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.
Maine’s music scene is alive and well as venues gear up to host artists across the state. From the Eli Young Band to Catcha Vibe, get ready to move and groove this weekend. If live music is not your thing, don’t worry we’re sure to have something for you, too:
New England Bird Behavior Workshop
April 29-May 1 at Riverbend Farm in Saco
Have you ever wondered what birds are saying when they chirp? Learn how to identify different bird calls and sounds, as well as interpret bird behavior during this weekend-long course. It’s OK if you don’t consider yourself a ‘birder,’ this course is meant for anyone who spends time outside or has a curiosity about nature. For more information or to sign up, click here.
Horticulture Ecology
9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay Harbor
Note this is a hybrid event
Learn how plants adapt, compete and depend on garden environments during this two-day hands-on workshop. After the online session, participants will spend next Friday in the living classroom at the gardens where they’ll put their newly found knowledge into action while observing and evaluating both wild and cultivated landscapes. Tickets are $130 for members and $155 for the general public. Space is limited. Reserve your spot on the center’s website.
Maine Black Professionals Network
6-8 p.m. at Bayside Bowl in Portland
Ready, set, connect! If you are a professional who identifies as Black, indigenous or a person of color, head to Bayside Bowl this weekend for an evening of networking, discussion, food and fun. Bring your business card for a chance to win an event experience from Maine-based consulting firm Iwuchi Group. Tickets are free but registration is required to attend. You can secure your spot on Eventbrite.
"Weird Al" Yankovic
8 p.m. at the Collins Center for the Arts in Bangor
Don’t expect “Weird Al’s” greatest ‘hits’ this weekend. Drawing from his 14 studio albums, Yankovic’s set features non-parody material and original songs that are adored by his long-time fans. The five-time Grammy winner is stripping down his show with his band of almost four decades to create a more intimate affair. Grab your tickets before they sell out.
“Matilda the Musical”
2 p.m. at The Grand in Ellsworth
Acadia Community Theater presents Roald Dahl’s “Matilda the Musical” live at The Grand. Enjoy an afternoon with the whole family and experience this timeless story of an extraordinary girl who dares to take a stand. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for seniors and students. This is a recurring event, for additional showtimes click here.
Cocktails Class: All Things Agave
3-4 p.m. at Batson River Brewing & Distilling in Portland
Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, learn how to make a Mezcal Margarita or Paloma to serve during your dinner party next week. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the history and production styles of agave and the differences between tequila and mezcal. After the class, you’ll be able to distinguish between the myriad labels of añejo, reposado, blanco, plata, mixto and junto. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. ¡Salud!
Eli Young Band
9 p.m. at AURA in Portland
Enjoy an evening of camaraderie and creativity fused into an intoxicating cocktail of sound that is the Eli Young Band. The talented foursome has changed the contemporary country music industry with three No. 1 hits, a Grammy nomination and an ACM award for song of the year for the hit “Crazy Girl.” Grab your tickets and get ready to dance and sing the night away at AURA this weekend. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster. Note you must be 18 or older to attend this event. Proof of vaccination and negative requirements have been lifted at this venue. For more information about AURA’s COVID-19 policy, click here.
Click the player below to listen to Eli Young Band's top tracks on Spotify.
Opening Day at the Seashore Trolley Museum
9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport
Load the family in the car and head to Kennebunkport this weekend for opening day at the Seashore Trolley Museum. Take a ride through the museum’s heritage railroad in a vintage trolley from the early 1900s and learn about the role public transportation has played throughout history. All guests will get a free ticket to enter a raffle for a chance to win prizes donated by local businesses and community members. Tickets are $2.07 for anyone with a Maine driver's license and guests 16 and under get in free. For more information and directions to the museum, click here.
Elton John: Crocodile Rockin under the Dome
4 p.m. at the Versant Power Astronomy Center in Orono
The stellar sounds of Sir Elton John are featured at the planetarium this weekend. Listen to his greatest hits like “Crocodile Rock,” “Rocket Man,” “I’m Still Standing” and more. Each song is paired with custom visuals and music videos that will be projected on the dome. Grab your tickets online or at the box office and rock out this weekend at the planetarium.
Reggae Sunday
5-8 p.m. at at Free Street Restaurant and Cocktail Bar in Portland
Catch a vibe this weekend, quite literally, with reggae group Catcha Vibe as they rock out on the Free Street stage at 5 p.m. End your weekend on a high note, with no cover charge for attendees. For directions or to register for the free event on Eventbrite, click here.
Have an event you would like mentioned? Email me at maddison.raynor@charter.com and we’ll add it to our calendar.