Event By: Tate House Museum

In 1825 the Marquis de Lafayette visited Portland as part of his grand tour of America. We will commemorate the 200th anniversary of his visit by welcoming professional reenactor Michael Halbert sponsored by the American Friends of Lafayette at the historic home of his friend and comrade James Means.

Participants will gather outside the Means House beginning at 4:30 pm for Lafayette’s grand arrival at 5:00 pm to celebratory fiddle music of the period. He will greet the crowd and all will enjoy Lafayette cake and receive a commemorative gift.  A short presentation describing Lafayette’s visit and service with James Means will commence after his arrival. This Lafayette welcome event is free to the public and we invite all who are interested to join us.

 From ~5:30- 6:45 pm we will offer a series of short ticketed performances by James Means, wife Mary, and daughter Sophia dressed in period clothing who will reenact the occasion of Lafayette’s visit in the house parlor with live music. Timed tickets for this immersive theater experience are limited and must be purchased in advance on Eventbrite. Cost is $15 per person and includes a photo op with Lafayette and performers in the house parlor where artifacts of the Means family will also be on display.

 Informal photos with Lafayette will be offered to the general public outside the house from ~6:45-7:15 pm, then we will wave goodbye to our Nation’s Guest.  Outside visitors can learn more about Lafayette and his U.S. tour by representatives of the American Friends.  

Event By: The Prince Project

In the 18th century, Black Portlanders worked unnoticed to promote the City's Founding Fathers who were their enslavers. Their efforts were crucial in establishing the society we have even today.

The Cemetery offers an appropriate venue to learn more. Here are buried many of the City’s enslavers. The two segregated African American sections are places to better understand and connect with our real past.

The Prince Project founder, Vana Carmona, and docent, Jeff Lyons are leading the tours.

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The Prince Project is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. Our mission is to uncover the role of enslavement in Maine's early history and share that research to better educate everyone. We have a database of over 2000 people of color in Maine prior to 1800.

See more at our website: princeproject.org or register here

Event By: PRIDE Portland

Pride Portland! 2025 will take place on Saturday, June 21st, beginning with our highly anticipated parade kicking off at 1:30 PM in Monument Square. The parade route will follow Congress Street, turn right onto High Street, and end with a left onto Park Avenue. Immediately following the parade, the celebration continues at Deering Oaks Park with a lively festival featuring local performers on the main stage, a beer garden, a family-friendly area, and a variety of community vendors and resources. Pride Portland! is committed to accessibility for all attendees, with ASL interpreters provided for both the parade and festival entertainment, as well as a designated sensory tent for those who may benefit from a quiet, low-stimulation space. Join us in celebrating Portland’s LGBTQ+ community through a day of connection, visibility, and pride. For updates and more information, visit prideportland.org.

Event by: Victoria Mansion

Victoria Mansion is OPEN for Juneteenth. In observance of this holiday, we are offering a community day with free admission and a special exhibit. Thank you to the Rines Thompson Fund of the Maine Community Foundation for their support of our Free Admission Days. To reserve your free admission on June 19th, follow this link: https://www.showclix.com/event/juneteenth-2025.

Event By: The Portland Parks Commission

Get ready for an evening of community fun! The (Portland) Parks Commission is excited to announce its annual community gathering, "Party In the Park", happening on Wednesday, June 18th from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM at Payson Park in the triangle.

This year's gathering promises to be a fantastic opportunity to connect with your neighbors and learn more about our vibrant park system. We'll have lively music with the Pine Tones, delicious food trucks, and a variety of engaging activities for all ages.

You'll also have the chance to meet representatives from the Parks Division and numerous community groups, who will have tables set up to share valuable information. We're especially thrilled to welcome special guests Maine Audubon and Cumberland County Master Gardeners, who will be on hand to share their expertise.

This is a prime opportunity for Friends Groups, Neighborhood Associations, and the community at large to engage directly with the Parks Commission and the Parks Division. It's a wonderful way to learn about current initiatives, ask questions, and discover how you can get more involved in preserving and enhancing our beautiful parks.

All are welcome! We can't wait to see you there for an evening of community spirit and park appreciation.

For more information, please email Parks Commissioner Donna Gartland at donnagartland@gmail.com.