Why Buy from CultureTicks?
About Merrill Auditorium
Merrill Auditorium stands as Portland's premier performing arts venue, hosting an impressive range of productions from classical symphonies and opera to contemporary dance, jazz concerts, and theatrical productions. This multi-purpose hall has earned its reputation as the cultural heart of Maine's largest city, welcoming both touring national acts and beloved local ensembles. The venue's diverse programming reflects Portland's eclectic artistic spirit, seamlessly transitioning from intimate chamber music recitals to grand musical theater productions.
The auditorium provides an elegant setting for live performance, with thoughtfully designed acoustics that enhance everything from delicate string quartets to powerful vocal performances. Audiences appreciate the venue's ability to create an intimate connection between performers and patrons, regardless of the musical genre or theatrical style on stage. The comfortable seating and clear sightlines ensure that every seat offers a quality experience, whether you're attending a classical concert or a contemporary dance performance.
Located in the heart of Portland, Merrill Auditorium sits within the city's vibrant Arts District, surrounded by galleries, restaurants, and the bustling energy of Maine's cultural capital. The venue's downtown location makes it easily accessible and places concertgoers right in the midst of Portland's dining and nightlife scene, perfect for dinner before a show or drinks afterward. The historic character of the surrounding neighborhood adds to the anticipation as audiences make their way to the theater.
Explore the diverse lineup of upcoming performances at Merrill Auditorium on CultureTicks to discover your next memorable evening of live entertainment.
Parking
Garages & helpful apps
Nearby Garages
Powered by Google Places
Helpful Parking Apps
Public Transit
Stations & helpful apps
Nearby Stations
Powered by Google Places
Dining
Nearby restaurants
Top Rated Nearby
Powered by Google Places
Dining Tips
Finish dinner 30+ minutes before showtime. Most restaurants offer pre-theater menus.
Highly recommended, especially for evening performances. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Most listed restaurants are within 5-10 minutes walk. Factor in extra time during busy hours.
Based on 651 Google reviews
Recent Reviews
Went to a second late show for Jon Stewart at 10:00 pm. They didn't plan that out so well. From the main entry the line wrapped around all sides of the building. We were on the third side getting there at 9:30. It took an hour to get in. Staff was great. But those in charge should have thought that out better
Visited the auditorium to see Jon Stewart live, and, let me tell you, with the 2 sold out shows back to back, we were truly amazed how well organized the venue was. The line to get in was moving fast, all the security check points were well-staffed and smooth, access to the bar and restrooms nice and fast. Same goes for exiting the venue. Very well planned and stress-free. Sorry, no photos, phones were not allowed.
Great seating with very helpful and friendly staff. It got very warm before the end of the ceremony.
Merrill Auditorium is THE entertainment venue for Portland. Its history and grandeur are second to none for enjoying everything from Broadway blockbusters to HS graduations. The staff is superb and the army of volunteer ushers makes the place warm and friendly! Highly recommend!
(5/3/25) We went to a Star Wars Episode IV Concert at the Merrill Auditorium where the movie soundtrack was played by the Portland Symphony Orchestra and let me tell you I cannot say enough how EPIC their performance was!!! If you are a diehard Star Wars fan (like we are) then this spectacular performance is for you. The inside of the Merrill Auditorium is beautiful and the acoustics while watching Episode IV on a very large screen is absolutely top notch. The crisp sounds are far better than any regular movie theater. After this amazing experience we are definitely returning to Merrill for more performances!! We purchased online tickets six months prior to this concert. There’s a large gated public parking lot for a flat rate of $25, located nearby, took us only five minutes to walk from parking lot to the auditorium. Tons of restaurants nearby.
Powered by Google Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about visiting
What events are coming up at Merrill Auditorium?
Check the Events tab on this page for all upcoming performances at Merrill Auditorium. You can filter by genre and date to find shows that interest you.
How do I get to Merrill Auditorium?
Visit the "Getting There" section for directions, parking information, and public transit options for Merrill Auditorium. We also include nearby restaurant recommendations for a complete night out.
Does Merrill Auditorium have accessible seating?
Most performing arts venues offer accessible seating and accommodations. Contact Merrill Auditorium directly for specific accessibility information, including wheelchair access, hearing assistance, and service animal policies.
What should I know before visiting Merrill Auditorium?
Review the venue details section for important information including capacity, seating layout, and house rules. Arriving 15-30 minutes early is recommended, especially for popular performances.
What time should I arrive?
We recommend arriving at least 30-45 minutes before the performance start time to allow for parking, security screening, and finding your seats. Some venues may have stricter arrival policies for late seating.
Can I take photos during the performance?
Photography and video recording are typically not permitted during performances out of respect for the artists and other patrons. Please check with the specific venue for their policy.
What is the cancellation policy?
Ticket sales are final. However, if a performance is cancelled or significantly rescheduled, refunds will be issued. Please review our terms and conditions for complete details.
Is there a bag policy?
Most venues have bag size restrictions. Large bags, backpacks, and luggage are typically not permitted. Small purses and clutches are usually allowed. Check the venue's specific bag policy before attending.
Accessibility Services
Merrill Auditorium is committed to accessible services
Wheelchair Access
Wheelchair-accessible seating is available throughout the venue. Please contact the box office when purchasing tickets to ensure appropriate accommodations.
Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive listening devices are available for patrons who are hard of hearing. Please inquire at the venue or when purchasing tickets.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome at all performances. Please notify staff upon arrival.
For specific accessibility questions, please contact the venue directly or reach out to our support team.