Portland, Maine Events & Things to Do: Old Port, Lighthouses, Lobster & Casco Bay

Quick answer: The best things to do in Portland, Maine include visiting Portland Head Light, exploring the cobblestone streets of the Old Port, eating lobster rolls and fresh oysters, taking a Casco Bay Lines ferry to the islands, and touring local breweries. Coming up: Harvest on the Harbor (October 15 through 17), fall foliage season, and the Portland Symphony's Magic of Christmas (starting December 11).

Looking for things to do in Portland, Maine today, this weekend, or with kids? Maine's largest city is a food and brewery destination, with cobblestoned Old Port streets, fresh lobster rolls, and some of the best restaurants in New England. See Portland Head Light, take a Casco Bay cruise or island ferry, walk the Eastern Promenade, and visit breweries like Allagash.

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• Portland Head Light Tours & Tickets: Top-rated tours, tickets, and experiences.
• Casco Bay Tours & Tickets: Boat trips, beach time, and water tours.
• Fort Gorges Tours & Tickets: Historic tours and guided visits.
• Eastern Promenade Tours & Tickets: Top-rated tours, tickets, and experiences.
• Portland Food, Wine & Nightlife: Browse food, wine & nightlife in Portland.
• Victoria Mansion (Morse-Libby House) Tours & Tickets: Historic tours and guided visits.
• Portland Ghost & Vampire Tours: Browse ghost & vampire tours in Portland.

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Upcoming Portland, Maine Events in 2026 and 2027

• Harvest on the Harbor: Maine's signature food and drink festival runs October 15 through 17, 2026.
• Fall foliage: October brings bright color to the coast and nearby countryside, ideal for lighthouse drives and harbor cruises.
• Magic of Christmas: The Portland Symphony Orchestra's holiday tradition at Merrill Auditorium begins December 11, 2026.

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How Do You Visit Portland Head Light?

Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth is one of the most photographed lighthouses in America. The grounds in Fort Williams Park are open every day, and the museum in the former keepers' quarters runs on a seasonal schedule. Add Spring Point Ledge Light and Bug Light in South Portland for a lighthouse loop.

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What Is There to Do in the Old Port?

The Old Port is Portland's historic waterfront district, filled with brick buildings, cobblestone streets, shops, galleries, and restaurants. Walk the working wharves, watch the fishing boats come in, and book a harbor cruise, lobster boat tour, or sunset sail on Casco Bay.

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How Do You Visit the Casco Bay Islands?

Casco Bay Lines ferries leave from the Old Port and operate 365 days a year. Take a short ride to Peaks Island to rent a bike or golf cart, or ride the mail boat run for a scenic tour of the outer islands. Check the seasonal schedules before you go.

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Portland, Maine Food, Drink & Breweries

Portland is famous for its food. Order a lobster roll, slurp Maine oysters, try Maine potato donuts, and finish with a whoopie pie. The city also has one of the country's highest numbers of breweries per person, so a brewery or food tour is a great way to explore.

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Things to Do in Portland, Maine With Kids

Traveling with kids? Visit the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, ride the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad along the waterfront, take the ferry to Peaks Island, picnic at Fort Williams Park, and catch a Portland Sea Dogs game at Hadlock Field in summer.

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Free Things to Do in Portland, Maine

• Eastern Promenade: Hilltop views over Casco Bay and a beach at East End.
• Old Port: Wander brick sidewalks, galleries, and the working waterfront.
• Fort Williams Park and Portland Head Light: Walk the grounds of Maine's most photographed lighthouse.
• Back Cove Trail: An easy 3.5-mile loop with skyline views.

Things to Do in Portland, Maine for Adults & Couples

• Casco Bay sunset cruise: Lighthouses and islands from the water.
• Brewery tour: Allagash, Rising Tide, and the East Bayside brewery district.
• Lobster and oysters in the Old Port: Waterfront shacks and raw bars.
• Island hop to Peaks Island: A quick ferry ride for biking and views.

Things to Do in Portland, Maine This Weekend & Today

Portland weekends are best spent on foot and on the water: the Old Port and a lobster roll, a Casco Bay cruise, and dinner downtown. Summer and early fall are peak season, so book popular restaurants ahead.

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Popular Portland, Maine Questions

What are the best free things to do in Portland, Maine?

Free favorites in Portland, Maine include Eastern Promenade, Old Port, Fort Williams Park and Portland Head Light, and Back Cove Trail. See the free things to do section above for details.

What are the best things to do in Portland, Maine for adults and couples?

Popular picks for adults and couples in Portland, Maine include Casco Bay sunset cruise, brewery tour, lobster and oysters in the Old Port, and island hop to Peaks Island.

When is Harvest on the Harbor 2026?

Harvest on the Harbor runs October 15 through 17, 2026 in Portland.

Can you go inside Portland Head Light?

The lighthouse tower is not open to climb, but the grounds are open daily and the museum in the keepers' quarters is open seasonally.

Do Casco Bay Lines ferries run year-round?

Yes. Casco Bay Lines operates 365 days a year, with schedules that change by season.

When is Magic of Christmas 2026?

The Portland Symphony Orchestra's Magic of Christmas begins December 11, 2026 at Merrill Auditorium.

When is the best time to visit Portland, Maine?

Summer brings island hopping and lobster shacks, fall brings foliage and Harvest on the Harbor, and December brings holiday shows and lights in the Old Port.

What is there to do in Portland, Maine this weekend?

Browse Portland, Maine tours and activities for food tours, harbor cruises, and experiences you can book for your dates.

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Plan Your Portland, Maine Trip

Visit Portland Head Light, explore the Old Port, eat a lobster roll, ferry to Peaks Island, tour local breweries, and celebrate Harvest on the Harbor.

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