Daily editionThursday, June 25th, 2026
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 25th of June.
Community
Hundreds of firefighters gathered outside Belfast High School on Wednesday to honor Searsmont’s fallen Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, who served Maine for 60 years.
His urn was escorted in a solemn tribute, and a memorial now honors his legacy at the firehouse.
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East Bayside Trail Fest (second annual event) occurs Sunday, June 28 in East Bayside with three activities—the Trail to Ale 10K, Bayside Ride, and Trail Mix Two-Miler—followed by a festival with live music, food trucks, and local beer.
This event celebrates Portland’s trail network.
FOX23Read more
Culture
Nell Smith’s poem 'Rocinante' brings vivid details of her father’s aging truck to life as it recalls childhood adventures and compares the truck to Don Quixote's old horse, reflecting on family ties and resilience.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Monty Python's 'Spamalot' is coming to Merrill Auditorium this week, bringing a Tony Award-winning musical filled with absurd humor and unexpected surprises like coconut horses & flying cows.
The national touring production promises a lively performance for local theatergoers.
FOX23Read more
The annual Bowdoin International Music Festival will run from June 29 to Aug. 2 at Bowdoin College and nearby venues.
It will host 70 free and 20 ticketed classical music events & include highlights such as music by Frank Huang on Aug. 2 and a world premiere on July 1.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Friends of Merrymeeting Bay sued federal officials & state regulators last week over the Androscoggin River to force a reclassification from Class C to Class B. If successful, the ruling will require state regulators to amend the classification from Gulf Island Pond dams to Worumbo, which may lead to stricter pollution permits.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Health
Overdose deaths in Maine declined from 132 to 109 between January and April 2026, a 17.4% drop compared to last year, although nonfatal overdoses increased 3.6% this year after a 12.75% jump in 2025 (state data).
Portland Press HeraldRead more
A resident in Penobscot County tested positive for the rare tick-borne Powassan virus today, as reported by the Maine CDC; the illness can cause fever + headache and there is no vaccine to prevent it.
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Portland Events
Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine
Friday, June 26th, 2026 · 9-10 AM — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Experience the beauty of outdoor painting at scenic Fort Williams Park.
Mast Landing's Wavy Days Beer Fest 2026
Saturday, June 27th, 2026 · 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Thompson's Point — 21+ event — Enjoy an afternoon of craft brews and good vibes at the 5th annual beer festival.
Chef Series Wine & Food Sail with Chef Sansonetti
Sunday, June 28th, 2026 · 12-2 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $185 — Experience a scenic wine sail featuring exquisite Spanish cuisine paired with fine wines prepared by Chef Damian Sansonetti.
The Bug Club Live Performance
Monday, June 29th, 2026 · 7:30-10:30 p.m. — SPACE, 538 Congress St, Portland, ME — Ticket prices vary — Experience the UK rock duo The Bug Club as they showcase their latest album 'Every Single Muscle'.
Paint Outdoors in Portland
Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 · 1-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Enjoy a morning of outdoor painting in the scenic Fort Williams Park.
13 Scotland Rd Live Performance
Wednesday, July 1st, 2026 · 5-9 p.m. — Wander at LongWoods — Check website for pricing — Experience a dynamic blues and acoustic roots duo from Portland, ME, as they blend soulful melodies with unique instrumentation.
Wine Sail in Casco Bay
Friday, July 3rd, 2026 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $150 — Sail through Casco Bay while tasting exquisite European white wines with a knowledgeable sommelier.
Wine & Raw Bar Sail Experience
Saturday, July 4th, 2026 · 12-2 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — Ticket required — Experience a gourmet raw bar with exquisite wines aboard a tall ship in Casco Bay.
Wine and Oyster Experience on Casco Bay
Sunday, July 5th, 2026 · 3:15-5:15 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $175 — Join Sommelier Erica Archer for a sailing adventure pairing exquisite wines with fresh oysters amidst stunning views.
Black Country, New Road Concert
Monday, July 6th, 2026 · 8:00 – 9:30 PM — State Theatre — Discount tickets available — Experience the unique sounds of Black Country, New Road live in Portland.