Friends of Congress Square Park

T'ai Chi
2022-06-07 09:15 - 10:15, 2022-06-08 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-06-14 09:15 - 10:15, 2022-06-15 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Free Tai Chi Chih/Qigong classes will be taught in Congress Square Park May through September. All classes will occur twice weekly — on Tuesays from 9:15 until 10:15 am and Wednesdays from 10 until 11 am, led by Sara Leonard.

Old pros and those who have just started practice, as well as curious bystanders of all ages welcome!
Always FREE to the public.

*What’s Tai Chi?*
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that, today, is practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing.
A noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching, each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion.

Tai Chi is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it generally safe for all ages and fitness levels. In fact, because Tai Chi is a low-impact exercise, it may be especially suitable if you’re an older adult who otherwise may not exercise.

Longfellow Books Presents: Phasers on Stun!
2022-06-08 18:00 - 19:00
Join Longfellow Books and the Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance in Congress Square Park to celebrate Phasers on Stun!: How the Making (and Remaking) of Star Trek Changed the World by Ryan Britt. Britt will be joined in conversation by Phuc Tran, author of Sigh, Gone.

Blurb Club
2022-06-09 12:00 - 13:00, 2022-06-23 12:00 - 13:00
A book-recommendation sharing-circle! Bring a book you’ve recently read (or are currently reading) to share (or not!), and listen to some folks do the same. Co-presented with Portland Public Library and Mechanics’ Hall.
In inclement weather we will meet in Mechanics’ Hall, just down Congress Street.

Drawing Circle
2022-06-09 16:00 - 18:00, 2022-06-23 16:00 - 18:00
A non-instructional drawing group with a live model. Free to all, though donations to the model are greatly appreciated.
All skill levels welcome. BYO easel and supplies, though some drawing pads and charcoal pencils are available.

Local Poetry Night
2022-06-10 17:00 - 18:00
Poems From The Front Seat, the first publication from a punk rock poet, is a journey through a youthful existential crisis. The chapbook was conceived with a hope to bring a sense of connection to those struggling with being young while the world burns.

Donations/book sales at the event will go to NAMI.

Chess in the Park!
2022-06-11 11:00 - 13:00, 2022-06-18 11:00 - 13:00, 2022-06-25 11:00 - 13:00
Come play! Chess boards and pieces provided, but please feel free to bring your own. All levels welcome.
Chess in the Park happens every Saturday starting at 11am till about 1pm.

Drumming Circle
2022-06-11 13:00 - 15:00, 2022-06-25 13:00 - 15:00
Non-instructional, free, open to all levels and a safe space for all.
BYO drums, although some will be available to share.

Nevaeh Dance Circus
2022-06-12 15:00 - 18:00
Hula hoop with the pros! This is a family-friendly event with performances, workshops, and more. Details below:

3 PM – Hoop Jam (60 minutes)

4 PM – Hula Hoop 101 Workshop (45 minutes)

4:45 – (15 minute break to set up for the show)

5 PM Nevaeh Dance Circus Show (with a performance opportunity for all who participated in the workshop)

Doggie Social Hour
2022-06-14 12:00 - 13:00
Networking for the pups! Bring your friendly, leashed canine to Congress Square Park the second Tuesday of every month from 12 to 1 to meet other four-legged locals.

Wagamuffin, a local maker of organic and plant-based dog treats, will be on-site selling snacks and goodies for your hairy best friend!

Thank you for practicing good social etiquette and for cleaning up after your pet!

Music in the Square: Trifecta
2022-06-15 18:00 - 20:00
Local legends Trifecta will play in Congress Square Park!

Juneteenth: Liberated & Limber
2022-06-18 10:00 - 11:00
Saturday morning Vinyasa Yoga to kick off the Juneteenth celebration at Congress Square Park. The 1 hour session will be facilitated by Louisa Irele Priestley.
BYO yoga mat!

Juneteenth: Freedom Fete
2022-06-18 18:30 - 21:00
Saturday evening we pick up the pace with some disco tunes by DJ ex__voto and DJ Liz. This dance party is Juneteenth and Pride oriented. All are welcome to come get down and boogie.

Juneteenth Celebration
2022-06-19 13:00 - 16:00
Sunday is the third annual Juneteenth Celebration. Continuing the tradition of art making, there will be printmaking, storytelling, live music performances and original spoken word and oration by local HS youths and much more…

World Refugee Day
2022-06-20 17:00 - 19:30
Celebrate World Refugee Day with the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center. Live performances, henna hand painting, and much more!

Make Music Day
2022-06-21 16:00 - 20:00
A variety of local talent! Check back for details.

Coffee & Coloring
2022-06-23 10:00 - 12:00, 2022-06-24 10:00 - 12:00, 2022-06-30 10:00 - 12:00, 2022-07-01 10:00 - 12:00
With local artists Josie Colt and Myles Bullen. Come join!

Queer Makers Market
2022-06-25 11:00 - 15:00
Shop some goods crafted by local makers! Organized by R Nicole Studio.

Silent (Movie) Sunday: Sherlock, Jr. + The Blacksmith
2022-06-26 20:30 - 22:00
The last Sunday of every month, Kinonik will be showing a silent movie in Congress Square Park on 16mm film!
Join us for the classic Sherlock, Jr., starring Buster Keaton, plus a Keaton short called The Blacksmith.
A kindly movie projectionist (Buster Keaton) longs to be a detective. When his fiancée (Kathryn McGuire) is robbed by a local thief (Ward Crane), the poor projectionist is framed for the crime. Using his amateur detective skills, the projectionist follows the thief to the train station — only to find himself locked in a train car. Disheartened, he returns to his movie theater, where he falls asleep and dreams that he is the great Sherlock Holmes.

Hip Hop in the Park
2022-06-27 18:00 - 20:00
Join Monday of the Minds for a slate of local talent! Food by La Fritanga!
