For full listings of what’s going on all week in the Old Port, be sure to visit our Events page.
Friday, September 18: Portland’s third annual PARK(ing) Day will be on Friday, September 18. Part of a global event taking place in cities in over 200 cities around the world, PARK(ing) Day encourages businesses, designers, artists, architects, and citizens to turn metered parking spaces into temporary public parks for the day for anyone to enjoy. The goal is to create conversations about our access to public open space in cities, and the amount of publicly-owned space occupied by cars that could perhaps be used for something else. Check out the online map and plan to visit some of the various “parks” in town, chat with the creators, visit the businesses that have sponsored the “parks,” and have enlightening discussions with other park users. 9 am to 5 pm, various locations throughout Portland, see map for details. Free!
If all that relaxing in popup parks has you ready to move, then head over to Congress Square Park for Salsa in the Park. Beginner salsa lessons will be held from 5-5:30 pm, then Primo Cubano provides some dancin’ music from 5:30-7 pm. Congress Square Park, Free!
Saturday, September 19: If you are looking for something to do with the younger crowd, then hoist your sails and make your way to Whole Foods Market for Pirate Fest on the Grassy Knoll. This outdoor fair will have a pirate theme will feature performers from the Circus Conservatory of America. There will be activities for children of all ages, snacks and a map that leads to treasure! Tickets are $8, with all proceeds going to the Whole Kids Foundation, which funds school gardens and salad bars in Maine. 10 am to 3 pm, Whole Foods, 2 Somerset Street, Portland.
Sunday, September 20: It’s hard to believe we are now up to the 16th year for the Annual Trail to Ale 10K Race/Walk. The Trail to Ale is Portland’s most beautiful race, with a course that features Portland’s waterfront trails in their most glorious season. The race starts at 9 am, and the party will begin as soon as you cross the finish line with beer, pizza, music, dancing, free massages, yoga, healthy snacks and more! It costs $30 to register, with all proceeds going to support Portland trails.
In case you are more interested in the drinking part than the running/walking aspects of Trail to Ale, make your way to Nosh Kitchen Bar for take two of their NoshBow Street Festival, fall edition! The planned June NoshBow got rained out, but it looks like nice weather for Sunday, so fingers crossed this one will go on without a hitch. The block party, featuring TWO music stages, will be going down on Oak Street and is a collaboration between Nosh Kitchen Bar, Oxbow Brewing, Resession and DeadFlowers Presents. On the main stage you can catch Murcielago, Paranoid Social Club, Eldemur Krimm, Covered in Bees and The Pubcrawlers. Stage #2 will feature the DJ stylings of Che Ros, Don Damiani and the DJ with our favorite name, God.Damn.Chan. Did we mention there will be food trucks? Get your grub on with Hella Good Tacos, Fire and Company, Miami Food Truck (just be careful or the rhythm is going to get you), The Highroller Lobster Co. and BPs Shuck Shack. Tickets are $10 and are sold on site only. Gates open at 11am. Nosh, 551 Congress Street, Portland.