Get in the spirit of spooky season:
This year, you can walk among the spirits at Eastern Cemetery virtually – and it’s free! Walk Among the Shadows: Vices, Voices, and the Vote from October 22 to November 7, seven eerie spirits will share their stories of the voting practices of their time in Portland, Maine, as well as those of the country's early days. You'll hear about their efforts to win women’s access to the ballot box... or how they argued against the very idea. As always, the event presents real people—portrayed by costumed actors—who have returned from their restful sleep to offer their personal, sometimes humorous, perspectives on history.
How about a scary drive-in movie? The Pride’s Corner Drive-In and the Bridgton Twin Drive-In are open through the end of October with a schedule of Halloween classics. The Saco Drive-In will reopen for a special October 17 Halloween showing of the Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923) featuring remote accompaniment played on the Kotzschmar Organ!
Indulge in one Maine’s favorite treats:
The Maine Whoopie Pie Festival in Dover-Foxcroft couldn’t happen in person this year, but instead of cancelling the organizers turned it into a statewide Whoopie Pie celebration: WHOOPtoberfest! Check out the map to find whoopee pies near you, and vote on your favorites - through the end of October. (Pictured is a special pumpkin whoopie pie from Cape Whoopies, a greater Portland favorite.)
Explore a new neighborhood:
It’s the perfect time for an autumn walk using one of our self-guided walking tours! You can also tour greater Portland virtually from your computer if the weather is gloomy. We have 11 neighborhoods available and more on the way!
Start your holiday shopping early:
The Thompson’s Point Maker’s Market is back with indoor and outdoor vendors and a socially-distanced set up so you can support small businesses, local craftspeople, and the agricultural community. Shop on Sundays October 18, November 22, December 6, and December 20!
Maine at 200:
The Maine Historical Society’s bicentennial public programming continues with two more virtual talks on our state’s history. On Thursday, October 22 at 6 PM, Liam Riordan (Department of History, University of Maine) on the long process of how Maine became a state, slavery and the Maine-Missouri Crisis, Wabanaki sovereignty, and more. On Wednesday, November 11 at 6 PM, James Eric Francis, Sr. (Director of Cultural and Historic Preservation, Penobscot Nation) talks about how pandemics have affected Wabanaki communities since the first Europeans interacted with Wabanaki people on the shores of what is now known as Maine.
Experience the best of all things Irish in Maine:
The Salmon Falls Dam by Gibeon Elden Bradbury
The Maine Irish Heritage Society premiers a showcase of Irish talents, from music to baking and more, on November 22 from 4-6 PM.
Explore the beauty of the Saco River Valley:
The Saco Museum presents the paintings of Gibeon Elden Bradbury, depicting 19th century life in Buxton and the Saco River Valley, on view through December 31.