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.
It’s officially spring and Maine is celebrating the change of seasons with community events across the state. From Maine Maple Weekend to live music, craft beer and more – there are a lot of events happening this weekend. Here are 10 of our favorites:
Craft Beer Weekend
Friday-Sunday at Sunday River Resort in Newry
Blow off some steam and enjoy a weekend of craft brews and skiing at Sunday River. Craft Beer Weekend kicks off the launch of the Western Maine Brew Passport, a collaboration between the resort and local brewers designed to encourage beer-lovers to visit breweries and restaurants in the area. From Norway Brewing to Oxbow Brewing, there are a lot of spots to stamp your passport — so why not get a head start this weekend? The passport is perfect for rookies and pros alike. For more information, visit Sunday River’s website.
Planning to head to the mountain on Saturday? Kick off spring skiing with a free slopeside concert for all ages. Dave Gutter will be jammin’ from noon to 2:30 p.m., followed by Hello Newman from 3-6 p.m.
Maine Maple Weekend
9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Sawyer’s Maple Farm in Moose River
It’s Maine Maple Weekend and Sawyer’s Maple Farm is celebrating with tours of its maple orchid, demonstrations and, my favorite, maple treats. With over 7,000 maple trees on its farm, Sawyer’s is a great place to learn how maple syrup is made. District forester Jim Ferrante from the Maine Forest Service will be giving tours of the woods and talking about the history of Maine’s maple syrup industry and the process of making it today. The tours start at 10 a.m. For event information, click here.
WinterKids Family Day
9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Mt. Abram Ski Area & Bike Park in Greenwood
Does your kid like to ski or snowboard? Head to Greenwood this weekend for WinterKids Family Day at Mt. Abram. WinterKids is a nonprofit dedicated to increasing physical activity in families during Maine’s most sedentary season. At Sunday’s event, members will receive one free junior lift ticket and discounts on sibling and parent tickets. Not a member? You can sign up in advance, or at the mountain, to take advantage of the family day deals. For more information, https://winterkids.org/event/winterkids-family-day-at-mt-abram-2/.
Will Hike for Beer: Vertical Challenge
10 a.m. at Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley
For my beer lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, this one's for you. Everyone knows beer tastes better at the top of the mountain, especially if you’ve climbed that mountain twice. Head to Saddleback this weekend for the annual vertical challenge. Participants will ascend Saddleback’s uphill trail along the western flank. Baxter Brewing Co. is supplying the brews at the pub, all you have to do is finish the course. Sounds easy, right? For a full description and to register for Saturday’s event, click here.
Video Lab for Kids: Making a Movie Trailer
4:30-6 p.m. at the Apple Store in the Maine Mall in South Portland
Do you have a teenager interested in film? Bring them to the Maine Mall on Saturday and learn how to make movies together. Kids will brainstorm ideas, storyboard and get hands-on practice capturing footage with an iPad, as well as editing techniques using iMovie. At the end of the workshop, they’ll showcase their movie trailer. Don’t have an iPad? Apple will provide one for you to use during the session. All skill levels are welcome during this free workshop. For event details, visit Apple’s website.
Not in the area? Check the store's Facebook page for at-home deomonstrations on how to photograph, shoot and edit using your Apple products. Here's my favorite:
Ice Bar
4-8 p.m. at Nubb’s Lobster Shack in York
Looking for a date night idea? Bundle up and head to Nubb’s Lobster Shack on Saturday to enjoy a live ice-carving demonstration, seasonal cocktails, and a complimentary beer tasting and pint glass from Baxter Brewing Company. Nubb’s traditional menu will be available, as well as shucked oysters from Mere Point Oyster Co. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Ellsworth Bike Party
3-4 p.m. at Ellsworth City Hall
Bring your bike, lights, bells and a friend, and head to the Ellsworth City Hall on Sunday for a free community bike ride. The group ride lasts about an hour and loops around the city. Don’t worry if you haven’t gotten on a bike since the fall, this group ride rolls at an easy, “party pace.” For more information visit the group’s Facebook page.
Can’t make it this Sunday? You're in luck, this is a recurring community event. The Ellsworth Bike Party meets on the last Sunday of every month, starting at 3 p.m.
Maine Celtics vs. Fort Wayne Mad Ants
1 p.m. at the Portland Expo
Is anyone else still bitter that the Maine Red Claws changed their name? Whether you’re rocking red or green, grab your foam fingers and head to the Portland Expo this Sunday for an afternoon of basketball, hot dogs and cheap beer as the Maine Celtics take on the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. Tip off is at 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance on Ticketmaster or at the box office.
Maine Mariners vs. Newfoundland Growlers
3 p.m. at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland
The Maine Mariners want Maine to know that “hockey is for everyone,” dedicating Sunday’s game to EqualityMaine and the LGBTQ+ community. EQME will receive $5 from each ticket sold during Sunday’s game. The Mariners will also be selling an exclusive pride beanie at the game. Stick around after the Mariners defeat the Newfoundland Growlers for a rainbow open skate. Doors open at 2 p.m. and the puck drops at 3. Tickets can be purchased in advance online.
Reggae Sunday
5-11 p.m. at Free Street Restaurant and Cocktail Bar in Portland
You know it is officially spring when Reggae Sunday makes its debut in Portland’s bar scene. Catch a vibe this weekend, quite literally. The reggae group Catcha Vibe will hit the Free Street stage at 5 p.m. There are only good vibes at this event, with no cover charge for attendees. For directions, click here.
Can't make it to Free Street Sunday? Let the good vibes roll into the work week with this reggae mix on Spotify. Kick back and relax, and click the player below.
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.