summer drinks, and savor delicious bites from Sook Thai Mobile Kitchen. Plus, there will be fantastic prizes up for grabs in the raffle, thanks to sponsors like Claw Coffee, The Bayou Kitchen, and Sierra Nevada. Don’t let summer slip away without a memorable farewell. Tickets.
Naija Party RELOADED Party | Portland Zoo | 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Join in on celebrating Nigeria’s cultural richness as Oga Suya brings back by popular demand, Naija Party RELOADED! Oga Suya specializes in authentic Nigerian BBQ, featuring beloved street and party foods like mouthwatering jollof rice, iconic beef suya, and delectable chicken lap. This event will be accompanied by vibrant beats from four fantastic DJs – DJ Musonda, DJ Bow, Nik Luis, and DJ Nuno. This event is open and free to all ages, but remember, you must be 21 or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, those under 21 are welcome but must leave the premises by 8 PM.
Sundays on the Boulevard | Baxter Boulevard | 9:00 PM – 4:00 PM
It’s the return of Sundays on the Boulevard! Portland Parks Parks, Recreation & Facilities is closing down Baxter Blvd. from Vannah Ave. to the East Entrance of Payson Park every Sunday. It’s a time for foot traffic, biking, pedestrians, and play, so come out and enjoy this community event.
Halfway to Paddy’s Day Party | RiRa Irish Pub | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Join RiRa Irish Pub in celebrating Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day! Get a taste of traditional Irish cuisine, enjoy an Irish Session, have your Guinness glass engraved, and participate/or cheer on in the Oyster Shuck ‘n Suck Competition along with DJ Keystone and more! Don’t forget the 50/50 and raffle, plus $1 from every Guinness sold will support The Irish American Club of Maine and the Portland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Everett Company’s Bliss Body | SPACE | 2:00 PM
The nationally renowned Everett Company returns to SPACE with “Bliss Body,” an immersive performance collaging physical dance, vibrant projections, and real-life stories to delve into the experience of bliss. This provocative and moving production takes the audience on a journey through meditation and energetic dancing, exploring themes of peace and struggle in today’s world. It’s an invitation to be present and let go, offering a chance to feel pure bliss. Everett, consisting of a Company, Stage, and School, is dedicated to collaboration and experimentation, using theater, dance, music, and video to address complex social issues. Tickets.
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.