5 upcoming events worth checking out
SheSpeaks: An Evening of Women’s Storytelling
December 8
One Longfellow Square, Portland | www.onelongfellowsquare.com
Eight local women share personal stories about their deepest desires for change—for themselves and for the world. “There’s a rawness and a realness about this evening that is magnetic,” says organizer and emcee Lael Couper Jepson. Storytellers include EJ Labb, Shay Stewart Bouley, Lisa Whited, Noel Gallagher, Jeanne Handy, Kathleen Savoy and Molly Simmons. Men are welcome. Show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door (if available).
Christmas Prelude
December 1–11
Various locations in Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is the most charming at Christmastime (in fact, HGTV voted it the No. 2 Christmas Town in America). In addition to gift shopping, there’ll be craft fairs, trolley rides, bonfires, caroling and tree lightings. At the Fire & Ice event at Nonantum on Dec. 9–10, you can drink cocktails poured over ice sculptures, sample eats, roast marshmallows and tear up the dance floor. Buy tickets in advance at www.nonantumresort.com and check out the full Prelude schedule at www.christmasprelude.com.
Nutcracker Burlesque
December 16–23
St. Lawrence Arts Center, Portland | www.vividmotion.org
If you’re looking for a sexier and funnier twist on tradition, Vivid Motion’s annual Nutcracker Burlesque should do the trick—if you can get tickets. Don’t be shy. This kinda quirky but definitely adult production always sells out. Shows are every night at 7:30 and tickets are $18.
Lobster Dip
January 1, 2017
The Brunswick, Old Orchard Beach | www.SOMaine.org
Start the new year off as the boldest of do-gooders and join hundreds of Mainers for a cold plunge into the ocean. The annual Lobster Dip at Old Orchard Beach at high noon on New Year’s Day raises thousands of dollars for Special Olympics Maine. All dippers get a free buffet lunch at The Brunswick. Raise $100 minimum
Victoria Mansion: A Currier and Ives Christmas
Through January 8
Victoria Mansion, Portland | www.victoriamansion.org
Local designers deck the already elaborate halls of Victoria Mansion with decor inspired by the works of the nineteenth-century American illustrators. The mansion is open for self-guided tours daily through Jan. 8 (closed Christmas and New Year’s Day). For an even more extravagant feast for the eyes, make reservations for Night of the Nutcracker with Portland Ballet (Dec. 4, 11 and 18).
