Daily editionThursday, March 12th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of March.
Business
Elizabeth is set to open this April at 47 Wharf St. in a renovated 1,200 sqft, 40-seat space that formerly housed Jefe Juan’s; owner Alex Wight will offer French classics with modern twists and curated French wines (16 bottles by the glass) to fill a local void.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Andrew Eschelbacher returned as deputy director and head of art and exhibitions at the Portland Museum of Art on March 5, nearly a decade after serving as associate curator.
He will lead art programming and a planned campus expansion to create more inclusive community experiences.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Two art exhibits bring fresh diversity to the local scene: Polyphony at Cove Street Arts in Portland features 20 Maine artists through April 11 and Mawte: Bound Together at Colby College Museum of Art in Waterville offers Indigenous-led perspectives until April 13 (free admission).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine’s first Irish step dancing group, the Fife Irish Dancers, is gearing up for a busy week leading to St. Patrick’s Day as they demonstrate their art at ARC Maine *highlighting local tradition*.
WGMERead more
Brunswick filmmaker Samuel Dunning’s mockumentary Canoe Dig It? explores a freestyle canoeing contest in northern Maine and will play this spring at local theaters — opening on April 2 at Nickelodeon Cinema in Portland with screenings in Bridgton, Brunswick, Waldoboro, Orono, Belfast and Topsham.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Maine film houses feature a diverse lineup this week: Monday's 'Suburban Fury' at 534 Congress St. in Portland; 'Sirāt' playing at PMA Films (7 Congress Square) through March 26; 'Pillion' opening March 29 in Waterville; plus screenings showcasing cult capers in Portland, Rockland and Stonington.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Economy
Federal data shows Maine’s outdoor recreation economy grew 4% in 2024 to reach $3.9 billion and created over 32,000 jobs.
State and private partners launched a 10-Year Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap in January (with a 10% growth goal by 2035) to build on this momentum.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Education
Maine’s Build Hope Project helped nearly 1,800 low-income families complete their education by distributing nearly $3 million to cover child care, transportation, and books for parents pursuing further studies.
The final report released Wednesday by Maine Equal Justice shows the program helped many stay enrolled and improve their economic security.
FOX23Read more
Sports
The Maine Mariners have won 11 straight games & climbed from fourth to second in the ECHL playoff race, boosting team confidence after a rocky start.
The streak began on Feb. 13, and the team will pursue home ice advantage as their regular season ends Apr. 18.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
American skiing star Jake Adicoff, a Bowdoin College grad, won his second gold medal at the Milan Cortina Paralympics in Italy when he took first in the men's 10km VI race (with guide Reid Goble) and added another win in the 1.5km sprint on Tuesday.
WMTWRead more
Thornton Academy maintained the No. 1 ranking in the final Varsity Maine boys hockey poll after clinching its second consecutive Class A championship at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, finishing a 20-1 season.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
Irish Heritage Night at the Maine Mariners
Friday, March 13th, 2026 · 7:15–8:15 PM — Cross Insurance Arena — Ticket proceeds support the Maine Irish Heritage Center — Celebrate Irish culture while enjoying a thrilling hockey game.
St. Patrick's Day Celebration
Sunday, March 15th, 2026 · 1-4 p.m. — Maine Irish Heritage Center — Free entry — Celebrate Irish culture with live music, food, and family-friendly fun at this annual event.
Scuffed Realtor: Live with Nick Rochefort and Alex Schultz
Thursday, March 19th, 2026 · 7 p.m. — Empire Comedy Club — $35+ — Experience hilarious live reviews of viewer-submitted houses and unsolicited life advice from your favorite realtor duo.
Scottish Fish Concert
Friday, March 20th, 2026 · 8 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — $30 — Experience a lively blend of original and traditional Scottish and Cape Breton music.
Maine Mariners vs Worcester Railers
Saturday, March 21st, 2026 · 6-7 p.m. — Cross Insurance Arena — Admission varies — Grab your furry friend and enjoy an exciting hockey night with the Maine Mariners.
Song Circle
Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 · 6-7:30 p.m. — Good Medicine Collective — All ages welcome — Experience the healing power of community singing in a family-friendly setting.
Peking Acrobats Performance
Thursday, March 26th, 2026 · 7-10 p.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Tickets from $25 — Experience a mesmerizing display of acrobatics and artistry from the famed Peking Acrobats.
Anastasia The Musical
Friday, March 27th, 2026 · 8 p.m. — Lyric Music Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting journey of Anya and the mystery of her royal past.
Downtown Boys with Red Eft and Bait Bag
Saturday, March 28th, 2026 · 7:30-10:30 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — Tickets required — Experience the lively performance of Downtown Boys and the catchy tunes of Bait Bag, including their hit 'Pockets'.
Maine Track Club Longfellow 3K
Sunday, March 29th, 2026 · 12:00 PM – 3:59 AM — Congress St. Portland, ME — Registration details available — Celebrate Portland's literary heritage with an engaging 3K run or virtual participation option.