Daily
Portland
Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of March.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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*. WGME
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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 Herald
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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. FOX23
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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 Herald
- ➤ 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. WMTW
- ➤ 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 Herald
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Irish Heritage Night at the Maine Mariners
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.
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Curtain Call Discussion on LIKE FLIES, A RAGE PLAY
4:15 p.m. — Portland Stage — Free entry — Engage in a lively discussion about the production with performers and delve into character development and themes raised by the play.
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Scuffed Realtor: Live with Nick Rochefort and Alex Schultz
7 p.m. — Empire Comedy Club — $35+ — Experience hilarious live reviews of viewer-submitted houses and unsolicited life advice from your favorite realtor duo.
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Scottish Fish Concert
8 p.m. — One Longfellow Square — $30 — Experience a lively blend of original and traditional Scottish and Cape Breton music.
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The Pretty Great Spelling Bee 2026
7-10 p.m. — SPACE Gallery — Free entry — Experience a whimsical battle of words with costumed competitors and local celebrity judges.
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Song Circle
6-7:30 p.m. — Good Medicine Collective — All ages welcome — Experience the healing power of community singing in a family-friendly setting.
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Peking Acrobats Performance
7-10 p.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Tickets from $25 — Experience a mesmerizing display of acrobatics and artistry from the famed Peking Acrobats.
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Anastasia The Musical
8 p.m. — Lyric Music Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting journey of Anya and the mystery of her royal past.
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Oxbow Live: Adults Rock!
7-8 p.m. — Oxbow Live — $15 Adults/$10 Kids — Enjoy a lively evening of music at one of Portland's favorite local spots.
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Brian Plumb Live at Empire Comedy Club
6 PM - 12 AM — Empire Comedy Club — $13.38-$24.18 — Experience the hilarious storytelling of Brian Plumb, a favorite among comedy fans nationwide.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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