Portland winter festival to move to Old Port in 2023
Courtesy / Carnaval Maine
Carnaval Maine will take place outside DiMillo's On the Water in Portland 's Old Port from March 8-12, 2023.
The organizers of Carnaval Maine are aiming for a bigger economic and charitable impact in 2023, when the Portland winter festival moves from the Eastern Promenade to the city's Old Port.
From March 8-12, the third Carnaval Maine will be held outside DiMillo's On the Water restaurant and double the festival's footprint.
"Each year, we have challenged ourselves to drive more economic, community and charitable impact when the region needs it most," said Brian Corcoran, CEO of Shamrock Sports & Entertainment, the Portland-based sports and entertainment marketing agency behind the annual event.
"Carnaval Maine hits on all cylinders," he added. "Fans get priceless experiences with award-winning artists, sponsors get visibility one of the state's largest festivals, and businesses get a boost during a slow shoulder season."
$25,000 fundraising goal
As in previous years, the event will feature live music, Bites and Brews and food trucks, but without the added expense of making snow for "rail jams" or the need for shuttle buses and Narrow Gauge Railroad trains to bring visitors to the action.
"Snow was expensive," Corcoran told Mainebiz. By eliminating operating expenses related to making snow and transportation, "we will yield more net profits to charities."
The 2023 goal is to raise $25,000 for two nonprofits, the Maine Academy of Modern Music and WinterKids.
Organizers are also projecting a $5 million economic impact from the festival in 2023, up from $4 million in 2023, Corcoran said.
Besides the venue change, another first in 2023 will be free admission for all children age 10 and younger, thanks to financial support from sponsors that include Norway Savings Bank, the festival's founding partner. Other official partners include Nautilus Solar, WEX Inc., Bill Dodge Auto Group and L.L.Bean.
Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank, said his company is proud to be a sponsor.
"This event shines a spotlight on winter activities and, in doing so, provides an economic lift to the Greater Portland area during what is typically a slower time of year. It's truly a win-win for the entire community," Walsh said.
Ticket sales in the first 72 hours of ticket sales were 15% higher than last year, while sponsorship revenue is 33% higher, Corcoran said.
"We are encouraged by early ticket sales," he said. He also noted that three-quarters of tickets sold in the first 24 hours were from people from elsewhere who intend to visit Portland for the event.
Live music acts in 2023 include the Mallett Brothers band, set to perform on opening night March 9, Amy Allen and a Saturday act set to be announced in January. The event will also feature live theater, comedy and family fun and games, including SubZero Ice Carvings and an L.L. Bean KidsZone. Brews & Bites is a special event for people age 21 and older with food and craft beer pairings.
"This is encouraging that Carnaval Maine will drive shoulder-market tourism," said Corcoran, who was honored on the Mainebiz Next list in 2016 for his contributions to Maine's economy.
More information
Find out more about Carnaval Maine and buy tickets or sign up to volunteer here.
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