Community Calendar

A much-loved Camerata holiday program returns two generations later! We celebrate Christmas in the English speaking world down through the centuries, with wonderful songs and carols from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance to early America. While most music presented here is art music — transcribed from old manuscripts and prints — the means of expression are generally direct and simple, with a strong folk and popular vein. Camerata’s top soloists, voices and instruments, offer a unique experience at year’s end.

Prince Memorial Library and Tuttle Road Community Church present an early evening of music and community -- a great opportunity to hear local performers flex their skills or try out new pieces for an audience.
For new performers, this is a relaxed and fun opportunity to become comfortable performing live in front of an audience. For seasoned performers, come try out new or established material and join an enthusiastic music community!
Open Mic Signup - 6:45 p.m.
Or just come to listen: 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Admission is free. Refreshments will be available for a donation. Offered monthly on first Thursdays (November - May) at Tuttle Road Community Church, 52 Tuttle Road, Cumberland

This new Beginners Contra Dance series is a small, casual contra dance, suitable for newbies and experienced dancers alike! Dance or join in the open band with any instrument. $5 suggested, no charge for musicians. Chem-free event!

These dances are generally 1st, 3rd & 5th Thursdays of the month at the Surry Grange, 1229 Surry Rd. See calendar at surrycontra.org or follow @SurryContraDance on FB / IG

This dance is part of the Surry Contra Dance series. Join us every 2nd Saturday of the month for the full contra experience!

Belfast Flying Shoes presents the First Friday Community Dance and Contra Dance Series. 6:00 warm-up session for the All Comers Band, led by Willy Clemetson & Benjamin Foss and open to all musicians, instruments, and skill levels. Tune list available on the website. 6:30 Community Dance (Chrissy Fowler & Lisa Newcomb calling with music by the All Comers Band.) 8:00 Contra Dance with a guest caller & musicians (see calendar for details).

At the Fellowship Hall of the First Church in Belfast, UCC, 8 Court St, Belfast ME. Community Dance admission is $1 kids & $2 adults; Contra Dance admission is $15-20 (and includes admission to the Community Dance.) Volunteers who commit in advance get free admission. Masks available for those who wish to wear them.

For the BFS community care policy, First Friday FAQ, and more info on the contra schedule and other programs, volunteering, or other questions, visit: www.belfastflyingshoes.org or belfastflyingshoes@gmail.com.

The Portland Community Chorus (PCC) proudly presents Our Maine: A Choral Celebration of Maine’s People, Places, and Stories — a joyful, heartfelt tribute to the spirit and soul of the Pine Tree State! This vibrant concert brings to life the heart of Maine through its music, poetry, and history, weaving together the voices and landscapes that make our state so extraordinary.
From rugged coastlines to quiet forests, from legendary figures to everyday Mainers, Our Maine celebrates the stories that define us. The program honors Maine’s literary and historical icons — including Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Sarah Orne Jewett, and Joshua Chamberlain — alongside the creative voices shaping our culture today, such as bestselling author Stephen King.
A highlight of the concert will be the world premiere choral arrangement of Maine’s State Ballad, “The 20th of Maine,” by Griffin Sherry of The Ghost of Paul Revere. This stirring new arrangement captures the song’s deep emotion and connection to Maine’s heritage, offering audiences a powerful and moving experience.
The concert will also showcase the talents of acclaimed Maine singer-songwriter (and PCC member) Doug Kolmar, and feature a special guest performance by the high-energy bluegrass quartet Borderline 207.
With over a hundred voices strong, the Portland Community Chorus invites you to join this musical love letter to Maine — a celebration of its people, places, and stories, past and present.

Friday, December 5 th at 7:00pm: Features singer-songwriter Thomas Charles Clukey,
who wrote about the rugged charm and serene beauty of Maine.

The Underground Lounge will host Maine native songwriter Louisa Stancioff on Friday, December 5th. Louisa Stancioff has become an esteemed local sensation with her catchy indie sound that draws on folk, rock, pop, and her own Balkan heritage. This performance marks Stancioff’s fourth Underground Lounge performance, offering audiences the opportunity to enjoy an intimate, personal show.

The Underground Lounge continues its tradition of supporting homegrown talent and bringing quality live music to Belfast during the long Maine off-season. Doors open at 6:30pm and music begins promptly at 7:00pm. Food and drink will be available by donation.

Saturday, December 6th at 2:00pm - Sanford Performing Arts Center
Saturday, December 6th at 7:00pm - Sanford Performing Arts Center
Tuesday, December 16th at 7:00pm - Featuring the Portland Ballet Orchestra at Merrill Auditorium
Saturday, December 20th at 11:00am - Westbrook Performing Arts Center
Saturday, December 20th at 5:00pm - Westbrook Performing Arts Center
Sunday, December 21st at 2:00pm - Westbrook Performing Arts Center

Join Portland Ballet this holiday season for its gorgeous production of the beloved classic, in which a young girl travels through her dreams to the Land of the Sweets alongside her favorite gift—a Nutcracker. This version is unique to Portland, with the first act drawing upon the Victoria Mansion's own history and characters. Don’t miss the chance to see this lush holiday production, perfect for the whole family.

https://www.portlandballet.org/vicnut25

A beloved tradition in our holiday season, A Victorian Nutcracker from Portland Ballet brings Tchaikovsky’s timeless score to life with a distinctly Maine flair. This enchanting retelling follows a young girl whose Christmas Eve dream, sparked by a mysterious nutcracker, sends her on a journey through swirling snowflakes to the dazzling Land of the Sweets.

What sets this production apart is its uniquely local touch. The first act is set in Portland’s own Victoria Mansion, with characters inspired by the city’s rich history. Lavish Victorian-era costumes, elegant set designs, and vibrant choreography make each scene—from the dramatic battle to the sparkling snowfall—an unforgettable visual feast.

Portland Ballet is celebrated for its world-class dancers and deep community roots.

ArtsFarmington is pleased to present the full classical ballet of the Nutcracker on Saturday, December 6, at 3 pm at Bjorn Auditorium of Mt. Blue High School, at 129 Seamon Rd., Farmington, Maine.

The Ballet, with major sponsorship by the Franklin Savings Bank, will be performed by the premier Robinson Ballet Co. of Bangor to the full recorded score of the composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The Robinson Ballet has been touring for around 40 years to bring this delightful show to communities in Maine. This will be their 4th performance in Farmington. We are thankful to Mt. Blue High School for making their Bjorn Auditorium available for this Ballet!
Knowing how each year's show has some changes, it is unpredictable what the opening scene will be! But, a joyous, at times humorous, and always perfectly executed show is guaranteed to warm your heart this Christmas Season. As the Company states: "you will be enchanted by fairies, dolls, soldiers, angels, a snow queen, a Snow Prince and of course the Rat King!"

Thanks to generous support of our sponsors the ticket price is affordable for families with children: $25 for adults and free for youth 18 and under through the "Arts Inspire Youth" program. Tickets should be purchased in advance at artsfarmington.org. There are 3 spaces for wheelchairs in the Auditorium. Please contact: president@artsfarmington.org if you plan to use a wheelchair space or have other questions. Doors will open at 2 PM. There will be a brief intermission. The show will last a total of 2 hours. There cannot be a snow date but the parking lots will be plowed in case of snow.

ArtsFarmington is a nonprofit organization and is affiliated with the University of Maine in Farmington.

Two hours. Warm water. Collective care. Permission to be exactly who you are.

Join us for a soulful-somatic evening in 92-degree saltwater. This is ceremonial playfulness: structured enough to feel safe, spacious enough to surprise yourself.

We'll move slowly, like seaweed swaying. Float in the warmth. Solo exploration. Partner play. Group connection. Gentle movement and sacred requests. Freedom and belonging.

In this womb-like warmth, less is more. Slowness is power. Softness is strength. We hold each other and are held.
This is a space to remember: your body is wise, your desires matter, and you belong exactly as you are.
Limited to 9 women because some magic only happens in small circles.