10 things to do near you Feb. 25-27 - Spectrum News

At Spectrum News Maine, we want to be your community connection. Whether you are a local or just visiting Maine, there's sure to be something to do near you — it's 'Vacationland' after all. 

Friday's storm may keep you indoors, but good weather is on tap for the rest of the weekend. Avoid cabin fever and make the most out of your time off with these 10 events happening across the state: 

FRIDAY

Lantern Parade
6 p.m. at 31 Centre Street in Bath
Help bring light to Maine's darkest season and kick off Bath's Winterfest with the city's opening night lantern parade. Bring your own lantern, camp light, glow stick – whatever you have that lights up — and join in on the procession led by Tsugaru Japanese lanterns. The parade will end at the library with a fiery dance performance by Party Performers. Stick around after the show and enjoy ice skating, a beer garden, wood-fired pizza, comedy and live music. For the full schedule of events, click here. 

Looking for a fun activity ahead of the parade? Order a lantern kit from the Midcoast Youth Center and make your beacon at home. The center is also offering a lantern-making and decorating session on Thursday from 3-6 p.m at 4 Old Brunswick Road in Bath.

Carnaval ME
Friday-Saturday at the Eastern Promenade in Portland
Carnaval is back for a second year along Portland's historic waterfront. Whether you're looking to grab a bite and  a brew in an igloo or want to walk through ice sculptures, there are plenty of things to do in Maine's winter wonderland. There will be live music performances, family activities, games, food trucks and more. Tickets can be purchased online. Visit the event's website for a full schedule of events.

Fire On The Mountain
2 p.m.-12:30 a.m. at Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley
Calling all Dead Heads. Head to Sugarloaf on Friday for all things Grateful Dead during the third annual Fire On The Mountain celebration. Enjoy a weekend full of live music, with performances by New England's most talented cover bands. Enjoy each band's take on Jerry Garcia and the Dead's music by purchasing your event bracelets in advance. Free day shows at the mountain are first come, first served. For the weekend schedule, click here. 

Listen to the Grateful Dead's top tracks on Spotify by clicking the player below. 

Note, your event bracelet does not guarantee access to the free day shows.

SATURDAY

Oyster Shucking Class
2-3 p.m. at the Ivy Cottage at Cape Arundel Inn & Resort in Kennebunkport
Do you know how to shuck an oyster? I sure don't. Perfect your shucking skills while learning about Maine's oyster industry during this hands-on workshop. With the purchase of your ticket, you also receive a half dozen oysters from Spartan Seafarms.

State of Maine Ice Carving Championship
10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. at Main Street in Belfast
From live ice-carving demonstrations and a state championship to a free showing of "Ice Age" – it's all about ice this weekend in Belfast. Head to the midcoast for an action-packed weekend of events. For a full schedule of events during the weekend festival, click here.

Winterfest Family Ice Fishing Derby
7 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Long Lake Boat Launch in Harrison
Didn't get a chance to go ice fishing last weekend? It's not too late! Grab your tackle box and head to Long Lake this weekend for an ice fishing derby that's fun for the whole family. It's $10 to register kids 10 years or younger and $15 for adults. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners in each age group. For directions to the boat launch, click here.

2nd Annual Fastest Runner Sledder in the Valley
4 p.m. at Lost Valley in Auburn
Are you the fastest runner sledder in Maine? Find out this weekend at Lost Valley ski resort. Put your sledding skills to the test as you compete for bragging rights during a head-to-head race. Make sure to register online in advance and be at the base lodge at 3 p.m. to sign in as lifts start turning promptly at 4. Sleds must be made out of steel and wood to compete. Make sure to stick around after the competition as event organizers say there may be an opportunity to take a few 'fun runs.'

While spectators are not permitted on the course, they are allowed to stand at the finish area and base lodge, as well as at the Lost Valley Brewpub. For event information, click here. 

SUNDAY

L.L. Bean Bootmobile Day
9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Saddleback in Rangeley
Have you ever seen the L.L. Bean Bootmobile in person? Now is your chance. Head to Saddleback ski resort this Sunday for a day of skiing and a chance to take a photo with the shoe on wheels. Grab some free swag while you're there or talk to L.L. Bean's outdoor enthusiasts about winter across Maine. Share the event with your friends on Facebook. 

Fun fact: If the Bootmobile was an actual shoe, the person attached would be about 143-feet tall and wear a size 708 shoe. That's larger than the Paul Bunyan statue in Bangor! 

Kite Festival
Noon-3 p.m. at the Lake George eastside beach in Canaan
"Let's Go Fly a Kite," the iconic song from "Mary Poppins,"  seems fitting for this occasion. Grab your favorite glider and watch it soar among dozens of other kites during Somerset Snowfest's Kite Festival. Don't have a kite? There will be some for sale during the event. For details or to check out other events happening during Somerset Snowfest, click here. 

Music of Motown
2:30 p.m. at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland
Dance the day away with the Portland Symphony Orchestra and the "magic of Motown." Featuring hits by Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Steve Wonder — to name a few — you're sure to enjoy a groovy afternoon at the Merrill. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is required to attend. Tickets can be purchased online on the PSO's website. 

Have an event that you'd like mentioned? Please email me at maddison.raynor@charter.com, and we'll include it in our weekly list.