May News – Hotel & Art Openings, Scenic Drives

May 6, 2026

Evalina Hotel Opens

The Evalina Hotel, a new 15-suite property, will open in Portland in May. Named after one of the building’s earliest owners, Evalina Fox, the hotel is situated in the historically renovated Granite Block Building at 215 Commercial Street in the Old Port, Portland’s working waterfront. The Evalina pairs historic architecture with contemporary sophistication and a residential-style experience. Across its five floors, Evalina’s 15 suites include five one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom layouts, each one designed to feel like a private retreat in the city. The Evalina will be managed and operated by Fathom Companies, a Portland-based hospitality management group, whose Maine portfolio also includes The Weldon Hotel, The Press Hotel, The Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront, and The Brunswick Hotel. Details at The Evalina Hotel.

By Design: The Worlds of Betsy Wyeth

Betsy James Wyeth (1921–2020) was a fascinating and largely overlooked maker of complex designed environments, whose lasting legacy in visual art and landscape will be explored for the first time in this exhibition. Her practice extended to the restoration and adaptive reuse of dozens of historical buildings; the architectural design of new structures; and an eclectic collecting practice that shaped highly original interior spaces. As a simultaneous, multi-sited exhibition, By Design: The Worlds of Betsy James Wyeth tells the story of these astonishing created worlds across hundreds of acres in Pennsylvania and Maine. This exhibition is co-organized by Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland, Maine; Brandywine Museum of Art, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania; and Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville, Maine; in association with the Wyeth Foundation for American Art. It will be presented simultaneously at the three museums in summer 2026 and will be accompanied by a catalog published by Rizzoli Electa. The exhibition will run from May 2 to October 16, 2026.

Opera House Arts in Stonington

Opera House Arts, housed in the historic Stonington Opera House, has a lively roster of plays, concerts, comedians, readings, and even a series of $5 events between June and September. The summer season kicks off in June with a production of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright John Patrick Shanley’s Outside Mullingar. In July, the 26th Annual Deer Isle Jazz Festival will feature acclaimed saxophonist Yosvany Terry and his quintet performing transcendent jazz with African and Caribbean roots. In August, featured events include Darker the Night, Brighter the Stars, the new play by Maine playwright John Cariani; Emmy-winning TV host, author, and builder Steve Thomas presenting a multimedia literary event based on his book, The Last Navigator; and Broadway Comes to Stonington, which will close out the month. The Opera House Arts also offers a $5 series featuring puppeteers, jugglers, comedians, and magicians. Details at Opera House Arts.

Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway

Maine’s National Scenic Byways are a collection of seven picturesque driving tours throughout the state, which also boasts six state-designated scenic byways. High on the list is the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway, one of the most scenic and dramatic drives in all the state. The 52-mile route through 40,000 acres of conserved public-access lands follows Routes 17 and 4 and travels along the ridgeline of the Appalachian Mountains before descending into rolling hills and valleys. The highlight is the striking Height of Land viewpoint on Route 17, where you can stop and take in views of Mooselookmeguntic and Upper Richardson Lakes, looking all the way to the Canadian border. Details at National Scenic Byway Association, and ideas for activities and lodging in the Rangeley Lakes region are available at Visit Maine.

Lewiston Auburn Balloon Festival

The 32nd Annual Lewiston Auburn Balloon Festival will take flight August 21 – 23, 2026, at Simard-Payne Memorial Park in Lewiston. This year’s festival celebrates the spirit of America’s 250th anniversary with a patriotic theme of Red, White, and Balloons. Set along the scenic Androscoggin River, the three-day festival will feature colorful hot-air balloons in shapes that celebrate the nation’s milestone birthday. The festival expects over a dozen pilots from around the country to ascend from the festival grounds, and the highlight is always the Balloon Glow, when illuminated balloons light up the night sky. The celebration will also feature a full schedule of family-friendly entertainment, including live music, a lively midway carnival, artisan crafters, and classic festival foods. For the latest schedule updates, visit the Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival.