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Musician Maya Folick performs at record studio-turned-concert venue Mississippi Studios in North Portland.
Credit: Tojo Andrianariva (tojofotos.com)

Music

Portland’s musical offerings are diverse as the city itself, with options including indie rock, jazz, classical, pop and more.

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Musician Maya Folick performs at record studio-turned-concert venue Mississippi Studios in North Portland.
Credit: Tojo Andrianariva (tojofotos.com)

Home to indie darlings and internationally acclaimed artists alike (think Pink Martini, Esperanza Spalding, The Decemberists, The Shins and Elliott Smith), Portland is a haven for music lovers. Visitors can explore the city’s dozens of live music venues or take the stage themselves at one of Portland’s many open mic nights.

Music Events in Portland

Portland overflows year-round with live shows, festivals and music-centered things to do.

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Music Festivals in and Near Portland

Looking for a tuneful way to enjoy your time in Portland? Get your tickets now for these exciting annual celebrations.

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Summer Concert Round-Up

Portland brings the heat with a packed outdoor concert schedule that makes the most of summer's long days and warm nights.

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Chamber Music Northwest’s Summer Festival

Chamber Music Northwest’s annual summer festival combines high-caliber classical music with a laid-back atmosphere.

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Pickathon Music Festival

Every August, Pickathon draws diverse musical performers to celebrate music and the outdoors at the lush Pendarvis Farm just outside of Portland.

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Biamp Portland Jazz Festival

The Portland Jazz Festival returns every February with a stellar series of concerts and events celebrating Black History Month.

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Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival

Every Fourth of July weekend, the Waterfront Blues Festival takes over downtown Portland’s Waterfront Park.

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Piano Push Play Brings Music to the People

Piano Push Play invites local artists to transform old, donated pianos into whimsical works of art which are distributed across the city.

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Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn

With acts that have ranged from Phoebe Bridgers to Stevie Wonder, McMenamins Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn are an annual rite of summer and a hot ticket for cool nights.

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Zoo Nights

Enjoy the magic of Portland summer nights with live music, food and festivities at the Oregon Zoo while relaxing among the lush gardens and wildlife at Zoo Nights.

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Portland Theater

Portland has a well-established network of venues and theater companies and an increasingly dynamic and diverse small theater scene.

Classical Music in Portland

Classical music in Portland isn’t just the classics. Classical musicians offer new and innovative works, and an ongoing lineup of inspiring performances, from timeless works to modern interpretations.

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5 to try

Live Music Venues

These five venues showcase some of the best live music in each of the city's five quadrants.

  • Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

    A 65-foot-high “Portland” sign illuminated with 6,000 lights crowns the historic Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Seating 2,776 it is the home base for the Oregon Symphony Orchestra and several other large performing arts groups.

  • Mississippi Studios & Bar Bar

    Located in Portland’s historic Mississippi District, Mississippi Studios and Bar Bar is an acclaimed former Baptist church turned recording studio turned music venue with an adjoining bar featuring great burgers.

  • Wonder Ballroom

    The wooden floors and cozy quarters of this 1914 restored building offer an intimate setting for a variety of artists, ranging from metal and hardcore to indie, pop and beyond.

  • McMenamins Crystal Ballroom

    See shows of every genre at this historic venue, which boasts vaulted ceilings, grand chandeliers and a famous “floating” dance floor. Downstairs, Lola’s Room hosts smaller shows while Ringlers Pub serves McMenamins ales and pub fare.

  • Revolution Hall

    Housed in a former high school built in the 1920s, Revolution Hall hosts live music, stand-up comedy, lectures and more in its renovated auditorium. The site is also home to multiple bars (including one on the roof), a café and rentable event space.

Free Live Music and Comedy in Portland

Discover a new favorite comic or musician at Portland’s free concerts and comedy nights, scattered across the city and scheduled throughout the week.

Strike a chord

Local Musicians

Check out these up-and-coming musicians making a name for themselves in Portland.

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The Portland Hip-Hop Scene

Take a deep dive into the past, present and future of the Portland hip-hop scene with our expert guide to the best rap artists, showcases, shops and more.

Talilo Marfil, wearing the flag of the Philippines as bandana and a shirt with the word, \'flip,\' (a slang term for Filipino) stands in front of a colorful mural depicting his likeness.

Portland Filipino American Musician Mixes Island Heritage and Hip-Hop

Talilo Marfil, rapper and advocate, reflects on the power of community and takes readers through his favorite Portland hangs.

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Niche Live Music Venues in Portland

These hidden gems are havens for jazz, punk, bluegrass, funk and more.

Upcoming Music Picks

Check out our events calendar to find music around the city.

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