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    State Theatre

    3.2 (98 reviews)
    Open 6:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)

    Services - State Theatre

    Venue rental

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    Recommended Reviews - State Theatre

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    Danielle V.

    Great old theater that has a lot of history in Portland. I love this building and love that they have all kinds of different shows now. A couple bathrooms and bars. The upstairs has seating, downstairs has some seating and some standing. Overall it is an older venue but the charm is there. Always a little to hot for me but other then that they have great shows!

    gracie abrams / outside
    Jane G.

    The State Theatre is an iconic concert venue housed in an old timey, stunning theatre. Although the space appears small, there is ample ground level and balcony seating, as well as floor space. They host a variety of artists, from up and coming to big name, and have a prime location on Congress Street in the heart of Old Port. Pricy drinks and long lines, but other than that, can't complain.

    a crowd of people watching a performance
    Brian L.

    Last night was my first soirée with State Theatre. It helps that the performers were absolutely lit, but I must say I like the venue and am surprised at the average ratings. Tickets for GYBE were all general admission; there's a small standing room/pit area near the stage, but the rest of it is bowl seating. I got special access in the ADA (handicap) section which is stage left, slightly elevated, near the bar area, and seat-less (though they bring you folding chairs if you're not in a wheelchair). The staff was helpful and friendly about getting me ADA seating upon request, though it's recommended that you email the venue ahead of time. There's an upstairs seating area as well and in general it seems that all views are good. The ADA section is just above the sound booth so as long as the mixer isn't abnormally tall, you should be fine. I will say that the opening act had a lot of trouble with acoustics and reverberation. I was told by the guys sitting next to me (who were his buddies) that this is the largest venue he's ever played and was nervous, but also implied that he probably didn't have a lot of crew and is more accustomed to playing more intimate settings. Even with earplugs, my eardrums vibrated uncomfortably. However, GYBE had a much more professional sound quality so I would think that in general, if your performers have a good sound person, then the sound shouldn't be too bad. But it could certainly do better. Otherwise, I had no complaints. It's not too large, I like the old deco vibe. Felt vintage. People were well behaved. Would be happy to go again.

    Billy Strings
    Brian V.

    Great acoustics and venue to catch a show. I was lucky enough to catch Billy Strings on a whim while I was wandering around the city. Considering this show was sold out, the staff did a great job of keeping the line moving to get everyone in on time. I thoroughly enjoyed the show at this historical venue.

    Psychedelic Furs
    Mike S.

    Great old venue to see a show. We've been to a few and the sound was always good, two working bars inside and plenty of room to move around. I'm told they just added air conditioning so that should help for added comfort. Historical building that could use an update. Always good when a city this size has an old theater that can still be used for live music.

    Young the Giant 10/23/2015
    Joanna R.

    This is a great theater. For a concert - the sound is great, the lighting is great and there is an option for people to stand in the front or sit in the back. Great location. Near several parking garages and restaurants for you to use and enjoy before the show. There is plenty of staff around to keep the peace and greet you as you enter and exit the venue. Once you leave though, you can't reenter. There is a bag check and they use a wand on you like at the airport. There are a couple of bars to your right as you walk in, although I can't speak to the quality or selection or service of the bartenders, I see many people enjoying beverages. Some of the downsides, it gets very hot and stuffy, but sometimes they will stand by and prop open a side door. Typically that's during the sold out shows in the summer. If you need to sit in the back or like to sit, when people stand, which inevitably happens at concerts, you can't see. The good news when you are sitting the seats are comfortable:) This is a great live performance venue that I do recommend.

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    2 months ago

    great venue with chill staff and space to dance or sit. fantastic and varied schefule lately. prices way cheaper than Boston.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - State Theatre

    Review Highlights - State Theatre

    . This gorgeous, historical venue is a delight and we are grateful to be able to experience touring acts in this space

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    Blue - Aperol Spritz and Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini

    Blue

    4.0(70 reviews)
    0.1 miArts District, West End
    $$

    My wife and I recently went to our first show at Blue the other night. Had never really known it…read morewas a spot prior to this concert. It was an album release party for local pop-punk/emo band Broadwing. The card featured other local bands as well as a New England DJ. I know now that some shows at Blue are free or minimal cover which is great. Tickets for this show ended up being $12 which is a great value for a concert/night out. Hard to find tickets that cheap nowadays. The person working the door was friendly and had our name already so didn't even need to pull the tickets up. Bartenders were friendly and the drinks were well made. I especially liked their spicy cocktail Bing Bong which had the perfect kick to it! Prices were reasonable for drinks as well. Venue is on the small side as expected but had a great vibe for intimate smaller shows. Even with a sold-out show it was not overpacked. The acoustics and sound were good for a smaller venue as well. If you love smaller concerts I would recommend checking out their event schedule to see if something piques your interest. Also if you are a fan of pop punk music then do yourself a favor and check out Broadwing (especially their song New England Baby)! Very down to earth friendly band!

    The online presence of Blue is a dumpster fire. Why do I need to enter my contact information just…read moreto see what's happening tonight? If I don't, there is NO current reliable information on who's scheduled. Pathetic and unreliable. I'm not doing it. I've enjoyed many evenings there, but the basic management of the venue is a joke. It will be a shame when it closes. What acts are scheduled for the NEXT WEEK? How difficult is that to maintain? Apparently, it's not possible.

    Photos
    Blue - Samantha Ramsdell

    Samantha Ramsdell

    Blue - Bar

    Bar

    Blue

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    The Portland Club

    The Portland Club

    3.5(6 reviews)
    0.2 miWest End

    Honestly, the Portland Club is a special spot. Filled with history, great times, and the best…read morepeople who care immensely. I always leave with a smile on my face:) I highly recommend anyone who's looking for a fun time and great company to check it out.

    We were very excited for a New years Eve Celebration at The Portland Club. It was advertised as a…read more"Studio 54" Disco themed party, with prizes and giveaways. It said to dress to impress for a disco, when we arrived we were greeted by a host that was there to check you off the list and make sure you paid your $120. Which covered some cocktails, cookies, fruit and finger sandwiches. The hosts stayed by the door and didn't really check to see how the party was going. There were a few streamers and balloons. No party favors or noise makers for midnight. A very small disco ball over the empty dance floor. (We thought we were early) The lights were never dimmed throughout the night so you couldn't see the disco lights. The DJ refused to play any music the guest requested for the Disco effect and got upset when asked. People complained and left by 10:30pm. The DJ was terrible and kept his head down and continued playing through the stroke of midnight with the few remaining guest counting down on their own, when he finally realized it he played some lame new year's celebration music too late. It definitely was not what they advertised at all. Sorry to say someone dropped the ball that night and it wasn't the new years ball. Maybe miscommunication or lack of planning? Hopefully next year will be better for those who do go back. Happy New Year .

    Photos
    The Portland Club
    The Portland Club
    The Portland Club

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    State Theatre - theater - Updated May 2026

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