Summer in Portland makes the months of snow, rain, and unbearable cold worth it. Hey, it’s sunny, Maine is beautiful, and there’s tons to do here. Check out some of these June events we’ll be hitting up! Brewery lovers, we’ve got you covered. Foodies, we’ve got you too. There’s a little something for everybody here.
Sierra Nevada Beer Camp on Tour, Saturday, June 3rd, Thompson’s Point
The Portland beer scene is amazing, there’s no doubt about it. If you’ve been reading our blogs, then you know that we’re into the local breweries and microbreweries that provide us with beer. June 3rd is a date to remember, because it’s when Sierra Nevada’s Beer Camp On Tour comes to Portland at Thompson’s Point. Not only will there be local brews: Banded Horn, Allagash, Austin Street, Dirigo, Foulmouthed Brewing, Funky Bow (among many others) but there will also be beers from all over the country, and the list keeps getting bigger as the days go on. Want in on a beer camp to remember? General admission tickets start at $40 and can be purchased here!
Walk the Working Waterfront, Saturday, June 10th 11:00 am-3:00 pm
When you have a city on the waterfront, it’s only natural to want to explore it! For only 4 hours every year, Walk the Working Waterfront gives full access to Portland’s booming marine economy. Walk around, and learn about Portland’s history, and how the current economy is helping to support Mainers all over the state. It’s also a great opportunity to go try 2 free beer samplers at Liquid Riot. Just bring in your Working Waterfront map from 12-3 pm on June 10th, and 2 free beer samplers are all yours! Everyone’s favorite Custom House Wharf retailer, Sea Bags, will be raffling off a medium Navy Anchor Tote from their synonymous line of bags made from sailcloth. Make sure to check this out amid all the June events!
Old Port Fest, Sunday, June 11th, 11:00 am-5:00 pm
If you love Portland, then you love Old Port Fest. It’s just a fact. The family friendly event is back on Sunday, June 11th from 11 am-5 pm. This year promises to be even better than the last, with children’s amusement rides, a rock climbing wall, and the classic Casco Bay Eye Ferris Wheel. There will also be vendor booths with over 200 participating vendors this year, food, and great company to be had around the Old Port. Be sure to catch some of the musical acts like up and coming pop group MUNA on the Coast & WPOR Stage, as well as Maine favorite The Ghost of Paul Revere on the WCLZ Stage. Old Port Fest is a tradition, and year after year, it’s one of our favorite June events.
The Shins, June 16th, Thompson’s Point, 7:00 pm
Music lovers in Portland, we know there are a lot of great bands to see this summer. City and Colour, The xx, Foster The People, Trombone Shorty, Guster, Wilco…the list just goes on and on. One band that we are excited for is The Shins, coming to Thompson’s Point on June 16th. If you’re not familiar with them, The Shins are a pop/alternative indie rock band, originally from New Mexico. As this has become the summer that music comes to Portland, it seems only right that The Shins have decided to stop here on their tour as well. Their new album, Heartworms, hearkens back to their earlier sound, rather than the 2012 album, Port of Morrow which put them on the map seven years ago. Regardless, this is a show to check out for lovers of music, and indie rock. How convenient that it’s also right in our backyard. Buy your tickets online, or directly from the box office.
The Maine Brew Bus, Thirsty Thursday (June 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th)
Beer, beer, beer. What goes together better than summer in Portland and beer? Partaking in Thirsty Thursday with The Maine Brew Bus, of course. From 5 pm-8:30 pm, tour 3 breweries with The Maine Brew Bus, and let them do all the heavy work. All you have to do is relax, and enjoy beer from breweries like Foundation Brewing Company, Bunker Brewing Co. and Fore River Brewing Company. Hop on the Bus for a behind the scenes look at how some of Portland’s most popular breweries became destinations, and drink quality local beer. The Maine Brew Bus has Thirsty Thursday dates available for every Thursday in June, so what are you waiting for? Of course, these trips are only for adults 21+ and tickets are $65/person. Who knew Thursdays could be so thirsty?
Portland Food Launch & Festival, June 22nd, 5:00-9:00 pm
Looking for food competitions, a main stage for music and a marketplace set up that allows you to converse with Portland’s local chefs, artisans, and brewers? Look no more! A new festival is setting up shop in Portland, at the summer hot spot, Thompson’s Point: The Portland Food Launch & Festival. Part of The Portland Food Launch, which will be an event dedicated to business development for those that are in the food industry, The Festival is an opportunity to taste the local economy at the source. There will be food, drink, live music, and local artisans on hand to make this a one of a kind experience in Portland and a must on the list of June events to attend. Want tickets? Buy them here!
The Ignition Awards, June 29th, Thompson’s Point, 5:30-8:30 pm
Last but not least, celebrate the small and large businesses that make Portland a thriving place to be at The Ignition Awards. An event for networking, food, drink, and fun, it’s sure to be a night to remember as Portland is propelled forward. Award categories include Entreverge-“Hustler of the Year”, Social Entrepreneurship, Startup with a focus on import/export, and Growth Stimulation. The award for Food Truck of the Year is decided at the event by participants, making this a can’t miss opportunity! Early bird tickets are available here.
Of course, these are just some of the many great June events that Portland’s offering. Let us know about the events that you can’t wait to attend this summer in the comments section below!
