Music
Portland’s musical offerings are diverse as the city itself, with options including indie rock, jazz, classical, pop and more.
Home to indie darlings and internationally acclaimed artists alike (think Pink Martini, Esperanza Spalding, The Decemberists, The Shins and Elliot 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. Read on for our guide to the city’s thriving music scene, then head to our events calendar to discover upcoming music events in Portland.
Music Events in Portland
Portland overflows year-round with live shows, festivals and music-centered things to do.
Live Music Venues
These five venues showcase some of the best live music in each of the city's five quadrants.
Local Musicians
Check out these up-and-coming musicians making a name for themselves in Portland.
The New Class of the Portland R&B Scene
A new generation of artists is attracting more light to the Portland R&B scene than ever before.
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.
Meet Queer Indigenous Musician, Black Belt Eagle Scout
Portland artist Katherine Paul draws inspiration from the riot grrrl movement, Nirvana and her Swinomish roots.
Upcoming Music Picks

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

Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn
With acts that have ranged from Al Green to ZZ Top, McMenamins Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn are an annual rite of summer and the hottest ticket in town.

PDX Pop Now!
The rescheduled 2023 PDX Pop Now! Festival is taking place October 6th, 7th, and 8th at Speck’s, Red Fox, and the Electric Blocks in collaboration with Friends of Noise. All Portland artists + all ages + free Lineup is coming soon. PDX Pop Now! was created when 14 people envisioned local music emboldened by local…

Día de Los Muertos at the Portland Mercado
Join the Portland Mercado for its cultural celebration with local vendors, music, and a community altar. The Portland Mercado is a hub for Latino culture in Portland and an initiative of Hacienda CDC that provides affordable retail space for businesses to launch and grow.

Dia de Los Muertos Festival
Come and enjoy the Day of the Dead Festival to remember our loved ones who have passed on to Mictlan. It will begin with the Aztec Dance, with community altars, raffles, music, Mexican treats and much more. It is a family-friendly event, and everyone is welcome. Organized by: Mitotiliztli Tezkatlipoka and RISE EVENT SCHEDULE: 2:00…

Portland's Singing Christmas Tree
Come celebrate Christmas with Portland's favorite holiday tradition. Let the glory of Christmas come alive as the three hundred-voice choir creates a Christmas extravaganza for the whole family, featuring your favorite holiday songs, dancing Santas and a beautiful cinematic Nativity. It is an awe-inspiring presentation of the true gift of Christmas and an experience not…

Handel's Messiah
No composition kindles the warmth of the holiday season like Handel’s Messiah. Bringing to life the theatrical splendor that’s made Messiah an audience favorite for 300 years, the Portland State University Chamber Choir and a quartet of astounding soloists join your Oregon Symphony for Handel’s meditation on faith, hope, and redemption.

Gospel Christmas
Bring joy to your holiday season with the 24th annual performance of this beloved concert, featuring the region’s premier gospel singers alongside your Oregon Symphony. Experience the joy and spiritual uplift of gospel music, performed with passion and feeling by some of the finest musicians in the region.

Comfort and Joy
Join the Oregon Symphony for an evening of good cheer with season classics such as “We Need a Little Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “White Christmas,” as well as a very merry sing-along. It will be a jubilant celebration sure to put you and yours in the holiday spirit. Artists: Deanna Tham, Conductor

Thundercat
In recent years Thundercat, aka Stephen Bruner, has completed his transition from virtuoso bassist to bonafide star and cemented his reputation as a wholly unique voice, transcending genre. He has become a cornerstone of the Brainfeeder label having released “The Golden Age of Apocalypse” (2011), “Apocalypse” (2013), “Drunk” (2017), and his 2020 album “It Is…

Philip Mandel
Join Philip for his 70th Birthday celebration at The Reser. Enjoy music by Grieg (his wonderful Holberg Suite), Schubert’s heavenly Impromptu in G-flat, Beethoven’s best-known piano piece (Moonlight Sonata), two works by Chopin (Nocturne in C-minor and Revolutionary Etude), and more. Come for the concert, stay for the reception at Grey Raven Gallery (two blocks…

San Holo
Dutch electronic musician San Holo is a genre-bending EDM producer and songwriter whose work touches upon future bass, ambient, trap, and pop styles. He initially garnered attention in the 2010s, posting remixes of tracks by Dr. Dre, Outkast, and other hip-hop performers. After founding his own Bitbird label, he broke through with his 2017 debut,…

Young Fathers
Their recorded music can be dark, dense and ambiguous lyrics, but when you watch them live, that kinetic energy is unmistakable. Apparent, visceral and highly addictive. Alloysious Massaquoi, Kayus Bankole and G. Hastings met as kids and set their bodies against the tide. From the beginning, they were obstinately not going to do what was…

Ain’t Misbehavin’
The incomparable Thomas “Fats” Waller rose to international fame during the Golden Age of the Cotton Club and that jumpin’ new beat, swing music. Winner of the 1978 Tony Award for Best Musical, Ain’t Misbehavin’ evokes the delightful humor and infectious energy of this American legend as a versatile cast struts, strums, and sings the songs that he…

Daniel Caesar
An acute sense of intimacy, emotional boldness, and a soft touch with rough feelings all give Canadian R&B singer/songwriter Daniel Caesar one of the more unique voices of his craft. Collaboration became the backbone of his success, first in the form of several breakthrough singles from his 2017 debut album, Freudian. Duets with peers like…

Cryptic Cypher
Presented by Rated Ill and Skilfest Productions, Cryptic Cypher PDX promises an unforgettable evening of music, dance, delectable cuisine, prize giveaways and more. This interactive hip-hop extravaganza is a unique gem in Portland's event landscape. Taking place at Morrison Market on Stage 722. Audience members take the reins as judges in the Emcee Battle, where…

Pansy Division
There have been gay musicians hidden throughout rock music history, but Pansy Division, when it began in 1991 in San Francisco, they were the first to be so boldly open about it. Founded by guitarist/singer Jon Ginoli and soon joined by bassist/vocalist Chris Freeman, with the intent of forming a gay rock band, Pansy Division…

Vallis Alps
Blending synth-pop, downtempo, and hip-hop influences into wistful but not too nostalgic songs, Vallis Alps is the project of vocalist Parissa Tosif and producer David Ansari. Though the pair originally lived thousands of miles apart — Tosif was from Canberra, Australia and Ansari from Seattle in the U.S. — they met during their gap year…

Lucky Chops
Lucky Chops is big, brassy, and unapologetically bold. The six-piece band has united audiences in more than 30 countries in thousands of shows, hard-driving grooves and potent singable melodies. The irresistible groove that is Lucky Chops is led by co-founder Josh Holcomb’s soulful trombone, Daro Behroozi’s soaring sax and Joshua Gawel’s powerful trumpet. Born in…

Fall in Love with Lents: Really Free Night Market
The Fall in Love with Lents Friday Really Free Night Market is inspired by the “Really, Really Free” Market (RRFM) movement, which is a temporary market that aims to counteract capitalism by sharing. Sharing includes resources, caring for one another, and improving the collective lives of everyone in the community through giving and receiving. This…

Live Music on the Village Green
Enjoy the sounds of talented local artists while exploring Bridgeport Village's new storefronts, restaurants and community gathering spaces. The highly anticipated Live Music on the Village Green series runs on weekends through the end of September. Plus, bring the family to enjoy Portland's top children's musical entertainers during Summer Saturdays in July and August on…

Billy Strings
A master of the guitar, banjo, and mandolin, Billy Strings is a singer and instrumentalist whose music starts with the sound and speed of bluegrass and folds in elements of rock, jazz, and psychedelia. Strings deals in acoustic music, but his lyrics are rooted in contemporary issues ("Dust in a Baggie" sounds like a classic…

Owl City
Since first breaking onto the alt-pop scene in 2007, Owl City has built a global following on the strength of his heart-on-sleeve songwriting and endlessly inventive sound. Along with earning a monumental hit with the diamond-certified "Fireflies," -a 2009 release that reached No. 1 in 26 countries-the, the Minnesota-bred artist otherwise known as Adam Young…

Shreya Ghoshal
RASIKA presents Bollywood’s most popular and iconic diva singer Shreya Ghoshal Live in her first-ever appearance in Portland, OR. This is her only concert on the West Coast on this tour. Rasika thanks the national tour organizers, Shreya and the entire team for their loving gesture to perform for Rasika in our 25th performing art…

Chris Farren
On Born Hot, Farren fully embodies the sensitive-goofball dichotomy found in all his work, especially his exuberant live show: a solo performance in which he plays to live-recorded backing tracks while projecting purposely wacky visuals (his face duplicated thousands of times, text that reads "ANOTHER PERFECT SET" at the end of each closing song). By…

Maude Latour
Maude Latour has had a whirlwind few years. The 23-year-old singer/songwriter signed her first record deal, graduated from Columbia University, amassed a passionate fanbase, and appeared on the cover of the Chicago Tribune and in the pages of The New York Times. The whole time, she’s been honing her craft, pushing herself to tackle uncomfortable…

Soul Vaccination with special guest Andy Stokes
Legendary 12-piece PDX funk band Soul Vaccination returns to the Abbey stage for another high-energy performance featuring Brian Harris on keys and Gary Harris on sax with all the usual talented suspects. Enjoy classic R&B tracks as this band pays tribute to the best of Soul music from the 80s and 90s like Tower of…

Will Hoge and William Elliot Whitmore
Will Hoge is a 21st-century rock and roll mainstay, carrying the torch for a blue-collar sound rooted in ringing Telecaster guitars and anthemic songwriting. He makes music for roadhouses and rallies, for car stereos and dive-bar jukeboxes, for Saturday night hell-raising and for Sunday morning comedowns. In an era of social media influencers looking to…

Winston Surfshirt
ARIA double-platinum six-piece Sydney collective Winston Surfshirt has spent the past six years establishing itself as one of Australia’s, and the world’s, finest R&B-soul outfits. Building a dedicated fanbase off the back of two dreamy albums and a handful of unforgettable collaborations, they’re a group of unassuming cult heroes making music that’s old-school in feel…

Spotlight: A Family Arts Festival
For one weekend only, catch Portland's best theater, music, and dance geared toward children and families. Head to THE JUDY for a unique experience where you can see all of your favorite family-friendly acts performed in one place. Plus, you'll get a chance to connect with the local organizations behind the art and learn more…

Fall Fling
It’s time to celebrate in St. Johns. Join in for some fall-themed fun: Art and activities from local businesses Chances to win hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards and merchandise from St. Johns Businesses Hula-hooping with Allison KirleyA visit from The Smalls mini horsesJazz duo Portland Standard Time playing live music Public Math Day…

Musical Playground
Musical Playground is a FREE, fun, interactive event for families with children ages 0-10. Join us and explore music and instruments from around the world. The Reser has partnered with local arts providers to create a day of fun, interactive musical experiences designed to empower, build community connection, and inspire creativity. The Musical Playground aims…

Fall in Love with Lents: East Portland Art Fest
#EastPDXArtFest is back for year two. This is a celebration of local East Portland and Lents art, makers, vendors, and talent in the heart of Lents Town Center. 25+ local vendors, makers, and artists. Live music and entertainment throughout the event. Free admission. Fall in Love with Lents aims to build community, celebrate art, and…

South American Fest
This event has been canceled. Please see website for details. PDX SOUTH AMERICAN FEST 2023 Food: – Ale Cocina (Argentina) – Bajon (Chile) Performances: – 12 p.m. Folkloric Dances (Peru) – 1 p.m. Salsa Lesson (Venezuela) – 2 p.m. DJ La Flor (Colombia) – 3 p.m. Samba (Brazil) Vendors: – William Hernandez (Peru) – Roots…

Finding Her Beat – benefit screening and live taiko performance
Finding Her Beat is a documentary film from 2022 that spotlights the best female taiko drummers from North America and Japan. It appeals to anyone interested in Japanese culture, drumming or stories of sisterhood. The film features Tiffany Tamaribuchi, a world-famous taiko player who recently moved to Portland to be the Artistic Director at Portland…

Queer & Dear: Echoes of Queerness through Song and Sequins
Big Mouth Society presents an evocative fusion of music, storytelling, and exploration, culminating in an intergenerational dance party. Hosted by Big Mouth’s very own drag sensation Betty Poops, with support from Artistic Director Emily Lau, Queer & Dear weaves together rich choral harmonies, instrumental melodies, spirited drag artistry, and the diverse creativity of our queer…

JUNTOSpdx presents: Nuestra Herencia
JUNTOSpdx, a vibrant community organization dedicated to showcasing and celebrating Latin/Hispanic culture, is excited to announce its upcoming event, 'Nuestra Herencia.' At the heart of this three-weekend festival lies a vibrant mission: to bring to life the exquisite tapestry of Latin/Hispanic culture through the captivating mediums of art, stories, food, music, and dance. Locations: The…

Ural Thomas & The Pain
Walking through the residential heart of Portland’s Mississippi district, you’ll find a charming wooden house under the overcast Oregon sky. This local landmark is the home of soul legend Ural Thomas, built by hand with found materials decades ago. The basement is overflowing with musical equipment. When you walk down into the room, you may…

The Wonder Years
With their rousing mix of pop punk, emo, and earnest alt-rock, the Wonder Years clawed their way onto the mainstream charts in the early 2010s with albums like Suburbia I've Given You All, and Now I'm Nothing and The Greatest Generation. Hailing from the Philadelphia suburb of Lansdale, the band continued to evolve their sound,…

Art Abrams Swing Machine Big Band Presents The King Machine
The music of Elvis Presley performed by a swingin' big band featuring vocalist LaRhonda Steele in tribute to Art Abrams. Join a special night of music and celebrate the life and work of Art Abrams, who presents his brand-new, Elvis-inspired big band, The King Machine. The 2018 Portland Jazz Master, Oregon Music Hall of Fame…

Latin Dancing Nights
Every Saturday, Nico's Cantina has a live band or DJ playing. Music alternates between Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia, and Banda every Saturday. NIco's Cantina offers a laid-back atmosphere, a simple menu, and affordable prices.

HAIR
Let the sunshine in. With an iconic score that changed pop culture forever, HAIR is as relevant today as it was when it radicalized a generation in 1968. This revolutionary rock musical tells the story of a group of counter-culturalists whose worlds are shaken when one of them receives his draft notice for the Vietnam…

Mahler’s First Symphony
A titanic work of unbridled expression and orchestral color, Mahler’s First Symphony charts a journey in which the composer crosses tranquil meadows, witnesses a funeral march, and triumphs over self-doubt. Plus, violinist Benjamin Beilman brings his talent to showstopping miniatures by Ravel and Saint-Saëns. Program Gabriel Kahane: World Premiere and Oregon Symphony Commission Saint-Saëns: Introduction…

Tablao Flamenco La Alcachofa
Enjoy an exhilarating evening of live flamenco music and dance at Tablao Flamenco la Alcachofa. Each month brings a unique lineup of musicians and dancers to the stage at Cafe Artichoke. September's performance features special guest dancers Sophia Solano and Kelli Brown (Flamenco Idaho), with Nela McGuire (dance), Yeshe Wingerd (vocals), Brenna McDonald (guitar), and…

Cappella Romana: Arvo Pärt & Galina Grigorjeva (Odes of Repentance)
Cappella Romana opens its 32nd season with music for healing, for repentance in the Orthodox sense: a change of mind, moving towards the Good. Begin with the North American premiere of Vespers by Ukrainian-Estonian composer Galina Grigorjeva. Selections from her fellow Orthodox composer Arvo Pärt complete the concert with works from the 31st recording release,…

Erin Rae
Three years after the release of her critically acclaimed debut, Putting On Airs, Nashville-raised singer-songwriter Erin Rae shares an intimate, honest, and playful version of herself through her sophomore albumLightenUp.Produced by Jonathan Wilson and recorded in the musically hallowed grounds of California’s Topanga Canyon, the album represents Rae's sonic and inner shift. In it, she…

Love Gigantic
Portland all-star rock band LOVE GIGANTIC performs classic Led Zeppelin songs accompanied by aerial dance and choreography presented by B. Movement. Musical performers include: Sarah King Chet Lyster David Langenes Arthur Parker Ryan Moore and Lara Michell

6LACK
Dazed slow jams with forthright experiential lyrics are the primary mode of Atlanta-based contemporary R&B artist 6LACK (pronounced "black"). A model of perseverance, the singer/rapper and songwriter toiled for years before he struck a favorable deal with LVRN (Love Renaissance) and helped put the Interscope-affiliated label on the map. The Atlanta native achieved his breakthrough…

Casey Neill & The Norway Rats
'Sending Up Flares', the fourth record from Casey Neill & The Norway Rats, is the sound of a band rallying together, turning the genre-bending range of its influences into the group's most cohesive, cathartic album yet. Created amidst chaos and uncertainty, these songs offer a lifeline of stories about resolve, resilience, and wonder. A prolific…

Mac Sabbath
Why care about a disturbed clown named Ronald Osborne? A clown who's convinced he traveled through a wormhole in the time-space continuum from the 1970s with a band of Monsanto mutants named Slayer MacCheeze, Grimalice and the Cat Burglar? Because they are here to save us from the disastrously decayed synthetic state of music and…
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