Everyday Portland

Here’s a close-up from an 1876 map showing what the Deering Oaks area looked like before it became the park we know today. It’s wild to see how far the tidal waters and salt marshes of Back Cove used to extend into this space before the land was filled in! [source: 1876 map, Chas. Shober & Co. Prop's Chicago Litho'g Co.]

Did you know that roughly 40% of Mainers live on about 7% of the state's land area? The official federal metro area (in light blue) is assessed at about 575,000 people. The entire population of Maine is around 1.4 million people.

View into Portland from the end of Maine State Pier. [June, 2026]

So crazy to think that such a massive fire tore through Portland in 1866 on the 4th of July. The prevailing theory is that a stray firecracker rolled (or was tossed) into the open door of a boat shop on Commercial Street, landing right in the dry wood shavings. Because the entire city was parched from a summer heatwave and experiencing strong, shifting winds, that single spark was all it took to trigger the worst urban fire in American history up to that point. [Source: Historic print from 1866, variants preserved in the Portland Public Library Special Collections]

Our auditions are almost full this weekend, but we can accommodate some walk-ups from 1:30-2:30 on Saturday 2/21!

Audition for our summer Shakespeare in Deering Oaks Park production of HENRY IV PART 1 and be considered for our upcoming FLIGHTS WITH FENIX play-in-a-day RICHARD II.

For more info, available roles, or to secure a remaining spot, visit fenixtheatre.com/auditions (link in bio) or email [email protected]

We’re excited to see you at auditions!

I just discovered the Portland Craft Circle! Looks like a cool place to find gatherings designed to build local community through crafting. Love it!

Linocut Eraser Printing Workshop
📍 Allagash Bungalow, Scarborough
🗓 Feb 18 | 6:00–7:30 PM
Carve your own linocut eraser design and hand-print it onto two cotton tea towels. Beginner-friendly, all materials included, no experience needed. Come create, sip a drink, and hang out.
✨ Limited spots available.