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
Hempcrete Building Learning Experience
◦ When: Thursday, Jul 25th
◦ Where: Diggers Cooperative
Join us at Diggers Co-op in Acton, ME to learn about building with hemp – including sourcing the materials, mixing the recipe, & installing it to form a livable structure. We’ll be co-creating the structure for a Solviva Greenhouse, which will enable Diggers to grow food year round!
Opt to participate in our hempcrete building interactive ONLINE COURSE before attending the in-person workshop, to l(…)
Data & AI Social Meetup
◦ When: Wednesday, Jul 24th
◦ Where: Novare Res Bier Cafe
Get together socially to talk data, AI and other things over a drink(…)
Get Outside & Make Gen Z/Millennial Friends: Nature Walk then Dinner & Drinks!
◦ When: Thursday, Jul 25th
◦ Where: Pleasant Hill Preserve
Join us for a nature walk at Fuller Farm Preserve and socializing at Chaba Thai in Scarborough! This event, hosted by Scarborough Land Trust, invites young, active adults to connect with nature and get involved in the local community. Discover the beauty of Scarborough’s wilderness while connecting with its vibrant community!
**Who:** This 21+ event is intended for people eager to foster connecti(…)
July 27 Circlesongs on Forest Ave
◦ When: Saturday, Jul 27th
◦ Where: Portland Friends Meeting (Quakers)
Come sing with us! We’ll create brand new music and have a fun time doing it. If you’ve never sung before, welcome! You’ll love it here. If you’ve got tons of singing experience, welcome! This is a great place to experiment and learn more.
All ages welcome!
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 (…)
Willard Beach Night and Ice Cream
◦ When: Wednesday, Jul 24th
◦ Where: Willard Beach
Willard Beach hangout and Ice Cream at Willard Scoops!
Willard Beach is a small beach in South Portland with a nice sunset view.
Bring a beach blanket and get ready to relax and recharge.
Navigate to 46 Willow St Unit 2, South Portland, ME 04106 for free parking (please use Google Maps)(…)
The Front Porch Piano Bar Ogunquit
◦ When: Saturday, Jul 27th
◦ Where: undefined
Great reviews great times we’ll see you there!
This place does not come up for event location tried to put it in. It’s 9 shore road.(…)
Local BIZness Network Weekly Meeting / Portland
◦ When: Thursday, Jul 25th
◦ 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 (…)
S.T.E.A.M. Instructor Idea Jam
◦ When: Monday, Jul 22nd
◦ Where: Open Bench Project
Join us for our monthly idea jam, we’re putting an open invitation out to teachers, instructors, and students looking to help improve the S.T.E.A.M. learning experience. We will have an open discussion fueled by complimentary drinks and snacks talking about how we have experienced learning and teaching STEAM and how we can continue to improve.(…)
Beach Day @ Crescent Beach State Park
◦ When: Saturday, Jul 27th
◦ Where: Crescent Beach State Park
It’s hot and sunny out, so let’s chill at the beach. [Crescent Beach](https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=4) is a state park, so a day pass is $6/Maine resident. Recommended to bring beach chair, towel, and a picnic lunch (but beware of sea gulls).
“The mile-long crescent shaped beach is popular with families due to its gentle surf and its easy walking and (…)
Re-Sounding History–A Place- and Plant-based Sound meditation at Fort Gorges
◦ When: Saturday, Jul 27th
◦ Where: East End Beach
Paddle from East End Beach to Fort Gorges to enjoy music and guided meditations. Those interested can further explore nearby islands (Little Diamond, Great Diamond).
**Meet at East End Beach at 2:30**, launch boats at 2:45, paddle 1 mile to Fort Gorges, option to continue around Little Diamond. The Hogfish musical/meditative event starts at 4:15.
This is a **fee event**; you can purchase your tick(…)
Toddler Ninja Social – Ages 1 & 2
◦ When: Wednesday, Jul 24th
◦ Where: Maine Warrior Gym
Discover a world of adventure with your toddler in our Toddler Ninja Social class! This engaging and interactive session is designed to enhance your child’s motor skills, balance, and coordination through playful activities and exploration. Join your little one as they develop confidence, agility, and a love for movement, all while strengthening the special bond between you two.
*Class Times: Sun(…)
Weekly Hack Night
◦ When: Tuesday, Jul 23rd
◦ 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 (…)
Friday Night Social
◦ When: Friday, Jul 26th
◦ Where: Henry’s Public House
Come meet community and new friends at our Friday night meet up. Enjoy community, conversation, and cocktails in Portland. We’ll meet at Henry’s Public House on Fore Street.(…)
Board Game Club Meetup!!
◦ When: Thursday, Jul 25th
◦ Where: Panera Bread
Board Game Night!! All are welcome!! Come join us in playing all kinds of board games, both classic (like Scrabble, Monopoly, etc.), and any other kinds!! You can either bring a game of your own, or just play one of the classics that I always bring. You can come or go at whatever times are convenient for you. We usually meet every week, either on Wed. or Thur. (depending on my schedule), at the Pa(…)
Trivia @ Sea Dog Brewing
◦ When: Wednesday, Jul 24th
◦ Where: Sea Dog Brewing Co.
This is our weekly trivia meetup at Sea Dog Brewing in South Portland. Note – this is at the location on Western Ave, not on the waterfront.
Trivia starts at 6 and typically runs until 8:15ish. Most of us eat dinner there and have drinks.
Sign up quick if you want to join. This one fills fast!(…)
Community Summer Spirit Gathering and Campout
◦ When: Saturday, Jul 27th
◦ Where: Unity of Greater Portland
Join us for a Summer Spiritual Retreat and Overnight Campout! This community event is open to all and will include activities such as: Arts & Crafts, Garden Talk & Nature Meditation, Labyrinth Walking Workshop, Community Potluck Dinner, Evening Fire & Drumming Circle, Overnight Campout, Sunday morning Sunrise Ceremony, Community Breakfast, and Sunday Morning Unity Service. Come for part or stay fo(…)
Adult Softball League – Tuesday Summer League
◦ When: Tuesday, Jul 23rd
◦ Where: Wainwright Sports Complex
South Portland Parks and Recreation will be hosting a Tuesday summer softball league. All teams and individuals are welcome to play! *Participants must be at least 18 years old and out of High School. SP Rec will not provide bats or gloves. W*e host all our leagues at the South Portland Recreation Complex (Wainwright Fields) at 125 Gary L Maietta Pkwy.
**Captains please email [wdorsett@southportl(…)
Tuesday Morning Community Paddle for Sea Kayakers (experience required)
◦ When: Tuesday, Jul 23rd
◦ Where: Cutter Street
**WHEN:** 7:30am-8:30am every Tuesday. We plan to ***launch at 7:30am sharp!*** Please arrive early enough to be floating by then.
**WHERE:** Portland Paddle’s site at the East End Beach (look for our sign).
**WHO:** Anyone who is confident and comfortable paddling a sea kayak on Casco Bay with a group; prior sea kayaking experience required
**COST:** Free with your own sea kayak and for Portla(…)
No rehearsal tonight! Having a little fun in the sun!
◦ When: Thursday, Jul 25th
◦ Where: Lunt Auditorium
Enriching. Empowering. Life-Changing. Fun. Barbershop, an original American art form, is a four-part (tenor, lead, baritone, bass) a cappella harmony style of singing famous for its “ringing” chords, which produce overtones that sound like fifth notes. Sing. Learn. Connect. Sparkle. Royal River is one of a 500-strong worldwide family of barbershop choruses that women join for the love of a capella(…)
Wednesday Argentine Tango Practica
◦ When: Wednesday, Jul 24th
◦ 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 (…)
Ladies Night at the Axe Pit!
◦ When: Wednesday, Jul 24th
◦ Where: The Axe Pit
Ladies Get 20% Off Axe Throwing on Wednesdays!
Hey fabulous ladies, are you ready for an axe-citing night out? Join us for Ladies Night at The Axe Pit every Wednesday from 5 PM to 9 PM and enjoy an unbeatable offer – 20% off on all axe throwing sessions!
 Unleash Your Inner Warrior:
Experience the rush of hurling axes lik(…)
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
Board Game Speed Dating at Austin Street Brewery in Portland (Ages 25-39)
◦ When: Wednesday, Jul 24th
◦ Where: Austin Street Brewery
Finding someone can be painful. But board games are always awesome. So what if you combined board games and searching for a partner?
Disney Lorcana: Ursula’s Return Set Championship
◦ When: Saturday, Jul 27th
◦ Where: 415 Philbrook Ave
Join us on Saturday, July 20th for our official Disney: Lorcana: Ursula’s Return Set Championship!
Sketching and Watercolors – July 2024
◦ When: Wednesday, Jul 24th
◦ Where: Factory 3
A new look at objects: learn the basics of both sketching and watercolors to enhance your paintings.
Fake Feelings Concert Cruise
◦ When: Wednesday, Jul 24th
◦ Where: 20 Custom House Wharf
Join us for a wild ride on the Fake Feelings Concert Cruise – let’s sail away with good music and vibes!
Beading Workshop: Make Your Own Wildflower Bracelet… in the Garden!
◦ When: Monday, Jul 22nd
◦ Where: Maine Jewish Museum
Learn how to make a stylish “wildflower bracelet”
Book Launch: The Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides
◦ When: Tuesday, Jul 23rd
◦ Where: Mechanics’ Hall
Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook
Flow at Flask & Community Healing
◦ When: Wednesday, Jul 24th
◦ Where: Flask Lounge
Join us at Flask for a mid week reset.
Wooden Pen Turning
◦ When: Monday, Jul 22nd
◦ Where: Rockler Woodworking and Hardware – South Portland
Learn woodturning basics as you use a wood lathe to turn a custom wooden pen body for a pen hardware kit. Each attendee will make and take home with their own custom wooden pen.
Introduction to Raspberry Pi and Arduino Devices
◦ When: Saturday, Jul 27th
◦ Where: Factory 3
Learn to program your own powerful, affordable Raspberry Pi device!
Bim Skala Bim (40th Anniversary Tour) w/s/gs Zeme Libre & El Grande
◦ When: Friday, Jul 26th
◦ Where: Bayside Bowl
Legendary ska band Bim Skala Bim Skala Bim returns to Portland, ME on their 40th Anniversary Tour
LOCRIAN // OBSIDIAN TONGUE // IMIPOLEX // ICHORCLAW
◦ When: Thursday, Jul 25th
◦ Where: Geno’s Rock Club
Thursday, July 25
Geno’s Rock Club
Portland, Maine
Class on the Farm: Fermentation and Pickling + Dinner
◦ When: Wednesday, Jul 24th
◦ Where: Frith Farm
Come join us for a hands-on experience at the farm, where we’ll learn all about fermentation and pickling delicious foods together!
Air Space and Jane Ira Bloom
◦ When: Thursday, Jul 25th
◦ Where: SPACE
Grammy-winning saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom joins forces with keyboard-percussion duo Air Space (Mike Effenberger and Brian Shankar Adler).
Portland High 1984 40th Class Reunion
◦ When: Saturday, Jul 27th
◦ Where: The Porthole Restaurant & Pub
40 Year Reunion Celebration at the Porthole!
Portland Maine Super Saturday for Northern New England
◦ When: Saturday, Jul 27th
◦ Where: 63 Federal St
Join us in Portland, Maine for Super Saturday!
RE-SOUNDING HISTORY
◦ When: Saturday, Jul 27th
◦ Where: Fort Gorges
A place & plant based sound meditation in Aucocisco/Fort Gorges.
2024 Sundance Film Festival Shorts Tour
◦ When: Monday, Jul 22nd
◦ Where: SPACE
7 Short Films. 110 Epic Minutes.
The Firestarters Series – The Power of Designing Your Pleasure Path
◦ When: Thursday, Jul 25th
◦ Where: 306 Congress St
Unleash your inner fire and learn how to design a pleasure-filled path towards your dreams at The Firestarters Series!
Wednesday July 24: Despicable Me & Twisters
◦ When: Wednesday, Jul 24th
◦ Where: The Saco Drive-In
Despicable Me 4 (PG) & Twisters (PG-13)
The Human Surge 3
◦ When: Wednesday, Jul 24th
◦ Where: SPACE
Eduardo Williams / 2024 / 121 min. / Argentina, Portugal, Brazil, Netherlands, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Peru