20 Legendary Rock Acts That Played Maine’s Augusta Civic Center

We’re right in the heart of Maine's summer concert season.

Thousands of music fans are packing into some of the state’s most popular venues, including the Maine Savings Amphitheater in Bangor and Thompson’s Point in Portland. Along with countless smaller venues across the state, these spots will provide Mainers and visitors with plenty of unforgettable live music all summer long.

But Maine’s concert history goes well beyond the venues dominating the scene today.

In fact, there’s another Maine venue that once welcomed some of the biggest rock acts in the country. It's a place with a concert history that deserves a little more attention.

I’m talking about the Augusta Civic Center.

When Was the Augusta Civic Center First Opened?

Originally opened in 1973, the Augusta Civic Center has been a valuable multi-purpose venue for Central Maine and beyond. It’s perhaps best known for hosting a significant portion of the Maine State High School Basketball Tournament, along with other scholastic events. However, its musical history is equally impressive.

While today’s Maine music scene has shifted toward outdoor venues like the Maine Savings Amphitheater and Thompson’s Point, there was a time when arena shows were all the rage—and Augusta had its fair share.

In its early days, the Augusta Civic Center welcomed legends like Duke Ellington, Johnny Cash, and June Carter. The venue also played host to entertainers such as Bob Hope, Lawrence Welk, and even the circus.

As the country moved deeper into the 1970s, the arena began attracting more rock acts, and the momentum only grew from there.

The Augusta Civic Center had decades of incredible shows. Rock bands and performers like Aerosmith, Bad Company, Pearl Jam, Heart, ZZ Top, Grateful Dead, Bruce Springsteen, and more graced the Augusta Civic Center stage, entertaining thousands of people.

Who are Some of the Biggest Rockers to Play at the Augusta Civic Center?

We shouldn't forget about this amazing history. The Augusta Civic Center is much more than just a high school basketball venue. It's living rock history. So, check out some of the biggest rock acts who ever played there.

Did you make it to any of these shows?

20 Classic Rock Acts Who Have Performed at Maine's Augusta Civic Center

The Augusta Civic Center may be most known for high school basketball. However, the rock history is extensive. Here is just a small sample of the musical acts that have performed in the iconic arena.

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka