Restaurants
Fore Street Restaurant
This rustic spot’s open wood-fire grill, oven & spit lend smoky flavors to upscale American fare.
288 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: (207) 775-2717 | Web: forestreet.biz
Street & Co
Simple, upscale preparations of local fish in a rustic & snug bistro on a cobblestone alley.
33 Wharf St, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: (207) 775-0887 | Web: streetandcompany.net
ViA VECCHiA
Chic Italian eatery offering brunch staples, small plates, seafood & steak, plus wine & cocktails.
10 Dana St, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: (207) 407-7070 | Web: vvoldport.com
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Boda
Late-night eatery & bar specializes in Thai street food, including meat & veggie skewers.
671 Congress St, Portland, ME
Central Provisions
Eclectic restaurant serving small plates & cocktails in a rustic, brick-walled setting.
414 Fore St, Portland, ME
The Corner Room Italian Kitchen & Bar
Warm, welcoming setting for inspired, upscale Italian cuisine plus wine & cocktails.
110 Exchange St, Portland, ME
Mami
Food truck turned brick-&-mortar serving Japanese-style street food in a lively, comfortable space.
339 Fore St, Portland, ME
The
Grill Room & Bar
Upscale wood-fired chops, seafood & pizza in a welcoming corner spot with outdoor parkside seating.
84 Exchange St, Portland, ME
Mi Sen Noodle Bar
Family-owned spot offering Thai soups, noodles & rice dishes in airy, wood-hued venue with beer.
630 Congress St, Portland, ME
Isa Bistro
Seasonal New American fare is served in this brick-walled bistro with tile floors & tin ceilings.
79 Portland St, Portland, ME
Rí Rá Irish Pub & Restaurant
Warm, convivial destination offering a long draft & cider list, plus traditional Irish eats.
72 Commercial St, Portland, ME
Green Elephant
Bistro for pan-Asian vegetarian fare, from panang curry with tempeh to noodles with vegan soy meat.
608 Congress St, Portland, ME
DiMillo’s On the Water
Popular marina mainstay in a huge former car ferry offers seafood, nautical decor & harbor views.
25 Long Wharf, Portland, ME
EVENTS 2024
Aug 15
Composer Conversation with Vijay Iyer
Join us for a wide-ranging conversation with Portland Chamber Music Festival Resident Composer Vijay Iyer, who the New York Times has called a “social conscience, multimedia collaborator, system builder, rhapsodist, historical thinker and multicultural gateway.” Winner of a MacArthur Award for “forging a new conception of jazz and American creative music,” Iyer is unique for being an acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, and cognitive scientist. Learn more at portlandmaine.com.
Aug 23
Stand Up Comedy - Michael Brigante
Michael Brigante has been entertaining audiences for over a decade with his side-splitting comedy and unique brand of storytelling. Having performed to sold-out audiences in comedy clubs and theaters throughout the United States- this Caribbean-born, New York City-bred, performer is unapologetic in his approach to humor. Learn more at portlandmaine.com.
Aug 27
Drag Brunch
Batson River serves up a delicious Brunch every single weekend and now on the last Sunday of every month you can enjoy Brunch and a show! Featuring your host, the incomparable Chartreuse, along with performances by some of our favorite queens such as Bunny Wonderland, Tasha Tektite, and Mama Martini! Learn more at visitportland.com.
Sep 4
The Portland Maine Comedy Festival
The 2024 Portland Maine Comedy Festival will take place September 5th – 8th, the weekend after Labor Day, with all kinds of comedy all over Portland all weekend long. Learn more at portlandmaine.com.
EVENTS 2024
Sep 7
Boston Dance Theater Presents: Pinnacle Works ‘Pinnacle Works’ is an exciting assemblage of repertory pieces that represent contemporary dance-making practices from Brazil, Western Europe, and Israel. The program is reflective of Boston Dance Theater’s (BDT) beginnings and the international artistic relationships which gave the company its start. Learn more at portlandmaine.com.
Sep 7 8:30pm
Queer Showcase
The Portland Maine Comedy Festival is proud to hold showcases that feature people from historically marginalized groups in the comedy world. This showcase highlights eight stand-ups who are members of the greater Queer community. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
Sep 14
Vivid Motion Presents: QUEER: An exploration of LGBTQIA+ experiences Vivid Motion Dance’s newest original show “QUEER: An exploration of LGBTQIA+ experiences through dance” is a fundraiser for Camp Pride Florida. The political climate in Florida is exceptionally hostile to queer people, and especially targets youth. QUEER 2024’s co-director Oliver Jones has been a part of Camp Pride Maine almost as long as he’s been a part of Vivid Motion Dance, and knows how deeply transformative and beneficial programs like these are for our queer youth. Learn more at portlandmaine.com.
Sep 20
Witch Perfect with Tina Burner, Alexis Michelle and Scarlet Envy Become part of the magic that is Witch Perfect. This award-winning Spooktacular is a live-singing parody of the cult-classic Disney film, Hocus Pocus. It features Emmy-Award winning cast members from RuPaul’s Drag Race: Tina Burner as Winifred, Scarlet Envy as Sarah, and Alexis Michelle as Mary. The show features an eclectic mix of music such as pop hits from icons like Kylie Minogue and Madonna, to Broadway Standards from Gypsy
and Wicked. And of course the crowd will be treated to the showstopper “I Put a Spell on You.” Learn more at eventbrite.com.
Sep 22
Portland, ME Water Lantern Festival
The Portland, ME Water Lantern Festival is bringing people together for a celebration of light and community! This unforgettable evening will be filled with tasty food trucks, fun music, activities, and thousands of lanterns lighting up the night with love, hope, and happiness. Learn more at portlandmaine.com.
Oct 25
Champlain Film Festival
The Champlain Festival is a film festival celebrating French-language cinema from around the world organized by the Alliance Française du Maine. The 2024 Champlain Film Festival will be held at the Portland Museum of Art this year and run for a total of three days. Learn more at portlandmaine.com.
Oct 26
The Official Halloween Bar Crawl – Portland, ME
Join us for the ultimate Halloween Bar Crawl, where the spooky spirit and good times collide! Meet tons of new people, explore some of the best bars in Portland, ME, and enjoy an electric atmosphere that only Halloween can provide. Our events are always packed with energy and excitement, making them the perfect way to celebrate the spooky season. Learn more at portlandmaine.com.
Nov 5
Wild West Themed Murder/Mystery Dinner
Join us for a Wild West Themed Murder/Mystery Dinner at 33 Elmwood in Westbrook, Maine! Saddle up for a night of suspense, intrigue, and delicious food at this exciting in-person event. Put on your best cowboy hat and boots as you try to solve the immersive/interactive mystery performed by professional actors from Mystery 207 while enjoying a scrumptious
EVENTS 2024-25
dinner. (Dressing up is completely optional). Join us at 33 Elmwood for a memorable evening filled with twists and turns. Don’t miss out on this thrilling Wild West adventure! Learn more at eventbrite.com.
Nov 24
Drag Brunch
Batson River serves up a delicious Brunch every single weekend and now on the last Sunday of every month you can enjoy Brunch and a show! Featuring your host, the incomparable Chartreuse, along with performances by some of our favorite queens such as Bunny Wonderland, Tasha Tektite, and Mama Martini! $5 Cover, reservations recommended but we do save space for walk-ins. Learn more at portlandmaine.com.
Dec 1
Sleigh All Day: A Holiday Drag Brunch
Make it rein and jingle your bells at Via Sophia by the Sea’s Sleigh All Day: A Holiday Drag Brunch, serving a performance as magical as the Christmas season. Prepare for a surprise present as you watch Queens Abby Cummings and friends give all the festive spirit during this holiday-themed drag brunch! Enjoy live music from Hot Radio Maine’s DJ Haylstorm as she sets the mood for a holly jolly atmosphere. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
Dec 4
4th Annual Christmas Show
It’s that time of year, when the world falls in love…with Christmas music. To meet that need, pianist Mark Gunter, bassist John Kumnick, and guitarist Dana Pearson get together at the Town House School to present their fourth annual Christmas Show. In the past, they’ve mixed religious songs (“O Holy Night”) with secular ones (“Santa Claus is Back in Town”); expect a similar assortment of yuletide classics this year. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
Dec 6
Sparkle Celebration in Freeport ME
Visitors seeking a town-wide holiday celebration in a Maine seaside village will find it here. Each year, Freeport presents one of Maine’s most popular holiday celebrations with everything from a Parade of Lights down Main Street to their famous Talking Christmas Tree. Learn more online at visitportland.com.
Dec 17
Port Veritas Open Mic Night
Welcome to Port Veritas! We meet every Tuesday night for an open mic night in person AND online. We are a diverse collaboration of creative minds, bound by a common love of creating a space for artists of all kinds to come and express themselves. Learn more at eccmaine.org.
continued on page 19
Street food is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the sizzle of skewers on a grill, the aromatic spices wafting through the air, and the sizzling woks that create an irresistible symphony of flavors. Here are some of the world’s most beloved street food traditions:
1. Thailand: Mango Sticky Rice ~
In Thailand, street food is a way of life. You can’t visit without savoring pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish bursting with flavors. And don’t forget to indulge in mango sticky rice, a sweet and fragrant dessert that’s the perfect balance of creamy and chewy.
2. Mexico: Tacos and Elote ~
Taco stands are a staple in Mexican street food culture, offering an array of fillings like al pastor, carne asada, and carnitas. Pair your tacos with elote, grilled corn slathered with mayonnaise,
continued on page 16
cheese, and chili powder—a taste explosion in every bite.
3. India: Samosas ~ Indian street food is a flavorpacked paradise. Try chaat, a savory snack that combines crispy fried dough with chickpeas, yogurt, and tangy chutneys. For something heartier, try samosas - deep fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes are a must-try.
4. Vietnam: Banh Mi ~ Vietnamese street food offers a fresh and aromatic experience. Sample a steaming bowl of pho, a fragrant noodle soup infused with herbs and spices. Or grab a banh mi, a delectable sandwich filled with grilled meats, pickled veggies, and a burst of fresh herbs.
5. Greece: Gyros & Souvlaki ~ Greek street food is a Mediterranean delight. Indulge in a gyro, a pita wrap filled with tender slices of roasted meat and topped with tzatziki sauce and veggies. For a quick bite, grab a souvlaki skewer, often made with succulent marinated chicken or pork.
6. Japan: Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki ~ Japan’s street food scene offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Try takoyaki, octopus-filled dough balls drizzled with savory sauces. Or savor okonomiyaki, a savory pancake loaded with toppings like cabbage, pork, and mayo.
7. Morocco: Tagine & Harira Soup ~ Moroccan street food is a sensory explosion. Taste tagine, a slowcooked stew that combines tender meats, vegetables, and aromatic spices. And don’t miss harira soup, a hearty tomato and lentil soup that’s a Moroccan comfort food staple.
8. United States: Hot Dogs/Pretzels ~ Street food isn’t limited to international flavors. In the U.S., you can’t beat the classic charm of a hot dog cart or a soft pretzel stand. Add your favorite toppings and sauces for a taste of American street food tradition.
Exploring global street food culture is like taking a whirlwind tour of the world’s flavors and traditions. Each street vendor, food cart, or bustling market stall offers a unique opportunity to savor authentic dishes and connect with locals. Whether you’re strolling through the vibrant streets of Bangkok or sipping soup in a Moroccan medina, street food is an adventure waiting to be devoured. So, grab a plate, dig in, and let your taste buds take you on a journey you’ll never forget!
PFLAG PORTLAND ME
PFLAG Portland, Maine offers compassionate peer support to the parents, families and friends of, and including, LGBTQ individuals through group discussion, education, advocacy and creating connections to community resources.
PFLAGPORTLANDMAINE.ORG
MAINE FAMILY PLANNING
Maine Family Planning staff provide compassionate, confidential health services, regardless of your gender identity or expression. Whatever decisions you make about your health, we listen and provide support without judgment.
MAINEFAMILYPLANNING.ORG | (207) 922-3222
EQUALITYMAINE
Our mission is to protect and advance full equality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Mainers by creating an inclusive and intersectional movement through political action, community building, education, engagement and collaboration. EQUALITYMAINE.ORG
HEAL
Health Equity Alliance is a nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization that provides HIV+ care, sexual health and wellness services, and harm reduction programs. Our commitment to people in Maine living with HIV, people who use drugs, and our LGBTQ+ community members has been at the core of our story, 35 years in the making.
MAINEHEALTHEQUITY.ORG | (207) 990-3626
EVENTS 2025
Dec 21
Portland Maine Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Gather your friends, don your ugliest sweaters, and hit the town for this thrilling bar crawl experience. As you move from one lively venue to the next, each bar will welcome you with unique drink specials to celebrate the season. The Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl is an opportunity to explore the best local hangouts, make new friends, and revel in an atmosphere brimming with enthusiastic holiday cheer. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
Jan 16 2025
The Portland Old-Time Music Gathering Bubbaville is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to the educational and cultural enrichment of the Portland metro region through traditional music and dance. Bubbaville’s mission is to educate, provide, promote and encourage the appreciation of traditional music and dance. Learn more at bubbaville.org.
Jan 18 2025
Portland’s Folk Festival
Portland’s Folk Festival began in 2018 at McMenamin’s White Eagle as a way for Portland musicians to come together to celebrate the burgeoning local scene and enjoy each other’s craft.
Feb 24 2025
Nomad Series: Concert 2
Each summer, musicians from the world’s finest conservatories and ensembles gather in Brunswick at the Bowdoin International Music Festival. Events includes a wine and beer social hour, music programmed by the Yings, and gourmet pizza. Learn more at bowdoinfestival.org.
Apr TBD 2025
Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
Grab your wooden clogs for a stroll through the tulips. Tulip bulbs are classified as early to mid-season flowers. This means that in the Portland
EVENTS 2025
area, their bloom season runs from March through May. Likewise, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival runs from mid-March to early May, with the most flowers in full bloom around mid-April. Blooms only last for about two weeks, so don’t wait too long to frolic in these fields! Learn more at travelportland.com.
May 3 2025
Makers on Main
Come by and enjoy our favorite artists, makers and food trucks along Main Street! Enjoy browsing for just the right piece, plus sample all the fun of a day in Freeport! Learn more at visitportland.com.
Jun TBD 2025
Bach Virtuosi Festival
Our world class, internationally renowned musicians will bring you the brilliance performances of Bach with both skill, passion and love. Watch last years concert on the Bach Virtuosi Festival YouTube channel. Learn more at visitportland.com.
Jun 28 2025
The Maine Oyster Festival
Check out delicious raw oysters available from sea farms & mobile shuckers. Learn to shuck, soak up some oyster education, get up close and personal with oyster farm tours. Watch the pros in their own shucking contest, The Big Shuck and enjoy live music! Visit visitportland.com.
Jul 18 2025
Yarmouth Clam Festival
Always the third Friday in July, the Yarmouth Clam Festival attracts visitors from all over Maine and beyond, as well as locals who line up their beach chairs on the side of the main drag a few days before the parade for the best possible seat. Learn more at visitportland.com.
