Name: Maine Irish Summer Storytelling: Kick-Off at the Center
Start: 2026-05-01T18:30:00-04:00
Location: 34 Gray St, Portland, ME, United States, Maine 04102

Maine Irish Summer Storytelling: Kick-Off at the Center

Friday, May 1st
6:30pm
The Maine Irish Heritage Center is bringing the cherished Irish tradition of storytelling back to Maine this summer! Following the success of last summer's programs, we are excited to invite you back for another summer of stories, community, and some good craic. According to the Celtic Calendar, May 1st, or Bealtaine is the first day of summer - so we're starting summer early!
We are kicking the summer off with a storytelling evening here at the Maine Irish Heritage Center, in our glorious Great Hall.
In days gone by, neighbors would gather at night in the local ceili house, the home of a storyteller. They came for conversation, and to hear stories of their community, its history, old tales handed down by the ancestors, and some music. These gatherings helped build community and preserve the culture and values of the Irish people.
We invite you to join us this summer at one of our storytelling events! Bring a story, a poem, a song, or simply come to listen and enjoy an evening among friends—or friends-in-the-making.
But wait, "Does my story/poem/song have to be Irish?" Absolutely not! These events are celebrations of the oral tradition of every culture, and we would love to hear anything you want to tell!
Event Details:
Location: Maine Irish Heritage Center, Portland, Maine
Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm
Host: Cathy Furness
Story Guidelines:
Stories, songs, or poems should be 10 minutes or less
A timekeeper will help us keep things moving
No hate speech – creative freedom is welcome, but kindness and inclusivity are essential
All are welcome – come to share or simply to listen
Storytelling is central to Irish culture—as it is to so many cultures around the world. These summer events are part of MIHC’s mission to share this tradition across Maine while also supporting local businesses and gathering spaces. Let’s build community together, one story at a time.
These events are free and open to all. We offer a donation option when RSVPing – all funds raised go straight back into our future programming!