The holiday season is in full force here in Portland, and there is an abundance of things for you to choose from this weekend. Holiday events not your thing? No problem, First Friday Art walk is happening, along with comedy shows, makers markets, and rock n roll shows!
Friday, December 3rd
First Friday Artwalk | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Congress Street
On the first Friday evening of every month, the city’s artists, galleries, and arts venues open up their doors for Portland’s thriving First Friday Art Walk. This a free self-guided tour of art galleries, art studios, museums, and alternative art venues. The definition of “enormous and frightening imaginary creatures” is a wholly inadequate description of our relationship with these beings. Monsters are strangely comfortable in our lives and are culturally more nuanced and confusing to us than ever. They can be horrifying, cute, malicious, dim, powerful and pathetic.
The Red & White Party | 7:00 PM | Highroller Lobster Co.
For the first time since 2019, the Red&White Party is back! We are turning FOUR. They want all of you guys to come celebrate with them. Music starts at 7 pm. Show up in your best reds and whites. Let’s raise some hell!
Foreigners Journey | 8:00 PM | Aura | Tickets
The music and energy of two legendary stadium rock bands comes together in one electrifying show! Now starring 2X Tony Nominated Star of Broadway’s Rock of Ages and American Idol Icon – Constantine Maroulis! Their repertoire of note-for-note classics by Foreigner and Journey provide a crowd-pleasing night of unforgettable music. Not only heightened to new face melting levels with the addition of Constantine, expect added sexiness, smoldering, dancers, production and “Rock Of Ages” mash ups that will take you right back to the Sunset Strip!
Art on the Hill | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Eastend Community School
Join 60 local artists for an incredible weekend of holiday shopping! There is something for everyone on your shopping list & more, so put it on your calendar & join everyone! Filled with holiday cheer & so many fun, unique, handmade gifts! Shop Local and be sure to bring your friends too!
Weakened Friends | 7:00 PM | Portland House of Music | Tickets
Portland, Maine indie rock trio Weakened Friends dive into the honest truth of being a working musician on their new LP, Quitter, reflecting on lost friendships and self-worth swallowed up by burnout.
TOTH | 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Sun Tiki Studios
On his second solo album as Tōth, You And Me And Everything, Rubblebucket cofounder Alex Toth embarks on a journey of transformation and self-discovery. Surrounded by cascading folk rock, celebratory horns, and jaunty piano, he finds himself falling in love after the dissolution of a 12-year-long relationship and learning how to deal with deep-seated grief.
Winter Holiday Market | 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM | East Ender
Christmas tree sales, boozy hot chocolate, handcrafted goods, live music. All the makings of a merry time!
Christmas at Victoria Mansion | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Victoria Mansion
During the holiday season, many of our community’s leading and up-and-coming florists, designers, artists, and fellow non-profit organizations use the backdrop of the Mansion’s interior design to create unique decorations that emulate Victorian-era splendor. Our doors were closed in 2020, but we are pleased to return to this annual event, now in its fourth decade, that has in the past welcomed over 8,000 visitors each holiday season.
Saturday, December 3rd
Shop & Sip | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Stroudwater Distillery
What’s better than roaming a cozy holiday market with your friends and family? Doing it with a festive holiday cocktail in hand of course! They will have their full brunch and cocktail menus available as well as plenty of seating.
The Polar Express | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Portland’s Ocean Gateway | Tickets
Come and enjoy a fun filled train ride, with singing, dancing, the story of the Polar Express and of course Santa himself. Hot Chocolate will also be available as you arrive back at the station.
Indoors Farmers Market | 9:-00 AM – 1:00 PM | 631 Stevens ave
Visit more than 40 Maine farmers in one stop! From artichokes to zucchini, if you can grow it in Maine, you’ll probably find it here IN Season and Fresh! Also eggs, meat, cheese, milk, ferments, flowers, fibers, honey, and more! Farm products exclusively. Many of our vendors will move indoors to 631 Stevens Avenue. The market will be held there from 9-1 on Saturdays throughout the winter.
Rosemont Annual Holiday Craft Show | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Breakwater School
Join them for their Annual Holiday Craft Show! All items are handcrafted by local artists, including pottery, textiles, stained glass, jewelry, wood turning, paintings, prints, and more!
Jay Larkin | 8:30 | The Yard
Jay Larkin is a local solo acoustic musician. Having played solo and in the band Skosh for many years. He has shared the stage with acts such as The Charlie Daniels Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, and Randy Houser. Utilizing a loop station, He plays covers of all genres ranging from Old school funk/soul, 90’s Alternative, and reggae to rock, country, and blues.
Sunday, December 5th
The Nutcracker | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Merrill Auditorium | Tickets
This family holiday tradition is Northern New England’s largest and most spectacular Nutcracker. The Nutcracker features the traditional story of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince with glorious sets and dazzling costumes by Associate Director Gail Csoboth.
Ice Nine Kills | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM | State Theatre | Tickets
The band’s synergy of music and lifestyle draws favorable comparisons to Slipknot and Rob Zombie. Visionary trailblazers and multimedia raconteurs, INK built a thrilling world for a growing legion of devoted true believers, with theatrical shows, high-concept videos, and inventive band-to-fan communion
Festival of Trees |10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Portland Masonic Temple
The Festival of Trees is a fundraiser for the Portland Children’s Dyslexia Center and the Portland Masonic Temple. Attendees will be able to purchase raffle tickets for individual trees at the event. Winners of the tree drawings will be announced at the closing of the festival. Come join them to welcome in the holiday season!
Comedy Roast Battle:Finals | 7:00 PM | Portland House of Music | Tickets
The top comedians from New England go head to head in an all out war of words at the Roast Battle. No matter who wins, they’re all still friends at the end of the day, or are they?
BensBeenDead | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | The Apohadion Theater | Tickets
A 25-year-old Vocalist/Producer based out of Portland Maine. Ben has been producing and writing music for just a little over 5 years but has quickly become a driving force in the Portland, ME music scene. Bensbeendead.’s style can be described as a dreamy blend of electronic pop and alt R&B laden with airy synths and bubbly percussion.
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