If you are searching for info on the local music scene in Portland, Maine you have definitely found the right post. The best musical instrument stores in your area seem like the logical place for us to begin.
There will also be some different sections for where to buy guitars and the best drum shops will also be shared. While there is plenty of crossover between some lists we think we got the right spots in the right sections for you.
Contents
Up next we will get into quality instrument repair shops near you because some reading this may need a piano tuned, a guitar repaired, or work done on other band instruments and there is somebody out there that can assist.
Then it will be time to pivot to the best music lessons for kids or adults. Following that we will give a shout out to the top stores for music lovers that sell vintage CD’s and records here.
We also think many of you will want to know about the best concert halls and live music venues while some others may prefer to visit bars and restaurants that have free live music around the city.
And we will get you out of here with the best festivals on the Portland music calendar. Stay with us til the end where you will find a map with the wide variety of stores and venues we are discussing pointed out.
Everyone reading this is welcome to look through more of our city guides for the Northeast at that link.
Portland Musical Instrument Stores
Some of the best musical instrument stores near you would be:
- Buckdancer’s Choice Music at 248 St John St
- Portland Percussion at 168 Yarmouth Rd
Buckdancer’s sells musical instruments in your area such as guitars, drums, pianos, violins, and more from well known brands including Yamaha, Taylor, Eastman, Blackstar, and others. Internationally renowned drums and Heritage guitars are sold at Portland Percussion.
Where To Buy Guitars
For all the guitars and accessories you need check out:
- Guitar Grave at 650 Main St
- Guitar Center at 198 Maine Mall Rd
New and used instruments, amplifiers, pedals, and much more are sold at Guitar Grave.
The Guitar Center near you is home to one of the largest selections of popular guitars, basses, amplifiers, keyboards, workstations, drums, percussions, microphones, PA systems, DJ equipment, stage lighting, recording software, studio gear, and more.
Both Buckdancer’s Choice Music and Portland Percussion from our previous list are also great local shops to buy guitars.
Drum Shops Near You
The Drum Shop at 965 Forest Ave Forest Avenue sells all kinds of drums and provides lessons as well.
Instrument Repair
Instrument repairs in Portland are available at:
- Music & Arts at 106 Gray Rd
- Joseph’s Piano Services at 54 Fickett St
Music and Arts has Stradivarius model violins, violas, and cellos that are suitable for professionals, beginners, and everything in between plus they offer local rental and repair services.
In addition to selling instruments Joseph’s also provides complete piano services such as tuning, moving, storage, repairs, and restorations. Don’t forget that if you need drum repairs in Portland you can head to The Drum Shop.
Music Lessons
Level up by taking lessons at a music school in your area:
- Midcoast School of Music at 533 Forest Ave
- Nell Britton Piano Studio at 580 Forest Ave
Exclusive guitar, bass, drum, piano, and voice lessons in Portland as well as classroom style courses in music theory and improvisation are offered at Midcoast School of Music. Nell Britton Piano Studio’s teaching approach is based upon the classical tradition.
CD & Record Stores
Check out all kinds of vintage CD’s and records at these local stores for music lovers:
- Moody Lords Vinyl/Vintage at 566 Congress St
- Strange Maine at 578 Congress St #A
- Enterprise Records at 151 Park St
- Abraxas at 650 Congress St
- Bull Moose at 219 Waterman Dr
Strange Maine buys and sells used records, CD’s, tapes, records, and 8 tracks in all mediums. Enterprise Records has been fulfilling the needs of record addicts with vinyl, CD’s, photo films, and recorders since 1987.
Heavy metal and punk records, apothecary items, radical and occult books, and more are available at Abraxas. Bull Moose is a great place to buy CD’s and records near you along with movies, video games, books, and gifts.
Portland Live Music Venues
Seeing a concert at Portland live music venues is always a good time:
- House Of Music and Events at 25 Temple St
- Blue at 650 Congress St #A
- Flask Lounge at 117 Spring St
- One Longfellow Square at 181 State St
The House Of Music is a great local live music venue for wedding receptions, work party events, meetups, dances, corporate events, and more or to just go catch an act.
In addition to hosting live jazz, folk, and rock music Blue also offers a selection of fine wines, Maine craft brews, spirits, and other amazing menu items.
There’s live music, dance nights, karaoke, and open DJ nights at Flask Lounge where corporate events, product launches, holiday parties, and social gatherings are often held. In an airy intimate setting One Longfellow Square hosts unforgettable live music, performing arts, and community events.
Fun Restaurants With Entertainment
You can take a date or a group of friends to these restaurants with live music:
- Andy’s Old Port Pub at 94 Commercial St #4738
- Rí Rá Irish Pub & Restaurant at 72 Commercial St
- The Thirsty Pig at 37 Exchange St
- Amigos Mexican Restaurant & Bar at 9 Dana St
Andy’s Old Port Pub is a laid back classic joint offering seafood centric pub grub, 18 lines of craft beers, whiskeys, and tequilas along with acoustic music nights in your area.
Bars With Live Music
There are also some bars that play live music around town:
- Oasis at 42 Wharf St
- The Snug at 223 Congress St
- Bonfire Country Bar Portland at 37 Wharf St
Live DJ and band nights are featured at Oasis which has a large outdoor patio, sports on four widescreen TV’s, and state of the art lighting and sound. Bonfire Country Bar is a rustic chic hangout with 20 local drafts on tap, sports events on 16 TV’s, country theme, and live music.
Music Festivals In Your Area
Have as much fun as you can at these music festivals near you:
- Moxie Festival in July
- Yarmouth Clam Festival in July
In the past we have also discussed:
- Where To Buy CD’s & Records In Boston
- Where To Buy CD’s & Records In Montreal
- Where To Buy CD’s & Records In New York City
- Where To Buy CD’s & Records In Providence
Enjoy The Portland Local Music Scene
We tried to cover everything as quickly and as well as possible for you on this page. After reading about the best musical instrument stores, drum and guitar shops, instrument repair services, classes and lessons, vintage CD and record stores, concert halls and other live music venues near you like bars and restaurants, and the best festivals in the region you should have a much better understanding of what is available.
And anyone that made it this far might just know a little bit about the local music scene themself and if so feel free to tell us what we got wrong in the comments or share your own thoughts. Now it is time for you to go enjoy the music in Portland.
