Late January is when the inaugural Carnaval Maine kicks off, a three day festival of ice sculptures, light shows and igloos on Portland’s Eastern Promenade, the 78-acre, Frederick Law Olmsted-designed green space overlooking Casco Bay. Modeled after Quebec City’s annual Carnaval, the Maine event will  host light shows, art displays, ice sculptures, bonfires, and a rail jam, constructed by Sunday River resort. The event, which starts on January 30 and goes through February 1, 2020, will feature a giant inflatable igloo tol house the Bites & Brews events, showcasing Maine’s nationally recognized restaurants and artisan breweries. These include Allagash, Bissell Brothers, Maine Beer Box, Maine Beer Co., Rising Tide, and Shipyard breweries collaborating with Urban Farm Fermentory, Central Provisions, Highroller Lobster Co., Luke’s Lobster, Scales, and UNION. A signature event is the Carnaval Maine Bicentennial Snow Ball on January 30, to mark the 200th year of Maine’s statehood. For more info, go to https://www.carnavalme.com/