Daily editionSaturday, May 17th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of May.
Community
Portland residents are invited by the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Association to adopt a tree today from 9-11 a.m.—they will receive free mulch to revitalize tree wells—and see new trees planted in empty wells.
WGMERead more
Culture
STRIVE Rocks 2025 kicked off Friday night with live music, games, and prizes that raised money for STRIVE Studios, a space offering art and movement programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The organization also introduced an eight-week Tuesday Studio Series for young artists ages 15 to 24 — building creative skills and community ties.
FOX23Read more
Bayside Bowl in Portland will host a three-day celebration for its 15th anniversary from June 20th to June 22nd — the event will feature bowling, live music, and food and drinks and is open to all ages.
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Government
Portland high schooler YuJi Smith (17 from Waynflete School) led efforts to have Maine and the city recognize May 18 as National Asian American and Pacific Islander Day Against Bullying and Hate.
The proclamations signed by Gov. Janet Mills and Mayor Mark Dion aim to honor over 27,000 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders while denouncing rising bullying and hate.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
The Sun Bucks program will give eligible Maine families a one-time payment of $120 per child to cover summer meal costs—helping about 110,000 children benefit.
Department of Health and Human Services expects the program to assist families with over $12 million in total aid—providing support during summer break.
FOX23Read more
Portland Events
Scenic Train Ride along Casco Bay
Sunday, May 18th, 2025 · 10 AM – 1 PM — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Ticketed event — Experience a picturesque 40-minute train ride while learning about Maine's railroading history and enjoying beautiful waterside views.
Book Reading with Jamie Loftus
Monday, May 19th, 2025 · 6-7 p.m. — Longfellow Books — No tickets needed — Celebrate the paperback release of Jamie Loftus's bestselling book, Raw Dog, in a fun-filled evening.
pollinateHERS - Support Group for Women Entrepreneurs
Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 · 5:30-7:30 p.m. — coworkHERS — Free entry — Connect and collaborate with fellow female entrepreneurs every third Tuesday of the month.
Lecture on Greater Portland's Mid-20th Century History
Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 · 6:30-7:30 p.m. — South Portland Recreation Center — Free entry — Discover the rich history of Greater Portland in the mid-20th century with local historian Michael.
Cage Match Showdown
Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 · 6-9 p.m. — Empire Comedy Club — $15 admission — Witness the comedic clash of Sporks vs Pitch to Pilot in an improv battle for the ages.
May 2025 Commencement Ceremony
Friday, May 23rd, 2025 · 11 a.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Free admission — Celebrate Unity Environmental University’s graduating class of 2025 with keynote speaker Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Live Music in the Brewhouse
Saturday, May 24th, 2025 · 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Allagash Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy local live acts while savoring craft beer and cider in a vibrant atmosphere.
The Burst & Bloom Variety Show
Sunday, May 25th, 2025 · 8 p.m. — The Apohadion Theater — Check site for details — Experience a modern mix of comedy, music, and magic in this vibrant variety show.
An Afternoon with B. Dylan Hollis
Monday, May 26th, 2025 · 1-4 p.m. — Books-A-Million — Ticket required — Celebrate the release of Baking Across America with a lively discussion, meet-and-greet, and an autograph from the beloved author.
PMP Certification Classroom Training
Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 · 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Portland, ME — Check for varying costs — Gain Project Management skills with extensive training and personalized support.