7 Maine events include ‘Rocky Horror’ in Waldoboro and Nirvana tribute in Arundel
Maine residents seeking a mix of spooky thrills, nostalgic sing‑alongs and autumn‑season shopping have a full slate of events to choose from this weekend.
On Thursday evening, the ABBA tribute band MANIA will take the stage at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, 100 Alumni Blvd., at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $30 to $60. The group, which has marked more than 25 years of performing ABBA’s music and has played in over 35 countries, promises a production built around elaborate costumes, synchronized choreography and a repertoire that includes “Waterloo,” “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance On Me,” “Mamma Mia” and many other hits. “You’ll have the time of your life singing along with classic tunes like ‘Waterloo,’ ‘Dancing Queen,’ ‘Take a Chance On Me,’ ‘Mamma Mia’ and countless others,” the organizers note.
Friday night brings a cult‑classic film experience to the Waldo Theatre in Waldoboro, 916 Main St. The screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” begins at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening an hour earlier. Audience members are invited to join a live cast performing in front of the screen and to participate in the iconic “Time Warp” dance. A costume contest kicks off at 7 p.m., and tickets vary from $20 for a balcony seat to $50 for front‑row positions that include a prop bag. The 1975 film, starring Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon, is presented as a participatory event, encouraging fans to dress as “Transylvanians” for the evening.
Saturday’s festivities start early at Rising Tide Brewing Company, 103 Fox St., Portland, where the Howl‑O‑Ween celebration runs from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dog owners are welcome to bring their pets for a costume contest that offers prizes from YETI, Turtlebox Audio and Dogfish Head. In addition to the contest, the day features a high‑flying air competition by the Dock Dogs, treats from Ugly Duckling and oysters from Ebenecook Oysters, and a special on‑tap brew, Buckingham Red, a collaboration between Dogfish Head and Rising Tide.
Also on Saturday, the Lost and Found Market opens at Halo and Brick South in Thompson’s Point, Portland, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a second day running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. More than 100 vintage vendors from across New England will showcase clothing, records, décor, jewelry, housewares, art, glassware and accessories. Attendees can watch demonstrations of custom chainstitching, tintype photography, DIY Halloween block printing and live screen printing. Entry fees are $12 for the 11 a.m. slot, $10 for 2 p.m., $8 for 3 p.m., and free all day on Sunday; visitors are asked to bring cash and reusable shopping bags.
In South Portland, the Husky Boiz collective presents “An Ode to He Who Walks Behind the Rows” at Mad Horse Theatre, 24 Mosher St., on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25. The show, described as a musical tribute and cult initiation, riffs on Stephen King’s “The Children of the Corn.” Friday’s performance sold out, but tickets remain available for the weekend shows.
A night of grunge reverence will take place on Halloween at Vinegar Hill Music Theatre in Arundel, 53 Old Post Road, at 8 p.m. Local musicians Jeff Beam, Mike Chasse and Jason Elvin will deliver two sets of Nirvana’s catalog, ranging from high‑energy tracks to acoustic selections from the band’s famed “Unplugged” session. Admission is priced between $20 and $35, and fans are encouraged to attend in costume.
Finally, alternative rock group Blue October will headline a concert at Portland’s State Theatre on Tuesday, November 3, at 8 p.m. The performance celebrates the 20th anniversary of the band’s “Foiled” album and will feature songs such as “Into the Ocean” and “Hate Me.” Tickets range from $49.50 to $99.50.
Together, these events provide a diverse array of entertainment options for Halloween weekend and the early days of November, spanning tribute concerts, interactive film screenings, pet‑friendly festivals, vintage markets and theatrical productions, each with its own schedule, location and price point.
