I've lived off Congress Street for a decade, and this is the list I text my friends every Thursday: everything worth leaving the house for, sorted by day and filtered to your taste.
Lake Street Dive plays two nights on Thompson's Point, and Saturday is the one to fight for. The Sea Dogs are home all weekend: fireworks Friday, Star Wars Night Saturday, and a 1 p.m. family matinee Sunday. The Maine Mural Festival takes over the Cove Street bike path, and the PMA's galleries are free Friday evening.
Three things I'd clear the calendar for — with a note on why.
“Summer's biggest outdoor bill: Lake Street Dive on the Point's lawn with Couch opening. Night two runs Sunday if you miss it.”
“Painters working walls along the Cove Street bike path all weekend. Wander through and watch the murals go up in real time.”
“Friday night baseball against Binghamton with fireworks over the outfield after the last out. First pitch 6.”
Nothing here on Thursday. Check Friday.
Free show on the Point's lawn with the sunset over the Fore River as the backdrop. Bring a chair; the food trucks handle dinner.
Thursday's bandstand set on the Prom, rhythm and blues with the whole bay spread out behind the stage.
One Longfellow Square drags its stage outdoors: two Maine songwriters in the square at golden hour, zero dollars.
The chamber festival opens its summer run at Stevens Square with 'Great Explorations.' Runs through Aug 22.
Roots reggae on Temple Street: Fearon's Naya Rockers, with B-Positive opening. Doors at 7.
Nothing here on Friday. Check Saturday.
The museum's free window, 4 to 8: every gallery open, including the Homer etchings show. Go at 6, eat in the Old Port after.
Round two of the Point's free sunset series. Same lawn, new lineup, music until nine.
Friday night baseball against Binghamton with fireworks over the outfield after the last out. First pitch 6.
A full-theater stand-up night on Congress Street. Reserved seats, all ages, doors at 7.
A stripped-down songwriters' night in the Temple Street room: Ben Nichols headlines, Cory Branan opens.
One email, Thursday morning. The weekend's best, chosen by someone who actually lives here. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
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Nothing here on Saturday. Check Sunday.
Painters working walls along the Cove Street bike path all weekend. Wander through and watch the murals go up in real time.
Deering Oaks, 7 to 1: peak-August tomatoes, wild blueberries, and half the West End walking their dogs.
The PMA's summer headliner pairs Homer's etchings with the paintings they became. Timed entry, so book a slot.
Star Wars Night at the ballpark: costumes in the stands, Binghamton in the visitors' dugout. First pitch 6.
Summer's biggest outdoor bill: Lake Street Dive on the Point's lawn with Couch opening. Night two runs Sunday if you miss it.
A four-band local bill at SPACE, with Phantom Buffalo back on a Portland stage.
State Theatre books its club-sized bets into the House of Music. This one is $25 advance, $30 day of.
Nothing here on Sunday this weekend.
The 1 p.m. matinee closes the Binghamton series. Backyard Baseball Day, the family-friendliest slot of the homestand.
Local queer artists and makers fill Congress Square from 4 to 8. Browse, snack, people-watch.
Second night on the Point: same band, Sunday-evening light, $70 day of if Saturday sold you.
This year's Sundance short-film program makes its Portland stop at SPACE. One sitting, no festival pass required.
The Allstars close the weekend loud on Temple Street. Doors 7, show 8.
The early-week standouts to catch before next Thursday's guide lands.
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