Top 10 Things to Do in Greater Portland This Weekend
There's something electric about Portland on a late-March weekend. The days are getting longer, the harbor is waking up, and the city's venues are stacked with reasons to get out of the house. Whether you're chasing live music, craving something delicious, or just looking for that perfect Saturday afternoon, we've got you covered.
Here are our editors' picks for the best things happening in Greater Portland this weekend.
1. Chelsea Handler at the State Theatre
The comedian brings her High and Mighty Tour to one of Portland's most iconic stages. Handler's razor-sharp wit and unapologetic honesty have made her one of the most in-demand touring comedians in the country. Expect a packed house, big laughs, and a reminder of why the State Theatre is one of New England's best mid-size venues. March 27 | State Theatre
2. Maine Mariners vs. Worcester Railers
Saturday night hockey at the Cross Insurance Arena is one of Portland's best-kept affordable secrets. The energy of 6,000 fans, the crack of sticks on ice, and $5 beers make this a perfect date night or family outing. The Mariners have been on a tear lately — come see why the buzz is building. March 21, 6 PM | Cross Insurance Arena
3. Expo 2026: The Maine Lodging & Restaurant Show
If you're in the hospitality business — or just curious about what's next for Maine's food and lodging scene — this annual expo brings together hundreds of vendors, educational seminars, and tastings under one roof. It's an insider's look at the industry that makes Portland a culinary capital. March 25, 10 AM | Cross Insurance Arena
4. Thievery Corporation at the State Theatre
The legendary electronic duo celebrates 30 years of genre-defying grooves with their anniversary tour. Blending bossa nova, dub, Indian classical, and downtempo electronica, Thievery Corporation creates an atmosphere that feels less like a concert and more like a journey. One of the most anticipated shows of the spring. March 22 | State Theatre
5. First Friday Art Walk (Coming April 4)
Mark your calendar now — Portland's beloved First Friday Art Walk returns next month with galleries, studios, and pop-up exhibitions across the Arts District and Old Port. It's free, it's walkable, and it's one of the best ways to discover Portland's thriving creative community.
6. Brunch at Duckfat
Not an event, but a weekend ritual. Rob Evans' beloved Middle Street bistro serves some of the best Belgian-style fries in America — cooked in, yes, duck fat — alongside creative paninis and legendary milkshakes. Get there early; the line forms fast on weekends.
7. Portland Head Light & Fort Williams Park
Sometimes the best weekend plans are the simplest. Pack a thermos, drive fifteen minutes to Cape Elizabeth, and walk the grounds of one of America's most photographed lighthouses. The late-March light on the rocky coastline is something special.
8. One Night Live: Claire Ernst and Dani Offline
One Longfellow Square continues its tradition of showcasing emerging talent with this double bill. Claire Ernst's folk-tinged songwriting and Dani Offline's indie pop energy make for a compelling evening in one of Portland's most intimate listening rooms. March 25 | One Longfellow Square
9. Allagash Brewing Company Tour & Tasting
Portland's most iconic brewery offers complimentary guided tours daily. Walk through the gleaming tanks, learn about their Belgian-inspired brewing process, and finish with a tasting flight in the industrial-chic taproom. Their barrel-aged Curieux is reason enough to make the trip.
10. Sunset at Portland Oceanside
As the days stretch toward spring, Portland's eastern-facing waterfront catches golden light in the late afternoon that makes the harbor glow. Grab a window seat at a waterfront restaurant, or just find a bench on the Eastern Promenade and watch the sky do its thing. Free, unforgettable, and uniquely Portland.
Want these picks delivered to your inbox every Thursday? Subscribe to the Maine Coast Life weekly guide — it's free, and you'll never miss what's happening.