Friends of Deering Oaks

04/09/2026

Enjoy Earth Day in Deering Oaks!

Enjoy live music from the local band Leaf, lunch from local food trucks, hands-on activities for all ages, and opportunities to connect with 20+ local environmental organizations. Activities include drop-in bike repair, clothing mending, facepainting, wildflower planting, a Deering Oaks nature scavenger hunt and more!

Come celebrate nature, connect with neighbors, and pick up simple tips for living more sustainably in Portland!

01/30/2026

Tie your Skates on this Weekend!

The Parks crew has been out today, preparing the pod ice for skating. It will be cold, but that is what makes for great skating...

Enjoy!

01/15/2026

Frozen Funk Needs Volunteers!

The City has asked the Portland Parks Conservancy to help recruit volunteers for this event. They arel ooking for people to:

~Manage the coffee and hot chocolate station

~Assist with event set-up from 45pm and takedown following the event.

If anyone is interested in volunteering, they can sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1gr0XA0CRygC5rxllrrNtlE-kTUGTj2QOnHngNNm8Psg/viewform?edit_requested=true

We are working on the weather!

Frozen Funk is back at Deering Oaks Park on Sat, Jan 17, 2026 (rain date: Jan 24) featuring ice skating, music, and games. Volunteers will meet as a group at the Castle at Deering Oaks and be assigned roles on-site as needed Volunteer roles include: Hot chocolate & coffee service Activity support Se...

01/08/2026

Frozen Funk! Enjoy a greet event...

08/13/2025

Come to Deering Oaks to learn about the value of native plants!

Ever wonder how native plants help cities thrive?

Join us for our Third Thursday walk with Maine Audubon’s Andrew Tufts and learn how understory plantings like shrubs, groundcovers, and young trees are helping build a more resilient Portland.

Meet at the stage in Deering Oaks
RSVP today: https://tinyurl.com/ykc9rcfn

07/15/2025

Shakespeare in the Park

"As You Like It" has begun! See details below on this wonderful production. A great experience on a summer night in Deering Oaks!

As You Like It
Directed by Kat Moraros
Musical direction by Paul Fidalgo
Escape to the Forest of Arden with us this summer!

From July 10 to August 2, Fenix Theatre Company invites you to experience its 17th annual summer tradition of free Shakespeare in Deering Oaks Park with a high-energy, heart-filled production of As You Like It. This professional staging of the romantic comedy is infused with beloved pop songs spanning 6 decades—from the 1960s to the 2010s— adding a fresh, toe-tapping twist to a timeless tale.

​​As You Like It defies rigid gender roles and binaries, and dares us to open the door to a better world; one where empathy leads the way and everyone can find belonging. Bring a chair or blanket, grab your friends, and join us under the trees for a night of Shakespeare like you’ve never seen it before!
July 10 - August 2
​
Thursday July 10 at 6:30pm
Friday July 11 at 6:30pm
Saturday July 12 at 6:30pm
Thursday July 17 at 6:30pm
Friday July 18 at 6:30pm*
Saturday July 19 at 6:30pm**
--Wednesday July 23 at 6:30pm--
Thursday July 24 at 6:30pm
Friday July 25 at 6:30pm
--NO SHOW SATURDAY JULY 26--
Thursday July 31 at 6:30pm
Friday August 1 at 6:30pm
Saturday August 2 at 6:30pm​
​Rain Dates to be added if shows are cancelled due to weather: Sunday July 20 & 27 at 6:30pm

*Fri July 18th will feature audio description for blind & visually impaired audience members. Email [email protected] to ensure device availability. We will do our best to meet demand!
**Sat July 19th will feature ASL interpretation.

06/13/2025

Party in the Park!

NOTE: This event is in Payson Park, not Deering Oaks!

05/14/2025

Site Walk Union Branch Pathway

Exploring the Union Branch Pathway with Bruce Hyman

Thursday, May 15, 4 – 5 PM

Join City Transportation Program Manager Bruce Hyman for a tour of the future Union Branch Pathway. Learn how this rail-to-trail project will improve access for cyclists and pedestrians around the peninsula. You’ll also hear from Parks Director Alex Marshall about recent and upcoming improvements in Deering Oaks.

We’ll meet at Castle in Deering Oaks. Parking is available at the park, as well as on the street.

See you there!

04/23/2025

Farmers Market Returns!

10/18/2024

LANTERN WALK TOM0RROW!

Perfect water is forecast for tomorrow's annual Lantern Walk!

Come between 10-1 for a lantern-making workshop in Deering Oaks near the bandstand. All ages and abilities are welcome! Create you own special lantern treasure. A LED ligh will be provided...

Later in the day, gather at 5:00 for music and community. The walk will start at dusk, around 6:00 and the short procession will commence. At the Walk, lanterns will be available for those who do not have the opportunity to make their own,

This is a free, magical event and open to all in the community. Hope to see you there!

Friends of Deering Oaks

09/26/2024

Twilight in the Park

This Saturday at 6:00 is Hospice of Southern Maine's very moving event to celebrate the memory of or honor a loved one. Hundreds of luminary will be arrayed around the Ravine wading pool. Donate $15 for each luminary (289-3643) o4 just come and pay respects to your loved ones.

It is a very special event...