For full listings of what’s going on all week in the Old Port, be sure to visit our Events page.
Friday, August 7: This Friday offers you the perfect excuse to duck out of the office a little early – the 2nd Annual Old Port Reggae Festival. The fest is part of the awesome Waterfront Concerts series we’ve been enjoying all summer long at the Maine State Pier. The lineup includes Steel Pulse, Yellowman, Inner Circle, Mighty Mystic and Maine’s own Gorilla Finger Dub, and will feature DJs Dany Challenger and Ice & Green Lion Crew. Gate opens at 3pm, show starts at 3:30pm. Tickets are $40 (plus fees), with family four-packs available at $29.90 each.
After you jam out, don’t forget to take in some art during this month’s First Friday Art Walk. Some of the highlights will include Watch Michael Paul Cyr Paint (we’re assuming it’s exactly what it sounds like) at UnWined Lounge at 569 Congress Street, glass sculptures by artist Laura Fuller will be on display at the new angela adams store at 131 Middle Street, and Maine College of Art’s MFA class of 2016 is holding a sale of their recent works as a class fundraiser towards an upcoming study trip. Items will include prints, photographs, original drawings, small paintings and more, 522 Congress Street.
Saturday, August 8: OK, so we know you were JUST at the Maine State Pier for the Old Port Reggae Festival, but this is the weekend to make it a twofer by heading back down for the Portland Lights Music Festival. There are some killer bands scheduled, including Dr. Dog, Augustana, Nicki Bluhm, In the Valley Below, Dominic and the Lucid, and headliners Guster. The festival begins at 1 pm and re-entry is allowed up until 6 pm. Tickets are $29 for general admission and $60 for VIP.
Sunday, August 9: You’re probably pretty hungry after two days of concert awesomeness, so plan on heading over to Exchange Street today for the first ever b.good block party! Exchange Street will be closed to traffic from Middle Street to Fore Street and b.good will be grilling up real food from Maine farmers. Tickets are $15 for an all-you-can-eat plate, which includes burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads and Gifford’s Ice Cream, and all proceeds will go to the b.good maine foundation. Rising Tide Brewing Company and Peak Organic Brewing will also be on hand serving up $5 pints of their delicious local beer on the street. There will be live music, and several other Exchange Street businesses will also be joining in on the fun. 12-5 pm, Exchange.
The Thirsty Pig is also celebrating the block party by having their Annual Summer Smoke. Smoked ribs, turkey, sausages are all available straight from the smoker. Frank Fotusky will be there for live music with Allagash Brewing Company on tap.