Amazing intimate venue for being up close and personal with musicians and performers. Great acoustics and nearly feel as though the performance is just for you with limited seats and proximity. Staff is great, super friendly and welcoming. On tap beer selection, wine and snacks available if desired. Unfortunately I am not local or I would definitely grab a membership to enjoy the front row tables and be a regular here. Street parking is available or short walk from some of the larger public lots as well. Walking distance to a number of local restaurants and bars to grab a bite prior to or after events. Highly recommend getting out to support this awesome venue! read more

See all

This is a great venue to watch artists in a very intimate setting, where you could almost have conversations with the artist as they played on the stage. The seating is limited with some obstructed views, but the audio was great and there's a selection of beverages that you could have as well, including free water. The staff was super friendly as they escorted people in and checked IDs at the door and the show that we went to was phenomenal and enjoyable. I will definitely come back if an artist comes through that I wanna see here. Oh the show we saw was the Jackie Greene set. read more

One Longfellow Square - Jackie Greene - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Maine

Came here by chance to see Louden Wainwright III! Their covid protocols were good -- vaccinations required and the folks were kind. The interior is super cozy!! There's enough seating for about 100? or so people. There are two spots on the left that are completely blocked by poles so those aren't that great, but the rest is good. Every spot is intimate and close. They have a membership that supports the venue and gives discounts for shows and the like. There's a little bar for libations and other drinks as well. Definitely check it out!! read more

See all

We arrived about a half hour after the doors opened and were lucky to buy some of the last tickets to a sold out Golden Oak show featuring Ben Cosgrove. This is a gem of a small venue: the people are friendly, the seating is comfortable, and the musicians commented several times about the wonderful acoustics in the room. We really enjoyed the show--Golden Oak played their own stuff, as well as some 70s covers (Grateful Dead, Fleetwood Mack, The Band). We really enjoyed this venue and will be back! read more

Went to see The Wellerman perform for there first US Tour. We loved the small intimate atmosphere here. The crowd was lively and enjoyed the music and took full advantage of the small venue to not only interact with the musicians, but for the musicians to also engage with the crowd. read more

It's small and mighty! I absolutely love this venue, everyone is ALWAYS friendly and helpful. There is a small bar by the front door that has local beers and they sell snacks as well. My only complaint and it's of no fault of the venue, the parking sucks, street parking ALWAYS sucks no matter where you are, it's on the corner of a one way street, if you're not there super early, your chances of getting a decent spot that's not a mile or two down the street are slim. The sound quality in this room is amazing, the line up of local and well known artists is outstanding. I'm so excited to be heading back here in November to see Melissa Ferrick! read more

One Longfellow has been on fire to see comedians lately. I don't know took over booking acts but whoever it is, is doing a great job. They consistently get bigger acts than people that play in Boston but not people that will sell out the State or the Civic (Cross) Center. The small bar has your beer, wine, and most cocktails covered with normal prices for folks starting at 3 dollars for PBR to a 6 dollar Baxter or Allagash. One Longfellow holds between 100-200 people and is a very intimate setting. The balcony seating provides great views but can get blocked due to the limited amount of elevation. Parking is on the street and can be tough if it is 1st Friday or a busy night in the Summer. A lot of the acts will even make time for a photo after the show. (Case in point my picture) An awesome spot. read more

One Longfellow Square is a small, intimate venue that I definitely recommend. If you see someone here you can count on a respectful audience that is there to listen (and not talk over) what you are listening to and there is a great laid back vibe. I've seen 3 shows there and have always been happy with the sound quality and view of the stage. Staff is friendly and they have a small 1 person manned bar for drinks and beers if you have the urge. Seating setup is 2 levels: up the stairs has a small upper level. If it was me I'd sit in the first couple of rows for best view. Overall I recommend sitting downstairs with the most seating and views of the stage (and if you prefer not to crane your neck when looking down when seated upstairs). The only reason I can't quite give 5 stars for this is although the venue is great overall, the setup for seats is foldable chairs, some which are all wood with a non padded seat that I can't say are comfortable. All in all I won't hesitate to go to other shows and highly recommend this spot. A tip: there is no dedicated parking for OLS so show up early for that on-street parking (which is free after 6 pm). Enjoy! read more

See all

Caveat: I'm a member. Nonetheless this is my favorite place in Portland for live music to listen to, vs. dance to. The tickets are always very reasonably priced, getting in is as simple as your name on a list if you prepaid. I like the balcony for an unobstructed view and it pays off every time. Sound is terrific no matter where you're at in the building. Staff is easy and amenable. There's a small bar with essentials including coffee and tea. My kind of joint. read more

We saw Driftwood here. Great location with plenty of places around for dinner. I'd come back to this venue for another show without any hesitation. read more

One Longfellow Square - Driftwood playing OLS - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Maine

This venue is absolutely TINY- possibly the smallest I've ever been to. It's also one of the nicest small venues I've ever seen. While it isn't necessarily "fancy," it's comfortable and welcoming. The acoustics are great and I love the casual environment. Since it's located in a busy downtown area, parking can be an issue, but there are quite a few garages and lots in the area if you're willing to walk a bit. I've attended two shows here- Brendan James and Matt White several years back, and Damian McGinty just recently- and both times, I was really impressed. I would definitely make the trip again to see a show here. read more

One Longfellow is a great venue that deserves a few more reviews. It's an EXTREMELY intimate space, with perhaps a capacity of about 200? (Side Note: I love that Portland has a wide variety of performance venues to accommodate every type of artist and fan base!) If you're on the floor, you can literally walk up and touch the instruments, like you're watching a few of your musician friends jam out in a garage or a basement. There's also a balcony if you want to watch the show from a higher elevation. If you're the kind of concert-goer who needs to have a beer in one hand to balance out the fist-pumping happening with the other, don't fret - you can grab a beer or two and a few snacks at the small bar located directly inside the venue. When I went there a few weeks ago they had one or two Funky Bows on tap from which to choose. There was also a random plate of free cookies so I obviously grabbed a fistful and stuffed them in my pocket...you know, for later. The only drawback to seeing a show at this place is that you don't get a ticket; when you make a reservation via the interwebs your name goes on the list with however many +1s for whom you've also bought tickets. If you're like me and like to keep tickets as souvenirs, then prepared to get disappointed - but I begrudgingly admit that it's a good way to keep costs down. read more

I feel really stupid for not going here earlier. It is a great little venue that totally delivers on the small intimate feeling you want from a show. I came here to see comedian Matt Braunger last night, and it was the perfect setting, top to bottom. I have been spoiled lately seeing national type comedians in smaller venues - that I can't see myself schilling out big bucks to see someone at an arena. The intimacy can't be beat. The venue is round-ish, and I think it opens up for good seating options. There is a small bar if you want some libations, and they have some nice local beer selections there. Tickets are done with your name on a list, no need to print out ahead of time or worry that your phone won't load them (this might not be for every show... so read your instructions & terms). Tickets are reasonably priced too. I really loved the experience there, and will be on the lookout for future shows. The only complaint is parking is a bear, but that is not dear One Longfellows Square's fault at all. Just be a practical human adult and plan accordingly. read more

A beautifully curated soundscape in a great listening room in downtown Portland, OLS fills a niche that was lacking in our creative city. The staff (and volunteers!) are knowledgeable, and accommodating- welcoming you in with sincere excitement for whatever show you're about to experience. Even if you've never heard of the band/artist/group that may be playing, it's worth a stop. Worst case: you can enjoy the beautiful space and people watching. Best case: you find something new to love. read more

One Longfellow square is a place that is perfectly situated, smartly designed, and plays host to some sensational performers and events. From musicians like Ronnie Earl and Duke Robillard to showings of the Big Lebowski as part of the annual Dudefest (folks wearing bathrobes get discount tickets), this venue will display them all with local charm. For concessions, there's a decent bar with some available snacks. Nothing major, but enough to satisfy. Really, they have stellar offerings in a nice setting. That's all that needs to be said. read more

Really neat, intimate locals venue. Not a bad seat in the house (sound is even everywhere), and tickets are usually quite reasonably priced. Has a lil bar with affordable options for drinks during shows. Walkable location for those of us on the peninsula. Hoping to get back for Portland Jazz Orchestra again soon. read more

This is an awesome venue for an intimate show. They always get very talented performers--for example last fall they had my favorite cellist, Rushad Eggleston. There is a neat little balcony but I usually go for the middle seats downstairs. Always a few local beers and a special cocktail. Prices of tickets are very reasonable as well! I've never seen a bad show here. read more

Great intimate venue. Nice acoustics and not a bad seat in the house.

Intimate theater perfect for singer song writers and other performers. Full bar and basic amenities this organization brings in great acts for a great price amid welcoming community and neighborhood read more

Without a doubt the best place in Portland to see live music. Check out this wonderful intimate listening room, you'll not be disappointed!

Friendly atmosphere, with not a bad seat in the house. The real kicker is that they have great chocolate chip cookies to sustain you through the night. read more

Mary Fahl at OLS 8/8/15 The only reasons that I didn't give OLS a 5-star rating as a venue are due to 1) the outside street noise (sirens, loitering people talking loudly and even yelling) that wafts in during a performance and 2) the opening and closing clatter from the door leading to the lobby / rest rooms, while the artist is mid-song. People should be more courteous to the performer and attendees by waiting to go out in between the songs on the playlist. However, Mary Fahl does get 5-stars for her once again beautiful and heartfelt performance from a diverse repertoire. Mary's stories about her personal experiences and the crafting of her written music enhance and enchant everyone...and then there is her voice and soul that deliver us all to other times and better places in our hearts and minds with a reminder that in spite of all that's wrong in this world, 'Everything's Gonna Be Alright'. Thanks Mary and OLS for having Portland and Maine on your schedules. Are next years 'Mary' tickets available yet? read more

One Longfellow is a great place to see comedians. I've been here twice and both times it was for comedy shows. I like the intimacy of the space and it's made me not want to go see comedians in huge venues. I would say with seating on the main floor and upstairs, it holds probably maybe 50 people? Maybe? I don't feel like there is a bad seat in the house. I like the fact that there are no tickets to print out and deal with. They just put your name on the list with the number of tickets and you check in at the door. It can get a little hectic if the show is sold out and there are people waiting to check in, people trying to buy alcohol at the little bar and random people just milling around. It's not a huge space so when it sells out, it feels REALLY full. I feel like One Longfellow is one of the overlooked venues in Portland. They regularly get known comedians and bands with name recognition. At the last event I attended, I also learned that they do a comedy university and were having a show to showcase the graduating students. I think it's pretty cool that they give classes in how to be a stand up comedian. read more

So let me first say I am a performer who's had the pleasure of being on this stage. Now this may make you say "well this guy has a vested interest so I cannot no dare I say will NOT trust his review" but here me out. I'm a Comedian "oh well then his opinion never mattered" ...that was uncalled for but I'll continue. This place is a perfect blend of upscale artsy establishment with a real personable and closeness bordering on intimacy. The stage is small and you are right there with the audience plus you can see the goings on in the street outside. That adds a level of cool to the room and inspires you to perform a little better. The building is book ended by a statue of Portland's favorite son and poet Longfellow and a adult video emporium also with many works by Longfellow. Do not let that discourage you from going here it's really a great venue and I was very proud to be on their billing. That alone is an eclectic menu of some of the best offerings in the arts world. They at least if anything deserve your consideration when deciding what to do on a special evening. read more

If you are new to or visiting Portland you should save some time to visit One Longfellow Square. My wife and I frequently make an evening out at one of the MANY great restaurants in the Square and then go to OLS for a show. Their online calendar is sure to show you something you will like. The tickets are very reasonable. I highly recommend the Portland Jazz Orchestra shows. We've seen some pretty big luminaries there that you'd be surprised to see up close. Our favorite seats are actually in the balcony where you can look down on all the action. The sound board guy is a genius and the volume and sound quality is the best I've heard in a venue of this size. Also, their bar has great local craft beer and a full bar for cocktails. There is convenient parking behind the Local 188 restaurant (which is also a good place to supper beforehand). Trust the locals to give you a good hint on where to head out for a truly memorable experience! read more

Wonderful, intimate music venue that keeps you close to the performers. This is a 200-seat venue with some of the best acts in town at a low, affordable price for even the nationally known acts. If you want a cocktail, beer or glass of wine, you have those options besides the usual coffee and tea. The staff there are friendly and helpful. If you enjoy a true listening room, whether it's a singer/songwriter or a more raucous band like Beausoleil, this is the place to be. It's a room that's got everything going for it, including the crowd. read more

A great place to see and hear upcoming and well established acts, as well as some eclectic shows that you would not see anywhere else. The ticket prices are incredibly reasonable and the staff incredibly helpful and friendly. Great intimate shows and interaction with the performers. I've come away from several shows with a new found band that I regularly listen to and go see whenever they are in the area. A great place to discover new or unheard of acts on the cheap. read more

A small and intimate venue that offers a great live performance experience at a reasonable price.