Stages left empty and fans left disappointed: since 2024, only a small handful of well-known artists have graced the stages of Oregon.
In 2025, only 10 artists are scheduled to perform at Portland’s Moda Center, a drastic decline from the more than 20 top performers who took the stage there just a year earlier in 2024. This decrease has left many local music fans wondering why Portland seems to consistently be overlooked when it comes to major concerts.
Among the few big names confirmed to perform in Portland in 2025 are Deftones on Feb. 25, Tyler, the Creator on Feb. 26 and Hozier on Aug. 12. While these performances are certainly exciting, the lack of variety and the reduced number of shows compared to previous years has created a noticeable gap in Rose City’s music scene. This absence of major concerts has left fans wanting to experience more.
For years, Portland has found itself bypassed by major artists, who often decide to play in Seattle instead. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in 2023 didn’t include Portland in its stops, and Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour also chose to skip the city, with both choosing Seattle as their Pacific Northwest stop. This trend shows no sign of changing, as 2025 brings similar news: major acts like Kendrick Lamar and SZA have chosen Seattle over Portland. Even rising pop star Tate McRae, whose popularity has skyrocketed, has scheduled performances in nearby larger cities, leaving Oregon without big upcoming concerts.
Industry insiders and passionate fans consider a number of reasons for Portland’s ongoing absence from major tours. One contributing factor is venue capacity. The Moda Center, Portland’s largest concert venue, is much smaller than Seattle’s Lumen Field or Climate Pledge Arena, meaning it can’t accommodate the larger crowds that some artists attract or want. Logistical challenges, tour routing, and market demand all also play a crucial role in artists’ and promoters’ decisions on cities to stop at.
Despite these obstacles, Portland remains a dynamic and vibrant city of music, with fans holding onto hope that the future will bring a shift in this trend.
“It was so annoying to drive all the way up and then all the way down,” said sophomore Luciana Santacruz. “They could just come to Portland because they have the money.”
