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ABOUT THE EVENT

AUTHENTICALLY PORTLAND

Save the date for Saturday June 8rd, 2024 from 12:00-3:30 for #WTWW2024.
 
Walk the Working Waterfront (WTWW) is an interactive event in downtown Portland, Maine celebrating the city's rich maritime culture and history. Attendees are encourages to explore the many working piers and wharves, tour vessels, and chat with fishermen. The mission of WTWW is to increase awareness of the critical importance of working waterfront infrastructure by creating behind the scenes access and first-hand experiences for community members with the businesses and operators of Portland’s working waterfront.

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As we enter into the 9th season for #WTWW2024, it is important to reflect on how far our event has come, and  what it took for us to get here.

This event would not be possible without the collaborative effort of so many different groups and individuals. Since the departure of John Spritz, the pioneer of the walk the working waterfront event, there have been a number of organizations who have taken the responsibility of coming together to make this event possible. The City of Portland, the Portland Chamber of Commerce, Maine Coastal Programming supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , the Maine Department of Marine Resources, the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Walk the Working Waterfront has been made possible by volunteers, community collaborators, and sponsors donating their time and energy.

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The event is rain or shine! Whether it be exploring one of the many businesses Commercial Street has to offer, joining a walking tour of the working waterfront, boarding one of the Coast Guard vessels, or participating in one of the education stations on one of Portland's historical wharfs, you will not be disappointed.

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Scenes from PAST eVENTS

FAQS

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Do I have to buy tickets for this event?
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No. The walking portion of the event is free to attend and enjoy. However, there are scheduled elements that may require purchase of tickets or pre-registration.  These will be advertised prior to the event through social media and the Walk the Working Waterfront website. Make sure to go online and check the Walk the Working Waterfront for more information!

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ARE THERE RESTROOMS?
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Many businesses on Commercial Street have bathrooms available to paying customers. City restrooms are available at Casco Bay Lines and on Cotton Street. Please see the full city listing here.

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Will there be a rain date in the case of inclement weather?
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No. Walk the Working Waterfront is a rain or shine event. Make sure to check the forecast and bring an umbrella in case there is a chance of rain! 
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How can I be a respectful and safe walker?

 

Please remember, the waterfront is a busy place SO RESPECT WORKERS AND BUSINESSES. Be observant of any commercial operations, and if you are stopping to take pictures, do so in a safe manner, away from the edges of the pier and out of the way of vehicles. Use common sense and courtesy.

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HOW DO I know WHAt BUSINESSES Are PARTICIPATING? 
What will they be offering?
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All participating businesses and descriptions of what they are doing can be found on the printed event maps, and online. What each business offers will vary, so we encourage you to read your map, or stop in and ask. Some businesses will require you to show the printed map to receive their offer, so please keep it on your person.  These guides will be available from volunteers via the information station behind Gulf of Maine Research Institute and at the head of Union and Maine Wharves.
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Will every participating business be giving things away for free?
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No. Businesses are not required to give things away, though many will have things like specials, happy hours, special sales, raffles, and some may have samples. Please read the event map in print or online for further information.
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Will all businesses on commercial street be participating?
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No, not ALL businesses along Commercial Street are participating in the same capacity.  Refer to your program guide or ask a volunteer to find out what businesses are featuring.

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Where can I sit and rest?

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Those who would like to get off their feet can stop at one of the many benches in public spaces, or at safe points along each pier/wharf. Businesses such as restaurants also offer a great opportunity to relax, hydrate, and grab something to eat.

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GENERAL Considerations
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  • There is no bag or pet restriction for this event outside of the city and business’ individual policies. Click here for Portland’s guidelines on dog owner responsibilities:
     

  • While this event is focused on the waterfront-side of Commercial Street, crosswalks will allow attendees to access both sides of Commercial Street.  Crosswalks and traffic signals should be highly regarded for the safety of pedestrians and drivers on this busy day.

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where can i Park?

Here is a comprehensive list of parking locations in Portland.

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Dining

The event program will include a guide to the great restaurants conveniently located right on the waterfront! Ask a volunteer for a recommendation. Other dining options found in Old Port are generally a quick walk from Commercial Street.  See Portland Downtown’s restaurant guide here:

 

Smoking

Smoking is allowed on public sidewalks in Portland with the consideration that there will be many people and businesses will have their own policies. More info here. 

 

Transportation
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The city of Portland has a public metro system that can be accessed through the following sites and apps:

https://www.portlandmaine.com/getting-around-portland/transportation/

https://gpmetro.org/35/Maps-Schedules

Aside from the metro, we encourage walking during the event due to its containment on the waterfront (a 2-mile loop).

 

Driving directions
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  • From the North:

    • Merge onto I-95 South

    • Follow signs for I-295 South

    • Follow signs for  Downtown Portland

    • Take exit 7 towards Franklin Street

    • Stay on Franklin Street for 1 mile

    • Turn right onto Commercial Street.

  • From the South:

      • This route has tolls

    • Merge onto I-95 North

    • Follow signs for I-295 North

    • Follow signs for South Portland/Downtown Portland

    • Take exit 7 towards Franklin Street

    • Take a right to continue onto Franklin Street

    • Stay on Franklin Street for 1 mile

    • Turn right onto Commercial Street.

 

For further questions about Walk the Working Waterfront, please use the contact info in the footer.

FAQs
2022 Scenes
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