Maine Coast Life's guide to Portland's music venues - Part One
Local band Leaf performing at Live at Madrid's
Written by Madison Ellingsworth
Maine’s unique culture is shaped by its award-winning restaurants, rugged outdoor life, and ever-growing art scene. But Portland's music scene is worthy of as much attention as anything else. Home to popular acts such as Rustic Overtones, The Mallett Brothers Band, and The Ghost of Paul Revere, Portland hosts local and nationally touring musicians year-round. With venues that accommodate as few as 100 guests and others that can host close to 10,000, there's a concert for everyone in this picturesque city.
Downtown
One of Portland's best-known and most popular venues is the State Theatre. The venue, which seats more than 1,800 people, has served several purposes since opening in 1929. According to the nonprofit Greater Portland Landmarks, the State has operated as a vaudeville theater, a cinema, and an adult movie theater. Today, it is a concert venue that welcomes artists across a wide range of genres. In addition to live music, the historic landmark hosts comedians, drag performers, and film festivals. Guests can also enjoy a full bar, pizza by the slice, popcorn, and other snacks.
The Fore River
Thompson's Point is Portland's premier destination for outdoor waterfront concerts. The venue is located in the restored Union Station platform shed, and completely surrounded by the glittering waters of the Fore River. It's an ideal summer destination for those who want more than a typical concert experience. With sunset views, a full bar, and occasional arts and crafts sellers, concertgoers are within arm's reach of the very best of southern Maine. Food trucks typically line the back of the venue, with satisfying smells wafting all around the venue. Past vendors include Vy Banh Mi, Ugly Duckling, Maine-ly Meatballs, Truckin Pizza, and more.
The Old Port
A recent addition to Portland's music scene, Live at Madrid's is the brainchild of music lover Josh Schlesinger. Madrid's gives local and touring acts alike the opportunity to perform in a midsize venue that's spacious with plenty of dance floor space. In the back, the warehouse-like listening room opens up to host 800 guests, while the front of the house features smaller acts in a more intimate, but still rocking space. Like Thompson's Point, Madrid's partners with the State Theatre to book and promote shows. It helps fill a long-standing gap in Portland's live music scene while offering a full bar and convenient on-site parking.
City Hall
Maxing out at over 1,900 seats, Merrill Auditorium has been a cornerstone of Portland's performing arts scene since 1912. With its tall, arcing ceilings and plush red seats curled from one side to the other, Merrill offers a traditional theater vibe. Although the venue hosts a variety of events, including high school graduations, theatrical productions, and author talks, Merrill is best known as the home of the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Portland Ovations, and Maine State Ballet. During performances, guests can enjoy select beverages, snacks, and fresh-baked cookies from the orchestra, terrace, or balcony.
Arts District
SPACE Gallery provides an intimate home for more eclectic acts, championing artists and creators at every stage of their careers. The gallery opened in 2002 as a contemporary arts venue to revitalize Portland's Congress Street Arts District. Since then, it has grown into a nonprofit recognized for its contributions to Maine's arts community. With capacity for up to 300 guests and a limited bar, Space is a small but mighty venue; it's easy to walk right past it with its understated presence on the main strip. That said, it's an ideal setting for an intimate concert, dance performance, or book launch.
West End
One Longfellow Square is one of Portland's most intimate music venues, known for its welcoming atmosphere. The nonprofit venue has showcased folk, jazz, acoustic, and blues performers for nearly two decades. It is especially well known for hosting holiday performances by the Portland Jazz Orchestra and The Heather Pierson Trio. Designed as a "listening room," the intimate space offers clear sightlines for up to 180 guests. A full bar is also available.
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The next time one of your favorite performers comes to Portland, consider buying a ticket and experiencing the show live. Whether you're drawn to food trucks and waterfront sunsets at Thompson's Point, orchestral performances and warm cookies at Merrill Auditorium, or jazz and holiday traditions at One Longfellow Square, Portland offers something for every music fan.
Tell us what shows you're planning to see — we'd love to hear from you!