It’s a big week for live music in Portland. We have two big headliner-worthy acts coming to the Cross Arena within two days of each other, we’re starting to see some spooky-themed events, and as usual, there’s a huge amount of local acts happening at any given time.
There’s simply no way we could fit everything in this article, but you can always check out our Live Music Tonight calendar for the full list of live music in Portland.
THE HEADLINER
Get your nice blue jeans out and put on your best pair of Carhartt’s, it’s time to get “Fancy Like” Applebee’s on date night at the Cross Arena, this Thursday, October 6th.
Country-pop singer and songwriter, Walker Hayes, is coming to Portland for his “Glad You’re Here” Tour. Aside from showing everyone how long you spend on TikTok with your dance skills, you can expect to hear hits from all three of his studio albums, dating back to 2011.
Tickets are still available for the 7:00PM show, and if country isn’t your thing, go in the entirely opposite direction and see hip hop superstars Kodak Black, French Montana & Bobby Shmurda at the Cross Arena on Saturday.
LIVE & LOCAL
For good vibes and groovy tunes, get over to Gritty McDuff’s Saturday night for The Dave Bowler Band from 9:30PM – 12:30AM.
Dave Bowler spent his earlier years playing drums for jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal. Now he lives in southern Maine, with a busy playing schedule in the local bar scene.
You can catch Dave and his rotating bandmates at Gritty’s this Saturday, with no cover at the door. Free jams are the best jams!
MID-WEEK MUSIC
Break up the midweek monotony with live local jazz music – or even get in on the fun yourself! Every Tuesday at Blue, you can take part in their Open Jazz Session from 9:00PM – 11:00PM.
The night begins with a 45-minute set from the Blue House Band, and there will be a sign-up sheet posted an hour before the session begins. Write your name, your instrument and your call on the sheet, and get ready to play!
Of course, anyone is welcome to simply come and enjoy the music as well, but anyone under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. In addition, Blue is always a free venue to enter, but a $20 donation is suggested for the house band.
STAFF PICK
If you’re looking to get wild this Saturday, October 8th, and you like to celebrate the spooky season all October long, Free Street is where you want to be for their “Halloween Party in Gotham City.”
They’ll have flow artists, art vendors, tarot readings, raffles, body and face paintings, a costume contest, and a live EDM line-up featuring some of New England’s most talented DJs, including Mizeyesis, wILLE$T, Maine’s own DJ Froggy, and more.
This is sure to be a great time, and one of the earliest Halloween celebrations you can get in on. Music goes from 7:00-10:00PM, and tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door, or $25 at the door if dressed in the Gotham theme.
There’s so much live music happening around the city at any given time that we’d never have the time to list them all here.
Check out our Live Music Tonight page for a full calendar of live events happening in Portland, Maine.