2026 is set to be another fantastic year of concerts throughout New England.

There will be plenty of action at the smaller venues in Portland, Maine. That includes the iconic State Theater as well as Aura.

There's also a new venue preparing to open this year called Live at Madrid's.

But for many, when the weather gets warmer, the concerts need to get bigger. Portland, Maine, will be the setting for some big shows in 2026.

Here's a look at what is rolling through town and when.

Barry Manilow - April 19 - Cross Insurance Arena

This is it for Manilow fans. Barry Manilow will be bringing his farewell tour to the Cross Insurance Arena on Sunday, April 19.

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This is being deemed as Manilow's final concert ever in Portland. You can find ticket details here.

Claypool Gold - May 9 - Thompson's Point

Either Les Claypool is nuts or Les Claypool is crazy because he's bringing his Claypool Gold tour to Thompson's Point on Tuesday, June 9.

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The Portland, Maine, show will feature three of Les Claypool's projects including Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, The Claypool Lennon Delirium as well as Primus.

Ticket details can be found here.

Joe Russo's Almost Dead - June 19 - Thompson's Point

Fans of Joe Russo's Almost Dead know what the show is all about. It's all about 'not quite' Grateful Dead covers where Russo and his band improvise and accelerate many well-known tunes.

Every single show is just a little different. Joe Russo's Almost Dead returns to Portland, Maine, to play Thompson's Point on Friday, June 19.

Ticket details can be found here.

Billy Strings - July 24 & 25 - Cross Insurance Arena

Muitl-Grammy winning artist Billy Strings announced a summer tour throughout the United States including a pair of shows in Portland, Maine, on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25.

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Bad news for Bluegrass fans, those dates sold out quick. Billy Strings will pack the Cross Insurance Arena over that weekend.

Trampled By Turtles - July 26 - Thompson's Point

It's safe to say the last weekend in July is a defacto Bluegrass and Folk gathering in Portland, Maine. That's because Trampled By Turtles also arrives in the city for a show at Thompson's Point on Sunday, July 26.

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Richy Mitch and The Coal Miners are also featured at this performance. Ticket details can be found here.

Guster On The Ocean - August 8 & 9 - Thompson's Point

The annual tradition returns again. The summertime gathering known as Guster On The Ocean happens at Thompson's Point on Saturday, August 8 as well as Sunday, August 9.

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Just like in years past. Guster will do headlining sets and will feature additional bands throughout the weekend. Ticket details can be found here.

Lake Street Dive - August 15 & 16 - Thompson's Point

The soulful rock n' roll of Lake Street Dive returns to Portland, Maine, again in 2026. This time, they'll play more than one night.

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Lake Street Dive will take the stage at Thompson's Point on Saturday August 15 as well as Sunday, August 16. Ticket details can be found here.

Sierra Ferrell - September 5 - Thompson's Point

Sometimes referred to as an alternative country artist, Sierra Ferrell will return to Portland, Maine, on Saturday, September 5 at Thompson's Point.

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She previously played the State Theater for a sold-out show in 2024. Ticket details can be found here.

The Ghost of Paul Revere - September 6 - Thompson's Point

The Ghost of Paul Revere ride again with their Ghostland '26 festival happening at Thompson's Point on Sunday, September 6.

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Ghostland will also feature performances by Weakened Friends, Futurebirds and Mikaela Davis. Ticket details can be found here.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise - September 13 - Thompson's Point

Indie alternative band Rainbow Kitten Surprise makes a return to Portland, Maine, on Sunday, September 13 at Thompson's Point.

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Rainbow Kitten Surprise will spend the spring touring indoor venues before amping up their show throughout the summer for outdoor spaces like Thompson's Point. Ticket details can be found here.

Mt. Joy - September 23 - Thompson's Point

2026 is poised to be the biggest year in the career of Mt. Joy and they're capitalizing on it by hitting the road extensively to celebrate their 10-year anniversary.

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That includes at stop at Thompson's Point on Wednesday, September 23. Ticket details can be found here.

The Black Keys - October 11 - Cross Insurance Arena

It's been nearly 15 years since the last time the Black Keys played a show in Portland, Maine.

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They'll change that when they return to the Cross Insurance Arena on Sunday, October 11. Ticket details can be found here.

2026 Maine Savings Amphitheater Summer Concert Lineup

Each year, Waterfront Concerts delivers an amazing lineup for the summer concert season at the Maine Savings Amphitheater, drawing fans from all over to Bangor’s waterfront. Keep scrolling to see the full list of artists scheduled to perform in the Queen City of the East in 2026. We’ll keep this list up-to-date as more announcements roll in, so be sure to check back often!

Gallery Credit: Jordan Verge

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Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka