Maine
6 Must-Visit Outdoor Live Music Venues in Maine
Ah, summer in Maine. The sun is shining, the air is warm, and the time to enjoy the great outdoors is here. If you’re like me, one of the my favorite things to do in the summer in Maine is see some great live music…outdoors!
Whether you’re into rock, pop, folk, blues, or something else entirely, there’s probably a venue hosting a summer show that you will want to see. I came up with a little guide to some of the best spots to catch some great bands perform under the open sky this summer.
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1. Thompson’s Point – Portland
Thompson’s Point in Portland is a prime spot for outdoor concerts. This summer, they’ve locked in big names like Counting Crows, Flaming Lips, Guster, Primus/Coheed and Cambria, Lake Street Dive, Goose along with others. This venue has the perfect summer vibe along with beautiful views of the Fore River, which make it a must-visit for any music lover. Plus, it’s just a short distance from downtown Portland, so you can make a whole day of exploring the city before the show. Oh, did I mention the sunsets there are priceless?
Lauryn Hottinger
2. Maine Savings Amphitheater – Bangor
Maine Savings Amphitheater is a gem in Bangor. Maine’s largest outdoor venue offers a solid lineup each summer that include all different genres from rock, pop, country and beyond. From big names like Hootie & The Blowfish and Smashing Pumpkins to Niall Horan and Kenny Chesney, this recently renovated venue is perfect for those looking to see major acts in an outdoor setting. The waterfront location also adds a nice touch.
3. Snow Pond Center for the Arts – Sidney
I’ve seen a few shows at Snow Pond Center for the Arts and I absolutely love this venue. the place to be. Located on Lake Messalonskee, it offers all the summer vibes for enjoying live music. You can bring your chairs or blankets and set up towards the back or if you’re like me and want to get right into it, there is a general admission standing area near the stage. There’s no better venue to check out the legendary Beach Boys! They will be there this summer along with the Indigo Girls and others.
4. Thomas Point Beach & Campground – Brunswick
For those who enjoy a festival atmosphere, Thomas Point Beach & Campground in Brunswick is perfect. They host events like the Point Reggae Arts & Music Festival and the Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival. This venue is also perfect for those who love to camp out and enjoy multiple days of music.
5. L.L. Bean Summer in the Park – Freeport
Freeport’s L.L. Bean Summer in the Park series offers free outdoor concerts right in Discovery Park.. yes, free. This is a great option for families or anyone looking to enjoy some live music without having to dig into the wallet. With a diverse lineup and a relaxed atmosphere, these concerts are the perfect way to spend a summer evening. Don’t forget to bring your chairs.
Outdoor free jazz concert on grass in summer
6. Wells Harbor Park – Wells
Wells Harbor Park is a great venue that hosts a summer concert series every Saturday evening. These concerts that take place in a gazebo might not be big national recording artists, but it won’t matter as your overlooking the harbor on a beautiful day while watching live music, it doesn’t get much more summer than that! Expect an intimate setting, great way to unwind after a day at the beach or a hike.
2024 Concerts in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts
Check out this list of the biggest shows coming to New England in 2024. As more concerts are announced, we’ll add them to this list.
A List of Maine’s Longest Running Music Venues
Have you ever been to a show or concert that gave you memories to last a lifetime? Maine has produced some of the best shows, housed by the longest-running concert venues. Let’s take a peak at the longest-running venues in Maine.
Gallery Credit: Lizzy Snyder
Maine
Rage Room in Portland, Maine, Developing ‘Scream Room’ Addition
For a lot of people throughout Maine, there’s some built up frustration that they’ve just been keeping inside.
That frustration can come in a lot of different forms. From finances to relationships to the world around you.
So it makes plenty of sense that a rage room opened in Portland, Maine, where people can let some of that frustration out.
It’s called Mayhem and people have been piling in to smash, crush and do dastardly things to inanimate objects that had no idea what was coming.
But Mayhem has realized not everyone is down with swinging a sledgehammer. So they’ve decided to cook up something new.
Mayhem Creating ‘Scream Room’ at Their Space in Portland, Maine
Perhaps the thought of swinging a baseball bat and destroying a glass vase brings you joy. The thought of how sore your body will be after that moment makes you less excited.
Mayhem Portland has heard you loud and clear and is developing a new way to get the rage out. By just screaming.
Mayhem is working on opening their very first scream room. It’s exactly what you think it is, a safe place to spend some time just screaming all of the frustration out.
There isn’t an official opening date set yet but it’s coming soon along with pricing.
Mayhem in Portland, Maine, Will Still Offer Rage Rooms and Paint Splatter
While a scream room is on the way, you can still experience a good time at Mayhem with one of their rage rooms or a paint splatter room.
Both can be experienced in either 20-minute or 30-minute sessions.
All the details including some age and attire requirements can be found here.
TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Things to do in Portland, Maine
Looking for fun things to do in Portland, ME? Here is what the reviewers on TripAdvisor say are the 10 best attractions.
This list was updated in March of 2026
Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka
Top 15 of The Most Powerful People in Maine
Ever wonder who the most powerful players are in Maine? I’ve got a list!
Gallery Credit: Getty Images
Maine
Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – If you’ve ever wondered what goes into pitching a good business idea, you might want to stop by a Big Gig event.
The Big Gig Entrepreneurship Pitch Off brings professionals from across the state together to network and pitch their early-stage business ideas for a chance to win $500.
Tuesday’s competition was held at the Salty Brick Market in Bangor, and it drew a lot of spectators.
“The winners of each semifinal event get $500 and the opportunity to compete for $5,000, so that can make a huge impact on a business that’s just getting off the ground,” said Renee Kelly, a Big Gig organizer.
The winner of the competition, Colin McGuire, was also grateful for the opportunity to showcase his idea “Art on Tap,” which would connect local artists with local venues trying to put on events.
“The support tonight is huge, and it’s just giving me more enthusiasm for running with the idea,” he said.
The season finale of the competition will be held May 19th.
The location is yet to be determined.
If you’d like to apply to compete in the contest, you can go to biggig.org.
Copyright 2026 WABI. All rights reserved.
Maine
This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak
Are you up for a Maine food challenge, or are your eyes bigger than your stomach?
A Waterville staple, Buen Apetito has a monster burrito just waiting for someone to eat it down to the very last bite.
This thing is a beast, literally called La Bestia, and it’s definitely a mighty task for a fearless foodie.
Take on the Buen Apetito La Bestia Food Challenge in Waterville, Maine
According to Buen Apetito, if you can finish a super-sized burrito in 30 minutes or less, you’ll get the $60 meal for free, a La Bestia champion shirt, and a picture on the wall of fame. That’s not to mention the bragging rights of dominating a task few will be able to conquer.
Wondering what’s in the burrito?
The Mexican restaurant shared in a Facebook comment on a post that the burrito is filled with “grilled chicken, chorizo, and tender shredded beef or pork. Built on a layer of seasoned rice, refried beans, and French fries, it’s melted together with a shredded Mexican cheese blend and a drizzle of creamy cheese sauce, sautéed peppers and onions, green salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, creamy guacamole, and a bed of shredded lettuce all wrapped in three extra-large tortillas fused into one epic wrap.”
Let’s just say that this thing is packed full.
The first La Bestia contender took up his fork and knife in December 2025, but despite coming close, he couldn’t come out with the win.
As of March 2026, the challenge has remained undefeated. But you never know, someone is bound to come out victorious.
Just note that you can only try your hand at this food challenge on Wednesday and Thursday.
Buen Apetito Has Been a Longstanding Waterville, Maine, Restaurant
First opened in 1999, Buen Apeitito has been around for nearly 30 years.
Centralmaine.com reported that the Mexican restaurant was originally located at the Railroad Square complex off Chaplin Street before moving to 99 West River Road in 2023.
A little over a year later, in 2024, Buen Apetito shared on Facebook that it was passing on the torch to new owners, including Dalia, “the heart and soul of [the] kitchen for twenty years,” her daughter, Norma, and Norma’s husband, Shawn.
READ MORE: Famous Maine Restaurant Buen Apetito Adds Powerhouse New Owner to Crew
And it seems like not only are things still going strong, but new additions like La Bestia food challenge are only enhancing the spirit of big flavor and delicious Mexican food at the Waterville staple.
So, you think you’re up for the task of taking down a beast of a burrito at Buen Apetito? Good luck.
You Know You’re From Maine If You’ve Tried All 19 of These Foods
Here’s a number of foods associated with Maine. How many of them have you had?
Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna
The New York Time’s Best Restaurant Lists Feature These 7 Maine Spots
Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna
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