8 chill 4/20 spots in southern Maine

TL;DR

Columnist Leslie Bridgers lists eight relaxed activities in southern Maine suited to cannabis use on 4/20.
Suggestions range from USM planetarium shows at $9-$9.50 to Taj Indian buffet at $15.99 weekdays.
Ideas emphasize mellowing out responsibly, feeding munchies, and avoiding incompatibles like driving.

The story at a glance

Leslie Bridgers, a Portland Press Herald columnist on Maine culture, suggests eight low-key ways to mark 4/20 around Portland. These pair with responsible marijuana use for relaxation, snacks, and mild weirdness. The piece runs ahead of the April 20 cannabis holiday amid local pot shops' abundance.

Key points

Planetarium shows at USM Southworth: "Dinosaurs at Dusk" at 1 p.m., "Out There" at 2:30 p.m., $9-$9.50 tickets.[[1]](https://www.pressherald.com/2026/04/13/8-chill-ways-to-spend-4-20-in-southern-maine-column/)[[2]](https://www.pressherald.com/2026/04/13/8-chill-ways-to-spend-4-20-in-southern-maine-column)
Food tour via Maine DayVentures Old Port walk: 3 hours, samples like crabmeat maki and beer, $145.99 at 10:30 a.m.
Taj Indian buffet in South Portland: Lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m., $15.99 weekdays, favored for value.
Disc golf: Free at Payson Park or $8-$12 at Pineland Farms (disc rental extra), weather pending.
Arcade gaming at Arcadia on Congress Street from 5 p.m., with creative eats; earlier options at Spare Time or Maine Mall.
Creative outlets: Muse Paintbar sessions ($31-$32) painting capybara or coneflowers; pottery at Color Me Mine; terrarium jars at Terrarium Old Port.
Walks: Evergreen Cemetery gravestones or Mackworth Island fairy villages ($1-$4 fee).
Eastern Promenade: Sit on the lawn overlooking bay and harbor, minimal effort needed.

Details and context

The column stresses activities that enhance weed's relaxing, psychoactive effects without risks like driving. Portland's food scene and nearby nature spots make it ideal for snacky, altered states. Events are set for Monday, April 20, mostly in Portland or short drives away; some like Pineland courses await drier ground.

Tone stays casual and fun, nodding to 4/20 as cannabis culture's high holiday. Buffets and tours tackle munchies directly, while planetarium and walks add sensory or imaginative twists.

Key quotes

"Not all activities are compatible with weed — driving a vehicle being one that seems particularly important to point out here." — Leslie Bridgers[[1]](https://www.pressherald.com/2026/04/13/8-chill-ways-to-spend-4-20-in-southern-maine-column/)

"Why feel the need to do much of anything at all?" — on Eastern Promenade lounging.[[1]](https://www.pressherald.com/2026/04/13/8-chill-ways-to-spend-4-20-in-southern-maine-column/)

Why it matters

Southern Maine's scene supports casual 4/20 observance blending legal cannabis with local draws like food and trails. Readers get ready-to-book options for chill fun without high-stakes plans. Watch specific spots like Pineland for seasonal openings as weather shifts.

LANG: en