3 min read

NOVEMBER

An Evening with Dog Man creator Dav Pilkey

Nov. 14. Cross Insurance Arena, 1 Civic Center Square, Portland, $21, $25. crossarenaportland.com.

Books-A-Million presents cartoonist, writer and illustrator Dav Pilkey, best known for his “Captain Underpants” children’s book and graphic novel series “Dog Man.” Tickets will include a Dog Man tote bag and pre-signed copy of “Dog Man: Big Jim Believes.” There will also be photo ops with Pilkey, along with a visual presentation and live drawing sessions. Kids will love the activity stations and the chance to be photographed with the Dog Man character.

Warren Miller’s ‘Sno-ciety’

Nov. 14. State Theatre, Portland, $25 in advance, $29 day of show. statetheatreportland.com.

Slip into a winter state of mind with a screening of Warren Miller’s “Sno-ciety.” You’ll be transported to California, Colorado and New Hampshire, along with Austria, British Columbia, Finland and Scotland by way of incredible skiing and snowboarding footage. Get inspired for your own snowy adventures from the comfort of a theater seat.

Gardens Aglow

Nov. 15-Jan. 3. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, 132 Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay, $10-$23. mainegardens.org.

BOOTHBAY, ME – NOVEMBER 14: A footbridge spans the still, reflective waters of a pond at Gardens Aglow. (Staff photo by Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer) Purchase this image

Take a walk like none other during Gardens Aglow. Now in its 11th year, the light display features more than 750,000 LED lights spread over the garden’s 14 acres. As you roam, you’ll encounter a pair of photo-op-friendly giant wooden trolls, and countless illuminated figures and scenes. Be sure to also visit the enchanting fairy house village.

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DECEMBER

Choir! Choir! Choir!

7:30 p.m. Dec. 2. State Theatre, 609 Congress St., Portland, $25 – $35. statetheatreportland.com.

Warm up your vocal chords and be ready to sing during the Choir! Choir! Choir! Un-Silent Night show. The interactive, participatory show is a holiday sing-along for the ages. Hit the high notes with hundreds of other music lovers as your voices reach the rafters of the historic theater. Expect to belt out holiday classics and seasonal pop tunes.

Magic of Christmas

Dec. 12-21. Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland, $28-$94. porttix.com.

An enchanting moment during a 2023 Magic of Christmas concert at Merrill Auditorium in Portland. (Sofia Aldinio/Staff Photographer)

Portland Symphony Orchestra’s Magic of Christmas shows are an annual hallmark of the holiday season. Led by music director Eckart Preu, and featuring municipal organist James Kennerley, the performances include PSO’s Magic of Christmas Choir, the PSO Children’s Chorus and other special guests.

JANUARY

Clue:’ Live on Stage

Jan. 14 & 15. Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland, $50 – $125. porttix.com.

The film “Clue,” based on the popular murder solving board game, was released 40 years ago. Now you can see a comedic staged version, and find out yourself who committed the crime, where and with what implement. We’re looking at you, Colonel Mustard.

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Dancing with the Stars Live

Jan. 27 Cross Insurance Center, 515 Main St., Bangor, $59.50 – $129.50. waterfrontconcerts.com.

Jan. 28. Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland, $59.50 – $152.50; VIP packages from $243.50 – $642.50. porttix.com.

If you’re a fan of the popular TV show “Dancing with the Stars,” prepared to be dazzled at performances in Bangor and Portland. The cast includes Alan Bersten, Britt Stewart, Hailey Bills, Emma Slater and other dancing luminaries, along with to-be-announced special guests.

FEBRUARY

Bored Teachers

Feb. 5. Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland, $59 – $99. porttix.com.

The Bored Teachers comedy tour brings its new show “Is It Friday Yet?!” to Maine. Since 2022, Bored Teachers have cracked up more than 200,000 teachers around the world. If you’re an educator of any kind, or just need a winter blues buster, this show is for you.

Dropkick Murphys

The Dropkick Murphys perform live in Portland in February. (Photo by Dave Stauble)

Feb. 9. State Theatre, 609 Congress St., Portland, $54.50 in advance, $60 day of show. statetheatreportland.com.

Boston’s Celtic-punk kings Dropkick Murphys are celebrating 30 years as a band. You can count on their set including their unofficial Red Sox theme song “Shipping Up To Boston.” Ska band The Aggrolites and hardcore act Haywire will kick things off.

Aimsel Ponti is a music writer and content producer for the Portland Press Herald. She has been obsessed with – and inspired by – music since she listened to Monkees records borrowed from the town...

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