Maine has a pretty remarkable art scene, from live theater to galleries highlighting just about any medium you can imagine. It’s no surprise that Mainers not only appreciate art, but also where it takes place. For those of you who love the venue as much as the main attraction, here are a few theaters (and we’ve thrown in some drive-ins for fun!) that will surely give you an unforgettable experience.
- The Grand Theater, Ellsworth
Jasperdo / Flickr The Grand Theater, a non-profit performing arts venue, has been around for over 75 years. They put on over 200 shows a year, including the upcoming play “The Farnsworth Invention” debuting on June 3rd.
- Saco Drive-In, Saco
Saco Drive-In Theater / Facebook The Saco Drive-In is the 2nd oldest in the country and a popular choice for OOB vacationers. Enjoy a night under the stars after a day at OOB. Click here for their current lineup
- The Barn Arts Collective, Bass Harbor
The Barn Arts Collective / Facebook The BAC is based out of The Barn, a performance and rehearsal space in Bass Harbor. They offer a huge range of events - from plays to concerts to opportunities for artist residencies for artists producing new work. They’ve just announced their summer lineup, which can be seen here.
- Skowhegan Drive-In, Skowhegan
Skowhegan Drive-In / Facebook This drive-in has been up and running since 1954. If you’re in the Skowhegan area, this is your only option for 50 miles - a fact they’re very proud of! Check here to find out when they open for the season and their lineup.
- Criterion Theater, Bar Harbor
Michael Rosenstein / Flickr The Criterion is well-known throughout Maine for good reason. Built in 1932, it is rumored to house a few ghosts, but more noteworthy is their dedication to preserving the space for storytelling and performances. They offer a range of events from live performances to films. See their calendar of events here.
- The Strand Theater, Rockland
Strand Theatre - Rockland, Maine / Facebook The Strand Theater serves up live music, live performances and provides access to local performers and artists year-round. Check out their calendar of events here.
- The Alamo Theater, Bucksport
The Alamo Theatre / Facebook The Alamo Theater was built as a cinema in 1916 and is one of New England’s oldest standing structures built as a cinema. Today is is home to the Northeast Historic Film, a moving image archives dedicated to preserving the film and video record of northern New England. See more at their website.
- Skylite Drive-In, Madawaska
Skylite Drive-In / Facebook The Skylite is ready for another great season. Children under 12 years old are absolutely free and current movies can be found here.
- The Stonington Opera House, Stonington
Lara Eakins / Flickr It may look a bit strange from the outside, but inside there are great things happening. The Opera House, built in 1912, is home to the Opera House Arts, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the building, along with staging theatrical productions and screens films. The building has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1991. Click here for their events calendar.
- The Bangor Opera House, Bangor
Mark Goebel / Flickr Now home to the Penobscot Theatre Company, this building is said to be haunted. Theatergoers and performers have reported sightings of two firefighters who were crushed by a brick wall and killed during a devastating 1914 blaze. Aside from that, it’s a great place to check out a show. This summer they’ll be giving you live theater performances like “Rock of Ages” as well as comedies and music focused shows. Click here for their events calendar through the summer.
What are your favorite local spots for live performances and other art? Let us know over on our Facebook page!
Jasperdo / Flickr
The Grand Theater, a non-profit performing arts venue, has been around for over 75 years. They put on over 200 shows a year, including the upcoming play “The Farnsworth Invention” debuting on June 3rd.
Saco Drive-In Theater / Facebook
The Saco Drive-In is the 2nd oldest in the country and a popular choice for OOB vacationers. Enjoy a night under the stars after a day at OOB. Click here for their current lineup
The Barn Arts Collective / Facebook
The BAC is based out of The Barn, a performance and rehearsal space in Bass Harbor. They offer a huge range of events - from plays to concerts to opportunities for artist residencies for artists producing new work. They’ve just announced their summer lineup, which can be seen here.
Skowhegan Drive-In / Facebook
This drive-in has been up and running since 1954. If you’re in the Skowhegan area, this is your only option for 50 miles - a fact they’re very proud of! Check here to find out when they open for the season and their lineup.
Michael Rosenstein / Flickr
The Criterion is well-known throughout Maine for good reason. Built in 1932, it is rumored to house a few ghosts, but more noteworthy is their dedication to preserving the space for storytelling and performances. They offer a range of events from live performances to films. See their calendar of events here.
Strand Theatre - Rockland, Maine / Facebook
The Strand Theater serves up live music, live performances and provides access to local performers and artists year-round. Check out their calendar of events here.
The Alamo Theatre / Facebook
The Alamo Theater was built as a cinema in 1916 and is one of New England’s oldest standing structures built as a cinema. Today is is home to the Northeast Historic Film, a moving image archives dedicated to preserving the film and video record of northern New England. See more at their website.
Skylite Drive-In / Facebook
The Skylite is ready for another great season. Children under 12 years old are absolutely free and current movies can be found here.
Lara Eakins / Flickr
It may look a bit strange from the outside, but inside there are great things happening. The Opera House, built in 1912, is home to the Opera House Arts, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the building, along with staging theatrical productions and screens films. The building has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1991. Click here for their events calendar.
Mark Goebel / Flickr
Now home to the Penobscot Theatre Company, this building is said to be haunted. Theatergoers and performers have reported sightings of two firefighters who were crushed by a brick wall and killed during a devastating 1914 blaze. Aside from that, it’s a great place to check out a show. This summer they’ll be giving you live theater performances like “Rock of Ages” as well as comedies and music focused shows. Click here for their events calendar through the summer.
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