Joyful vibes at a lively outdoor party!
What better way to spend a warm summer day, or rainy winter evening, than in the company of good friends listening to amazing music? Luckily, Oregon has plenty of venues to help you do just this. While Portland is Oregon’s mecca of music, there are plenty of places to enjoy live music around the state. Did your favorite music venue make the cut?
Mississippi Studios, Portland, OR
In 2003 an old Baptist church in downtown Portland was converted into Mississippi Studios, a music venue that is owned and operated by musicians. Here they host 500 shows with 1,500 bands, DJs, and comedians each year. The acoustics are amazing, as are the burgers at Bar Bar, the cocktail and burger lounge located on the side of Mississippi Studios.
Cuthbert Amphitheater, Eugene, OR
Nothing is better on a warm summer evening than attending an outdoor concert with 5,000 of your friends. The Cuthbert Amphitheater in Eugene offers reserved seating as well as general admission lawn seating, a beer garden, food booths, and some of the best performers in the world.
Hayden Homes Amphitheater, Bend, OR
Looking for live music in Bend? Then stop by the Old Mill District for some rocking and rolling alongside the beautiful Deschutes River all summer long. With ample lawn seating, the Hayden Homes Amphitheater (formerly Les Swab Amphitheater) is the perfect place for an evening picnic while listening to musicians like Jack Johnson, Bob Dylan, and Dave Matthews.
Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR
Located in the now popular Pearl District, the Crystal Ballroom is a Portland institution. Now owned and managed by the team at McMenamins, the historic venue has been hosting dances, musicians, beat poets, and other entertainment since 1914. Rumor is that in 1965 Little Richard fired guitarist Jimi Hendrix while onstage here!
Rontoms, Portland, OR
Known for their Sunday Sessions, free concerts best enjoyed over food, drink, and a game of ping pong, Rontoms attracts hip locals and college students to their indoor-outdoor bar. A great location to check out independent and up and coming act.
Aladdin Theater, Portland, OR
This theater opened in 1928 as the Geller’s Theater, but changed its name in 1930 to the Aladdin Theater. The theater served as a vaudeville house, movie theater, adult movie theater, before it was purchased in the early 80s by Paul Schuback, of Schuback’s Violin Shop. Today the theater is full of music ranging from blues to folk to kid’s musician Rafi!
McMenamins Edgefield, Troutdale, OR
Another McMenamins classic venue, the Edgefield offers outdoor concerts June through September at their Troutdale complex complete with hotel, restaurants, golf, movie theater, winery, brewery, and distillery. Sound like a good time? Check out what they have coming up on their website!
Landmark Saloon, Portland, OR
Oregon has something for everyone, and when you get the hankering for some honky-tonk, there is only one place to go, the Landmark Saloon in downtown Portland. The best seat in the house on a summer afternoon is outside on the patio, eat, drink, and play a few rounds of corn hole with friends while taking in the country sounds.
Live at the Armory, Ashland, OR
If you’re looking for something to do in Southern Oregon, check out the Ashland Armory. This historic 1912 building was converted in to a music hall and now features musician and entertainers of all genres—from the blue grass Hot Buttered Rum, to reggae performer Ziggy Marley to rapper and hip-hop producer Warren G.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Mississippi Studios: Converted church turned musician-run venue hosting 500+ shows a year; excellent acoustics and a popular burger/cocktail bar next door (Bar Bar).
- Cuthbert Amphitheater: Scenic 5,000-cap outdoor venue with lawn and reserved seating, food booths, and a beer garden—perfect for summer concerts.
- Hayden Homes Amphitheater: Set along the Deschutes River, this seasonal outdoor venue offers picnic-friendly lawn seating and big-name acts like Jack Johnson and Bob Dylan.
- Crystal Ballroom: This historic venue, dating back to 1914, has a legendary spring-loaded dance floor and hosts a mix of major and indie acts.
- Rontoms: Hip bar and live music spot known for its Sunday Sessions, free shows, ping pong, and casual vibes.
- Aladdin Theater: Former vaudeville house turned intimate music venue hosting everything from folk and blues to family-friendly acts.
- McMenamins Edgefield: Sprawling resort with seasonal outdoor concerts, on-site hotel, brewery, winery, golf course, and more—a complete experience.
- Landmark Saloon: Cozy honky-tonk bar with outdoor seating, corn hole, and live country music in a relaxed, backyard-style setting.
- Live at the Armory: This historic 1912 building has been transformed into a venue that hosts a wide range of genres—from bluegrass to hip-hop—right in downtown Ashland.
