Celebrate winter at Carnaval Maine. This event promises to be an annual occurrence, and it offers something for all ages. I went on opening weekend (Feb. 18-20), and even without a lot of natural snow, it was fun. I can imagine what a blast it will be when Portland’s Eastern Prom is dressed in winter white. This year’s event benefits WinterKids.
Sunday River Rail Jam
When I arrived last Friday around 5pm, the action centered on the Sunday River Rail Jam. Kids from pint-sized to teens were enjoying the rails in the snow park. The lack of natural snow wasn’t a problem, as Sunday River trucked enough in for both this site and the L.L. Bean WinterKids Zone. The Sunday River Rail Jam returns Friday, Feb. 25, at 5pm, and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 2-4pm.
Family fun
Family activities and entertainment are offered during the day, with live performances at Maddy’s Theatre daily. On Friday Feb. 25, the Jason Spooner Band will perform from 2-4pm. L.L. Bean offers family activities.
Beer, wine, food, and Bites & Brews at Carnaval Maine
At that point, the Beer Garden was just setting up, with sampling stations (white russians! hot chocolate with Bailey’s and whipped cream! bourbons!) at the end of the tend near the Snow Stage. On the other end, you could purchase tix for beer, hot chocolate, and coffee (with or without added booze).
Hungry? Food trucks have you covered.
At 6pm, the Maine Igloo tent opened for the first session of Bites & Brews, with about a half dozen breweries paired with restaurants. Although food portions were sample size, you could return as often as you wanted for more of those you enjoyed. Other Bites & Brews sessions were scheduled on Saturday and Sunday, and will repeat Thursday and Friday, Feb. 25, evenings and Saturday afternoon and evening Feb. 26; tickets are required for each ($65).
Carnaval Maine Fireworks and featured show
Friday night’s fireworks were some of the best I’ve ever seen. Here’s a peek.
And they seemed to go on forever. As my friend said, each time we thought it was the grand finale, it was if one of the workers putting on the show said: “Wait! We found another box!”
And after the show, the Ghost of Paul Revere performed on the Snow Stage. On Saturday night, it was Motor Booty Affair. This weekend (Feb. 24-26) will feature Music Viva & The Reinforcements on Thursday night; Hello Newman on Friday night; and country star Scotty McCreery on Saturday night.
Want to know more?
Watch my interview with Carnaval Maine founder Brian Corcoran.
Covid guidelines
All Carnaval Maine attendees ages 5 and older must provide proof of vaccination against Covid-19 OR provide printed proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test from an authorized provider within 72 hours prior to the event start time OR a negative rapid test within 12 hours prior to the event start time.
2022 Carnaval Maine Tickets
General admission tickets ($20 ages 3 and older, per session) include live music and shows (not featured shows), the Sunday River Rail Jam, ice sculptures, and family activities. Tickets are valid for one afternoon or evening session.
Bites & Brews tickets are $70 each.
Beer Garden tickets: beer & wine or cocoa/coffee with alcohol ($8), coffee/cocoa tickets ($5); purchase in advance to avoid lines.
VIP tickets ($105) include general admission, a private bar, access to heated restrooms, and front row standing admission to featured concerts on the Snow Stage (sold out for Scotty McCreery).
Purchase tickets online.
What’s where
How to get to Carnaval Maine
Free parking at the Ocean Gateway Lot. From there, you may walk along the Eastern Prom trail to the event. OR you may ride the free shuttle bus from the lot to the drop-off point (runs every 15-20 minutes). OR you may take the Narrow Gauge Railway for a $5 roundtrip donation. ADA parking is available on Cutter Street.
Lodging: Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront, the Carnaval Maine headquarter hotel, offers a 15% discount; use promo code CARNAV.
