Daily editionSaturday, August 2nd, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 2nd of August.
Community
The 12th annual pet food drive collected over 7,000 pounds of pet food from 16 drop-off locations from Westbrook to Bridgton—helping local shelters care for many cats and dogs.
Shelter leaders say the donations are critical as they face ongoing supply challenges.
WGMERead more
Culture
The 10th Annual Portland Fine Craft Show is scheduled for Saturday, August 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the private parking area at 120 Free Street—over 100 juried craft artists from Maine and the Northeast will display their work at this free, outdoor event.
West End NewsRead more
Maine Public and the Salt Institute have started Essential Salt, a podcast that shares Maine stories in six episodes.
Producer Brenna Farrell and host Jess Miller said the show features local tales such as the one on Portland’s Valentine’s Bandit — a story about a secret helper — that help listeners learn about their neighbors.
West End NewsRead more
The Southern Maine New Horizons Band meets at the Portland Conservatory of Music, welcoming adults without auditions and holding 4:15 p.m. rehearsals in the space below the Fellowship Hall at St. Luke’s Cathedral.
Conductor Michael Lund Ziegler said the band offers a supportive setting for both new players and those returning to music + helping them build their skills.
West End NewsRead more
Government
Bath Iron Works in Bath won the contract to build the new DDG-148 destroyer—named after Marine Corps Cpl. Kyle Carpenter, the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient—funded through FY24 and FY25 spending packages to protect Maine jobs and boost national defense.
WMTWRead more
This summer the West End Neighborhood Association expanded its temporary traffic calming projects to five intersections—refreshing installations along Danforth Street, adding bump-outs at Fletcher, Cushman, and Clark Streets, and installing a crosswalk at Park and Danforth to boost pedestrian safety. City crews also put in temporary safety measures on Washing Avenue and at sites in Saco and South Portland—efforts supported by local partners and scheduled to be removed ahead of winter on November 15.
West End NewsRead more
Accidents
The Maine State Fire Marshal's Office investigated a fire on Broadway in Portland Friday morning—neighbors said flames were shooting from the windows while firefighters confirmed everyone evacuated and a woman was pulled from the burning home as crews cut holes in the roof and closed part of Broadway.
WMTWRead more
Portland Events
The Avett Brothers Concert
Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 · 7-10 p.m. — Thompson's Point — Tickets from $170 — Experience an unforgettable evening with The Avett Brothers in Portland, ME.
National Root Beer Float Day Celebration
Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 · 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. — Aloft Portland Downtown Waterfront ME — Donations encouraged — Enjoy delicious root beer floats while supporting The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital.
The Flaming Lips and Modest Mouse Live
Thursday, August 7th, 2025 · 7:00-8:30 p.m. — Thompson's Point — Not specified — Experience a night of psychedelic rock with The Flaming Lips and indie vibes from Modest Mouse.
Guster On The Ocean
Friday, August 8th, 2025 · 3 PM – 9 PM — Thompson's Point — Ticket pricing varies — Experience three days of Guster's live performances by the beautiful ocean in Portland.
Wine Sail - Rosé Experience aboard the Frances
Saturday, August 9th, 2025 · 3-5 p.m. — Maine Sailing Adventures — Cost info not specified — Enjoy exquisite rosé wines while sailing through the stunning Casco Bay.
Dino Trolley Adventure
Sunday, August 10th, 2025 · 9:45-3 p.m. — Seashore Trolley Museum — $15 for ages 3-99, free for kids under 3 — Embark on a dino-themed trolley ride with activities like a dinosaur egg hunt and craft-making fun.
Bingo at Elks Lodge
Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 · 10 AM – 3 PM — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — Purchase bingo cards on-site — Enjoy a fun-filled day of bingo with lunch options and ample parking.
The Dead South Live Concert
Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 · 7-11 p.m. — Thompson's Point — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an engaging evening with the folk-bluegrass sounds of The Dead South.
Weekly SUP Community Paddles
Thursday, August 14th, 2025 · 7:30-8:30 a.m. — Portland Paddle — Free entry — Connect with fellow paddlers for an hour of fun on the water during summer months.
The Big Bounce America
Friday, August 15th, 2025 · 9 AM – 3 PM — Cumberland Fairgrounds — Ticket required — Experience inflatable fun for all ages in the World’s Biggest Bounce House.