We’ve almost made it to 2022 and Maine is celebrating the end of the year with community events, live music and, my personal favorite, fireworks this weekend. 

Whether you’re looking for a family activity or something to do on date night, we have you covered.  

At Spectrum News Maine, we want to be your community connection. Whether you are a local or just visiting Maine, there is sure to be something to do near you — it’s New Year Weekend in ‘Vacationland’ after all. 

So, without further adieu, grab your noisemakers, 2022 crowns and funky glasses and celebrate the start of the new year with these 10 events: 

“KidNight” New Year’s Eve Celebration
11 a.m.-6 p.m. at L.L.Bean’s Freeport Campus
Ring in the new year early with L.L. Bean’s annual family friendly event. Featuring fun activities, entertainment all day and a spectacular evening fireworks display, this event promises a fun afternoon for all members of your family. Click here for more information. 

Gardens Aglow
4:30-8:30 p.m. at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay
Looking for a socially distanced way to celebrate the New Year? The Coastal Maine Botanical Garden’s Garden Aglow drive-through light display is a great way to spend the holiday. In addition to the dazzling light displays at the gardens, visitors can also enjoy exploring the Boothbay region and vote on public entries in the garden’s Lighting Contest. Visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden’s website for a map of community lighting displays. Reservations must be made in advance online or by calling (207) 633-8000. Note: Tickets are selling out fast for Dec. 31. 

Oxbow & Moon Shake Present New Year’s Eve 2022
9 p.m.-2 a.m. at Oxbow Blending & Bottling in Portland
Feel like moving and grooving into the new year? Join Oxbow and Moon Shake for an “epic” party featuring four DJs, a light display and craft beer. You must be 21 or older to attend, as well as show proof of vaccination (physical card or photo of the card with matching photo ID) or have a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of the event. Masks are encouraged while not eating or drinking. For more details and to RSVP on Facebook, click here.

New Year’s Eve with Skosh
9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. at the Widowmaker at Sugarloaf Mountain
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a fireworks display and live music at Sugarloaf. Dress up for the occasion or come as you are, but be ready to dance 2021 away. Your ticket includes a champagne toast at midnight and complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Fireworks will be set off at 9 p.m. and the music will kick off shortly after.

Set the vibe on the car ride to Carrabassett Valley with Skosh's top tracks on Spotify. Listen now in the player below. 

New Year’s Comedy Night
7-8:30 p.m. at Mary Jane’s Slice of Heaven in Farmington
Start 2022 with a good ol’ belly laugh as The River Comics present their New Year’s Eve comedy showcase. Enjoy a night of standup comedy featuring Dennis Maler, Dennis Fogg, Nick Gordon, Ann-Marie Keene and host Leonard Kimble. Call (207) 305-2006 or stop by the restaurant to reserve your tickets for the show. 

Happy New Year!

Lobster Dip
10 a.m.-Noon at the Brunswick in Old Orchard Beach
You’re sure to turn lobster red during this year’s “Back to the Beach” New Year’s dip. Participants must choose a wave time to help with social distancing. Old Orchard Beach too far away? Event organizers are also offering a virtual dip option. To register for the in-person event or to find out how you can participate at home, click here. 

First Day Hike 2022
12:30-3:30 p.m. at the Greater Lovell Land Trust
Grab your snowshoes or microspikes and ring in 2022 with the Greater Lovell Land Trust during its First Day Hike. Get your blood pumping as you reach the summit while looking for bear claw trees along the way. At the top, toast the New Year with a complimentary cup of hot cocoa or tea. For directions and event information, click here.  

New Year’s Day Mantra and Meditation Workshop
1-2:15 p.m. at Yoga East in Kittery
Start the New Year with mindfulness and a focus on self-care as you learn to implement breathing and visualization into your daily life. During this workshop, you’ll be guided through a sound immersion that is meant to elevate your energetic frequency. For more information or to reserve your spot, click here.

Warren Miller's "Winter Starts Now"
2-4 p.m. at The Rack in Carrabassett Valley
If you like deep powder and scenic views from the top of a mountain — and the thrill that skiing brings — get stoked for the 72nd film from Warren Miller Entertainment. The tour is making a stop in Maine’s iconic ski town to help kick off the season. The Rack will be hosting a book signing by world-renowned skier Dan Egan, as well as a raffle for a Winterstick snowboard. The film starts at 2:30 p.m. You can buy your tickets online on Eventbrite. 

Learn to Ski
9-10 a.m. at Big Rock in Mars Hill
Don’t know how to ski? It’s never too late to learn! Get out on the slopes and learn the basics with other first-time skiers during this adult education course. The four-week program is focused on teaching fundamentals of the sport and how to ski safely. To register for the course, click here.

Note, this is a recurring event – classes are one hour every Saturday, ending on Jan. 22. 

Have an event that you’d like mentioned, please email me at maddison.raynor@charter.com, and we’ll include it in our weekly list.