Daily editionFriday, March 13th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 13th of March.
Business
The Sports Bra, a chain dedicated to televising women’s sports, is set to launch a Portland location led by Ann Freeman & Emily Lesher.
They are scouting for a space and will offer a family-friendly menu with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options while featuring local suppliers.
WMTWRead more
Culture
Edible Maine magazine releases a new quarterly issue that spotlights local fishermen, farmers, chefs and makers shaping Maine’s food culture — the publication features recipes and portraits that capture community traditions.
FOX23Read more
Allagash Brewing was ranked sixth in the USA TODAY 10BEST 2026 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Brewery Tour — its tour includes a barrel room visit and a taste of five seasonal specialties.
FOX23Read more
Economy
Maine's elver season is set to begin in March when state officials open a lottery for 20 new licenses + fishers prepare to harvest prized juvenile eels for export to Asian markets.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
On Thursday (Mar. 12), state housing officials and policy experts met at the University of Southern Maine’s Hannaford Hall for Eggs and Issues, a program focused on easing the state's housing shortage and modernizing building policies, with Alex Horowitz noting that reducing building regulation red tape could help improve affordability.
FOX23Read more
Real Estate
Maine’s housing developers say that the Build America Buy America rule is delaying 10 affordable projects by requiring HVAC systems + additional paperwork to use government funds.
They are awaiting waivers that could push back construction for much-needed low-income units.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Maine Mariners and Portland Sea Dogs warned that the legislature's proposed LD 1822 would limit targeted online ads — a vital tool for reaching fans and supporting local minor league sports in the community.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
University of Maine women’s basketball star Adrianna Smith, already named America East Player of the Year twice, is a finalist for the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award, averaging 22.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists this season (she is the second Black Bear to reach this honor).
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
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.
Tuesday Bingo Night: Women’s Edition
Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 · 7-10 p.m. — Ugly Duckling Maine — Free entry — Enjoy traditional bingo with a women in music vibe hosted by Maggie Unzen.