Friday, Feb. 10 –

Saturday, Feb. 11 – Go bowling at Yankee Lanes (867 Riverside Rd in Portland) from 6 pm to 9 pm and listen to local high school rock bands, presented by the Maine Academy of Modern Music. $5 admission, for more info click here.

Sunday, Feb. 12 – Kids, Kartoons, and Kotzschmar – a family concert at City Hall in Portland starting at 2 pm (fun preconcert activities begin at 1:15). Featuring Rob Richards (House Organist at Disney’s El Capitan theatre) and illustrator Christina Siravo, this fun-filled event is $10 for general admission, ages 12 and under are free. Click here for more details.

And if you’re looking for ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, be sure to check out Back Bay Grill (65 Portland Street), Bar Lola (100 Congress Street), and The Salt Exchange (245 Commercial Street) for delicious romantic dinners.

www.portland.thephoenix.com

Every February 14, Portland, Maine residents and visitors get a special treat thanks to an anonymous phantom…the city is covered in paper hearts for all to enjoy.

A tradition that began in 1976 in Portland, the Valentine’s Day Phantom has become a heartwarming sight, and has since spread to Vermont  cities , and Colorado as well.

No one knows the identity of the Valentine’s Phantom, making the paper hearts even more mysterious.

Portland residents should keep a look out this Tuesday, as the Phantom is sure to strike again.

Click here for more history and fun facts about the Valentine’s Day Phantom.

Anyone over 21 is welcome to attend. The event is free and is held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For reservations, call 207-347-6154 and be sure to check out the website for more information.

Saturday: 3rd Annual Maine Indoor Rowing Championship -

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at CrossFit Casco Bay, 1000 Congress Street in Portland

Athletes can register online, with a $30 entry fee. Spectators may enjoy for free. This fierce competition is a collaboration between CrossFit Casco Bay and the Portland Community Rowing Association.

Saturday: Portland Pirates vs. Binghamton Senators -

7 p.m. at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland

Watch the Pirates seek revenge on the Binghamton Senators in a thrilling hockey game! Tickets are between $12-18, call (207) 828-4665 for more information.

Sunday: Watch the South Portland High School production of the classic “Fiddler on the Roof”. Tickets may be purchased online – $15 general admission, $10 for students and seniors.

The cost is free, and you’ll be able to pick up some awesome tips to help you on the slopes!

For more information, call 207-756-8275

Restaurant Week

Dozens of restaurants in the area will be participating, offering dinners at $20, $30, or $40 depending on the restaurant. At some, there will be $15 lunches available as well. By making meals more affordable, food fans will be able to try out a variety of dishes in many different restaurants.

Below is the list of participating restaurants in Portland:

Back Bay Grill, Corner Room Kitchen and Bar, David’s Monument Square, DISTRICT, Eve’s at the Garden, Farmer’s Table, Front Room Restaurant & Bar, Great Lost Bear, Grill Room & Bar, Gritty McDuff’s, Local 188, Porthole Restaurant, Ri Ra Irish Pub, Sonny’s, Twenty Milk Street, Walter’s, Zapoteca Restaurante Y Tequileria

For more information about Restaurant Week, visit www.mainerestaurantweek.com

www.jacksmannequin.com

Come to The State Theatre on Thursday night to hear the alternative pop-rock hits of Jack’s Mannequin, along with Jukebox the Ghost and Allen Stone!

You don’t want to miss out on this event!

The concert is at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, $23 the day of the concert. For more information, visit www.thestatetheatre.com

photo from cutcaster.com

If you’re gearing up for an awesome Super Bowl party, make sure you stop by Whole Foods on Saturday from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. The Beer Buyer there will share his favorite brews with you to make sure you have everything you need to host a fantastic event your friends will be talking about for a long time! The event is free, and for more information you can call 207-774-7711.

For the local sports fans, head to the Maine Mall in South Portland tomorrow to meet the Red Claws and get their autographs! The team will be at the mall from 3 – 5 p.m. While you’re there, you can make Valentines for your friends or for a senior in a local nursing home (the cards will be distributed on Valentine’s Day). This fun-filled event will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine.

www.statetheatreportland.com

Don’t miss this concert from world-famous musician Matt Nathanson, known for hits like “Come On Get Higher”, “Car Crash”, and “All We Are”.

The concert begins Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:3o p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 the day of the show, and are available for purchase at the Cumberland County Civic Center Box Office, by phone at 800-745-3000, and online at www.statetheatreportland.com

After being named a ‘You Oughta Know” artist on Vh1, Nathanson went on to perform for David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Ellen Degeneres, Good Morning America, and others.

Be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible for this fantastic show!

photos from mainehomeandlifestyle.com

Portland Harbor Hotel’s famed Ice Bar is making its grand return in just a few short days, so get ready to try out all types of specialty martinis, wines, and beers in a unique setting!

With bars sculpted completely of ice, the Portland Harbor Hotel invites you to celebrate winter in a new way!

Inside the hotel, there will be complimentary hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment for guests to enjoy.

Tickets available through Brown Paper Tickets

This event is only open to ticket holders, so be sure to get yours early. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., January 26-28.

Don’t miss out on this creative and fun celebration!

And be sure to check out these videos of previous Ice Bars!

Ice Bar 2010
Ice Bar 2009