Let’s explore social events in Portland, ME happening this week. Local events are a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Look through this page and consider going out and socializing during one of these social events.
Social events are great and offer a world of possibilities. You can make new friends, learn new skills, see things from different perspectives and it’s fantastic for your mental health. And never before has companionship and being able to spend time with others been as important as it is today.
You probably remember being a kid and going up to another person your age and saying, “Do you want to be friends?” and that was pretty much that. Friend made. Alas, it’s not quite as simple now that we’re grown up, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult or as awkward as we think. There are thousands of people out there who would love to meet up with others, finding them just takes a bit of help and that’s what we’re here for.
On this page, we hope you’ll find some interesting events in Portland where you can make some new friends.
Local Groups’ Events in Portland
Ernest Hemingway: “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber”
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Novare Res Bier Cafe
At our last meeting, folks expressed interest in doing a Hemingway story, so here we go: a classic short with everything you’d expect from Papa Hemingway: Africa, big game hunting, drinking, war trauma, wretched women, and horribly insecure men.
Of course, like Hemingway himself, there is so much more to his stories than what appears on the surface, and that’s exactly why I’m so excited to discus(…)
Southern Maine Real Estate Meetup – FEBRUARY
◦ When: Wednesday, Feb 19th
◦ Where: Apres Seltzer Bar
Hey Everyone!
Our next meetup promises to be a fantastic one, and I can’t wait to see you all there.
**Date & Time:** Wednesday, February 19, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
**Location:** Après, 148 Anderson St, Portland, ME 04101
Join us for an evening of networking, knowledge-sharing, and camaraderie among fellow real estate aficionados. Whether you’re a seasoned investor, a budding entrepreneur, or simply(…)
S’mores Night @ Congress Square Park
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: Congress Square Park
So far, bad weather has cursed the Thursday s’mores nights, but we’re going to try one more time – [Congress Square Park](https://congresssquarepark.org/) is hosting s’mores night! Let’s cozy up around a fire pit and grab free s’mores fixins. A suggested donation of $5+ to Congress Square Park is greatly appreciated, and helps Friends of Congress Square Park keep this little urban space vibrant an(…)
“Murder on the Links” at Portland Stage
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: Portland Stage
**Anybody up for Muuurrrrdderrr?**
This hilarious adaptation of Agatha Christie’s murder mystery takes audiences on an exciting romp through Merlinville-Sur-Mer, France, to find the killer of a rich businessman. Follow famous detective Hercule Poirot as he puts the puzzle pieces together in this classic whodunnit!
Get your tickets here:
**https://www.portlandstage.org/**
I got Center Row J, seat(…)
Board Game Club Meetup!!
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: Panera Bread
Board Game Night!! All are welcome!! Come join us in playing all kinds of board games, whether it’s Catan, Cribbage, Splendor, Scrabble, or any other kind of board game that you like!! You can either bring a game of your own, or just play one of the many games that I always bring. You can come or go at whatever times are convenient for you. We usually meet from 6pm to 9:30 or so, every week, and u(…)
Weekly Hack Night
◦ When: Wednesday, Feb 19th
◦ Where: Big Room Studios
Bring your computer, an appetite, any projects you’re working on or ideas you’d like to discuss, and join us for our weekly meetup!
There’s no agenda, but we’re show & tell friendly. We love seeing what you’re working on! Discussion topics are including but not limited to:
* AI & machine learning
* Virtual and augmented reality
* Programming and software engineering
* Robots and hardware
* Game (…)
2025 Read Harder Challenge – Monthly Meet Up
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: Apres Seltzer Bar
Let’s wrap up the second month of the Book Riot’s 2025 Read Harder Challenge. The Read Harder Challenge is a list of 24 different (usually genre based) challenges. Each month, I’ll pick two challenges and ask attendees complete at least ONE of the challenges prior to the event. Some attendees may complete both (which is great!) but I know that’s not realistic for everyone.
For February, the two c(…)
Tuesday Evening Meditations in Portland New Church with Clare & Jessica
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: Portland New Church
Our mind has limitless potential. But we can easily find ourself stuck in repetitive ways of thinking and behaving. Buddha taught many gentle methods to help us transform our mind and break free from old habits. Buddha also taught ways to stabilize more realistic, constructive and positive views, intentions and actions. It all starts with understanding and transforming our own mind.
This Tuesday (…)
DevOps207 MeetUp at Novare Res
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: Novare Res Bier Cafe
This is a social meetup where we discuss all things DevOps! Meet with fellow professional and discuss what you are working on, the latest industry news or look for help on your job search.
If you aren’t a DevOps Engineer but want to be, this is also a great opportunity to meet some veterans and get some guidance on where to start.
Recruiters welcome! Sales pitches are not.
Novare Res can be kin(…)
Live Action Short Films (Oscar Noms) @ Portland Museum of Art
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Portland Museum of Art
This is our chance to see the 2025 Oscar Nominated live action shorts at the Portland Museum of Art before the Academy Awards later in March. This event is specifically for the **live action shorts**.
Get your [ticket here](https://1519.blackbaudhosting.com/1519/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=c92721d8-6fe6-43d3-9600-f6133b865f71) ($10) for the screening on Saturday 2/22 at 11am (there are multiple screeni(…)
Bowling at Broadway Bowl South Portland
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: Broadway Bowl
Last time we went bowling it was so much fun. I will be throwing gutter balls so all experience levels welcome. I will reserve a lane for up to 6 people. We can chip in and everyone playing needs to rent shoes. If you want to come and just watch, eat and drink that is also great.
https://www.broadwaybowlmaine.com/bowl(…)
Starfinder Society Quest: Into the Unknown 02
◦ When: Wednesday, Feb 19th
◦ Where: Scarborough Public Library
Join our Lodge on Discord!
https://discord.gg/p6EEtJm4mF
A series of five Starfinder Quests designed for 1st-level characters.
When a mysterious visitor comes to Absalom Station selling items belonging to a lost Starfinder, the Starfinder Society takes note. The PCs are dispatched to discover out how the recent arrival found these items, leading them on a series of quests beyond the Pact Worlds (…)
February Discussion Group
◦ When: Wednesday, Feb 19th
◦ Where: The Thirsty Pig
Please choose a topic when you RSVP – I’ll put the topic in the title a week before the event with some additional information in the comment section:
1) What inspires people? (Examples: How does community/political division affect inspiration? How does passion and inspiration spread?)
2) How are communities built? (Ex: How does community develop responsibility and work ethic?)
Currently we’re (…)
Love Versus Attachment at Portland New Church with Clare & Jessica
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Portland New Church
Buddha taught that love is the great protector. Both we ourselves and others are protected by love from harmful actions and suffering, and a loving heart inspires us to treat others with consideration and kindness.
However, our love is often mixed with attachment, which makes us possessive, anxious and easily hurt. Come explore Buddha’s wisdom teachings on how to discern the difference between lov(…)
February 22 Circlesongs on Forest Ave
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Portland Friends Meeting (Quakers)
All ages and voices welcome! If you’ve never sung before, you’ll love it here. If you’ve got tons of singing experience, you’ll love it here! This is a great place to experiment and learn more, with no pressure or performance stress.
We sing in the main room of the **Friends Meetinghouse** on Forest Ave in Portland. There’s plenty of easy parking in the lot, and Portland Metro bus routes 2 and 3 (…)
Local BIZness Network Weekly Meeting / Portland
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: Stacks Pancake Co.
**Looking for local entrepreneurs and business to join us Thursdays from 8:30 – 9:30 AM for our weekly local business networking meeting. Please invite a friend or business associate to attend with you.**
**Local networking at its best!**
**Where?:**
**Stacks Pancake Company**
**139 Riverside Street**
**Portland, ME 04101**
**If you plan on attending in person, please arrive 15 minutes earlier (…)
OBP space tour.
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Open Bench Project
Come check out the OBP. Visit the shop, take a tour, see what people are working on. This is a pretty informal event, so feel free to show up, make a friend and chat. Learn about many of the things you could do at the space. Dream a little, Visualize the maker you’ve always wanted to be, and get started on a path to a whole new you.(…)
Factory 3 makerspace tour
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Factory 3
Join us most Tuesdays and Saturdays for a 1/2 hour to 1 hour tour. Please send an email to [email protected] before signing up, to make sure the tour is on for the day you would like to attend.
We’ll show you our shops, common work areas, and private studios, and answer your questions about membership benefits.
Factory 3’s mission is to create a space, welcoming to all, that empowers makers to re(…)
Adult Ninja Bootcamp
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: Maine Warrior Gym
Maine Warrior Gym is hosting a class to teach **you** how to train like an American Ninja Warrior. With our pro-rated obstacle and ninja course we have all the means necessary to train you to improve in the movements and skill set needed for that kind of competition.
Students will develop the strength to tackle the obstacles on the course, focusing on agility, grip strength, and static upper body(…)
Factory 3 makerspace tour
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: Factory 3
Join us most Tuesdays and Saturdays for a 1/2 hour to 1 hour tour. Please send an email to [email protected] before signing up, to make sure the tour is on for the day you would like to attend.
We’ll show you our shops, common work areas, and private studios, and answer your questions about membership benefits.
Factory 3’s mission is to create a space, welcoming to all, that empowers makers to re(…)
Tips to meet people at social events
You can make more friends at one party by showing interest in them than in a month by trying to meet people online. Meeting new people and making genuine connections in local events can be fun and easy if you go with the right mindset.
When it comes to meeting new people, nothing beats showing up in the real world. But none of the tips will work if you are not coming from the right place. Keep an open mind when attending social events. Reframe strangers as potential friends, it will make it much easier to approach conversations and fully engage in them.
When choosing an event, keep an eye on interesting themes, something you can relate to. Meeting new people in the context of mutual interest increases your chances of being friends.
Research events with the types of people you want to meet. They could be people in your age group, your field of work, or a specific neighborhood. Do not be too strict though, loosen up a little bit from your expectations.
Go where people are intentionally looking to make friends such as networking events where it feels normal and expected to walk up and introduce yourself.
In this digital era, apps and websites are the most convenient solutions for finding out about local events. If you are not sure where to look for events happening in Portland, you can try out Visitportland.com, Creativeportland.com, or Pressherald.com.
RELATED: How To Meet People In Portland, Maine
Jenny Owen Youngs with Adeline Hotel
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Oxbow Blending & Bottling
Jenny Owen Youngs makes a stop on her tour at Oxbow in Portland, ME!
TAUK with ElephantProof
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Oxbow Blending & Bottling
TAUK winter tour brings them to Oxbow Blending & Bottling in Portland, ME!
Keys to the City Dueling Piano Showcase with Jim Ciampi & Seth Holbrook
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Top of the East
Laugh, Dance & Sing Your Pants Off with Keys to The City!
I’m a Friend of Dorothy! A LGBTQIA+ Dance Party & Drag Show
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Equality Community Center
Get ready to dance, laugh, and celebrate with us at the LGBTQIA+ Dance Party & Drag Show – I’m a Friend of Dorothy!
The Edge – LIVE!
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Italian Heritage Center
Get ready to experience The Edge – LIVE!, where you’ll witness electrifying performances and unforgettable moments up close and personal!
Speed Puzzle Competition sponsored by Ravensburger
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Diversions Puzzles & Games
Join us and our friends from Ravensburger as teams of 2 will compete to see who can finish a mystery 500pc puzzle the fastest.
Charity Comedy Night @ Freedoms Edge Hard Cider to benefit Portland Trails!
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Freedom’s Edge Cider Tasting Room
Join us for a hilarious night of comedy at Freedoms Edge Hard Cider, where laughter meets generosity, all in support of Portland Trails!
Sketching and Watercolors – February 2025
◦ When: Wednesday, Feb 19th
◦ Where: Factory 3
A new look at objects: learn the basics of both sketching and watercolors to enhance your paintings.
A Traveler’s Needs
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: SPACE
winner of the Silver Bear at Berlin Film Festival starring Isabelle Huppert directed by Hong Sangsoo
Moonshake with Poole Music and Cecil G.
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: SPACE
Moonshake kicks off their monthly residency at SPACE! Proper dance party vibes with house, disco, electro, dancefloor, techno, and beyond.
Ocotillo
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: 211 Danforth St
A new sister restaurant to Terlingua, Ocotillo is a neighborhood restaurant with an emphasis on Mexican cuisine with a twist.
Spinner Rings – Saturday Metalsmithing Workshop
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Artascope Studios
Learn how to make your own spinner ring in this Saturday afternoon workshop.
Scottish Fish
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Meetinghouse Arts
Scottish Fish present a fresh take on traditional and contemporary Scottish and Cape Breton music.
COMEDY NIGHT at COWBELL SCARBOROUGH
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Cowbell Scarborough
Great comedy at a reasonable price! Host James Theberge brings comedians from all over NE. Sat February 22nd Showtime 7pm
APRES Ski Party Pub Crawl
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Fore Play Sports Pub
Get ready to hit the slopes and then hit the bars with our APRES Ski Party Pub Crawl – it’s gonna be a wild night!
Knot Tying with Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: Root Wild Kombucha
Join Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival in this hands-on and fun class in learning how to tie useful, need-to-know knots!
Winter Walk + Gather: A Community Event for Single Queer Women
◦ When: Saturday, Feb 22nd
◦ Where: Revive Gatherings, LLC
Are you a queer, female-identifying single looking to build community and enjoy some time outdoors this winter? This event is for YOU!
ReGen Maine Community Supper and Live Music
◦ When: Thursday, Feb 20th
◦ Where: Good Medicine Collective
An evening of community conversation, delicious food, and healing music. Sharing regenerative practices for ourselves and the planet.
Villainous Valentines
◦ When: Friday, Feb 21st
◦ Where: Sacred Profane Brewery and Tankpub
A Valentine’s Day themed burlesque show with a villainous twist!
USM Portland Campus Recruiting Spring 2025
◦ When: Tuesday, Feb 18th
◦ Where: McGoldrick Center for Career and Student Success, University of Southern Maine
Single employer on-campus recruiting opportunity at the University of Southern Maine