Explore & Discover the Lewiston Auburn Region

What's happening this week in the LA Region?

Wednesday, March 11th:
- 'Evolving your Career' with Maine Women's Network - Androscoggin Chapter
- Mazel Tov Film at Bates College
- Oasis of Music featuring Palaver Strings at Trinity Commons

Thursday, March 12th:
- Brewing Connections AM presented by the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
- Show & Learn with Maine Intimacy Coaching
- Through Our Eyes: Franco Artists Looking at the World Exhibit Opening Reception and Panel Presentation at University of Southern Maine Lewiston Auburn

Friday, March 13th:
- Friday Night Comedy Showcase at Great Falls Comedy Club

Saturday, March 14th:
- Phoenix No Limits Karate Comedy Fundraiser at Burnt Ends Barbecue
- JJ Jones at Great Falls Comedy Club

Sunday, March 15th:
- Las dos Mariettes Film at Bates College

If you have an event you'd like included, comment below!

Your audience is already looking — make sure they find you!

The 2026 Explore & Discover guide is the region’s trusted resource for visitors, new residents, and locals exploring all that Greater Lewiston-Auburn has to offer. Position your business alongside the best with premium print placements and strategic digital visibility designed to drive attention and engagement.

Claim your space and put your brand where the region is looking:
https://lametrocc.com/Explore-Discover

Deadline Extended — Nominations Now Close March 11!

There’s still time to recognize the leaders and organizations making a difference in our region. Nominations for the 2026 Annual Awards presented by the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce have been extended to March 11th!

These awards honor the businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders driving innovation, strengthening our local economy, and shaping the future of our region. If someone stands out for their leadership, impact, or commitment to our community, now is the time to submit their name.

Don’t wait — take advantage of the extended deadline and help us celebrate those who make our region a place to explore, discover, and thrive: https://lametrocc.com/Nominate

Ready to be seen?

Put your business front and center in the 2026 Explore & Discover guide — the go-to resource for visitors, locals, and future residents across the Greater Lewiston-Auburn region.

With limited premium print space and high-impact digital placements, this is your opportunity to stand out where it matters most. Choose from full-page, half-page, and digital banner options, take advantage of preferred member rates, and increase your reach with bundled savings.

Space is limited and filling quickly. Secure your spot and elevate your visibility today: https://lametrocc.com/Explore-Discover

The Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce's Holiday Marketplace at the Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch is TOMORROW! This event is a simple way to make a meaningful impact during the holiday season by choosing gifts and services from the businesses that make our community unique.

Whether you’re looking for handcrafted items, local specialties, or gift cards to your favorite neighborhood spots, the Marketplace brings it all together in one place. Your support helps local entrepreneurs grow and keeps our regional economy strong.

Learn more and share the event with friends and coworkers: https://lametrocc.com/HolidayMarketplace25

Support local businesses this holiday season at the Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch for the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce's Marketplace: Shop Small and Support Local. This event brings together local makers, retailers, and service providers so you can find thoughtful gifts while investing directly in our community.

Every purchase strengthens local jobs, supports entrepreneurs, and keeps our regional economy thriving. If you’re looking to complete your holiday shopping with meaningful, locally sourced items, this is the place to do it!

More information: https://lametrocc.com/HolidayMarketplace25

Let’s make this season brighter for local businesses and shop small together!

Uplift L.A., a committee of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, is excited and honored to recognize individuals committed to the betterment of our communities through its Finest Under 40 recognition program.

Some of our region’s most outstanding young professionals have been nominated—and your vote helps celebrate their impact! The Finest Under 40 Awards honor community members for their contributions to the region, recognizing rising professionals across several categories.

Voting closes tomorrow, November 9th, so don’t wait!

Visit the link below to view the full list of nominees, explore the award categories, and cast your vote today: https://lametrocc.com/FU40Celebration

Congratulations to our final Eat Local Challenge winner, Paula Drouin who checked in at Craft Brew Underground! We’re thrilled to wrap up this year’s challenge by celebrating Paula and her support for our incredible local food community.

She’ll be taking home a beautiful basket of goodies from the Lewiston Farmers' Market, ME, including:

- A Farmers’ Market gift card
- Maple Syrup from Blais Maple Syrup
- Handcrafted salve from Mainely Soap
- & a bag of Kettle Corn from The Sweet Life Kettle Corn Company

Thank you to everyone who participated this year! Because of your entries, we highlighted and uplifted over 40 local restaurants and farms — from cafés and breweries to neighborhood bakeries and family-owned farms — all helping make the Greater LA region delicious and vibrant.

This year's Eat Local Challenge was hosted by the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Hebert Construction, LLC — thank you for supporting local and helping us celebrate community and flavor!

Keep exploring, supporting, and savoring local!

The OneLewiston Resilience Fund, supported by the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Official City of Lewiston, Maine, is proud to support the 🤟🏽(ILY) Gardens, helping our community heal and grow together.

The 🤟🏽 (ILY) Gardens are an Act of Kindness at the intersection of public gardens, public art and urban beautification for the Lewiston Auburn and greater local and state community following the mass shootings on October 25, 2023 in Lewiston, Maine. Over 1,000 bulbs were planted in Lewiston and 300+ in Auburn that will bloom hope and care into our shared spaces.

Click the link to view photos from this community project, photographed by Tanja Hollander as part of her Mourning Flowers collection—an art project that brings awareness to the ripple effects of trauma and fear that communities sustain after acts of violence: tanjahollander.com/ilygarden

Tanja Hollander Mourning Flowers is an art project by conceptual artist, Tanja Hollander that brings awareness to the ripple effects of trauma and fear that communities sustain after acts of violence. The ILY garden is an act of kindness planted for the greater community of Lewiston-Auburn, Maine.

Congratulations to our week 4 Eat Local Challenge Winner — Tyla Davis! Thank you for supporting our local food economy with ingredients from Roebucks Angus. Tyla has won a $25 gift card to Nutty Netties Cafe— perfect for a cozy treat and coffee on the go!

We have ONE more winner to draw this week as we wrap up the Eat Local Challenge, so stay tuned!

Sponsored by Hebert Construction, LLC

Our Eat Local Challenge winner for this week is Mary Sunshine. Congratulations! You’ve received a goodie basket from the Lewiston Farmers' Market, ME for sharing your visit to Nutty Netties Cafe and helping spotlight local businesses. Because the items are perishable, please plan to pick up your prize as soon as possible to enjoy everything at its best!

There’s still plenty of opportunity to get involved and celebrate the flavors of our community. Whether you're discovering a new café, returning to a favorite restaurant, or browsing the farmers market, capture the moment and post it with (be sure your post is public). Each week through October, participants will be entered to win local prizes, market goods, and gift cards.

Support local. Take the challenge. Share your experience!

Thank you to Hebert Construction, LLC for supporting the Eat Local Challenge!

Don’t miss out on the ultimate fall celebration — Taste the Harvest is just days away! Tickets are limited, so grab yours now and join us October 15th on Lisbon Street for an unforgettable evening of food, fun, and community!

Get your tickets here: discoverlamaine.com/taste-the-harvest.

Get your tickets NOW for Taste the Harvest — happening October 15th from 4–7 PM on Lisbon Street in downtown Lewiston!

This community street festival celebrates our region's vibrant local food scene with a pop-up Lewiston Farmers' Market, ME and a Makers Mart showcasing 17 talented vendors offering handmade goods and locally crafted products. Guests can enjoy the beer and wine garden, take part in the silent travel auction with American Fundraising Foundation - AmFund, and capture memories with GingerSnap Rentals and Ryan Captures Life—all while Pallo Entertainment keeps the energy going throughout the evening.

Food passports include tapas-style dishes from favorite restaurants like Mother India, Orchid Restaurant, The Pub At Baxter, DaVinci's Eatery, Mancini's Italian Deli, The Blue Feather, and Nutty Netties Cafe. Choose from three ticket levels, with VIP add-ons available for drinks and custom glassware!

Lisbon Street will be closed to traffic for an evening of food, community, and celebration. Tickets are limited—get yours today at discoverlamaine.com/taste-the-harvest.