Month: August 2025

Portland’s spirit flows strong well into late summer—and a stay at The Press Hotel positions you in the heart of it: book-lined walls, vintage typewriters, and the culinary delights of UNION Restaurant and Inkwell set the perfect tone.

Music & Live Performance Highlights

From August 7 through 31, the State Theatre Summer Concert Series at Thompson’s Point offers headliner experiences beneath open skies. Catch The Flaming Lips & Modest Mouse on August 7, Guster’s on the Ocean on August 9–10, and Lake Street Dive on August 16–17. Later in the month, Gregory Alan Isakov performs on August 22, and Leon Bridges takes the stage August 31–September 1.

On August 10, rev up for motorsport excitement at the BitNile.com Grand Prix of Portland, featuring world-class IndyCar drivers racing through the streets of Portland in spectacular fashion.

For lovers of classical refinement, the Portland Chamber Music Festival presents a free Family Concert in August (after the 6th), delivering intimate performances from chamber ensembles at the Abromson Community Education Center—a perfect midday cultural interlude.

Dining, Drinks & Late-Summer Eats

After live shows or city roaming, retreat to Inkwell, the Press Hotel’s atmospheric lobby bar styled like a vintage newsroom. Enjoy cocktails like the Press Martini or try a seasonal creation crafted with ingredients such as the hotel’s rooftop honey. At UNION Restaurant, seasonal menus spotlight Maine’s bounty: think Casco Bay seafood, local produce, and inventive dishes that ever-evolve with the season.

Outdoor Adventures & Waterfront Attractions

While many events wind down by early August, outdoor enjoyment remains vibrant. A stroll or bike from the hotel to the Eastern Promenade reveals coastal paths, kayak rentals, and picnic spots with sweeping bay views. It’s the perfect setting for a quiet sunset or waterside ice cream.

Nearby, L.L. Bean Summer in the Park in Freeport continues daily through August 31, featuring family-friendly activities like live music, yoga, movie nights, and kids’ crafts—ideal for a quick half-day excursion.

Arts, Culture & Old Port Charm

The creative energy of Portland’s Arts District carries on all month. Evenings remain alive with First Friday Art Walks, gallery exhibitions, and programming at venues like SPACE Gallery. The Press Hotel enriches this artistic landscape by showcasing curated works from over 26 Maine artists in its lobby, guestrooms, and gallery spaces.

For a deeper dive, stroll Old Port’s cobblestone streets after your events for boutique shopping, seafood shacks, and harbor views. Local bookstores, artisan shops, and historic piers meld into a walkable neighborhood rich with character.

Why The Press Hotel Is the Ideal Summer Base

Returning after a day of events or exploration, The Press Hotel feels like retreating into a story—where literary décor, vintage typewriters, and curated art spark inspiration. Lobby coffee and comfortable guestrooms give you a warm respite, while Inkwell and UNION ensure your evenings remain vibrant and local-focused.

The hotel’s Old Port location makes walking to waterfront concerts or downtown galleries effortless—no need for parking logistics or long travel. Evening amenities like late-night drinks or rooftop honey‑inspired sweets let you unwind in style. And the boutique rooms offer thoughtful rest before your next summer experience.

When summer sun in Portland turns intense, there’s no need to retreat too far—The Press Hotel, housed in a centenarian newsroom building in Old Port, offers a stylish cool base from which to discover the city’s most refreshing indoor escapes. Whether you crave art, culture, family fun—or just chilled comfort—here’s your guide to staying cool while soaking in the best of Portland.

Escape Into Art & Culture

The Portland Museum of Art, Maine’s oldest and largest public art institution, offers air-conditioned respite among nearly 22,000 works—from Winslow Homer seascapes to Impressionist European paintings by Monet and Picasso. Located a short walk from the hotel in the Arts District, it’s perfect for a leisurely afternoon indoors.

For performance lovers, the historic State Theatre on Congress Street hosts concerts and shows in lush Moorish–Art Deco surroundings. With a seating capacity nearing 1,900, the venue feels grand yet intimate, making any indoor show feel like an event.

In nearby Munjoy Hill, the St. Lawrence Arts Center—housed in a remodeled Romanesque church—hosts theater, music, and community shows in a historic, climate-controlled setting that celebrates the region’s creative spirit.

Family-Friendly Indoor Fun

Families traveling with kids—or those just young at heart—will find interactive delight at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine. This 30,000‑square‑foot indoor space features an aquarium touch tank, a pretend lobster boat cityscape, and a theater program that brings local stories to life—making it the perfect escape from sweltering heat.

For an offbeat alternative, head to Factory3, a makerspace and community studio offering workshops in weaving, welding, woodwork, and even creative writing. Engaging and entirely indoor, it’s an excellent way to learn something new in Portland’s creative community.

Playful Escapes in Air‑Conditioned Comfort

Looking for active indoor fun? X‑Golf Portland, just blocks from the waterfront, offers state‑of‑the‑art golf simulators, arcade-style games, and a full bar. It’s a fun, climate-controlled spot to tee off without worrying about the humidity or sun exposure.

Arcadia, an adults-only arcade bar downtown, brings classic pinball, skee‑ball, vintage cabinets, and cocktails together in a retro-inspired setting—perfect for a playful and cool evening inside.

Chill Out at The Press Hotel

After venturing into Portland’s indoor scene, return to The Press Hotel and unwind in style. The lobby’s cozy lounges, board games, and a fireplace provide a inviting retreat from the heat. Complement your downtime with complimentary coffee or tea in the lobby or host casual conversations in Inkwell, the lobby bar styled like a vintage newsroom lounge.

Guestrooms boast air conditioning and amenities chosen with comfort in mind—like Frette linens, Keurig coffee makers, mini fridges, Bigelow bath products, and local art prints adorning walls that all echo the building’s journalistic past.

A Cooling Itinerary for Hot Days

Wake up and enjoy breakfast at UNION Restaurant, featuring seasonal Maine ingredients that feel light and fresh. Escape the midday heat with a visit to the Portland Museum of Art or the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine. After that, try a hands-on class at Factory3 or tee up at X‑Golf. Wrap the afternoon with cocktails at Inkwell—perhaps made with the hotel’s own rooftop honey—and a leisurely soak in your guest room’s deep tub.

Evening cooling comes naturally: the hotel’s lobby and lounges remain comfortably chill, ideal for reading, chatting, or playing nostalgic board games. End your day in the air-conditioned sanctuary of your typewriter-themed room, savoring serenity as summer breezes fade outside.

Why The Press Hotel Is Your Ideal Cool Getaway

Located in the heart of Old Port, The Press Hotel places you within walking distance of the city’s top indoor attractions and cultural venues. The thoughtful design, attentive hospitality, and literary ambiance turn every return into a stay-rooted experience. When the heat climbs, the hotel becomes your personal cooling center—inviting, refreshing, and perfectly Portland.

So while the sun blazes, the charm of Portland stays fresh—and your coolest moments are still best found at The Press Hotel.