A Refreshed Take on Merry Madness Coming to Portland, Maine

About two decades ago, Portland Downtown devised a plan to get people out into the city for a night of shopping that focused on local retailers versus big box.

They called it Merry Madness. The event featured a gathering place where people would peel off and visit shops and bars around Portland that offered impressive sales, extended hours and more.

More recently. the format of Portland Downtown's Merry Madness has shifted away from being a one night event to a two-week shopping crawl.

If you've been missing that one-night-only shopping party, a new take on Merry Madness is on the doorstep awaiting your holiday cheer.

Blitz N' Spritz Shopping Event Debuts in Portland, Maine

Hosted by Portland Old Port, a new event called Blitz N' Spritz will make its debut on Thursday, December 18.

Taking some of its cues from the old version of Merry Madness, ticket holders will meet at The Thirsty Pig in the Old Port for a kick-off party that includes an event glass and a signature drink.

Event goers will be encouraged to visit shops throughout the shopping district while finding refreshments at participating bars along the way where they can find drink deals with their event glass.

Many Shops Throughout The Old Port Plan to Stay Open Late

As was tradition during the old days of Merry Madness, many shops throughout the Old Port plan to stay open until 9pm as part of the Blitz N' Spritz event.

The Blitz N' Spritz event starts at 4pm and concludes at 9pm on December 18. Five dollars from every ticket sold for the event will be donated to Maine Needs.

Ticket details can be found here.