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.
We’re cruising through March and if you haven’t gotten outside to enjoy the winter season, now is your time. From skiing to live music, there are a lot of events happening across the state this weekend. Regardless of what you choose to do, we’ve got your weekend plans covered with these 10 events:
Maine Science Festival
Friday-Sunday at the Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor
From discussions on climate change to setting up a betta tank for success, there are a lot of events on tap this weekend during Maine’s only science festival. Since the festival launched in 2015, more than 50,000 people have attended the annual event. Enjoy forums, shows, discussions, art exhibits, concerts and an array of workshops that are perfect for all ages. The event is free to the public. For a full schedule of events, click here.
Fuel the Arts: Art and Tattoo Expo
Friday-Sunday at the Ramada Inn in Lewiston
Are you an aspiring tattoo artist? Enter your designs in InkMaine’s tattoo design competition during its annual art and tattoo exposition. From best color tattoo to best sleeve, watch as Maine’s artists create art on a live canvas. Want to make a weekend out of it? Head up on Saturday to listen to live music by Broke & Ugly from 2-5 p.m. Don’t forget to enter into one of the giveaways, too. For a full schedule of events, click here.
Maine Home Show
9 a.m. at Norway Savings Bank Arena in Auburn
Whether you’re building your own home or crossing items off a never-ending list of home improvements, the 10th annual Maine Home Show is for you. Get design ideas for your projects and take advantage of show discounts, special offers and giveaways during this one-day event. Featuring over a 100 booths of products and services, the Home Show is sure to deliver inspiration for your home. Tickets are $7 for adults and can be purchased in advance on Eventbrite.
Apres Ski at Lost Valley
2-5 p.m. at Lost Valley in Auburn
Toby McAlister is bringing apres ski vibes to Lost Valley’s Brewpub and hitting the stage starting at 2 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. While you’re there, browse the pub’s menu for food and local craft brews. For more information and directions to the mountain, click here.
Never listened to Toby McAlister? Throw his top tracks on the car radio on the way to the mountain. Click the Spotify player below to listen.
Portland Ballet Co. Presents: Boy Meets Girl
7 p.m. at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center
Have an hour to kill this weekend? Support Maine’s performing arts as the Portland Ballet revives the classic story of “Boy Meets Girl.” Be transported to a 1950s Italian restaurant as two individuals embark on a fun-filled, romantic evening. Love is in the air this Saturday, and event organizers hope everyone in attendance leaves “with a song in their hearts.” For tickets, click here.
Early Spring Foraging Day
9 a.m. at the Maine Primitive Skills School in Augusta
With spring around the corner, it’s time to start gathering and preparing many of Maine’s plants, roots and tubers for food and fibers. Learn how to identify and responsibly harvest horticulture, as well as properly store plants available this time of year with the Maine Primitive Skills School. You’ll also make tinctures, salves and cordage, along with many meals and sides during this five-day hands-on workshop. For details and to register in advance, click here.
Bates College Orchestra
7:30 p.m. at the Olin Arts Center in Lewiston
Enjoy an evening of classical music as the Bates College orchestra puts on its final concert of the school year. Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance on Eventbrite.
Maine Mariners vs South Carolina Stingrays
6 p.m. at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland
It’s country night at the Cross Insurance Arena as the Maine Mariners face off against the South Carolina Stingrays. Enjoy an evening of music and hockey, hosted by 99.9 The Wolf. The puck drops at 6 p.m. Purchase your tickets in advance on Ticketmaster or at the box office.
An Afternoon for Ukraine
1 p.m. at Aura in Portland
Enjoy music from world-renowned pianists and local artists during a fundraiser to support those affected by the war in Ukraine. In addition to the performances, traditional Ukrainian food and drinks will be available to order. All proceeds will be donated to Ukrainian relief. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.
Ski Shoe Ski
10 a.m. at the Fort Kent Outdoor Center & Lonesome Pine Trails at UMaine Fort Kent
Do you cross country ski, snowshoe or downhill ski? If so, this event is for you. All community members are welcome to the University of Maine at Fort Kent for a day of friendly competition. Compete in all three disciplines or gather a team to compete in a relay race. Prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed competitor, the fastest individual or team, and, of course, the participant who exhibits the most UMFK spirit. Registration is $20 for an individual or $45 for a team of three. All proceeds raised go toward securing lights for the UMFK soccer field. Register online for the event on the university’s website.
Have an event you’d like mentioned? Email me at maddison.raynor@charter.com and we’ll add it to a future events list.