Hey listeners, welcome to your go-to guide for what’s popping in Portland, Maine, today through the weekend of January 2nd to 4th. It’s a fresh start to 2026, and we’ve got cozy family fun, high-energy sports, killer music, and dance vibes to shake off those New Year’s cobwebs. Let’s dive right in as your friendly neighborhood navigator.

Kicking off today, Friday, January 2nd, head to the Portland Museum of Art at 7 Congress Square for the Family Shadow Puppetry Workshop from 11 AM to 12:30 PM. Portland Museum of Art reports it’s a hands-on blast inspired by David Driskell’s Pine and Moon painting, where you’ll craft shadow puppets with cut paper, silhouettes, and 3D elements alongside artist Josie Holt from Mayo Street Arts. It’s $15 per puppet, perfect for ages 10 and up with caregivers, and you’ll wrap up sharing vignettes on a scrim with lights and shadows. Pure creative magic to spark your day.

Basketball fans, don’t miss the G League showdown at Portland Expo Building. Gleague.nba.com has the Noblesville Boom taking on our Maine Celtics this afternoon at 4 PM, broadcast on NBCSB and YouTube. It’s high-flying action to fuel your weekend spirit—grab tickets fast for that electric hometown energy.

Tonight, Flask Lounge in the West End cranks up with an experimental night, according to their event lineup. This intimate 100-person spot is Portland’s hotspot for emerging DJs and live beats, so expect fresh sounds to get you moving. Flask Lounge reports it’s all about inclusive nightlife, perfect for dancing into the new year.

Saturday, January 3rd, keeps the party rolling at Flask Lounge with a house music dance bash celebrating a birthday takeover by Mike Said. Flask Lounge details all-night feel-good grooves that’ll have the floor packed—deep house vibes for those who live for the rhythm.

Sunday, January 4th, winds down with classic trivia somewhere in the Old Port, per Portland Old Port’s weekend guide, plus SunDaze at Flask Lounge starting at 9 PM. No cover for those deep grooves to ease out of the weekend, and they’ve got open mic DJ nights brewing too if you’re spinning records.

Portland Old Port’s guide nails it: this lineup mixes family-friendly workshops, sports thrills, live music, and trivia for a perfect post-holiday recharge. Bundle up, it’s Maine in January, but the energy’s hot.

Thanks for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more weekly scoops on Portland’s best. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Hey listeners, welcome to your ultimate guide for what's popping in Portland, Maine, today on this fresh New Year's Day 2026 and through the weekend. We're kicking off the year with a mix of chill vibes, music, art, and adventure right here in our vibrant city.

Start today at Orange Bike Brewing on 31 Diamond Street, where their Dry January Kick-Off runs from noon to 8 PM. According to Orange Bike Brewing's event calendar, it's the perfect sober spot to toast the new year with mocktails and brews minus the booze, easing you into those resolutions with good company. If you're up for some downhill thrills, join the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club for New Year's Day Downhill Skiing at Pleasant Mountain starting at 8 AM until 2 PM. Pleasant Mountain reports fresh slopes ready for all levels, so grab your gear and carve up the powder just a short drive from Portland.

This evening, head to Monument Square for the First First Friday Open Mic Night at the square on 34 Preble Street. Eventbrite details an all-ages, pay-what-you-can bash from around 6 PM, hosted by Monaco Studios, with local musicians, creators, and community vibes in the heart of the Arts District. Shake off any NYE hangover with tunes and open mics that showcase Portland's raw talent.

Tomorrow, Friday, dive into live music across town. Portland Old Port's Live Music Guide for December 31st through January 6th highlights bluegrass jams, local hip-hop, and Dead-inspired sets at spots like Batson River Brewing, where their New Year's Eve party lingers into the weekend with DJ beats. Keep an eye on Henry's Public House for DJ Revolve spinning upscale dance tracks.

Saturday brings more energy with ongoing music at venues like the Portland House of Music & Events, featuring Tim Sullivan’s Half Dead channeling Grateful Dead funk, as noted by Portland Old Port. Families, don't miss the indoor beach party echoes from last night at the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, with sea creature meet-and-greets if it extends.

Sunday winds down with art at the Portland Art Museum's Free First Thursday previewing into the weekend—free admission to explore Global Icons, Local Spotlight exhibits, per the museum's site. Catch folk-rock or jam sessions at cozy bars.

Portland's buzzing with post-NYE magic, from rooftop toasts at Luna Bar to masquerade afterglows at Bar Publica. Bundle up, listeners, and make unforgettable memories—check venues for tickets and times as things fill fast.

Thanks for tuning in, and don't forget to subscribe for more weekly guides. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Hey Portland listeners, it's your friendly guide to the best happenings in town on this buzzing New Year's Eve and into the weekend. Today, December 31st, the city is exploding with ways to say goodbye to 2025 in style—think glittering parties, live tunes, and feasts that'll make your taste buds dance.

Kick off with family fun at the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine's New Year's Eve Indoor Beach Party from 10 AM to 4 PM. Meet sea stars and anemones, craft a Sea Star Wand, grab summer treats, and countdown with a special Sea Star Drop—L.L.Bean sponsors the beachy take-home goodie. Portland Old Port reports it's perfect for kiddos.

For grown-up vibes, dive into dining magic. Canopy Portland Waterfront's Salt Yard and Luna Rooftop Bar host from 7 PM with live music by The Middle Men Band till 8 PM, then DJ Tylord spins till late, plus a midnight champagne toast. Nearby, Duckfat at 43 Middle St. stays open till 1 AM with their casual menu, ideal for groups. Splurge on prix-fixe menus like Street & Co.'s $115 seared halibut and duck at 79 Portland St., or Bar Vulcan's 5-course with champagne toast at 9 PM for midnight countdown access. Dim sum lovers, Paper Tiger's $150 Dumplings and Champagne with seven courses and Moët starts your night right—book fast as spots are vanishing, per Portland Old Port.

Music fans, catch Start Making Sense, the ultimate Talking Heads tribute, at State Theatre on Congress St. at 9 PM—National Today calls it a must. Aura nightclub throws a massive NYE bash till 2 AM with DJ Jay-C's dance beats, TEALL go-go dancers, and VJ Foo's light show—21-plus only, tickets via Ticketmaster. Oxbow Blending & Bottling at 49 Washington Ave. turns into a disco nightclub at 9 PM with DJ Double Dessert, Matt Perry, fog machines, and $10 cover. Flask Lounge rocks an emo throwback night from 9 PM, while Bonfire Country Bar starts at 8 PM with no cover early, country vids, and Times Square ball drop on 16 HDTVs—VIP tables available.

Gatsby glamour calls at Après with Ragtime Destroyers live from 7 PM, DJ Gato Grande, photo booths, and midnight bubbly. Batson River Brewing offers passed apps, DJ, and champagne from 8 PM. Early birds, Portland Beer Hub's ball drop at 8 PM from 4-9 PM, or Smoked Portland's 2-5 PM bash with Chase Jobe and 5 PM toast.

Into the weekend, Thompson's Point has The Crowded Table tonight, Bayside Bowl features Adrienne Mack-Davis, and Primo Cubano—JamBase has tickets. Keep the energy high with these spots lighting up Portland's Old Port and beyond.

Thanks for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more weekly guides. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Hey listeners, welcome to your ultimate guide for what's popping in Portland, Maine, today through the weekend—it's Friday, December 26th, and the post-Christmas energy is electric! Kick things off tonight with high-octane hockey action as the Maine Mariners take on the Worcester Railers at Cross Insurance Arena on 1 Civic Center Square. Puck drops at 7:15 pm, so grab your foam finger, cheer for those hometown heroes, and feel the rink-side thrill—perfect for shaking off any holiday turkey coma, according to National Today's event listings.

If live tunes are more your vibe, head to the heart of Portland's Arts District for The Music of Bonnie Raitt—Night 1, running from tonight through Sunday, December 28th. Creative Portland has this tribute locked in at One Longfellow Square, delivering soulful slides, bluesy grooves, and that signature Raitt swagger to keep your spirits soaring all weekend long.

Saturday's heating up with Feels at Flask Lounge—a dance party kicking off at 9 pm where the beats drop hard and the crowd pulses with good times. Then, science nerds and stargazers, don't miss Distant Worlds, Alien Life? at the University of Southern Maine starting at 1 pm. This full-dome planetarium show dives into exoplanets, biology's wild limits, and mind-bending animations of extraterrestrial critters—USM's calendar calls it a cosmic must-see for just $7.50 to $8 a ticket.

Sunday night? Flask Lounge's legendary SunDaze weekly EDM and bass night from 9 pm to 1 am—no cover before it turns into a $5 scene, but it's all about those deep grooves, local DJs, and shaking off the weekend in a come-as-you-are dance haven, straight from their event page. Meanwhile, Definitive Brewing Company's Friday Night Flights roll into tonight from 5 to 8 pm at 35 Industrial Way, with more tastings likely spilling into the weekend—pair craft brews with their trivia or art nights for that chill Portland buzz.

Whether you're lacing up for Mariners mania, grooving to Bonnie vibes, pondering aliens, or bass-dropping till dawn, Portland's got the fun dialed up. Bundle up, hit the streets, and make memories!

Thanks for tuning in, listeners—subscribe for more weekly scoops! This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Portland, Maine is sparkling with cozy, quirky, and downright festive things to do this week, so let’s dive right into your game plan.

If you’re in town on Christmas Day itself, much of the city is in quiet mode, but that just makes it perfect for a peaceful wander through the Old Port, a brisk walk on the Eastern Prom, or a cocoa-fueled stroll to check out the Monument Square holiday tree. The City of Portland notes that city services pause for the holiday, which means the streets feel extra calm and magical. It’s a great day for listeners to lean into the slower side of Portland: grab a coffee from a spot that’s open, bundle up, and enjoy the harbor views without the usual bustle.

As the week rolls into Friday, the energy picks up. Portland Old Port’s weekend guide for December 26th through 28th highlights a mix of concerts, comedy, and family-friendly happenings across town. They point listeners toward local shows at venues like the State Theatre and Portland House of Music, plus festive gatherings in neighborhood bars and breweries where you can catch live music with a holiday twist, sip something warming, and meet locals who’ll happily tell you their favorite hidden corners of the city.

If you’re a live-music lover, Portland Maine Theater’s December listings show tribute acts and seasonal performances continuing through the week, including touring bands and holiday-themed shows at downtown venues. This is the time to check who’s on stage at the State Theatre or Merrill Auditorium and snag same-week tickets for a spontaneous night out.

Film fans should keep an eye on the Portland Museum of Art’s film program, PMA Films. According to the museum’s events calendar, they’re screening international and indie titles through the holiday week, with afternoon and evening showtimes that pair perfectly with a slow museum visit and a winter walk through the Arts District afterward.

For listeners looking for community-focused events, the Equality Community Center on Casco Street hosts LGBTQ+ meetups, support groups, and social gatherings throughout December. Their queer events calendar shows an ongoing rhythm of meetings, movie watch parties, and game nights during the month, making it a welcoming hub if you want to plug into local community while you’re in town.

Wrap up your weekend by combining a harborfront walk, a great local meal, and a show or film, and you’ve got the perfect Portland winter story to take home.

Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss what’s happening in Portland, Maine.

This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Hey listeners, welcome to your friendly guide for what to do in Portland, Maine, on this festive Christmas Eve and through the rest of the week. It's December 24th, and the holiday magic is lighting up our city with music, lights, and cozy vibes perfect for making memories with family and friends.

Kick off today with the must-see Christmas with Kennerley at Merrill Auditorium on Myrtle Street. PortTIX reports this heartwarming show stars renowned organist James Kennerley, the Kotzschmar Brass and Percussion, guest soloists, and local choirs delivering beloved carols in the Home for the Holidays style. It's a two-hour family delight starting at 7 p.m., with tickets from $30 to $71 before fees—grab yours quick for an enchanting evening in our downtown Arts District gem, right near great spots for a pre-show bite.

If you're up for dancing into the night, head to Flask Lounge in the West End for their Christmas Yankee Swap and Open Decks from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. This intimate 100-person spot is Portland's go-to for lively tunes, emerging DJs, and holiday fun—perfect for swapping gifts and grooving.

Tomorrow, Christmas Day, keep the cheer going with a short drive to Freeport for L.L.Bean's Northern Lights Holiday Display, wrapping up its final day. Z1073 says the store and grounds transform into a winter wonderland with free daily projection shows every 30 minutes from 4 to 8 p.m., fire pits and heated seats from 1 to 7 p.m., Letters to Santa in the big red mailbox, and festive photo ops under dazzling lights and trees. It's a visual spectacle for all ages, complete with s'mores at kids' fireside stories if you catch a Wednesday slot.

Through the weekend, catch live music highlights from the Portland Old Port guide, featuring post-holiday favorites, tribute nights, and a stacked lineup at the State Theatre December 24th to 30th—think high-energy shows to shake off any holiday haze. Note the citywide parking ban lifted this morning after last night's snow, per Portland Parks and Rec, so streets are clear for easy exploring.

Whether you're bundling up for auditorium anthems, swapping at Flask, or chasing lights at L.L.Bean, Portland's got that cozy Maine spirit alive today and beyond. Bundle up, spread joy, and dive in.

Thanks for tuning in, listeners—don't forget to subscribe for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Portland, Maine is absolutely buzzing with holiday energy this week, so let’s dive into what listeners can actually do around town.

If you’re listening on Sunday and want to start the day local and cozy, head over to Thompson’s Point for the Thompson’s Point Makers Market. Broad Cove Buoys notes that it runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Thompson’s Point Road in Portland, bringing together makers, artists, and food vendors under those big brick-and-beam spaces by the water. It’s a perfect spot to pick up last‑minute handmade gifts, sample local treats, and warm up with a drink while you wander.

For a classic holiday story with a distinct Portland twist, Portland Ballet is presenting A Victorian Nutcracker this afternoon. According to Portland Ballet and PortTIX, the 2 p.m. performance is at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center, just minutes from downtown. This production sets the first act in Portland’s own Victoria Mansion, with characters pulled from the city’s 19th‑century history, before whisking the heroine off to the Land of the Sweets. It runs about two hours with an intermission, and tickets range roughly from the low 30s to just under 100 dollars, with special pricing for kids, students, and seniors.

If your idea of holiday fun involves something a little rowdier, Eventbrite lists the Portland, Maine Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl based out of Mathew’s on Free Street. Organized by PubCrawls dot com, this 21‑plus crawl checks in at Mathew’s between 4 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, with listeners encouraged to rock their tackiest holiday sweaters and hop from bar to bar downtown. It’s a lively way to experience the Old Port’s nightlife and meet fellow revelers.

Sports fans should keep an eye on the Cross Insurance Arena schedule. The arena’s December calendar highlights Maine Mariners home games against ECHL rivals like the Adirondack Thunder and Trois‑Rivières Lions, as well as a matchup featuring UMaine men’s hockey later in the month, all right in downtown Portland. Check the arena’s schedule for exact opponents and puck-drop times so you can build a night out around the game.

And if you’re looking for something quieter but still seasonal, Portland’s Troubh Ice Arena lists public and freestyle skating blocks, plus youth hockey, so lacing up for a skate is another very local way to enjoy the week.

Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss what’s happening around Portland. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

If you’re in Portland, Maine this week, you’ve picked a fantastic time to lean into the holidays, the lights, and a whole lot of live music and mischief.

Let’s start with today. Over on Congress Square, the Portland Museum of Art is throwing open its doors for December Lights. According to the Portland Museum of Art’s own events calendar, the museum is free all day, with extended hours from 10 in the morning until 8 at night. They’re packing the building with seasonal cheer: family activities, live music tucked between the galleries, and cozy after-hours shopping in the museum store. It’s the perfect warm-up stop between Old Port errands or before a night out.

If you’re looking to turn tonight into a full-blown night on the town, there are some big sounds waiting for you after dark. JamBase lists country group 12/OC hitting the Cross Insurance Arena at 6:30 p.m., bringing a modern country energy right into the heart of downtown. Just a short walk away, State Theatre’s concert calendar on JamBase also shows Pink Talking Fish with Weird Phishes playing a mash‑up of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish, ideal for listeners who love a jam band vibe with a twist.

Over on Temple Street, Portland House of Music has its own holiday groove going. Their calendar shows The Red Eye Flight Crew presenting “It’s A Holiday Soul Party,” performing Sharon Jones’ iconic Christmas album in its entirety. Doors open in the evening, so you can stroll in after dinner and sink into horns, organ, and serious soul power, all dressed up for the season.

If you want something a little more theatrical, The Hill Arts is hosting Vivid Motion Dance’s Holly Jolly Follies. The Hill Arts describes it as Portland’s longest‑running burlesque‑style holiday tradition, a brand‑new show each year with dance, humor, and a very grown‑up kind of festive sparkle. It’s the kind of show that pairs well with a cocktail and a sense of adventure.

As the week rolls on, Portland leans into the “naughty and nice” holiday mood. Eventbrite lists Portland, ME SantaCon 2025 based out of Mathew’s on Free Street, with check‑in between 4 and 7 p.m. It’s a 21‑plus bar crawl run by PubCrawls.com, so expect a sea of Santas tumbling through the Old Port, hopping from bar to bar with holiday drink specials and plenty of people‑watching.

Looking toward the rest of the weekend, The Hill Arts schedule hints at more offbeat holiday options: everything from drag shows like Dragology’s Feelin’ Frosty to raucous variety and cabaret nights that mix live music, comedy, and circus‑style performance. It’s a reminder that if you’re craving something weird, witty, and very Portland, there’s always a stage somewhere ready to oblige.

So whether listeners want family‑friendly lights and art, big arena country, jam‑band marathons, sultry holiday burlesque, or a tipsy night out in a Santa suit, Portland has the week fully covered.

Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss what’s happening around town. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Portland, Maine is buzzing this week, so let’s dive into some great options to keep listeners busy through the weekend.

If you want big, festive energy, the Magic of Christmas concerts with the Portland Symphony Orchestra are the marquee event downtown. According to 92 Moose, the Magic of Christmas is being performed at Merrill Auditorium on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with multiple showtimes, wrapping classic carols, choral sing-alongs, and full-orchestra holiday pieces into one cozy tradition. It’s a perfect choice if listeners want that goosebump moment when the brass kicks in and the whole hall starts to sing.

For something more low-key but still seasonal, Allagash Brewing Company is hosting ongoing winter festivities at its Portland brewery, according to Visit New England’s event calendar. Listeners can expect special releases, a festive beer garden vibe, and a rotating cast of food trucks, all just a short ride from downtown. It’s a great stop before or after a show, especially if you like Belgian-style beers and twinkle lights.

Film lovers should head to the Portland Museum of Art, where PMA Films is running a holiday-adjacent lineup in its in-house theater. The museum’s own film calendar shows screenings throughout the week and into the weekend, with discounted Friday matinees and a mix of new releases and art-house titles. It’s a cozy way to duck out of the cold and feel very “Portland” for a couple of hours.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more spiritual and community-centered, Ananda Portland is running its Christmas Raffle Fundraiser at the Ananda Portland Temple all day on Friday, according to the temple’s events page. It’s a gentle way to plug into a reflective, giving-focused side of the season, and listeners can drop by at their own pace.

For a mini road-trip idea still close to Portland, Visit New England notes a special seasonal program at Bowdoin Chapel in nearby Brunswick this weekend, featuring holiday music in a gorgeous historic space. It’s an easy evening outing if you’re already exploring the Midcoast or just want a short escape from the city.

Whether you’re here for symphony sparkle, indie films, or a quiet moment with a cup of something warm, Portland has plenty to fill your week.

Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss what’s happening next. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Portland, Maine is buzzing this week, so let’s map out a game plan for listeners who want to make the most of it.

Tonight, you can lean into some reflection and quiet at the annual Blue Christmas Service at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Portland. According to the Diocese of Portland’s event calendar, this gentle, contemplative gathering is designed for anyone who finds the holidays a little heavy, with candlelight, music, and space to honor grief and complicated feelings while still tapping into hope and community.

If you’re craving something louder later on, Flask Lounge on Spring Street has its True Bass B2B’s night. The Flask Lounge events calendar lists this as a late-night electronic and bass-heavy dance session running from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., perfect if you want to trade holiday stress for a dark room, deep beats, and a cheap drink.

Looking ahead to Friday, holiday magic gets a little fancier at Stevens Square Theater on Stevens Avenue, where Visit New England highlights Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings. Picture a chamber ensemble bathed in candlelight, classic carols echoing around an intimate neighborhood theater, and you tucked into a cozy seat with friends before or after dinner in Woodfords Corner.

Saturday is your big night out downtown. Ticketmaster lists A Hometown Holiday with 12/OC and Friends at the Cross Insurance Arena, a full-on holiday concert featuring the Maine country band 12/OC with guest performers. Expect big sing-along choruses, original tunes with a local flavor, and the kind of crowd energy you only get when the hometown heroes take a big stage. It’s a great anchor for a whole Old Port night: grab dinner on Commercial Street, hit the show, then warm up afterward at a Wharf Street pub.

For families or anyone who just wants to soak in some seasonal atmosphere, the city’s own assets help fill in the gaps. Portland’s recreation listings show Troubh Ice Arena hopping this week with local hockey and skating sessions; while some slots are league play, public skate blocks are a classic way to glide into the weekend, then head over to the Old Port for lights, shopping, and hot chocolate.

However you shape it, you can build a week that moves from quiet candles to pulsing dance floors, from string quartets to arena country, all within a few square miles of Portland’s waterfront.

Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss what’s happening around town. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI