Daily editionTuesday, May 12th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 12th of May.
Community
Growing to Give in Brunswick named Molly Cooper as its first paid executive director in March.
The nonprofit will host Open Farm Day on May 16 and Farmyard Jam on July 26 to engage volunteers and deliver fresh produce to local food providers.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Business
Startup Maine Week will run from May 18 to May 21 in Portland, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators with national speakers and sessions for all business stages.
Executive director Sarah Smith outlined the event’s offerings for those interested.
WGMERead more
Culture
The All Roads Music Festival will debut in Portland on May 15 and 16 with national acts like Mon Rovîa and local favorites performing at nine venues.
Festival passes are available through the State Theatre box office (and online) with options for day or all-access shows.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Musician Peter Gallway will perform songs and read from his memoir Hardtail Strat at The Hill Arts Friday at 7 p.m. on 76 Congress St. Portland (tickets cost $20 in advance, $25 at the door).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Estabrook’s Maine Garden Center and Nursery saw heavy traffic on Sunday as families picked bouquets for Mother’s Day and welcomed the spring season.
President Tom Estabrook said many new families visited, thrilled by the vibrant blooms.
WGMERead more
This week, a theater presents Little Shop of Horrors in Damariscotta while a Woodfords Corner yard sale in Portland and a roller derby bout at Happy Wheels in Westbrook offer fun.
An ABBA tribute at Aura on Saturday + wrestling at Cross Insurance Arena on May 20 add more excitement.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Orchard Ridge Farm in Gorham will host Apple Blossom Fest and Makers Market this weekend, featuring local makers, food and live music (sponsored by Rebel Market).
FOX23Read more
Gerald Talbot, Maine’s first Black legislator and civil rights pioneer, died over the weekend at 94.
He championed key reforms (including housing fairness and equal rights) that opened doors for underrepresented Mainers.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Government
Maine DOT is checking the Piscataqua River Bridge on I-95 today with lane closures and slower speeds from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.+ the work will continue Monday to Thursday over the next two weeks, with more work on May 18 and finishing on May 21.
WMTWRead more
Real Estate
Maine’s housing market is heating up as April saw 983 homes sold (a 15% jump from March) with median prices rising to $410,865.
Real estate agents report an 18% increase in inventory based on data from the Maine Association of Realtors.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
USM baseball, seeded second after winning the Little East Conference championship, will host a regional tournament from Friday to Sunday against Babson, Rowan and RIT, while Husson softball, top seed after a 36-4 season, will host a game against Endicott and Bowdoin will contest in a regional in Bethlehem.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Enjoy a morning of outdoor painting in the picturesque setting of Fort Williams Park.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Thursday, May 14th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Unleash your creativity in a picturesque outdoor setting and enjoy painting among nature.
All Roads Music Festival - Day 2
Saturday, May 16th, 2026 · 12:00 – 11:59 PM — One Longfellow Square — Ticket prices vary — Experience Savoir Faire's jazz-infused music that connects modern themes to a nostalgic sound.
Rescued Hearts Film Screening
Sunday, May 17th, 2026 · 2-4:30 p.m. — Entertainment Luxury Cinemas South Portland — Ticketed event — Experience the award-winning documentary on the healing power of the horse-human connection with special guests.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Monday, May 18th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Enjoy a morning of creativity in the scenic outdoors of Fort Williams Park.
Paint Outdoors in Portland
Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Check the website for ticket prices — Experience creativity in nature while painting at a scenic park.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed entry — Enjoy a morning of outdoor painting at a scenic park in Cape Elizabeth.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Thursday, May 21st, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Enjoy an outdoor painting session amid the scenic beauty of Fort Williams Park.
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Friday, May 22nd, 2026 · 9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Check website for ticket prices — Enjoy a morning of painting in a beautiful outdoor park setting.
Turkish Ceramic Painting Workshop
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 · 1 PM – 3:30 PM — Best Western Merry Manor Inn — All materials included — Unleash your creativity while enjoying Turkish tea and sweet treats in a beginner-friendly environment.