At Spectrum News Maine, we want to be your community connection. Whether you are a local or just visiting Maine, there’s sure to be something to do near you — it’s ‘Vacationland’ after all.
With the Super Bowl on Sunday and Valentine’s Day on Monday, you may be feeling the crunch to find that perfect gift for your special someone – don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Ditch the heart-shaped assorted chocolate box and plan an experience your partner won’t forget. From outdoor events to romantic dinners, there’s sure to be an event happening near you that will make your ‘sweetie’ swoon.
In the spirit of the 14th, here are 14 holiday-themed events happening across Maine this weekend:
U.S. Toboggan National Championships
Feb. 11-13 at the Camden Snow Bowl
Grab your toboggan partner and head to Camden for a jam-packed weekend of activities. Regardless if you take a ride down the chute, it will be a weekend to remember. With music, food, crazy costumes and more, see why people from around the world travel to the midcoast for this annual event. While there’s no fee for spectators, it is $10 to park your car at the mountain. Skip the traffic and save money by taking the shuttle bus to the Snow Bowl from downtown Camden. Pick up for the shuttle is at the Village Green. For a full schedule of events, click here.
Valentine’s Day Dinner
5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Maker’s Galley in Portland
Who doesn’t love to be wined and dined? Reserve your table at Portland’s newest restaurant, The Maker’s Galley, for a five-course Valentine’s Day dinner. Sit and enjoy a delectable menu with locally sourced ingredients by executive chef Arianna Stefanillo. You select each course and can choose a wine pairing to enhance your experience. Two time slots are being offered. To purchase your reservation in advance, click here.
Paint & Sip: Couples Night
7-9:30 p.m. at Muse Paintbar in Portland
This is my favorite date night idea – it’s so much fun. Sip and paint the night away with your partner or favorite galentine while following guided instruction by Muse artists. During this Friday couples night, you’ll learn how to paint half of an emerald night landscape that will (hopefully) piece perfectly together with your partner’s half. No painting experience is necessary – in fact, it’s more fun that way. Purchase your tickets in advance online.
I (heart) Mini Sessions
10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Soggy Dog Designs in Bath
Forget the cheesy iPhone selfie and book a professional photo shoot with your valentine. The couple sessions are 25 minutes, or 15 minutes for a solo shoot. If your four-legged friend is your valentine, good news – you can bring your pet, too! Be serious, silly, somber – whatever you fancy, it’s sure to be an experience. To secure your time slot, click here.
Wines & Valentines
2-3:30 p.m. at the Kennebunkport Inn
Grab your galentine and spend the afternoon in Kennebunkport for The Burleigh team’s annual wine tasting. The event is for those 21+ and advanced registration is required for the tasting. You can purchase your tickets in advance on Eventbrite.
Valentines Wood Pallet Paint Night
3-5:30 p.m. at Extreme Energy and Nutrition in Lisbon
Couldn’t make it to the paint and sip at Muse? No problem, we’ve got another chance for you to splatter acrylic paint on your loved one. Paint as a couple on two pallets or paint by yourself – regardless, it’ll be a lot of fun. A stencil and materials will be provided to ensure no squabbling. Purchase your tickets on Eventbrite.
Seeking Sweethearts
4-6 p.m. at Mount Agamenticus in York
Feeling the effect of cabin fever? Grab your sweetie, bundle up (maybe pack some hot cocoa) and head outdoors this weekend for The Center for Wildlife’s ‘Seeking Sweethearts’ event. Enjoy an owl courtship and nesting program followed by an owl prowl snowshoe adventure. This pre-Valentine’s Day event seeks to connect friends and families with the natural world. Promoting physical activity, this event is sure to get you out of your winter hibernation. For event details or to RSVP on Facebook, click here.
Love Letters
5 p.m. at the Gracie Theater in Bangor
Enjoy a two-person play featuring “L.A. Law” stars and real-life couple Jill Eikenberry and Michael Tucker during this Valentine’s Day special. Watch as the pair reads their correspondences and discusses their hopes and ambitions, dreams and disappointments, victories and defeats. Stick around after the show for a meet and greet with the duo and enjoy a glass of champagne. Tickets can be purchased on the theater’s website, here.
Jazz at Blue
6-11:45 p.m. at Blue in Portland
What’s more romantic than listening to jazz in a dimly lit lounge with your special someone? I’ll wait. If you’re looking for a date night in Portland, make a pit stop at Blue or stay for the whole night and listen to this week’s offerings by local and traveling musicians. To see the lineup for this weekend, click here.
Can't make it to Blue this weekend? Set the mood at home and click the player below to listen to some smooth jazz.
Make Your Own Croissant and Pain au Chocolat
9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Bravo Maine in Portland
Who doesn’t love a flaky, delicate croissant during breakfast in bed? Step up your game this Valentine’s Day and learn how to make the Austrian pastry during this hands-on workshop. A perfect outing for a couple, for friends or if you’re flying solo, you’ll walk away knowing how to properly shape, fill and bake your pastry to perfection. Escape the cold this weekend and enjoy an afternoon baking with pastry chef Jasmine at Bravo Maine. Tickets can be purchased online on Eventbrite.
Sneak-a-Peak
12:30-4:30 p.m. at Shawnee Peak in Bridgton
Head to the mountain that spells out ‘love’ this Valentine’s Day weekend for an afternoon on the slopes. Fun for the whole family, Shawnee Peak is offering half-priced skiing and riding from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket counter.
The Literary Salon: Love, Belfast
2-3 p.m. at the Camden Opera House
The Camden Opera House is bringing back ‘“The Literary Salon” with its valentine-themed matinee with “Love, Belfast.” Listen to readings by four Belfast poets, all of whom have served as the city’s poet laureate. The show is free, though advanced registration is required to ensure social distancing. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. If you can’t attend the in-person event, the opera house will be streaming the readings on its Facebook page.
Spread the Love: Live Music
4-5 p.m. at the Dance Hall in Kittery
Known among fans as “P squared,” Peggo and Paul, along with Kent Allyn will be performing original folk songs during this ‘spread the love’ event. Their performances are described as “light hearted” and “heartfelt” – a perfect way to set the mood this Valentine’s Day. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to the event is required upon entry. To purchase tickets, click here.
Valentine’s Cabaret
8:30 p.m. at Cliff House Maine in York
Bringing romantic Broadway to Maine, enjoy a holiday-themed cabaret with stars Jelani Remy and Thayne Jasperson. Bringing old and new Broadway hits to life, Remy and Jasperson have starred in “Hamilton,” “West Side Story '' and the “Lion King,” to name a few. Click here to purchase your tickets for Sunday’s show. Note, there will be an additional performance on Valentine’s Day at 8:30 p.m. Tickets to both showings can be purchased through the link above.
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.
