Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a foodie, an art lover, or simply looking for a good time, Portland has something special in store for you in 2025!
From multiple music festivals that will have you dancing the day away to the finest culinary experiences during Maine Restaurant Week and Harvest on the Harbor, and an explosion of artistry at events like Art in Bloom, 2025 is shaping up to be one unforgettable year.
Join us on a journey through the city’s most anticipated events of 2025!
Winter (January - March)
Portland on Tap
Pouring up good times and great beer at the Cross Insurance Arena, Portland on Tap is craft beer bliss!
This year, Portland on Tap is raising the bar! With 50+ craft breweries offering 100+ beverages, including beer, cider, seltzer, and more, there’s something for everyone to sip and savor. This festival delivers an unbeatable lineup of flavors, whether you’re hunting for your next favorite brew or sticking to the classics. Enjoy live music, delicious eats from local vendors, and fun games!
Event Tickets
When: Saturday, February 1st
LOVE Gala
An unforgettable evening of hope and heart, the Center for Grieving Children’s annual LOVE Gala is a cherished event and fundraiser. A celebration of community, compassion, and resilience, this annual event supports grieving children and families, and fuels their vital programs that create safe spaces, peer support, and healing.
Hosted at the stunning Brick South at Thompson’s Point, last year’s gala was an absolute showstopper, with a lively cocktail hour featuring delectable bites, a thrilling live auction, and a dance floor and live music.
Gala Tickets
When: Friday, February 7th
Maine Restaurant Week
Maine Restaurant Week celebrates independently owned restaurants throughout the state during the slow winter season. A dine-out extravaganza since 2009, participants can expect specially-priced multi-course menus at participating restaurants, in addition to culinary events such as the Spirit Quest, a self-guided cocktail and paired bites walking tour throughout the Old Port. A portion of event ticket sales benefits Preble Street.
Participating Restaurants and Events Tickets: Coming soon!
When: Saturday, March 1st – Wednesday, March 12th
Ri Ra’s Paddy’s Day Plunge
Start your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with Ri Ra Irish Pub’s annual St. Paddy’s Day Plunge at East End Beach! Brave the icy waters to support the Portland Firefighters Children’s Burns Foundation, helping burn survivors and their families. After the plunge, head to Ri Ra for a hearty Irish breakfast, a lively raffle, and plenty of festive cheer. The celebrations continue at noon with the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. he day across Portland.
Stay tuned for our St. Patrick’s Day Guide, packed with all the best St. Patrick’s Day parties.
Sign-Ups: Coming soon
When: TBD but usually St. Patrick’s Day – Monday, March 17th
Spring (April - June)
Art in Bloom
Every year the Portland Museum of Art presents Art in Bloom, a can’t-miss event for art and floral enthusiasts since its inception in 2018. Featuring floral work by designers, artists, farmers, and florists from across southern Maine, the museum comes alive with fragrant blooms, extravagant displays, and incredible floral installations of all types—each inspired by an artwork from the museum’s collection.
When: Wednesday, April 9th – Sunday, April 13th
Seaweed Week
Seaweed Week is back for its 7th year! Presented by Heritage Seaweed and Maine Sea Grant, this one-of-a-kind food and drink celebration showcases Maine’s leadership in sustainable seaweed farming. With over 70 businesses participating annually, the festival features seaweed-inspired food and drink specials, from kelp burgers to craft cocktails, plus limited-edition releases by local makers. Unique events like cooking workshops, farm tours, and science expos highlight the versatility and benefits of this climate-friendly superfood. In 2022 alone, Maine sea farms harvested over 1,000,000 pounds of kelp, supporting working waterfronts and healthy oceans. Stay tuned for this year’s schedule and participating locations!
In the meantime, take a look at the rundown of Maine Seaweed Week 2024.
When: Friday, April 25th – Sunday, May 4th
Chowderfest
A chowder showdown! The 2nd Annual Portland Chowderfest returns to Definitive Brewing Co., bringing together local restaurants to battle it out for the title of Best Chowder in Portland. With a passport to sample every chowder on site, you’ll taste an array of creative and classic recipes that highlight Portland’s unbeatable culinary scene. Sample, savor, and cast your vote while enjoying a fun-filled afternoon with friends and family. All ages welcome!
For a taste of what’s to come, check out the Chowderfest 2024 rundown.
Tickets: Coming soon
When: Saturday, April 26th
CiderFeast
Sip and sample your way through CiderFeast, an all-inclusive tasting event that celebrates craft ciders from some of the top cider makers in New England and beyond. Sample a wide range of hard cider and foods at this uniquely New England event. Expect two dozen featured ciders and meads, plus delicious food.
More details to come, but take a look at last year’s CiderFeast for a better idea on what’s to come!
Tickets: Coming soon
When: Sunday, May 11th
Walk the Working Waterfront
A fun and interactive way to explore the rich maritime culture and history of Portland, Maine, Walk the Working Waterfront is designed to promote awareness of the critical importance of the city’s working waterfront infrastructure. Attendees can explore the many working piers and wharves, tour Coast Guard vessels, participate in one of the education stations, and chat with fishermen to gain a deeper understanding of the role that this industry plays in the local community.
Wondering what to expect? Check out the Portland Old Port rundown WTWW 2024
When: TBD for early June (2024 date was June 8th)
Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon and 5K
Mark your calendars for the Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon & 5K, returning to Portland’s waterfront! Whether you tackle the scenic half marathon or the vibrant 5K, you’ll race past iconic sights like Casco Bay, Back Cove, and the charming Old Port. Every finisher earns exclusive swag, including a brand-new medal, free race photos, and complimentary craft beer (21+).
After crossing the finish line, stick around for a block party-style celebration with live music, snacks, and drinks in the beer garden.
Sign-Up Online
When: Saturday, June 7th
Resurgam Music and Arts Festival
The Resurgam Music and Arts Festival is returning for its fourth year! This one-day music and arts festival organized by the City of Portland and Maine Academy of Modern Music, takes place at Ocean Gateway and the surrounding areas. In 2024, the festival drew over 7,500 people and was able to offer over 60 performances and 40 vendors by collaborating with local businesses and organizations like The Telling Room, SPACE, Portland Community Squash , The Children’s Museum and Theatre, and SailMaine. The event is FREE and open to the public!
When: Sunday, June 8th
Portland Bach Experience Festival
Presented by Classical Uprising, the Portland Bach Experience Festival tears down barriers and challenges preconceived notions about classical music by offering immersive events (including musical scavenger hunts and BachBends Yoga), interactive educational programs and lectures, and intimate concerts. Committed to creating programs that are distinct, deep, and connective experiences for all ages, award-winning musicians travel from near and far to create exquisite, soul-centering musical experiences to share with the community here in Maine.
The crowd favorite? The Carnival Concert and Community Celebration. Celebrating summer’s arrival, this family-friendly carnival includes a parade, kids crafts, food trucks, a lively symphony orchestra, and a community dance party.
Tickets + Sign-Ups: Coming soon
When: Sunday, June 15th – Wednesday, June 25th
Portland Wine Week
A week of award-winning wine and food, Portland Wine Week celebrates the local community, award-wining boutique restaurants, and diverse quality wine. Various events such as wine sails, brunches, dinners, seminars and special menus are available throughout. Opportunities to meet winemakers, chefs, and sommeliers.
Schedule and Tickets/Reservations: Coming soon
When: TBD but mid usually mid-June (2024 dates: Monday, June 10th – Sunday, June 16th)
Bach Virtuosi Festival
Held in intimate spaces with marvelous acoustics (St. Luke’s Cathedral and Etz Chaim Synagogue), The Bach Virtuosi Festival offers residents and visitors of southern Maine a world-class concert series for lovers of the baroque repertoire. Played with brilliance, love and integrity, the BVF was founded by violinist Lewis Kaplan as a way to bring performances of Bach and his contemporaries to Portland, Maine.
Tickets: Coming in the spring
When: Thursday, June 19th – Wednesday, June 25th
Pride Portland! Parade
Pride Portland! Parade is a vibrant celebration of love, unity, and progress. Honoring the LGBTQ+ movement’s achievements while highlighting ongoing struggles, this annual event brings the community together in a joyful display of inclusivity and solidarity. The parade begins at Monument Square, winding its way to Deering Oaks Park, where the festivities continue with a lively post-parade celebration. It’s a powerful and colorful reminder of the strength and resilience of Portland’s LGBTQ+ community.
Events, parties, shows and more happen throughout the month.
When: Saturday, June 21st
Summer (July - September)
Wavy Days Beer Festival
Get ready to ride the wave! Wavy Days Beer Fest returns for its fourth year at Thompson’s Point in Portland, hosted by Mast Landing Brewing Company. This craft beer celebration brings together 60+ exceptional breweries from across North America for an afternoon of unlimited sampling, live music, food trucks, local vendors, and more. Dive into the ultimate beer-lover’s experience. Cheers!
Event Tickets
When: Saturday, June 28th
Portland Kids Duathlon
Portland’s only duathlon race for kids! The Portland Kids Duathlon is the perfect introduction to multi-sport racing for kids aged 3-12! Presented by Benchmark Real Estate, this fun and inclusive run-bike-run event takes place at Payson Park and offers both in-person and virtual race options. There’s even a bike-only event for younger athletes and those with special needs, ensuring everyone can join in the excitement.
Kids will race on traffic-free courses along Baxter Boulevard, with plenty of spectator-friendly viewing areas. Every participant will cross the finish line with a medal, a smile, and a boost of confidence, all while supporting a great cause—proceeds benefit the Foundation for Portland Public Schools.
Sign-Up
When: Sunday, July 13th
Maine Outdoor Film Festival
An international festival of adventure, conservation and the arts, each summer thousand of pass holders, filmmakers, panelist, athletes, brands, and onlookers come together for Maine Outdoor Film Festival. Filmmakers, outdoor aficionados, environmentalists and lovers of art and storytelling converge for outdoor adventure and conservation film. The festival features a panoply of programming including indoor daytime screenings, industry panels, and artist networking events. Each night an outdoor theater is erected: a 20’ inflatable screen with a modern audio and projector system.
2025 schedule details and line-up still to come!
When: Wednesday, July 23rd – Sunday, July 27th
Maine Yoga Fest
After a brief hiatus, Maine Yoga Festival returns! Set against the stunning backdrop of Casco Bay on the Southern Maine Community College campus, this three-day celebration showcases a diverse lineup of yoga workshops led by top Maine and New England instructors, offering something for everyone—from beginners to seasoned yogis.
Explore multiple yoga styles, enjoy live music, and discover wellness-focused products and services in the Vendor and Healing Villages. Add in local food trucks, a vibrant yoga community, and breathtaking views, and you’ve got an unforgettable weekend. Don’t miss this chance to recharge, connect, and celebrate yoga.
Tickets
When: Friday, July 25th – Sunday, July 27th
Guster on the Ocean
A three day musical festival (first night at the State Theatre, Saturday and Sunday at Thompson’s Point), celebrating music, community, and being on the ocean! Spearheaded by Guster, an American alternative rock band from Boston, Massachusetts, last year’s line-up included Grace Potter, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Kevin Morby and more. The family-friendly event featured a kid zone, games, live screen printing, and food trucks.
Line-up for 2025 to be announced in the spring.
When: Friday, August 8th – Sunday, August 10th, 2024
St. Peter’s Annual Italian Bazaar
No need to fly to Italy when you can experience the essence of Italian culture right here in Portland. The St. Peter’s Annual Italian Bazaar will return for its 100 year in 2025!
Celebrate Portland’s vibrant Italian heritage at this beloved festival featuring mouthwatering Italian food, pastries, live music, and games. Details to come, but last year’s bazaar kicked off with Mass followed by a Frank Sinatra tribute performance by Patrick Tobin, music from Jimmy Mazz as Dean Martin, plus the energetic and lively Fever Band.
Here’s a look at what you missed in 2024!
When: TBD but early to mid-August (2024 dates: Friday, August 9th – Saturday, August 10th)
Best of Awards Portland Old Port
An annual favorite among the Portland community, the Best of Awards Portland Old Port recognizes and applauds the enormous efforts of local businesses in making Portland, Maine the award winning city it is today. Winners are voted by the public from a diverse selection of ‘Best Of’ categories that include Portland’s favorite restaurants, realtors, artists, salons and more in over 130 categories. Winners announced in-person at the Best of Awards ceremony. List of 2024 winners.
When: TBD – Early August
Portland Chamber Summer Festival
Every summer, The Portland Chamber brings artists from around the world to the Greater Portland region for their annual summer festival. Enhancing the cultural life of Southern Maine through a wide range of innovative classical and contemporary chamber music performances, the four day festival will take place at USM’s Hannaford Hall.
When: Thursday, August 14th; Saturday, August 16th; Thursday, August 21st; Saturday, August 23rd
Portland Fine Craft Show
Celebrate craftsmanship at its finest at the 10th Annual Portland Fine Craft Show, hosted by Shop Maine Craft. Taking over Free Street Parking, this juried showcase features 100+ talented exhibitors from Maine and the Northeast, presenting stunning works in jewelry, ceramics, fiber, glass, wood, metal, and more.
When: Saturday, August 23rd
Photo: Bissell Brothers Fiestbier
Oktoberfest
Raise your steins! Inspired by Munich’s legendary celebration, Portland’s breweries and beer hubs embrace the spirit of Oktoberfest with lively festivities. Think traditional stein-holding competitions, German-inspired eats, special lager releases, and plenty of Dirndls and Lederhosens. Whether you’re dancing to live music or savoring a crisp Märzen, it’s a celebration that brings the community together. Stay tuned for 2025’s participating locations and event details—Prost!
Want a recap of 2024’s celebrations?
When: Throughout September (Official Munich Oktoberfest 2025 celebrations run Saturday, September 20th – Sunday, October 5th)
Negroni Week
This nationwide celebration of the classic cocktail, presented by Campari and Imbibe, brings creative Negroni variations and fundraising efforts to the local drink scene!
While 2025 details are still under wraps, past highlights include ViA VECCHiA’s Negroni Passport, featuring globally-inspired Negroni twists, and Hardshore Distilling Co.’s month-long fundraiser for Full Plates Full Potential or No Kid Hungry in collaboration with local restaurants. Proceeds from Negroni Week benefit Slow Food, supporting sustainable and equitable food systems worldwide. Stay tuned for updates on this year’s Negroni celebrations!
Here’s a look at 2024 Negroni Week celebrations!
When: Mid September (2024 dates: Monday, September 16th – Sunday, September 22nd)
Maine Lobster Week
Maine Lobster Week is your chance to celebrate Maine’s most iconic seafood! Restaurants and markets across the state will showcase creative lobster dishes, from classic rolls to adventurous new takes, highlighting the best of the sea.
For a better sense of what Maine Lobster Week entails, check out our guide to Maine Lobster Week 2024.
When: Usually coincides with National Lobster Day which is September 25th. (2024 dates: Sunday, September 22nd through Sunday, September 29th)
Fall (October - December)
Maine Marathon
Lace up for the Maine Marathon! This USATF-certified, Boston-qualifying course offers stunning views of the Portland skyline, fall foliage, and Casco Bay. Starting and finishing on Baxter Boulevard, the race features a marathon, half marathon, and relay option.
With a spectator-friendly atmosphere and a strong commitment to charitable giving—raising over $7 million since 1997—this event is as rewarding as it is scenic. Whether you’re running or cheering, it’s a weekend in Portland you won’t want to miss!
Register Here
When: Sunday, October 5th
Harvest on the Harbor
Maine’s highly anticipated food and drink festival celebrating premier Maine distillers, brewers, oyster farmers, and purveyors of outstanding hospitality. Originating back in 2007, Harvest on the Harbor festival has been raising awareness of Portland’s expanding restaurant and hospitality scene by delivering big-time culinary experiences from Portland’s top independently-owned restaurants, bars, breweries, distillers and more.
A look at Harvest on the Harbor 2024 celebrations.
When: TBD – Late October (2024 dates ran Thursday, October 24th – Saturday, October 26th)
Monument Square Tree Lighting
The kick off to holiday season! This highly anticipated, family-friendly ceremony takes place every year in Portland’s Monument Square and in previous years has included free sports game viewings, live music, dance performances, holiday films, special guests, artisan vendors, ice sculpting, family-friendly activities, and of course, the tree lighting.
Details for 2025 ceremony to be announced later in the year.
When: Day after Thanksgiving – Friday, November 28th
Merry Madness
A signature holiday event hosted by Portland Downtown, Merry Madness is a one-of-a-kind holiday shopping extravaganza across downtown Portland! Packed with late-night shopping, libations, nibbles, and discounts at participating businesses, shoppers will receive their Merry Madness Passport detailing discounts and participating stores.
When: TBD – Usually Early December (2024 dates ran from Friday, November 29th – Sunday, December 15th, with Locals Night Thursday, December 12th)
Portland Parade of Lights
An annual holiday delight for both kids and adults, the Portland Parade of Lights happens every December out on Casco Bay and along Portland’s waterfront. Setting sail after sundown, watch from all across the Portland waterfront (Luke’s Lobster, Maine State Pier, and DiMillo’s all suggest viewing destinations) and Bug Light Park in South Portland as ferry boats, tugboats, lobster boats and more pass by in their festive best.
When: TBD – Usually the 2nd or 3rd Saturday in December (2024 date was Saturday, December 14th)
Event dates may be subject to change. Some event dates have not been announced yet and will be updated when available.
Did we miss one? Email us at [email protected]
