7 Maine events include ‘Arcadia’ at Portland Stage and Biddeford Art Walk
Maine’s Cultural Calendar Heats Up With Theatre, Art, and Family‑Friendly Fun
Maine residents have a busy schedule coming up this month, with a mix of drama, mystery, history, and even a monster truck spectacle. From the heart of Portland’s theater district to downtown Biddeford’s art scene and a weekend sports card expo in the state capital, there’s something for almost every interest.
1. “Arcadia” at Portland Stage
Date: Wednesday to Sunday, through October 25
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Wednesday), 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (Thursday), 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. (Friday), 2 p.m. (Saturday), 7:30 p.m. (Sunday)
Venue: Portland Stage, 25 A Forest Ave.
Tickets: $35–$77
Synopsis: Tom Stoppard’s classic comedy‑tragedy moves between 1809 and the present. In the 1809 setting, Thomasina learns science from her tutor Septimus, who is juggling an affair with a married woman and a looming duel. Two centuries later, scholars investigate the tangled past. The role of Septimus is played by actor Parker Drown.
2. “Miss Marple: Murder at the Vicarage” at Footlights Theatre
Date: Thursday to Saturday, through Halloween (October 31)
Time: 7 p.m. (Thursday), 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (Friday), 2 p.m. (Saturday)
Venue: Footlights Theatre, 190 US Route 1, Falmouth
Tickets: $28
Plot: The beloved detective Miss Marple investigates the murder of Colonel Protheroe at the village vicarage, piecing together motives and alibis among a cast of suspects.
3. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow‑N‑Fire
Date: Friday (6:30 p.m.) and Saturday (1:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.), Sunday (6:30 p.m.)
Time: 11:30 a.m. (Saturday) also available
Venue: Cross Insurance Arena, Portland
Tickets: $20.25–$71
Features: High‑octane stunts with Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, and the new Rhinomite, plus a fire‑breathing truck and a car‑crushing robot dinosaur.
4. Biddeford Art Walk (Third Friday)
Date: Friday, the final event of the year (October 25)
Time: 5 p.m.–8 p.m.
Location: Main Street and surrounding downtown streets, Biddeford
Highlights: Artists, makers, and pop‑up performances line the streets, creating a lively atmosphere for visitors to shop and mingle.
5. Ari ’el Stachel at the Maine Jewish Museum
Friday Event: “At the Table with Ari ’el Stachel – A Yemenite‑Inspired Shabbat”
Saturday Event: “Evening with Ari ’el Stachel”
Date: Friday and Saturday (exact dates not specified)
Venue: Maine Jewish Museum, 267 Congress St., Portland
Ticket Prices: $81.88 (Friday), $59.47 (Saturday)
Details: The Tony‑ and Grammy‑winning actor offers a pescetarian Yemenite meal with family stories on Friday and a performance based on his autobiography on Saturday, followed by a dessert reception.
6. “Playhouse Creatures” at Saco River Theatre
Date: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday (October 22–25)
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Friday, Saturday), 2:30 p.m. (Sunday, Wednesday), 7:30 p.m. (Oct 23–24)
Venue: Saco River Theatre, 29 Salmon Falls Road, Buxton
Ticket: Pay‑what‑you‑can; suggested $25
Plot: Set in 1669, the play follows five pioneering women who break into English theater after Puritan restrictions lift, offering humor and poignancy about fame, love, and the Restoration stage.
7. Northeast Sports Card Expo
Date: Saturday (9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.) and Sunday (9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.)
Venue: Portland Expo, 239 Park Ave.
Ticket: $15 (regular), $20 for early entry (9 a.m.), free for children 12 and under
Highlights: Over 225 vendor tables showcase sports cards, Pokémon cards, Funko Pops, and other collectibles. Autograph authentication by James Spence is available. Celebrity guests include former Red Sox pitcher Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd and former Boston Bruins coach Steve Kasper.
Plan Your Weekend
With performances ranging from classic drama to interactive family events and a vibrant art walk, Maine’s cultural calendar offers plenty of options to explore. Whether you’re a theater lover, a collector, or simply looking for a fun night out, these events provide a taste of the state’s diverse artistic scene. Tickets can be purchased online through each venue’s website, and many events offer early‑bird pricing or special discounts for children. Enjoy the season!
