Maine
Maine – Bars Nightlife and Entertainment.
Maine, once part of Massachusetts, is the northern most part of New England and by far the largest of the six New England states.
The 23rd state, whose capital is Augusta and whose largest city is Portland, Maine is proudly world famous for its lobster, clams and blueberries.
Historically, bar owners have had a rough ride in Maine. How rough? Well for 83 years (1851 > 1934) there was a state wide ban on the sale of alcohol in Maine, which was only repealed when Prohibition was finally lifted.
Maine – highlighted in redPortland is quite an entertaining place, and has some good bars and some quite diverse nightlife.
The Old Port area, once the rougher part of town, has now been restored and hosts gift shops, pricey restauranmts and some cut rate bars aimed firmly at the tourist market. That aside, the performing arts culture here is very well established and includes opera, dance and touring theatres. There are some great free outdoor jazz and blues concerts in Portland, from noon to evenings during the summer. To get the full weekly listings, pick up a copy of the free “Portland Phoenix”.
Bars in Portland are amongst our favourites. If you want to try tasting 15 different beers in one bar, then head for the Great Lost Bear; or try out Portland’s first brewpub, Gritty McDuff’s. If you’re around the waterfront, check out RiRa (Irish and lively), or for romantic views where better than the rooftop lounge at the Eastland Park.
Flag of MaineGaming entertainment has had a place in Maine since the late 1800s when casinos were built along trolley lines in Portland and Brunswick. Today, Maine offers a variety of exciting gaming venues throughout the state.
Scarborough Downs on the southern coast features live harness racing at the fastest half-mile track in New England. The facility offers pari-mutual wagering on live races and simulcast events around the country. Visitors can cheer on their favourite trotting horse in eastern Maine at Bangor Raceway and Off Track Betting. Maine’s agricultural fairs also present live harness racing with betting during August through October.
Bingo fans can get their fix at Penobscot High Stakes Bingo on Indian Island in Old Town. Inside the 2,000-seat Sockalexis Bingo Palace as much as $250,000 is up for grabs during super bingo weekends. The venue offers a variety of bingo games, pull tabs, and coinboards and has weekend travel and play packages with bus tour operators in New England, New York, New Jersey and Atlantic Canada.
Maine’s newest gaming facility is Hollywood Slots at Bangor where visitors can try their luck at 475 slot machines, video poker and video black jack. The Hollywood Slots Player’s Club gives members promotional perks and benefits while Chairman’s Restaurant provides drinks, snacks and meals on-site.
Seal of MaineMaine Festivals and Entertainment.
Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festival
Sidney, Maine in June and August every year.
Some of the Greatest Bluegrass music you can see and hear at one of the largest family events in New England! This Bluegrass Festival takes place twice every year bringing thousands of Music lovers from all over the World converging in Sidney to hear banjos, fiddles, and those high, lonesome harmonies. This event will feature many National and Local bands from all over the world. The Blistered Fingers festival has something for all ages. Music Happens every June and August since 1991. Buses, RV’s, Campers, Tents, Day Attendees and 4 days of entertainment.
Countrygrass Music Festival
Jefferson, Maine in August.
This is a three day Annual Family Music Festival which happens on the 3rd weekend in August every year. Featuring some of the best Country and Bluegrass acts in New England. Plenty of beautiful space for rough camping and tenting.
Bath Heritage Days
Bath, Maine – July 4th – Every Year
A celebration of the ” City of Ships” Heritage. One of the National Trusts Dozen Distinctive Destinations, this charming city owns the Fourth of July in Maine. A three day festival featuring the largest parade in Maine, carnival, triathlon, Arts and Craft show, Boat parade, Strongman Competition and spectacular fireworks on the waterfront.