It’s that time again! Five fun things to do in downtown Portland this weekend.
1. Get cultured with the First Friday Art Walk
Where: Neighborhoods all over Portland
When: October 4th, various start times
Cost: Varies by event
If you’ve been in Portland for any amount of time, this is no news to you. In neighborhoods all over the city, the Art Walk is a marathon of various artistic endeavors. It’s fun to pick one area of town and stroll around between galleries, performances, and street artisans. If you prefer to take the more planned approach, events and artists are listed here. A couple standouts from yours truly are the Machigonne | Our Portland Maine show at Hill Top Coffee Shop by photographer Tylder Aldrich, and the Daponte String Quartet performing a free show at the Portland Public Library.
2. Eat under the October sky at Flea Bites
Where: Portland Flea-For-All, 125 Kennebec St.
When: October 4th, 6:00-9:00 pm
Cost: Free to hang out, regular food truck menu costs
Flea Bites is the monthly event where food trucks gather outside of the Portland Flea-For-All, hence the quirky name. This month will spotlight Bite Into Maine, El Corazon, Gusto’s Italian, Love Cupcakes, Small Axe, Urban Sugar Mobile Cafe, and Wicked Good Truck. Everyone is sure to find something they like with this amount of variety, so bring even your pickiest of friends. The weather report is calling for perfect sweater temperature, and there are plenty of picnic tables to be shared by all. Sadly, this is the last one until next spring; so don’t miss this mobile culinary gathering. No regrets!
3. Get funky with Shut Down Brown (21+)
Where: Bull Feeney’s on Friday, and Brian Boru on Saturday
When: October 4th at 9:30, and October 5th at 9:30 as well
Cost: Free to listen
Shut Down Brown is a local band featuring funk, soul, and R&B numbers. Playing songs from acts like Sly & The Family Stone and Ginuwine, there’s rarely a hip not shaking when these boys are in the house. There’s double the funk this weekend, as they are playing at Bull Feeney’s Friday and Brian Boru Saturday. Their Facebook page states ”Funky. Tight. All day and all night!” Best of all, they’re easy on the eyes, so there’s really no reason not to go.
4. Drink cask beer outside at Novare Res Bier Café Cask Festival (21+ to drink)
Where: Novare Res Bier Café
When: October 4th and 5th
Cost: Free entrance, pay for beer
Novare Res is a sacred space for Maine beer lovers. This Cask Festival is no exception. Considering their sizable deck and the fact that the October weather is just showing off at this point, the setting is perfect to drink outside this Friday and Saturday. You’ll be spoilt for choice with over 40 different options including lots of hoppy double IPAs in various pouring sizes. Cheers!
5. Funk The Bunk!! (21+)
Where: Bunker Brewery Company, 122 Anderson St.
When: October 4th 9:00pm
Cost: Free entrance, pay for beer
If you’ve ever met Chresten Sorensen and the rest of the crew from Bunker Brewing Company, you know that any event there will be an experience. On the surface, we’re talking about a dance party where you’ll drink their tasty beer and listen to sweet jams from DJ Hi-Duke. One look at their event poster, however, and you’ll know you’re in for more than your standard Friday night social.