Events

“Kinky Boots”

“A BIG-HEARTED, HIGH-KICKING HIT!” CHICAGO TRIBUNE The boots are back! Kinky Boots will lift your spirits to high-heeled heights! Celebrated with six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album, and London’s Olivier Award for Best Musical, this big-hearted musical hit will have you strutting out of the theater saying … Read more

CANCELLED – FLIP Fabrique

The upcoming performance with FLIP Fabrique has been cancelled due to issues in securing performance visas. All ticket holders will be contacted regarding their tickets. “FLIP Fabrique brings all the magic of a snow day to young and old alike.” EDINBURGH FESTIVAL MAGAZINE FLIP Fabrique’s Blizzard is the magical story of a group of friends, … Read more

“Seven Things I’ve Learned”: An Evening with Ira Glass

“You will be fierce. You will be fearless. And you will make work you know in your heart is not as good as you want it to be.” IRA GLASS Ira Glass — the creator, producer, and host of This American Life, the iconic weekly public radio program with millions of listeners around the world … Read more

POP

Thank you! What an incredible celebration! This year’s POP brought energy, artistry, and community to life in the most spectacular way — and it was all powered by YOU. Your enthusiasm and generosity helped make this our strongest fundraiser yet. From vibrant performances to exceptional food and the buzz of friends coming together with purpose, … Read more

Peter Brown presents: The Wild Robot on the Island

Back Cove Books & Portland Ovations are proud to present bestselling author and illustrator, Peter Brown, at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, June 24th at 5:30 PM. Celebrate the launch of THE WILD ROBOT ON THE ISLAND, the gorgeous illustrated picture book version of  the #1 New York Times bestselling novel The Wild Robot! The afternoon … Read more

Circus Smirkus 2025

“Talented kids. Professional coaches. Life on the road. Adoring 5-year-olds, sitting around the ring just feet from the stars of Circus Smirkus, where big kids have been the stars of the show of this Vermont-based company for 32 years now.” THE BOSTON GLOBE Roll the dice, whirl the spinner, and join the ultimate circus showdown—The … Read more

Drag Storytime – June 14

Join Portland Ovations and local Drag Queens for an hour of stories and art! Glamorous expert storytellers use the art of drag to read books and lead craft projects at local bookstores, libraries, and community centers around Portland. This fun, fabulous literary experience fosters learning and play, encouraging children and their caregivers to celebrate all … Read more

Wabanaki Stories on Tour

“Stories are more than words. They are tools to build community, teach values, and pass on knowledge to future generations.” CHRIS NEWELL (PASSAMAQUODDY) The land and waters known as Maine have been home to Wabanaki People for over 12,000 years. This vibrant production of Wabanaki stories and music spotlights six Wabanaki artists coming from several … Read more

Author Talk: “The Jazzmen”

Author Larry Tye journeys through the lives of jazz legends Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie in his book The Jazzmen. Pianist Scott Martin brings the work of these extraordinary musicians to life. Autographed copies of The Jazzmen will be available for purchase. ABOUT LARRY TYE Larry Tye is a New York Times bestselling author whose latest book — a joint biography of Duke Ellington, … Read more

2025-2026 Season Announcement

Join us for an evening of connection, discovery, and anticipation, with a first look at the unforgettable performances coming to Portland Ovations at our 2025–26 Season Announcement. This free event features delicious bites and exclusive video previews of the season ahead, including Broadway national tours, circus, music, dance, theater, and family-friendly performances. Be among the … Read more