7 Maine events this week include Brandi Carlile, ‘Come From Away’
Tuesday-Sunday. Topsham Fairgrounds, 31 Community Way, Topsham, $15, free for 10 and under. topshamfair.org.
A pair of baby Boer goats nap together in a pen during the 2025 Topsham Fair. (Libby Kamrowski Kenny/Staff Photographer)
The Topsham Fair dates back to the 1850s, so it’s safe to say that they know how to put on a proper fair, complete with a midway and live entertainment. The schedule also features harness racing, truck pulling, demolition derby, baking contests, wood carving demos, ox pulling and goat milking, among other events and activities.
Performances run through Aug. 22. Pickard Theater, Bowdoin College, 22 Elm St., Brunswick, $139-$185. msmt.org.
The cast from the Maine State Music Theatre production of “Come From Away.” (Photo by Jared Morneau Photography)
As the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks draws near, it’s a perfect time to experience a musical that tells the true story about something special that happened in a small Newfoundland town. Thirty-eight planes were grounded at Gander International Airport, and hundreds of passengers from several countries were welcomed with kindness by the locals during a frightening time in human history. The Tony Award-winning show “Come From Away” tells the story with emotionally gripping and uplifting songs like “Darkness and Trees,” “Lead Us Out of the Night,” “Me and the Sky” and “I Am Here.”
Brandi Carlile. (Photo by Phill McDonald)
7 p.m. Thursday. Cross Insurance Arena, Portland, $99.90-$751.95. crossarenaportland.com.
It’s been more than three years since Brandi Carlile has performed in Maine. The wait ends on Thursday with a show at Cross Insurance Arena. Carlile’s “Human” tour features songs from her latest album, “Returning to Myself,” along with ones from the multiple Grammy winner’s discography. Carlile and her band are known for electrifying live shows that create intimacy regardless of venue size. Singer-songwriter Jensen McRae opens.
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The Rock Cats all-feline band will close out every Acro-Cats performance at The Hill Arts in Portland. (Photo by Ashley Murnan)
7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Through Aug. 30. The Hill Arts, 76 Congress St., Portland, $35-$70. thehillarts.me.
Touring cat circus The Amazing Acro-Cats are strutting into Portland for more than two weeks worth of purr-fectly entertaining performances. The trained domestic house cats are all former orphans, rescues and strays who will dazzle you by riding skateboards, jumping through hoops, ringing bells, balancing on balls and other impressive displays of agility. The show ends with songs by Tuna and the Rock Cats playing guitar, drums and piano who will be joined by the Jazz Cats on saxophone, trumpet and clarinet. Dig your claws in and get tickets soon, it’s meow or never.
Fringe Fest 2026: Cabinet of Curiosities
6-8:30 p.m. Friday. Washington Street, Biddeford, free. heartofbiddeford.org.
Fringe Fest 2026: Cabinet of Curiosities is a free celebration of all things unusual. There will be live music, immersive installations, performance art, artist talks, puppetry, spoken word, large-scale projections, interactive experiences, a community book exchange and plenty of local food and beer. Fringe Fest also features several vendors and makers. Your sweet tooth will be satisfied with the Pie-Luck pie sharing feast. Sign up at artofbiddeford.org/fringe-fest to contribute a savory or sweet pie.
A scene from the 2023 River Fest in Biddeford. (Photo courtesy of Heart of Biddeford)
Noon-10 p.m. Saturday. Main Street and Water Street, Biddeford, free. heartofbiddeford.org.
River Jam is a full day and night of music and community set along the Saco River in downtown Biddeford. Heart of Biddeford’s annual festival features live music, family-friendly activities, makers market, food trucks and a beer and wine garden. This year’s acts are Harrison Goodell, The Speed of Sound, Stephanie Ryann, Nick Prato and Noah Richardson. There will also be early performances by Twin City Theater Academy and The Flukes.
7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Thompson’s Point, Portland, $63 in advance, $70 day of show, $116 two-day pass, free for kids 3 and under. statetheatreportland.com.
Lake Street Dive. (Photo by Shervin Lainez)
When Lake Street Dive first started to perform in Portland, it was at the 200-seat listening room One Longfellow Square. Now they’ll draw thousands of fans for a pair of outdoor shows at Thompson’s Point. Fronted by vocalist Rachael Price, Lake Street Dive is known for a sound that combines classic pop with soul, folk and jazz. The live shows are always a blast, and the band has several albums of music to choose from.
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Aimsel Ponti is a music writer and content producer for the Portland Press Herald. She has been obsessed with – and inspired by – music since she listened to Monkees records borrowed from the town. More by Aimsel Ponti
