20 Maine concerts to catch before the end of the year
Maine’s Late‑Fall and Holiday Music Calendar
Maine’s live‑music scene continues to thrive as the last months of 2026 roll around. From big‑band swing in Waterville to intimate folk shows in Portland, venues across the state have filled schedules with a mix of national headliners and home‑grown acts. Below is a concise rundown of concerts that will take place in November and December, grouped by month and date.
November
Nov. 5 – 7 p.m. – Johnson Hall Opera House, Gardiner
Black Violin (Wil Baptiste & Kev Marcus) – $69.24. The Grammy‑nominated duo blends classical strings with hip‑hop beats on the “Be Free” tour.
Nov. 6 – 7 p.m. – The Hill Arts, Portland
Highway Kind – $25 (adv.) / $30 (door). A tribute act honoring the late folk legend John Prine, with songs from his 18‑album catalog.
Nov. 6 – 7:30 p.m. – The Dance Hall, Kittery
Tanasi – $20 (adv.) / $25 (door) / $12 (students). The Asheville‑based “worldgrass” trio (Billy Cardine, Anya Hinkle, Mary Lucey) mixes Appalachian string‑band sounds with global folk traditions.
Nov. 6 – 8 p.m. – Aura, Portland
The Knocks – $40.50–$51.25. The NYC‑born DJ duo is slated for an 18‑plus dance‑music set that has amassed billions of streams.
Nov. 8 – 8 p.m. – State Theatre, Portland
Fruit Bats – $35 (adv.) / $40 (door). Singer‑songwriter Eric D. Johnson heads out with his band to promote the June release of The Landfill. The show opens with Americana vocalist Sarah King.
Nov. 11 – 7 p.m. – Cross Insurance Center, Bangor
Sugarland – $62.75–$124.50. The country duo (Jennifer Nettles & Kristian Bush) celebrates the 20th anniversary of Enjoy the Ride on its Ride‑or‑Die tour.
Nov. 13 – 8 p.m. – Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield
Alejandro Escovedo & The Electric Saints – $40. Escovedo, whose career spans punk, rock, country, and roots, performs with top‑tier musicians.
Nov. 14 – 7:30 p.m. – Westbrook Performing Arts Center, Westbrook
The Rush Tribute Project – $42–$70.75. The ensemble tackles Rush’s 1981 Moving Pictures album in full, complete with laser shows and vintage instruments.
Nov. 15 – 8 p.m. – State Theatre, Portland
The War and Treaty – $30–$45. Married singer‑songwriters Michael and Tanya Trotter present their mix of Americana, soul, and gospel.
Nov. 27–29 – 8 p.m. (Friday & Saturday), 4 p.m. (Sunday) – State Theatre, Portland
Beatles Night with The Walrus – $28 (adv.) / $33 (door) / $56 (two‑day) / $90 (four‑pack). Local musician Spencer Albee’s band covers the Fab Four. An additional show on Dec. 11 at The Criterion Theatre in Bar Harbor (ticket starts $30.78).
December
Dec. 3 – 7:30 p.m. – Jonathan’s, Ogunquit
Joan Osborne – $70–$111. The singer‑songwriter performs her 1996 album Relish in its entirety.
Dec. 5 – 8 p.m. – Live at Madrid’s, Portland
Pink Talking Phish – $25 (adv.) / $30 (door). A mash‑up of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish, with a pre‑show opening by Say You Love Me.
Dec. 5 – 8 p.m. – State Theatre, Portland
The Mallett Brothers Band – $25 (adv.) / $30 (door). Brothers Will and Luke Mallett, joined by Nick Leen, Andrew Martelle, and Brian Higgins, deliver roots‑and‑Americana tunes.
**Dec. 12 – 8
