7 Maine events this week include Portland Yacht Rock Festival, ZZ Top
Weekend of Wild Sounds, Stage Magic, and Rough‑Riding Thrills Across Maine
Portland’s cultural calendar is bursting with an eclectic mix of music, performance art and even a splash of cowboy flair. From the neon‑lit burlesque stage to the dusty arena of a one‑night rodeo, the weekend offers something for every taste. Below is the full rundown of what’s on, where, and when.
Cross Insurance Arena, Portland – Bulls N’ Broncs (Saturday, 4 p.m.)
Tickets: $34.85–$78.90
Lucky E Rodeo Company turns the arena into a dirt‑packed rodeo for one night only. The show features bull riding, bareback horse riding, and saddle bronc riding. The pre‑party starts at 2 p.m. with a “Tailgate Pre Party” that includes appetizers, soft drinks, a 21‑plus cash bar and a Q&A with the crew. “Yeehaw!”—the announcer’s shout—captures the high‑energy feel of the event. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door; the higher price includes a full rodeo experience.
Mayo Street Arts, 10 Mayo St., Portland – Maine Stage: Burlesque, Drag & Flow (Friday & Saturday, 7:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $22 in advance, $25 at the door (pay‑what‑you‑can available)
The 4th annual Maine Stage extravaganza presents a dazzling mix of burlesque, drag, flow, and vocal acts. Each night hosts a dozen artists, with Friday’s host Rev. Legs Malone and Saturday’s Chartreuse Money curating the lineup. The event is 18 plus and runs through late night, offering a vibrant nightlife option for Portlanders and visitors alike. For those who want to dive deeper into the local drag and burlesque scene, the event’s curator, La Petite Mystique, has crafted a program that promises to leave audiences spellbound.
Ossipee Valley Fairgrounds, Hiram – The Crooked River Gathering (Thursday–Sunday)
Tickets: $35–$170; free for 17 and under; camping options available
A week‑long celebration of traditional bluegrass, The Crooked River Gathering combines music with practical workshops. Attendees can learn beekeeping, fermentation, carpentry, and blacksmithing while enjoying performances by The Kruger Brothers, Appalachian Roadshow, Acoustic Unlimited, Lonesome Ace Stringband, and Bronwyn. The festival also hosts jam sessions and a kids’ music program, ensuring that all ages can participate. Food trucks, craft beer stalls, and a welcoming, community‑focused atmosphere complete the experience.
Aura, 121 Center St., Portland – Portland Yacht Rock Festival (Friday & Saturday, 8 p.m.)
Tickets: $35.25–$46
If you’re a fan of the smooth, melodic rock that defined the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, the Portland Yacht Rock Festival is the spot to be. The local supergroup Ship to Shore will deliver hits from Air Supply’s “Lost in Love,” America’s “Sister Golden Hair,” and Rupert Holmes’ “Escape (The Piña Colada Song),” among others. “All aboard!” invites festival-goers to sing along to a nostalgic setlist that spans three decades of chart‑topping ballads.
Maine Savings Amphitheater, 1 Railroad St., Bangor – ZZ Top with George Thorogood and the Destroyers (Sunday, 7 p.m.)
Tickets: $65.20–$304.70
This Sunday, the legendary rock band ZZ Top returns to Bangor with a lineup that honors the legacy of former drummer Billy Beard (passed August 17) and bassist Dusty Hill (deceased five years ago). Lead guitarist Billy Gibbons, joined by Elwood Francis and Michael Monahan, keeps the classic sound alive. The show opens with George Thorogood and the Destroyers, delivering their signature blues‑rock hits. Fans of high‑energy rock can expect a night of familiar favorites and electrifying performances.
One Longfellow Square, 181 State St., Portland – Maine Voices Live with Ryan Adams (Tuesday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m.)
Tickets: $17.59
Portland’s own Ryan Adams, a muralist who transitioned from graffiti to
