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.
Are you looking to take a break from your regular ventures, build friendships or develop emotional intelligence? Social events could just be just the thing you are missing. As they always say, one’s company, two’s a crowd, three’s a party. In these events, you will get to meet a whole new range of people, engage other cultures and understand different perspectives. You get opportunities to expand your circle through the interactions and conversations elicited. Whether you are looking to improve your social or work connections, this is it for you.
There are many events held across Portland, Maine. Events range from backyard outings, outdoor activity events, singles events, professional networking, meaningful discussions, and more. They are all varied and interesting covering your lifestyle and preference. If you find it hard to make connections or socialize in these events, here are a few tips to save your situation.
Local Groups’ Events in Portland
Date & time change AGAIN!Bald Head Trail (Arrowsic, Me.)Mon(MLK)Jan 20, 2025!!!
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ Where: undefined
Time and date change AGAIN to a less hectic time of year. Low tide is 09:28 a.m., Join us for a FAST-paced hike to Bald Head Trail 3.7 miles with a short 1.4 mile detour to Squirrel Point Lighthouse, a small lighthouse on the Kennebec River. The path is mostly dirt winding through the woods.
Bald trail begins on the shared trail heading towards Squirrel Point light then breaks off crossing through(…)
Data & AI Social Meetup
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: Arcadia
Get together socially to talk data, AI and other things over a drink.(…)
Southern Maine Real Estate Meetup – JANUARY
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ 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, January 22, 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 (…)
Trivia @ Après
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Apres Seltzer Bar
**Meet us at 6pm** so we can grab tables and settle in at Après for trivia. Après is a popular place so come on time to get a good seat. Question start at 6:30pm.
Après is known for its hard seltzer, but they have some beer, wine, and mocktails on their menu. [https://apresmaine.com](https://apresmaine.com) They have a couple snacks on their menu, and they usually have a food truck but not guaran(…)
Board Game Club Meetup!!
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ 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(…)
Portland City Council (Watch & Discuss)
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Portland City Hall
Join us at Portland City Hall at 5:00PM where we will watch the City Council meeting in the Overflow Room. We will stay until 7PM (or earlier if the meeting ends) and **regroup at Novare Res** (4 Canal Plaze #1) to hangout and discuss. **Arrive whenever you can to the meeting.** You don’t have to be there for the start or stay the whole time.
**• Where will we be?:** Meet us in room 209 (the “ov(…)
Primo Cubano at Bayside Bowl
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Bayside Bowl
Come warm up your winter with the smokin’ tunes of Primo Cubano! A great, very danceable band at a cool location! Be sure to get tickets because it’s sure to sell out. Tickets are $12 in advance. Primo Cubano return to Bayside Bowl for an indoor, all-ages show at Bayside Bowl.
TIX $10 ADV, $20 DOOR
TIX @: eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-primo-cubano-winter-edition-at-bayside-bowl-all-ages-tickets(…)
Weekly Hack Night
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ 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 (…)
DevOps207 MeetUp at Novare Res
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ 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(…)
Tuesday Evening Meditations in Portland New Church with Clare & Jessica
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ 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 (…)
Pinball Tutorial and Competition @ Arcadia
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: undefined
**NOTE:** Since this will be a small-group MeetUp event, please be confident you can attend before you RSVP.
**Please note:** Bring an ID for entry.
I’ll be taking a small group on a bit of a pinball tutorial and friendly group competition. We’ll play together on four tables, and enjoy a little social-time with some drinks and pizza.
Most tables are free on Wednesdays, but not the older ones. I(…)
Local BIZness Network Weekly Meeting / Portland
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ 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 (…)
Factory 3 makerspace tour
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ 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(…)
Travel Smart, Earn Big: Your Guide to Profitable Adventures
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Willows Pizza & Restaurant
Are you ready to explore an exciting opportunity in the travel industry that could change your life? 🌴✈️ Whether you’re dreaming of **extra income**, **financial freedom**, or leaving a **lasting legacy**, this event is for YOU!
🌟 **Discover:**
✔️ How to earn multiple streams of income through travel
✔️ What we do in the world of travel and how it works
✔️ How you can benefit while creating a le(…)
Adult Ninja Bootcamp
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ 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, Jan 21st
◦ 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(…)
Lions Spaghetti Dinner
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: undefined
This event is in Cape Elizabeth.
Do NOT click “Attend” on Meetup for this event. This will NOT sign you up. Sign-ups are through the MOAC (moac.org) web page.
Details at: https://moac.org/event/lions-spagetti-dinner/(…)
OBP space tour.
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ 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.(…)
Wednesday Argentine Tango Practica
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: The Elms
Argentine Tango Practica at The Elms
More details can be found on the website or facebook group:
https://www.portlandmainetango.org/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/portlandmainetango
There will be a pre-practica class from 6pm – 7pm followed by a practica untill 9pm.
Cost (Per person):
Class and Practica: $25
Just Class: $20
Just Practica after class: $10
Location: The Elms in Westbrook, 102 (…)
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
Sea State: Thriving Blue Economy
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Gulf of Maine Research Institute
An interactive event featuring Gillian Katz, GMRI Ventures Program Manager and Craig Johnson, Interim President of Maine Maritime Academy.
Burns Night Supper and concert with Bailey’s Mistake and Ross Gregor Adam
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: 184 St John St
Celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s National Poet, Robert Burns, with an authentic haggis supper, bagpipes and a full concert.
An evening with Primo Cubano (Winter Edition) at Bayside Bowl | all-ages
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Bayside Bowl
Primo Cubano return to Bayside Bowl for an indoor, all-ages show at Bayside Bowl.
Sebago Trout Unlimited: Annual Meeting & Celebration
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Brea Lu Cafe
Come celebrate the start of a new year of fishing and conservation, as we highlight some of the exciting work we have planned for 2025.
Willow’s Apothecary
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Mechanics Hall
Poet Arisa White & Choreographer Laurel Jenkins direct Willow’s Apothecary, featuring The Dance Company of Middlebury with live music
Trump Is Our President – Time To Celebrate
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Elks Lodge
Come celebrate the historic inauguration of Donald J. Trump with live music, dancing, food and giveaways.
Disney Lorcana: Azurite Sea – Set Championship
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: 415 Philbrook Ave
You can become a champion!
Every Little Thing
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: SPACE
The big hearted hummingbird documentary we all need right now.
Beginning Wheel Throwing (PART ONE) 6-week Artist Series
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Artascope Studios
Starts January 22nd (Wednesdays from 1:30PM-4:30PM for 6 weeks).
Unemployed Negativity, book release with Jason Read
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: SPACE
USM professor’s new book compiles 15 years of short essays and philosophical writing about TV, movies, comic books and cultural phenomena
Bourbon Dinner – Portland
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: UNO Pizzeria & Grill
Join us for a night of delicious bourbon tastings paired with a mouthwatering dinner menu!
Beginner Bezel Setting Wednesday 6-week Artist Series
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Artascope Studios
Starts Wednesday, January 22nd (Wednesday mornings from 10:00AM-1:00PM for six weeks.)
Sterling Silver Mixed Metals Bangles – Saturday Metalsmithing Workshop
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Artascope Studios
Learn how to make your own bangles in this Saturday afternoon workshop.
Beginner Metalsmithing – Thursday 6-week Artist Series
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: Artascope Studios
Starts Thursday, January 23rd (Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for six weeks.)
[POSTPONED] Veeva Banga – Art Across Borders: Tales of Migration
![[POSTPONED] Veeva Banga – Art Across Borders: Tales of Migration](https://img.evbuc.com/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.evbuc.com%2Fimages%2F920956263%2F30378746011%2F1%2Foriginal.20241220-142343?crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&w=512&auto=format%2Ccompress&q=75&sharp=10&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&s=d6ee090b768fecdc052482d5315c4304)
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: SPACE
Choreographer, educator and dancer Veeva Banga & Francisco Andre in an evening of storytelling and performance exploring immigration stories
Intermediate Metalsmithing Guided Studio 6-week Artist Series
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Artascope Studios
Starts January 22nd (Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for six weeks).
Sketching and Watercolors – January 2025
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Factory 3
A new look at objects: learn the basics of both sketching and watercolors to enhance your paintings.
Paint Night at McKernan Inn
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: 122 McKernan Drive
Come paint your personal landscape of Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. Also, there will be a cash bar!
Maine Renewable Energy Association Annual Meeting & Dinner
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: The Harraseeket Inn and Event House
Join us at MREA’s Annual Meeting & Dinner for an evening of learning, networking, and celebrating all things renewable energy!
Change Management – Change Matters 1 Day Training in Portland, OR
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: For venue details reach us at [email protected]
Our classroom and corporate training provides you the opportunity to interact with instructors and benefit from face-to-face instruction.