Thursday, December 8
Tonight is Merry Madness, the annual alcohol-addled shopping spree in Portland’s downtown and Old Port. The party kicks off at Portland House of Music (25 Temple St.) at 4 p.m. (tix: $15-$20; 21+) and continues there until 6:30 p.m., but after you’ve filled your goodie bag, head back to the club by 9 p.m. for the Merry Madness Charity Ball, a benefit for the Center for Grieving Children that features neo-jazz act Viva & The Reinforcements and host Mark Curdo from WCYY. Tix: $5-$12 (21+). 805-0134. portlandhouseofmusic.com.