This weekend, Portland and Cape Elizabeth light up: the Back Cove Music & Arts Festival takes over Payson Park in Portland on August 2–3, 2025, and the beloved TD Beach to Beacon 10K steps off August 2 as well, starting at Crescent Beach State Park and finishing at Fort Williams Park by the historic Portland Head Light.
If you’re attending either (or both), here’s how combining your festival or race plans with a stop at High North Mystique of Maine can elevate your Maine weekend vibe.
Back Cove Music & Arts Festival Highlights
Portland’s inaugural Back Cove Fest packs two unmissable days in scenic Payson Park, with headliners like Jack White, Lord Huron, André 3000, Lucy Dacus, Turnpike Troubadours, Margo Price, and a cast of local acts like Weakened Friends, Oshima Brothers, and Griffin William Sherry.
Lines run across two stages with no overlapping sets, so music lovers can see everything without schedule stress. The festival includes art installations, local food and brewery vendors, and a community‑oriented atmosphere.
Attendees are encouraged to use free shuttle service, urban bike valet, or park off-site—there is no on-site parking at Payson Park.
Beach to Beacon 10K Essentials
TD Beach to Beacon, held August 2, 2025, is Maine’s premier coastal 10K; starting near Crescent Beach State Park on Route 77, winding through Smugglers Cove and finishing at Fort Williams Park with stunning views of Portland Head Light.
Record‑setting elite runners and thousands of amateurs join, while over 10,000 spectators line the route. New in 2025: packet-pickup is available early at multiple sites (including TD Bank branches in Portland/Scarborough and Cambridge, MA) before race day; no bibs will be issued on event morning.
Traffic and road closures—notably on Route 77 and surrounding roads—mean you should arrive well before 6:30 a.m., carpool if possible, and use shuttle services from parking lots at schools or satellite locations in South Portland and Scarborough.
HighNorth Mystique of Maine: Deals & Locations
HighNorth Mystique of Maine is a cannabis dispensary group with locations in Portland (Congress Street and Forest Avenue), South Portland, Auburn, Brewer, and Gardiner.
Current highlight special: the “Summer Flower Sale”—build-your-own ounce bundles for $99.99 (mix‑and‑match select ⅛‑ounce flower priced at $19.99 or $24.99), or grab a 2.5‑oz bundle for $239.99. Discounts apply in-store across select flower lines.
New customers in recreational storefronts get 15% off, while loyalty members can earn points that can be redeemed for $ off on future purchases.
Best Location for Festival & Race Attendees
- If you’re headed to Back Cove Fest at Payson Park, the closest dispensary is Portland – Forest Avenue (745 Forest Ave). It’s a short downtown trip from the festival site, open extended hours daily.
- For Beach to Beacon runners or fans, the closest option on race day is also Portland Forest Ave, about a 10–15 minute drive north before heading south to Cape Elizabeth. Note race‑day road closures along Route 77—better to shop the evening before or use early shuttle drop‑off plans.
Sample Itinerary
Friday afternoon
- Arrive in Portland, hit the Forest Ave dispensary to pick up a summer flower bundle at $99.99/oz or $239.99 for 2.5 oz after discounts.
Saturday morning
- Pick up your race packet at TD Bank branch or Middle School before heading to Cape Elizabeth. After the race, return to Portland—stop by the festival for music and arts.
Saturday afternoon
- Enjoy Back Cove Fest until closing, consider grabbing a fresh pre‑roll later at HighNorth Portland (Forest Ave) or South Portland location if nearby.
Sunday
- Relax with a beach walk, explore local food vendors, maybe head back to the dispensary for loyalty points before departing.
Final Notes
HighNorth Mystique of Maine gives cannabis‑curious festival‑goers and runners a reliable spot to stock up, with Maine‑grown branded flower, vape carts, edibles, and special savings on select flower. The Forest Ave Portland dispensary is the most accessible for both events; South Portland is a good backup if you’re staying near Cape Elizabeth.
Whether you’re unwinding after a killer race or vibing to world‑class tunes under the Maine sky, pairing your event weekend with a curated visit to HighNorth Mystique of Maine ensures you elevate your experience.