The weekend is calling, and we’ve got the perfect plans lined up for you!
Whether you’re shucking oysters and sipping bubbly, hunting for treasure with pirate comedians, or cozying up with hot cocoa in Congress Square Park, there’s no shortage of fun ahead. Add in trivia nights, craft gatherings, and some killer live music, and you’ve got a weekend you won’t want to miss. Grab your calendar and dive into the details!
Here’s the Weekend Guide for Friday, January 17th – Sunday, January 20th, 2025
Friday the 17th
Next Stop Comedy | Root Wild Kombucha | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Get ready for a night of big laughs as top-tier stand-up comedians take the stage at Root Wild Kombucha. With a rotating lineup of fresh, hilarious talent, you’ll see performers who’ve graced TV screens and cracked jokes on your favorite podcasts. Perfect for a night out with friends or a fun date night, this is your ticket to nonstop laughter.
MAMM’s Rock of (All) Ages | SPACE | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Experience the magic of music spanning generations as Maine Academy of Modern Music brings student and adult bands together for an unforgettable showcase at SPACE. Expect a vibrant mix of original songs and timeless covers, showcasing the talent and creativity of musicians of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of fresh new sounds or nostalgic favorites, this event offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Tinis & Weenies | Smoked Portland | 5:00 PM
A night of delicious fun at Smoked Portland’s first-ever Tini’s and Weenies! For one night only they’re serving up a special menu of creative martinis and gourmet hot dogs. Special menu includes Poutine Dog, Reuben Dog, Bean & Cheese, The Homewrecker and more. If this quirky combo wins your heart, who knows—it might just stick around. Don’t miss this one-night-only culinary adventure!
Travis James Humphrey | Salt Yard Cafe + Bar | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Kick back at Salt Yard Cafe + Bar with live music, tasty bites, and a cozy vibe. This week’s Friday night lineup features the talented Travis James Humphrey a seasoned musician who’s shared stages with legends like B.B. King and Roy Clark. Whether you’re there for the music, the food, or the great company, this is your chance to unwind in style.
Saturday the 18th
New Year Fitness Together for a Cause | EA Fitness and Performance | 9:00 AM
Start the new year with purpose and community! Rytualist Aesthetics Bar is joining forces with EA Fitness and Performance for a free, energizing workout suitable for all fitness levels, led by an expert trainer passionate about helping you feel strong and empowered. Connect with fellow participants in a supportive atmosphere while giving back to Collect the Cotton, a nonprofit dedicated to providing menstrual products to those in need. Bring a box of period products for donation, and Rytualist will match your contribution, doubling the impact.
Xtreme Motorsports Ice Racing | Cross Insurance Arena | 2:00 PM
Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping night at the Cross Insurance Arena as Xtreme Motorsports Ice Racing returns to Portland! Before the action begins, enjoy a special Touch-A-Bike event and a showcase of bikes, gear, and four-wheelers, all included with your ticket. Once the racing starts, prepare for heart-pounding action as elite riders from around the world, and local heroes, compete on high-powered machines equipped with over 2,000 razor-sharp metal studs—all without brakes! This is motorsports at its most thrilling.
Stories Aloud/Allowed: An Evening of Live Storytelling Across Cultures | Maine Irish Heritage Center | 6:30 PM
Experience the timeless magic of storytelling at the Maine Irish Heritage Center. This community-driven event brings together storytellers from Maine’s diverse cultural communities to share tales of myth, folklore, personal journeys, and original works. The evening begins with an open mic for attendees to share their own 5-10 minute stories, followed by featured storytellers who will captivate with their narratives. Afterward, mingle during a social hour to reflect, connect, and celebrate Maine’s vibrant cultural tapestry.
GoldenOak with special guest Cilla Bonnie | One Longfellow Square | 8:00 PM
An evening of soulful melodies and heartfelt tunes with GoldenOak and special guest Cilla Bonnie. GoldenOak, led by siblings Zak and Lena Kendall, brings their folk-inspired sound to life with powerful harmonies and a deep connection to nature. Their latest album, Room to Grow, explores the emotional impact of the climate crisis, with songs that both calm and excite. Opening the night, Cilla Bonnie offers her groovy, introspective music, drawing on years of experience and collaboration with notable artists. It’s sure to be a night full of energy, emotion, and beautiful music.
Tall Heights | Maine Craft Distilling | 6:00 PM
Experience an evening of deep connection and beautiful sounds with Tall Heights and Lau Noah. Tall Heights’ new release, Softly Softly, embraces vulnerability, where cello and guitar blend seamlessly, capturing a raw, authentic energy. The duo’s approach to recording mirrors the human need for closeness and interaction, rejecting isolation in favor of a more intimate sound. Lau Noah, a self-taught virtuoso guitarist and vocalist, brings her poetic compositions and mesmerizing guitar-voice interplay to the stage, celebrated by musical legends like Phoebe Bridgers and Jackson Browne. With her unique voice and rich musical history, Noah’s performance is sure to captivate and inspire.
Sunday the 19th![]()
Oysters + Bubbles | The Westin Portland Harborview | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Embark on a culinary journey where the ocean meets the bubbles! This exclusive experience offers the chance to master the art of oyster shucking, while expertly pairing each fresh, briny bite with sparkling wines that enhance every flavor. Guided by experts, you’ll learn how the effervescence of the wine elevates the delicate notes of the oysters, creating a refined tasting experience.
Hot Cocoa Sip-off | Congress Square Park | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
The ultimate cocoa showdown! The Sip-Off is back at Congress Square Park, where four local makers—The Milk Bottle, The Whole Almond, Black Point Coffee Roasters, and Calafia Cantina—will each bring their unique twist on hot cocoa. Taste their creative concoctions and vote for your favorites in various categories. Don’t forget to bring your own sipping vessel. With fire pits, cozy vibes, and a mini mug market from local ceramicists, this free event (with a suggested $5 donation) promises to be a sweet, heartwarming time.
Lobster Role Live presents: Treasure Hunt | Empire Comedy Club | 6:00 PM
Ahoy, mateys! Get ready for a night of high-seas hilarity! Set sail with a crew of pirates in this live-action Dungeons & Dragons adventure, packed with improvised mischief, epic mishaps, and a race for treasure. Whether you’re a seasoned RPG pro or a newcomer to the game, you’re in for a rollicking good time filled with laughs and surprises. Don’t miss the intermission raffle for treasures fit for a pirate king, and come dressed in your finest pirate garb—or just bring your sense of adventure!
THUS LOVE with Lahnah and Red Eft | Oxbow Blending & Bottling | 7:30 PM
Catch THUS LOVE, Lahnah, and Red Eft at Oxbow Blending & Bottling for a night of raw rock energy and experimental sounds. THUS LOVE delivers soul-stirring music that challenges the fast-paced distractions of modern life. Lahnah brings their absurd, bombastic “butt rock” inspired by 70s prog and noise rock. Red Eft debuts their amphibian rock with a mix of tension and storytelling from their album Real Security. Get ready for a wild, high-energy show!
MLK Jr. Day – Monday the 20th
Monday Night Trivia | Rising Tide Brewing Co. | 5:30 PM
Join at Rising Tide Brewing every Monday night for Pub Trivia hosted by Hardly Trivial! Teams of 1-6 people can play for free, with gift card prizes for 1st and 2nd place. Not on top? Last place gets to choose the bonus round theme for the following week! Enjoy a cold beer from Rising Tide while you play—Trivia starts at 5:30 PM in the East Room. Bring your friends and test your knowledge!
Music Bingo | Foundation Brewing Co. | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
B-I-N-G-O… Music Bingo, that is! Join at Foundation Brewing Co. every Monday at 6 PM for a playful twist on the classic game. It’s bingo meets trivia, with music-themed fun for all. Bring your competitive spirit—or just Shazam your way to victory—and win fun prizes every time you get a bingo! Low-key vibes, great beer, and good times! Looking to arrive early? FBC will be open early at noon for the holiday.
Craft Night | Freedom’s Edge Cider | 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Craft Night at Freedom’s Edge Cider! Bring your current project and connect with fellow Portland crafters over great cider! No craft? No problem—grab a DIY kit from the bar and join in the fun. Plus, enjoy discounted pours while you create. Cheers to crafting and cider!
For more events head to our Events Calendar here.
