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Happy weekend, Portland!
In today’s happening-today edition: Barry Manilow’s farewell, World Oddities Expo, smoked haddock chowder, and more. + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
From today’s sponsor, FinanceBuzz: Many Maine drivers end up paying higher auto insurance premiums because they don’t shop around enough. The same driver with the same car can get wildly different quotes from different insurers, so it truly pays to compare. Their free tool makes it easy.*
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📰 In the news
Portland’s 2026 concert boom: Barry Manilow’s farewell will play Cross Insurance Arena April 19, with Les Claypool at Thompson’s Point June 9, then Guster On The Ocean returns August 8 and 9 — get all the details.
A cozy coastal classic: Earlier this month, executive chef Ken Burkett of Noble Kitchen and Bar at The Brunswick Hotel shared his smoked haddock chowder recipe on 207, perfect for a cold Maine night — get the smoked haddock chowder recipe.
Broader benefits come into focus: Recent studies say conserved land is big business in Maine, supporting hundreds of jobs and millions in earnings, with Greater Portland alone seeing nearly $113 million in annual sales — get the full economic picture.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.*
Highlights this week:
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💎 Local business spotlight
Crispy potato therapy: Duckfat fries Maine potatoes into conefuls of hot, golden frites and dunkable sauces that make restraint a joke. When the week gets loud, a quick fry run here is the tiny win that resets everything.
Glow goals this week: Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England pairs seasoned providers with tech-forward treatments, including injectables, laser skin rejuvenation, and CoolSculpting, for results that look natural and neighbor-approved. If your mirror’s nudging you toward a refresh, they’ll map a personalized plan that fits your vibe.
Fresh chains in town: Portland’s first public disc golf course is open at Payson Park, a free community-built 9-hole ideal for quick loops, beginner rounds, or midweek putting practice. Joyswich partnered with Portland Parks to bring it to life, and the chains are up and humming.
These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.
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🫶 We got your back
Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →
Last call for the CVS Epic Beauty Sale: Today’s your last chance to save on all sorts of self-care products at CVS, including makeup, beauty tools, skin care, hair masks, moisturizers, and more from all your favorite brands. *Shop the sale before it ends →
Paying full price is officially optional: Blu Dot just marked down dozens of their best sofas, beds, dining tables, outdoor pieces, and lighting by as much as 60%. Not because something’s wrong with them, but because every great design eventually has to make room for the next one. The deals change daily, so it’s always a new adventure. *See what’s on sale today →
Most people have no idea what’s happening inside their body: Not because the data doesn’t exist, but because no one’s collecting it. Routine annual checkups miss things like body composition, biological age, and the biomarkers that can help predict long-term patterns. The good news? HumeHealth offers tools to help you track all of that at home for less than the cost of a specialist visit. *Use code NEW20 to save 20% →
Something in your house is about to break: It might be your AC, your water heater, your fridge… doesn’t matter. Every major appliance has an expiration date, and when it goes, you’ll be staring down a repair bill that can climb into the thousands fast. An AHS home warranty covers these types of surprises + *select plans are $150 off right now →
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📆 Around town today & tomorrow
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🐶 Axe Pit-tie Party @ The Axe Pit (South Portland) | Saturday (3/14) at 12:00 PM – Trade your stress ball for an axe, and help Pittie Posse Rescue while you’re at it. Ten percent of ticket sales go to the pups all day, so book a lane, meet adoptables, and bring kibble for the Pet Pantry. Your aim is optional.
🚢 Lecture: South Portland Shipbuilding During the Great War @ South Portland Community Center | Saturday (3/14) at 2:00 PM – Trade your errands for an illustrated deep dive into South Portland’s WWI shipyards at the Community Center. South Portland Historical Society’s Kathy DiPhilippo brings photos, trawlers, and Ferris ships to life, plus the 1918 housing crunch. Members free, non-members $20 donation, bragging rights included.
🏒 Maine Mariners vs Norfolk Admirals @ Cross Insurance Arena | Saturday (3/14) at 6:00 PM – The Mariners are squaring off with the Norfolk Admirals, so lace up your fan voice and let the barn breathe. Snag tickets early because prices jump day-of, and yes, everyone two and up needs a seat, with breaks for seniors, students, and military.
🍀 Irish Road Rover 5k 2026 @ Rí Rá Portland | Sunday (3/15) at 10:30 AM – Whether you’re chasing a PR or just earning your pint, this 5K cruises the Eastern Trail out and back, then funnels you to Rí Rá for the reward. A 30-year Portland tradition, it benefits Habitat for Humanity, features professional timing, and encourages unprofessional cheering.
🌱 Seed Starting 101 Workshop @ Highland Farm (Scarborough) | Sunday (3/15) at 11:00 AM – Trade doomscrolling for dirt under your nails at this seed starting workshop, perfect for jump-starting veggies and those brag-worthy cut flowers during these cold months. Learn the right tools and indoor tricks, snag notes, supply discounts, and a raffle entry for a $75 starter kit.
☘ St. Patrick’s Day Celebration @ Maine Irish Heritage Center | Sunday (3/15) at 1:00 PM – After the parade, wander to the Maine Irish Heritage Center for music from Jim Sharkey, Irish dance, and an Irish coffee that could make you believe in saints. Bake sale, rummage sale, kids’ crafts, sanctuary tours, and food trucks, because tradition pairs well with snacks.
🎭 John Toot and the Great Metastization @ Mayo Street Arts | Sunday (3/15) at 7:00 PM – Nothing beats a weird puppet show when you need a break from the pint crawl. A cyborg tabletop spectacle with stop-motion, sci-fi surrealism, and alt-pop, it runs a tight 50 minutes with no intermission. New Puppet City, pay-what-you-can seats, and a 38th birthday gone sideways.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Portland report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 44°F – Low: 27°F – Precip: 29%
A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 44. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. Later: A slight chance of rain before 8pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 27. West wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
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Tomorrow – High: 40°F – Low: 33°F – Precip: 1%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. West wind around 5 mph. Later: A slight chance of rain after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
This house is wild
Historically inspired and energy efficient, new West End Portland townhouses pair luxury with thoughtful design. Large windows on three sides, multiple outdoor spaces, and an elevated main level with front and rear porches and a gas fireplace shine. Features include 4 beds, 4.5 baths, a two-car garage with EV charging, a versatile first-floor suite, and optional elevator and rooftop deck.
Take a peek inside →
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