One of the coolest developments in Maine of the past decade is the explosion of options for outdoor concerts in the summer, featuring artists and bands both internationally popular and regionally acclaimed.
The choices have never been more eclectic for music lovers of all stripes — there’s literally something for everyone, every week from Memorial Day through mid-September. We’ve put together a guide for the three biggest outdoor venues in Maine, with advice on where to park, what to eat and how to access all the amenities available.
What’s your best advice for making the most out of your live music experience at any of these venues? We want to hear how you rock out in the summer. Sound off in the comments below, or send us an email at [email protected].
Maine Savings Amphitheater, Bangor
This long-running riverside venue in Bangor has grown from a temporary stage first erected in 2010 to the fully appointed 14,000-seat concert venue that’s helped put the Queen City on the map for much of the rest of New England. It’s by far the largest venue in Maine, and regularly hosts major names, particularly in the country and classic rock genres.
Parking: You can add parking at the Pickering Square garage to your ticket for $30, via Ticketmaster. There are also public parking lots nearby on Columbia and Harlow streets. There is street parking downtown and in neighborhoods near the venue, though parkers should be conscientious of local residents. Nearby businesses including Shaw’s Supermarket and Bangor Savings Bank also offer parking for a fee.
Food: There are multiple food, drink and alcohol vendors inside the venue itself. Immediately outside the venue, there are food trucks on the Bangor waterfront, and restaurants including the Sea Dog, Carolina Sports & Spirits, Urban Pizza, Penobscot Pourhouse, Seasons and fast food chains. Beyond that, there are many restaurants, bars and breweries throughout downtown Bangor and on the Brewer waterfront.
Accessibility: Accessible seating is available by specifying it when you buy your tickets, or by calling 207-358-9327. You cannot drive directly up to the venue gates to drop people off or pick them up, though there are shuttles available by request. If walking long distances is difficult for you, contact the venue to explore your options.
Venue rules: There are no bags allowed inside the venue except clutch-size bags no larger than 8 by 5 by 2 inches, and clear, see-through bags no larger than 12 by 12 by 6 inches. Lawn chairs and blankets are not allowed.
Thompson’s Point, Portland
This 7,500 capacity venue hosts a summer concert series curated by the folks at the State Theatre, specializing in jam, folk, indie and alternative artists. It’s also well-known for its wide array of food trucks and other events, like a monthly maker’s market and ice skating in the winter. It is directly on the Fore River and boasts lovely sunsets.
Parking: Parking is very limited at Thompson’s Point, and fills up quickly. On-site parking is only available by purchasing a pass for $30 alongside your ticket, via Ticketmaster. Nearby street parking or public parking lots are also extremely limited, so getting dropped off by a friend, taxis, rideshare apps or the Portland bus system are also options, as well as walking or biking from downtown.
Food: In addition to food, drink and alcohol vendors inside the venue, there are also several options onsite, including an array of food trucks, the Bissell Brothers, Sacred Profane Brewing and Leisure Time Cocktail Company, which is expected to open soon. The rest of Portland’s famous food and beverage scene lies a few miles to the east.
Accessibility: ADA accessible seating is available upon request when you arrive at the venue, and there is a drop-off area by the front entrance.
Venue rules: Blankets and lawn chairs no higher than 9 inches are allowed, and space for them is limited. There is no clear bag rule.
The Bowl at Snow Pond Center for the Arts, Sidney
A newer player in the summer outdoor concert scene in Maine, this tree-lined outdoor venue is nestled along the shores of Lake Messalonskee. With seating for 3,000, it operates independently, eschewing Ticketmaster and other corporate ticketing sites. Snow Pond also hosts music camps for youth and adults, a classical music festival and has a network of trails on site. It’s a growing destination for live music in central Maine.
Parking: Parking passes for events are $20 and can be purchased online at snowpond.org. The venue is located at 8 Goldenrod Lane in Sidney, not far from exit 124 on Interstate 95.
Food: There is food, drink and alcohol available at the venue. Snow Pond is about 20 minutes from downtown Waterville, where there are ample restaurants and bars for pre-show gatherings.
Accessibility: The venue is ADA accessible, and arrangements can be made by calling 844-476-6976.
Venue rules: No bags larger than 4 by 6 by 1.5 inches are allowed. Camp chairs and blankets are allowed, though space for them is limited.
