Explore Portland
10Best Nightlife by Type
Best Portland, ME Nightlife
Local Expert Nightlife Recommendations
Local Expert Nightlife Recommendations
About Portland, ME Nightlife
Portland's reputation as a commercial and cultural hub is perhaps no more apparent than in its nightlife attractions. The live music and theater scenes are especially strong in neighborhoods throughout the city. Portland has proven to be a magnet for up and coming indie music groups who have built loyal followings as they perform from venue to venue. College students attending such local places of higher learning as the University of Southern Maine and the University of New England account for much of the fan base for these traveling troupes of musicians. Portland's cultural diversity shines in the vast offerings of musical acts which range from blues and soul to psychedelic folk, jazz, country, rock, metal, and punk. Many clubs have carved out their own particular niche among musical genres. For instance, Port City Music Hall is home to many metal, indie and punk performers. Meanwhile, many national folk, acoustic and bluegrass groups have graced the stage of the much beloved One Longfellow Square. True to Portland's roots as a working class city, you'll meet all sorts of music lovers at these destinations – from white collar upwardly mobile types to hipsters and artists and blue collar fans. When it comes to theater, many production companies have found welcome audiences in Portland. The breadth and depth of stage offerings in this city is truly remarkable. It ranges from the traditional Broadway presentations at places like the Ogunquit Playhouse to the daring and insightful stage productions of the Mad Horse Theatre Company in South Portland. No matter what your tastes in nightlife entertainment, you can probably find what you're seeking somewhere in Portland.
About Mark Pechenik
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