A Paddler’s Guide to Summer Music

Music and the outdoors go together like a PB&J on a mountain summit. What better way to experience the outdoors and the camaraderie of a live show than to do them together?

The Water is Your Gateway

Let’s face it, concert tickets aren’t getting any less expensive. But sometimes you want that up close, intimate experience of grooving to your favorite artists with others who share that affinity. Other times, a more passive listening experience, perhaps cheaper, could scratch an evening entertainment itch. Whatever the reason, you may notice a growing fleet of watercraft outside your favorite music venue. With places like Thompson’s Point, Maine Savings Arena, and Snow Pond Center for the Arts occupying waterfront real estate, a watercraft unlocks a lot of potential. 

Safety Tips for Paddlers

It’s important to follow the state’s safety protocols. Items like a headlamp and a life jacket are required on a paddlecraft, whereas motorized boats have stricter requirements. Find a partner in adventure so you never have to go alone, or at least tell someone back home your plans. 

Thompson’s Point

Portland’s summer hub for headlining acts, Thompson’s Point is an open-air venue on the banks of the Fore River. Look one way to find striped bass feeding on sand eels and green crabs, while the opposite direction faces you towards Portland’s growing infrastructure. On an incoming tide, you’ll find boats of all shapes, from 25-foot cabin cruisers all the way down to an inner tube floating out in the river. Bug Light and East End Beach are the closest hard-topped boat launches with trailheads along the Fore River Trail providing access for hand-carry paddlecraft.

We’re excited to check out Lake Street Dive, Trampled by Turtles, and the return of Ghostland.

Find out more about State Theatre shows.

Maine Savings Ampitheater

Located on the shores of the Penobscot River, Bangor’s riverside music venue captures a lot of the state’s biggest acts. From rock to country and alternative pop, you can count on a big crowd, and likely a long ride home. Bangor is central to everywhere, but not quite close to anywhere. If you don’t want to stomach the entrance fees, you have a few options. Post up on Brewer’s Riverwalk across the river. Take a picnic blanket and listen in. Along the riverwalk, there are a few great restaurants, including High Tide Restaurant and Mason’s Brewing Company, with exceptional patios for easy listening. For those with a motorcraft, the towns of Brewer and Hamden both have hardsided boat launches.

We’re looking forward to Hank Williams Sr., Mumford and Sons, and Kid Cudi. 

Full Schedule

Snow Pond Center

Inland, Snow Pond Center for the Arts is on the east side of Messalonskee Lake in Sidney. With great upcoming acts like Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Blues Traveler, and Jo Dee Messina, the venue and the surrounding waterfront will be filled with joyful noise this summer. The Center also provides a great mix of walking and hiking trails for a pre-show adventure. For those looking to get on the water, Sidney Boat Launch is just south of the venue.

Check out their performance schedule.

A Folksy Camping Music Festival

If you love camping, rivers, and string music, the Ossipee Valley Music Festival should be on your radar. Located on the banks of the Ossippee River in Hiram, this family-friendly festival combines roots and Americana music in the foothills of Maine’s western mountains. Float the river, fish for bass, or soak up some morning sunshine before the afternoon and evening musical acts. The campground comes alive with jam sessions, pickathons, and sing-alongs of all kinds. Bring your van, pitch a tent, or hang a hammock.

This year’s festival takes place July 23rd-26th. Check out the lineup. 

Somewhere Near You

There’s a good chance there’s a creative way to pair paddling with live music without having to drive to a marquee destination. Check out local haunts that are water adjacent and see if they have live music. Then, make a night of it by getting there early, paddling, and then checking out some local talent. Let us know what you come up with! 

Get Out There and Be Safe

Water is one of Maine’s most precious natural resources. To retain the great access that we have, it’s important to pack out what you pack in, abide by maritime law, park your car responsibly, and look out for one another. Despite the warm days, hypothermia is an ever-present threat. But when you’re prepared with a good plan, good friends, and good tunes, an epic summer night awaits you.