Good morning, Portland.

Aldi opened its new store at 1100 Brighton Ave today, reviving memories of local grocers whose historical photos from the 1930s and '40s show how independent markets once kept households stocked.

Residents can celebrate spring with events like the Sea Dogs' baseball start at Hadlock Field beginning April 7 + Reggae Fest, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens opening May 1, and SEAFEST on May 2, with more family-friendly festivals offering food, crafts and culture across Maine.

This week, seven cultural events feature local performances in Portland, Falmouth, Gardiner, Lewiston, and Sanford.

Highlights include Aly and AJ’s indie rock show at State Theatre Thursday at 8 p.m. and David Sedaris’ book reading in Portland on April 8.

Maine Maritime Academy received its new "State of Maine" national security multi-mission vessel at Portland port Monday night during the transfer ceremony from the U.S. Maritime Administration.

The $330 million ship will train about 500 cadets next month and support federal humanitarian relief efforts.

Mainers can sign up for the new paid family and medical leave program that offers up to 12 weeks of partial wage replacement for major life events.

Although applications opened on Monday, benefits will not start until May 1.

Greater Portland Metro will launch Route 25 and Metro Connect services this summer.

The fixed bus travels from downtown Portland to Scarborough with stops at the VA Outpatient Clinic, MaineHealth campus, Scarborough Downs and Exit 42 Park + Ride while microtransit will offer on-demand rides.

Work began Monday on a pavement and sidewalk project to improve ADA compliance and roadway structure between the intersections of Woodford St. with Brighton Ave. and Deering Ave. with Park Ave — drivers should expect one-way alternating traffic until its completion in July.

The Portland Sea Dogs will hold their home opener on Tuesday, April 7 at Delta Dental Park at Hadlock Field with a new menu.

Fans will enjoy fried dough, a BBQ cheeseburger, and a buffalo chicken sub; season ticket members get a warming area with free coffee (and hot chocolate).

Jake Skillings recorded 21 goals and 27 assists to help Thornton Academy secure its second straight Class A state title; his performance earned him Varsity Maine Boys Hockey Player of the Year (he finished his career with 47 goals and 59 assists in 80 games).

Today the Maine Celtics enter the G League playoffs and will face the Greensboro Swarm at 6:30 p.m. in Greensboro, North Carolina.

They earned the No. 7 seed after winning their final three games (18-8) this season.

Hockey playoffs are heating up in Maine as the Mariners clinched a Kelly Cup spot after a weekend sweep and the Maineiacs won Game 1 at the Colisee (their next games are set for Wednesday and Thursday in Woodstock).

An Evening With Geordie Greep

8-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — $50/ea — Experience an evening with Geordie Greep in Portland's vibrant State Theatre.

Band Of Horses Concert

8-10 p.m. — State Theatre — $73/ea — Experience an unforgettable night with the soaring sounds of Band Of Horses in Portland.

Randy's Cheeseburger Picnic Comedy Show

7-11 p.m. — Oxbow Brewing Company — Tickets starting at $30 — Enjoy a night of laughs with Randy from Trailer Park Boys, featuring comedy, songs, and prizes.

Keller Williams Concert

7-11 p.m. — State Theatre — General Admission from $55 — Enjoy a night of vibrant music featuring Keller Williams in Portland's lively atmosphere.

Curtain Call Discussion – OUR TOWN

4:30 PM — Portland Stage — Free entry — Engage in a thoughtful conversation about the production with its performers and dive into insights on rehearsal and character development.

Bess Jacques & The Strays Live Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Blue Portland Maine — Admission details not provided — Enjoy an eclectic mix of jazz, Americana, and faux-tango-pop tunes performed live.

Brandy Clark Concert

8-11 p.m. — State Theatre — Tickets from $43 — Catch Brandy Clark live in concert at the beautiful State Theatre in Portland.

Film Screening of 'Unless Something Goes Terribly Wrong'

7-9:30 p.m. — South Portland High School — Free entry — Discover the challenges of maintaining aging wastewater systems in this captivating documentary with a Q&A featuring industry professionals.

Portland Earth Day Celebration

11 AM – 2 PM — Deering Oaks Park — Free entry — Celebrate nature and sustainability with local music, activities, and food options.

John Butler Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — Last-minute ticket availability — Enjoy a lively performance from renowned artist John Butler at the iconic State Theatre.