Live Music in Boston: The 24 Best Venues for Listening

What is it? What started as a simple Middle Eastern restaurant in 1970 eventually grew to pioneer the burgeoning local alt rock scene and become a major tour stop for many groups.

Why go? This beloved venue endured a change of owners and a questionable future, but it remains in the heart of Central Square and in the hearts of music lovers. Today’s location is comprised of several live performance smaller venues, including the Upstairs, Downstairs (a former bowling alley), Zuzu, Sonia and The Corner.

Don’t Miss: Grab some food before the show – they serve up amazing Mediterranean small plates to share.

Address: 472 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139

What is it? The home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops, Symphony Hall is amongst the world’s most acoustically brilliant venues. And nothing shows off that attribute more than the BSO in full musical flight.

Why go? The very best classical conductors and musicians often join the BSO and Pops, and Symphony Hall also hosts many of the world’s top artists—from folk giants to pop stars.

Don’t Miss: The annual Holiday Pops is wonderfully festive and shouldn’t be missed.

Address: 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02115

What is it? This Harvard Square highlight has minimalist industrial chic style, welcoming the best up-and-comers and veteran cult artists, with genres ranging from indie rock to hip hop.

Why go? Even the occasional mainstream pop youngster will strut their stuff in this bi-level room, which boasts a balcony and main floor, as well as a separate bar area.

Don’t Miss: The adjacent restaurant and bar can be separately accessed, and the venue hosts regular DJ and trivia nights.

Address: 52 Church St., Cambridge, MA 02138

What is it? This world-class jazz venue situated on the ground floor of The DoubleTree Suites boasts featuring a smoky gray decor, sleek seating and state-of-the-art sound, Scullers showcases jazz legends or musical newcomers alike on Friday and Saturday nights.

Why go? The club has a bar menu and table service, and folks can enjoy dinner upstairs in The Boathouse 400 Restaurant overlooking the Charles River before the show. Or try the new pre-show reception, featuring small-plates, a hot carving board and desserts.

Address: 400 Soldiers Field Rd., Boston, MA 02134

What is it? This mid-sized general admission venue is a local rock landmark and has been a part of the city’s music fabric since the '70s—even with its often difficult stage viewing.

Why go? Everyone from U2 to Kings of Leon have graced the Paradise’s stage at one time or another. In addition to worldwide acts, local bands still often make up the bill. 

Don’t Miss: Entrance is through the Paradise Lounge on Comm Ave, which serves drinks and a bar menu, and is open on most concert nights one hour before the club antics kick off.

Address: 967 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215

What is it? Situated next to the Boston Center for the Arts in the South End, The Beehive is a madly buzzing bohemia. Whimsical textiles, wild paintings and other odd objects offset the loft-like restaurant/bar/music venue’s exposed-brick rawness.

Why go? The well-made cocktails and hearty bites coming from the kitchen are reason enough to come here—but its schedule of jazz, soul, funk and blues acts regularly entices lines of people to wait out front, in the hopes of getting in.
Don’t Miss: They often have themed music nights, so check their calendar so you don’t miss a beat.

Address: 541 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02116

What is it? This mid-sized Allston venue includes a big stage with plenty of standing room and some seating around the exterior. (There are also seats towards the front, but you could lose out on prime viewing that close).

Why go? With a capacity of around only 450, this is your chance to come face-to-face with the greats. A launching pad to new acts on both the local and national level, expect artists in all genres—from roots rock bands like The Blasters to industrial goth artists like Ohgr, Dropkick Murphys  to Imagine Dragons.  
Don’t Miss: The back room has pool tables, offering an entertaining diversion in between bands.

Address: 158 Brighton Ave., Allston, MA 02134

What is it? Earplugs and a rebellious attitude come in handy at this divey veteran bar and music venue located in Jamaica Plain.

Why go? The Midway hosts local artists of the punk and rock persuasions, as well as cult indie touring bands. Booking is pro-LGBTQ, and queer-friendly bands are regularly featured. Otherwise, attendees might be treated to local legends like Thalia Zedek (of Come) or experimental noize merchants Sool.

Don’t Miss: Show are for the late-night crowd, with the place staying open until 2am. Often compared to New York's Knitting Factory for its eclectic mix of styles and crowds, the Midway books everything and has special events, benefits, movie screenings, and its famous Queeraoke every Thursday.

Address: 3496 Washington St, Boston, MA 02130

What is it? Nestled in the heart of Cambridge's Harvard Square, Passim has a history and then some. During the late ‘50s/early ‘60s folk revival, it was called Club 47, where the likes of Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and Donovan put Harvard Square on the world’s folk scene.

Why go? Today’s Club Passim has found singer-songwriters like Shawn Colvin and Suzanne Vega cutting their teeth here. Now a non-profit with summer camps and an educational component, the basement club remains the city’s premiere venue for intimate folk and world music performances.

Don’t Miss: They frequently host Open Mike Nights, which is your chance to see some unscripted talent. They also live stream nearly all of their shows, so you can join them even if you can’t make the trek into the club.

Address: 47 Palmer St, Cambridge, MA 02138

What is it? Sister venue to The Bowery Boston’s Sinclair, Roadrunner is now New England’s largest indoor general admission venue. Elements throughout the 50,000-square-foot, multi-level venue take inspiration from the cover art of The Modern Lovers LP “Roadrunner,” a clever nod to both its location and one of the most iconic songs and bands to come out of Boston.

Why go? The venue hosts a variety of acts, and there's optimal viewing for each of its 3,500 music-loving guests.

Don’t Miss: The view is great from the upper level, and it's much easier to move around. If you have guest pass access there's a private bar, bathrooms, and even a screen to watch what's happening on the floor.

Address: 89 Guest St., Boston, MA 02135

What is it? This multilevel nightclub and live music venue next to the TD Garden captures the essence of elegant music halls and supper clubs of the past.

Why go? The space features luxury seating, beautiful decor, several bars, mezzanine viewing and VIP areas. A variety of concerts and nightlife events pack the calendar, offering an elevated nightlife experience in the heart of downtown complete with state-of-the-art sound and LED walls, plus three (albeit packed) bars.

Don’t Miss: Before heading into the show, you’ll have you pick of places to dine or grab a drink at the busy location. They also host several after parties, stemming from big names playing the Garden.

Address: 110 Causeway St, Boston, MA 02114

What is it? Berklee School of Music’s in-house venue is a seated auditorium with a grand stage and stellar sound. Across Boylston Street, you'll find its little sister venue, Red Room at Café 939, which is more of a club-type venue.

Why go? Both are used for student and faculty performances, but touring artists from around the world (i.e. Scottish post-rockers Mogwai and German neo-classical composer/pianist Max Richter) play the performance center.
Don’t Miss: Their talented student performers host several free performances throughout the year.

Address: Check on their website for various locations.

What is it? There isn’t a bad seat in the four-story house when it comes to Boston’s roughly 91,500-square-foot music venue in the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood.

Why go? From day one, the location immediately started drawing well-known bands, from Bruno Mars to Morrissey, Godsmack to James Taylor, along with smaller, more obscure musicians with their own dedicated following.

Address: 2 Lansdowne St., Boston, MA 02215

What is it? Located downtown in the Theater District, the Royale is a rarity: a rock club that can actually be found in Boston proper.

Why go? The large balcony—closed on quieter nights—offers seating, and a lavish foyer with settees is the place to be for a quieter chat. Expect everything from rootsy rockers (Butch Walker), to artsy vets (The Jesus Lizard) to moody emotive newcomers (Car Seat Headrest).

Don’t Miss: Weekend shows start and end earlier because they're followed by dance nights. The upstairs lobby is a gorgeous model in marble, with sweeping staircases bringing you there. Stand in the balcony for a phenomenal view of the stage and people, bringing you eye-to-eye with the gorgeous chandeliers.

Address: 279 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

What is it? This gorgeous old theater dates back to 1852, when it opened as the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s original home. It is one of the oldest theaters in the U.S. and remains a musical gem.

Why go? These days, rock, pop and urban artists fill its seats. The low-ceilinged foyer includes a bar, where the scene is usually convivial and boozy.

Don’t Miss: Expect big names like Belle & Sebastian, soul-man Maxwell and upstart indie rockers Chvrches to grace the iconic marquee.

Address: 1 Hamilton Pl., Boston, MA 02108

What is it? This DIY venue hosts under-the-radar classical and jazz acts, as well as outsider rockers of all stripes. Local artists are a big feature here, too.

Why go? The tiny space delights fans who want to get up close and personal with performers as they showcase their craft. There's a regular jazz vibe, but bookings can run the gamut—from indie rockers like Church Girls to the bebop veterans Charlie Kohlhase’s Explorers Club.

Don’t Miss: With just an 80-person capacity, that gives you the space to check out the local art gallery that adorns the space.

Address: 1353 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02139

What is it? This small, no-nonsense bar and club in Allston offers plenty of room to pile in and still have a good view of the corner stage.

Why go? It’s a local favorite with a big, long bar on one side and some seating to give guests a bit of comfort during longer sets (or sips, for those only grabbing drinks). Both local bands and visiting out-of-towners play; it might be punk rock one night, and psych-folk the next.

Don’t Miss: For snacking, they offer “the finest roller hot dog based cuisine in these United States.”

Address: 3 Harvard Ave., Allston, MA 02134

What is it? While the future of this dive music club just north of Harvard Square in Cambridge was uncertain for years, it’s still alive and synonymous with local musicians playing within a neighborhood bar.

Why go? A favorite of locals for decades, it boasts an IYKYK vibe within its cozy dim basement locale as you get right up close to local musicians. It even grabbed the attention of Rolling Stone Magazine, which called it “an intimate, eclectic, hot spot.”

Don’t Miss: This is Cambridge Common's dim basement club for local musicians, but also open mike and popular poetry slams on Sunday nights.

Address: 1667 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138