Even if Portland is a great city for food, bikes, and nature hikes, sometimes the music scene can be hard to traverse. This is not to say that Portland does not have great music! Rather, sometimes it’s hard to shuffle out the concerts in Portland you really want to see. This is made harder when the concerts you do want to go to sell out fast or are too expensive for college students to afford. This problem is real. This problem is valid. This post will help. Below you will find 8 concerts in Portland for this fall that should be both in your budget and a great time.
For All Ages:
- Have you seen a show at the Schnitz? If you haven’t, consider going to this one. Glass Animals will be playing a concert in Portland at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on October 13th. Although this ticket is more than any other on this list, you’ll be able to dance to their highly popular song Gooey off their album Zaba. English in origin, Glass Animals brings a complex mix of influences ranging from hip-hop to indie. Although these tickets are $33, the venue and the popularity of the band make it worth the price. Open to all ages.
- If you like Neon Indian and Washed Out, check out Toro y Moi. Coming to the Wonder Ballroom on November 9th, the upfront damage this will do your wallet is a small $22. A mixing of indie and electronic, Toro y Moi is both soothing and fun to dance to.
- Car Seat Headrest is playing on November 25th at the Wonder Ballroom. Open to all ages, this show should appeal to both people who are inclined to faster, rock music as well as fans of more melodic and slow tunes. At only $15 a ticket, this show is quite literally a steal. Next time they tour it will not be this cheap.
- Did you want to see Ray LaMontagne earlier this year but couldn’t swing a ticket? Check out James Vincent McMorrow. Playing the Wonder Ballroom on November 27th, McMorrow seems like a mix of LaMontagne and Bon Iver, and is a perfect show for anyone who favors methodic guitar and songs to sway with. At $20 a ticket, you won’t have to miss this one.
- Although not technically a concert, we can’t leave Lose Yr Mind Fest off this list. Over the two day period of October 7th and 8th, Lose Yr Mind brings together bands like Beach Fossils and Shannon & The Clams for great music and cool venues. With tickets for the 7th at $15, and tickets for the 8th at $20, either or both days would be easy to manage.
For 21+
- Compared to Beach House and Real Estate, Avi Buffalo has both a striking voice and lyrics to make you think. In addition to Avi Buffalo, you’ll get to hear The Kickback. Coming up this next week on September 28th, this show is a perfect Wednesday-night, half-way-through-the-week celebration. At only $15 a ticket, you should at the very least check it out. This show is at Mississippi Studio and Bar, which is 21+.
- If you’re interested in funk (and you should be), consider going to Big Sam’s Funky Nationon October 29th. Straight out of the funk city of New Orleans, Louisiana, the brass instruments will have you off your feet with the first note off stage. With the concert’s intimate location at Mississippi Studio and Bar and tickets at only $15, you’re in for a fun and funky Saturday night. This show is also 21+!
- Enjoy rock beats, piano, and a soulful voice? Check out Pickwick, who is playing at the Doug Fir Lounge on November 1st. Reminiscent of Hozier, Pickwick will have you swaying all night long. Although this show in Portland will be great, it’s important to note that the Doug Fir Lounge is 21+. Right now this show is only $15, so get your tickets quick!
Eight events out of many that you should check out. Don’t hesitate to look up any of the concert calendars for the venues mentioned-your favorite band may be hiding in the mix. And if not, look up the bands you don’t know, because your new favorite band may be one of the many concerts in Portland coming up this Fall.
By Jacqueline Ott