4 min read

DECEMBER

A footbridge spans the still, reflective waters of a pond at Gardens Aglow. (Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer)

Gardens Aglow

Through Jan. 3. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay, $10-$23. mainegardens.org.

Take a walk like none other during Gardens Aglow. Now in its 11th year, the light display features more than 750,000 LED lights spread over the garden’s 14 acres. As you roam, you’ll encounter a pair of photo-op-friendly giant wooden trolls, and countless illuminated figures and scenes. Be sure to also visit the enchanting fairy house village.

Adrienne Mack-Davis. (Photo by Sarah Violette)

Adrienne Mack-Davis Album release

Dec. 31. Bayside Bowl, Portland, $25 in advance, $35 at the door, $45 VIP. baysidebowl.com.

Catch hip-hop artist Adriene Mack-Davis on the final night of 2025 in Portland. The show celebrates the release of her album “Late to the Party.”

JANUARY

Clue:’ Live on Stage

Jan. 14 & 15. Merrill Auditorium, Portland, $50-$125. porttix.com.

The film “Clue,” based on the popular murder solving board game, was released 40 years ago. Now you can see a comedic staged version, and find out yourself who committed the crime, where and with what implement. We’re looking at you, Colonel Mustard.

Advertisement

‘The Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy

Jan 16 – Jan 24. Regal Augusta, $15. $12.50 kids. fathomevents.com.

Over the course of one week, you can see all three iconic films in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy in Augusta. “The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Two Towers” and “Return of the King” were all box-office smashes based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy novels. The first one, “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The extended editions of all three of director Peter Jackson’s films will be screened.

Dancing with the Stars Live

Jan. 27 Cross Insurance Center, Bangor, $59.50-$129.50. waterfrontconcerts.com.

Jan. 28. Merrill Auditorium, Portland, $59.50-$152.50; VIP packages from $243.50-$642.50. porttix.com.

If you’re a fan of the popular TV show “Dancing with the Stars,” prepare to be dazzled at performances in Bangor and Portland. The cast includes Alan Bersten, Britt Stewart, Hailey Bills, Emma Slater and other dancing luminaries, along with to-be-announced special guests.

FEBRUARY

Bored Teachers

Feb. 5. Merrill Auditorium, Portland, $59-$99. porttix.com.

Advertisement

The Bored Teachers comedy tour brings its new show “Is It Friday Yet?!” to Maine. Since 2022, Bored Teachers have cracked up more than 200,000 teachers around the world. If you’re an educator of any kind, or just need a winter blues buster, this show is for you.

The Dropkick Murphys perform live in Portland in February. (Photo by Dave Stauble)

Dropkick Murphys

Feb. 9. State Theatre, Portland, $54.50 in advance, $60 day of show. statetheatreportland.com.

Boston’s Celtic-punk kings Dropkick Murphys are celebrating 30 years as a band. You can count on their set including their unofficial Red Sox theme song “Shipping Up To Boston.” Ska band The Aggrolites and hardcore act Haywire will kick things off.

Flip Fabrique: Blizzard

Feb. 11. Merrill Auditorium, Portland, $30-$75. porttix.com.

Flip Fabrique, out of Québec City, presents its transcendent Blizzard performance. Artistry, imagery, personality and humanity are paired with a live soundtrack in a show packed with incredible visuals.

Boston Bruins Alumni vs. Maine Hockey All-Stars

Feb. 14. Cross Insurance Arena, Portland, $19 – $44. crossarenaportland.com.

Advertisement

Celebrate Valentine’s Day by catching an exciting hockey game. Boston Bruins alumni will be facing off against Maine Hockey all-stars, and proceeds benefit the Center for Grieving Children.

Jurassic Park In Concert

Feb. 14 – 15. Merrill Auditorium, Portland, $29 -$103. porttix.com.

Portland Symphony Orchestra pairs a live performance of John Williams’ legendary score with a screening of the original “Jurassic Park” film from 1993. The movie was a massive hit, and the music is just as important as the dinosaurs.

APRIL

Celtic Woman: A New Era

April 24. State Theatre, Portland, $45-$65. statetheatreportland.com.

Grammy-nominated group Celtic Woman brings their signature sound to Maine in April. With a nod to both cultural heritage and contemporary music, you can expect a lively performance by sopranos Mairéad Carlin, Muirgen O’Mahony, Sean-Nós singer Caitríona Sherlock, along with fiddler Ciara Ní Mhurchú and the Celtic Woman band and dancers.

JULY

Weird Al Yankovic at the Apple TV+ Emmy Party in Hollywood, California, in 2024. (DFree/Shutterstock.com)

Weird Al Yankovic

July 19. Maine Savings Amphitheater, Bangor, $56.75-$213.45. waterfrontconcerts.com.

Weird Al Yankovic is the king of parody songs like “Amish Paradise,” “Polka Face” and “Eat It”. This summer, he’s hitting the road on the Bigger & Weirder tour, which includes a stop in Maine. Puddles Pity Party opens the show, so be sure to arrive on time.

Toto

July 23. Maine Savings Amphitheater, Bangor, $35 – $235.50. waterfrontconcerts.com.

Rock band Toto, known for ’80s hits like “Africa” and “Rosanna” are hitting the road this summer for a tour that includes a stop in Maine. Fellow hitmakers Christopher Cross and The Romantics will open the show.

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...

Join the Conversation

Please sign into your CentralMaine.com account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe. Questions? Please see our FAQs.