Special Events Highlights

All festivities on Saturday, July 18th  are FREE
No ticket required to enjoy the Parade of Sail and all the
activities in Compass Park at Maine State Pier.
Ship tours start on Sunday.

Thursday, July 16th -- Life At Sea Opening Reception
Tall Ships Portland Festival Kick-off and opening reception for Life At Sea Art Sale -- Creative Office Pavilion kicks off the tall ship festivities with the unveiling of a collection of marine art by local and nationally renowned painters. The official commemorative painting of the festival will be shown there depicting Portland Harbor’s landmarks welcoming members of the fleet.  A fundraiser for Sailing Ships Portland, the proceeds benefit leadership-learning programs for Portland youth through sailing. Creative Office Pavilion is located at 141 Middle Street, Portland.  Tickets are $75 and can be purchased here or by calling 207-619-1842.

Friday, July 17th – Official Tall Ships Ball on board Spanish Tall Ship El Galeon Andalucia
Wind, Water and Song!  The Spanish tall ship, El Galeon Andalucia will be the first tall ship to arrive. She will host the Official Tall Ships Ball, Friday, July 17, 6pm – 9pm to help Sail Maine and Sailing Ships Portland commemorate the ships’ return to Portland. El Galeon Andalucia will host an on-deck, on-dock reception to the sounds of Sean Mencher and his Rhythm Kings. Proceeds go to youth-on-board education and leadership programs. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased here or by calling 207-619-1842.

Saturday, July 18th – THE MAINE “POPS” CONCERT BAND GRAND TALL SHIP ARRIVAL CONCERT
The Tall Ships will be welcomed by the Maine Pops Concert Band who will kick off an evening of  celebration on Satruday, July 18, at 5:00 pm on the Shipyard Brewing Music Stage at The Maine State Pier. The MPCB, formerly known as the Italian Heritage Center Band, has been providing light classical and popular music throughout the State of Maine for 26 years. This 65 piece band from Southern Maine and New Hampshire is now known as the Maine POPS Concert Band to better reflect its geographic coverage and type of music. Under the baton of Music Director Nina Oatley Walsh, the Band performs approximately 15 concerts a year, including R.B. Hall Day (which annually honors a Maine composer), charity benefits for community groups, holiday parades, and summer concerts. You can check us out at our website; italianheritagecenterband.com.

Saturday, July 18th – SATURDAY NIGHT CONCERT
Shipyard Brewing Company is celebrating Maine's maritime heritage by throwing the Tall Ships Portland Summer Fest concert on Saturday, July 18, 7-9 pm on the Shipyard Brewing Music Stage at The Maine State Pier. Everyone is invited to this free event kicking-off Tall Ships Portland in style with a live concert  by Buffalo Chip Tea surrounded by beautiful sailing ships. Come enjoy live music, local vendors and food trucks. Guests 21+ are invited to the Shipyard Beer Garden for a selection of Shipyard and Sea Dog beers. A portion of proceeds from beer, food, and vending sales benefits Sailing Ships Portland, a local youth sail training and education program. This free event is made possible through Shipyard Brewing Company’s partners: Oxford Casino, DSCI, Dasani, and Harborview Properties.

Sunday, July 19th – Kotzschmar Organ and Old Ironsides
8:00pm    The City of Portland and Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ are hosting an Organ Performance at Merrill Auditorium. Organist Peter Krasinski will accompany the historic film, “Old Ironsides.” If you love old boats, classic films and authentic performances, this will be a night to remember. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here. Or by calling 207-619-1842.