Portland music festival that drew crowds this summer will return for encore performances

SCREEN SHOT / COURTESY of PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL LLC The Back Cove Music and Arts Festival in Portland this summer drew crowds to Payson Park.

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By Tina Fischer

Last August’s inaugural Back Cove Music and Arts Festival at Payson Park went so well that the city has agreed to allow promoters to bring on the bands for another three years.

Portland City Council voted unanimously Monday night to finalize a contract with Hartford, Conn.-based Portland Music Festival LLC to produce the event from 2026 through 2028, with an option to extend for another three years.

The two-day August event drew 21 bands along with artists, food vendors and crowds in the thousands, and netted a $100,000 donation to support enhancements to the 48-acre public park.

Children under 12 were admitted free of charge and shuttle and on-site bike valet services reduced parking issues. City staff shared that damage to the park had been minimal and fully covered by a deposit from the event organizers.

'Rare and inspiring event'

Earlier the month, Portland City Council’s Housing and Economic Development Committee voted 3-1 to advance a revised contract to the full Council. At that time, Kate Sykes, who represents District 5, had been the dissenting vote, expressing concerns over whether the city was being adequately compensated by promoters. Some neighbors had complained about noise and traffic.

But by Monday night's Council meeting, Sykes had changed her position to favor renewing the event.

A number of residents at Monday's Council meeting spoke in support of the event. A 12-year-old musician named Eliot shared how rare and inspiring the event had been for him and his family.

"It felt like the whole Portland community was part of something really special and everybody there was so into the moment."

'Nothing but positive'

Local vendors told Council the festival had been good for business, and directors from the Maine Academy of Modern Music said the event had been especially important for the local music community.

“My experience working with these folks [organizers] has been nothing but positive," said Jeff Shaw, the academy’s executive director. "Yes, there could be more benefit for the city … but the access is really key. Kids free, getting to attend an event like this — it’s not like the local Little League getting to play at Hadlock Field. It’s the Red Sox bringing Fenway to Portland.”

Shaw also admitted that while noise can be a nuisance, "If it’s too loud, you’re too old.”