Portland Pride Parade Steps Off Today as City Events Heat Up This Week
Portland, Maine is buzzing this week, so let’s dive right into what you can do around town.
First, today is all about Pride. Pride Portland reports that the annual Pride Parade and Festival is taking over downtown, with a colorful procession stepping off late morning and rolling through Congress Street before ending with a big festival in Deering Oaks Park. Expect floats, music, community groups, and lots of rainbow energy. The City of Portland has announced that Greater Portland Metro bus rides are free during the parade day, and several streets, including Congress Street, High Street, and Park Avenue, will see closures and detours, so listeners should plan to walk, bike, or bus into the festivities.
If you’re looking for live music tonight and into the week, One Longfellow Square has a strong lineup. According to their event calendar, blues and soul guitarist Eddie 9V hits the stage this evening at 8 p.m., bringing a gritty Southern sound to this intimate listening room. Later in the week, the venue continues with singer-songwriters and eclectic acts, so it’s worth checking their schedule if you like small-room concerts and a cozy neighborhood vibe.
Classical and performance fans have options too. PortTIX, the local ticket hub for Merrill Auditorium and other venues, lists a mix of special programming this month, including Yes&Co improv comedy and larger-scale music events. Listeners who want a night out with air conditioning, big sound, and theater seating can look up what’s on at Merrill or the Portland Symphony’s special programs through PortTIX and build a midweek date night around it.
Looking ahead to next weekend, Untamed Mainer notes that Thompson’s Point in Portland hosts the Wavy Days Beer Fest on Saturday the 27th. This is a big outdoor beer festival with more than 60 breweries, live bands, food vendors, games, and plenty of lawn space right on the Fore River. It’s a great spot to meet up with friends, sample Maine IPAs and sours, and catch some music with the old Brick South building as a backdrop. If you prefer to stay active, Untamed Mainer also highlights the East Bayside Trail Fest on Sunday the 28th in Portland’s East Bayside neighborhood, featuring a two-mile run, ride, or walk open to all ages, a fun way to explore the trails and the creative, industrial corners of that part of town.
Between Pride in the streets, intimate shows at One Longfellow Square, big-theater nights via PortTIX, and the beer-and-trails action rolling into next weekend, listeners have plenty of ways to make this week in Portland memorable.
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