5 Best Performing Arts Venues in Portland, Maine

An alternative-arts venue for the innovative and up-and-coming, Mayo Street Arts often features intimate concerts, contemporary exhibitions, and offbeat puppet shows in a repurposed church.

This soaring concert hall, built in 1912 and holding just under 2,000 seats, hosts numerous theatrical, comedy, and musical events—including performances by the Portland Symphony Orchestra and the Portland Opera Repertory Theatre, and many nationally and internationally touring artists. Ask about organ recitals on the auditorium's huge 1912 Kotzschmar Memorial Organ.

This company mounts theatrical productions on its two stages September through May. Recent productions have included lots of new plays, mixed in with well-known works and musical shows.

Space Gallery sparkles as a contemporary art gallery and alternative arts venue, opening its doors to everything from poetry readings and art fairs to live music to documentary films.

Originally opened in 1929, this 1,870-seat performing arts venue had a major facelift in 2010, but the Moorish and Art Deco architecture remain. Today the theater welcomes minor bands, comedy acts, and the occasional political rally.