Daily editionSaturday, October 4th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 4th of October.
Community
Portland's Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department has introduced games in Monument Square to boost downtown activity — the program offers ping pong, cornhole, Connect Four, foosball and chess.
City leaders plan to replace any equipment if stolen, and the games run until November 1.
WGMERead more
Business
Portland’s Susan’s Fish-n-Chips will close on Oct. 30 due to rising costs — increasing wages and product expenses forced the decision.
The restaurant had served affordable fried seafood near Morrill’s Corner since 1989.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Maine fans stayed up late on Friday to listen to Taylor Swift’s 12th album, The Life of a Showgirl, and are now gathering for themed events like baking treats and watching a release party this afternoon—local listeners from Auburn, Saco and Scarborough are sharing in the excitement. The celebrations show how passionate Swifties enjoy a community experience around her music.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Historian Michael Connolly from Munjoy Hill has published the final book in his historical fiction trilogy about Portland’s working waterfront and his Irish family roots.
He will host a book signing on Oct. 16 — from 6:30 to 7:15pm at the Maine Irish Heritage Center on Gray Street, with readings and traditional Irish music supporting the center.
West End NewsRead more
Taylor Swift’s new film 'The Official Release Party of a Showgirl' is showing in more than a dozen Maine theaters today and will run through Sunday—featuring the world premiere of the music video 'The Fate of Ophelia' plus behind-the-scenes footage of her latest album.
Theaters advise fans to arrive early as the film starts on time with no trailers.
WMTWRead more
The Brick Universe Lego Fan Expo returns to Portland today for its fourth year as an exposition building transforms into an immersive world of bricks for the weekend—promising interactive fun for fans.
FOX23Read more
Government
Portland officials reviewed plans for over three aces of unused city land off Somerset Street behind Trader Joe’s after a long legal dispute that ended with a $15 million buyback.
Bayside Neighborhood Association leaders want the site transformed with green space, affordable housing and a parking garage, and the city will soon get professional advice before a final decision is made.
WGMERead more
Portland officials will review proposals at the S&T Committee meeting on October 8 at 5 p.m. to raise winter parking ban fines for non-towed vehicles from $40 to $175 and add six new ban locations—these changes aim to boost compliance amid fewer available tow trucks.
WMTWRead more
Sports
Mainers are preparing for the Maine Marathon tomorrow at 7:45 a.m.—over 5,000 runners will compete in the marathon, half marathon and relay while passing the Portland skyline, Back Cove and Casco Bay and the event is sponsored by Maine Community Bank to benefit 60 charities.
WGMERead more
Amanda Farrah will run her 16th marathon at the Maine Marathon this Sunday despite being diagnosed with stage 3 astrocytoma in 2023 after brain surgery, radiation and chemo.
Her past races on chemo have inspired her friend Cindy as they train together — a testament to her determination.
WMTWRead more
Cheverus's field hockey team beat Biddeford 2—1 on Friday in Portland when Mary McCartney scored the late go-ahead goal with 5:08 left in the third and Ava Martin added an earlier score; the win kept the team at the top of the league while Biddeford suffered its first defeat.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Accidents
Topsham resident Matthew Alexander became stuck in waist-high, quicksand-like mud while duck hunting on Wharton Point Wednesday and was rescued—using an airboat—by Brunswick Police before being taken to Mid Coast Hospital after spending about an hour and a half trapped.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
Alexandra Kay Concert
Sunday, October 5th, 2025 · 7:00-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — $57/ticket — Catch an exciting live performance by Alexandra Kay in Portland's State Theatre.
Scenic Train Ride in Casco Bay
Monday, October 6th, 2025 · 10 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $23.50 — Experience a nostalgic 40-minute train ride with stunning waterside views and rich history.
An Evening With David Byrne
Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 · 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Tickets Available — Experience the legendary sounds of David Byrne live in concert.
Scenic Train Ride
Thursday, October 9th, 2025 · 10 a.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $23.50 — Experience a 40-minute scenic train ride along Casco Bay while learning about Maine's rich railroading history.
Fall Foliage Wine Sail in Portland, Maine
Friday, October 10th, 2025 · 3-5 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $150 — Experience a scenic sail through Casco Bay while enjoying exquisite European wines and autumn vistas.
LYRES! Concert with Mal Thursday and Tiger Bomb
Saturday, October 11th, 2025 · 7-11 p.m. — Veterans of Foreign Wars — Tickets available — Experience Boston's garage revival legends LYRES live in Portland alongside local acts Mal Thursday and Tiger Bomb.
Fall Foliage Champagne and Oysters Sail
Sunday, October 12th, 2025 · 3-5 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $195 — Sail through scenic Casco Bay while enjoying exquisite Champagnes and fresh oysters.
Scenic Train Ride
Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 · 2 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — $0 to $23.50 — Experience a delightful 40-minute roundtrip train ride while soaking in the stunning views of Casco Bay.
An Evening with Patty Griffin and Rickie Lee Jones
Friday, October 17th, 2025 · 7-9:30 p.m. — State Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of music with two iconic American artists in a rare double bill.
Fall Foliage Wine Sail in Portland, Maine
Saturday, October 18th, 2025 · 3-5 p.m. — Maine State Pier — $150 — Experience a scenic wine sail with Mediterranean reds against the backdrop of Maine’s stunning autumn foliage.