The 18 Best Live Music Venues in Dallas

With a mix of headlining bands and up-and-coming music acts, the vintage Granada Theater has something for every type of music lover. It started as a movie hall in the 1940s and transitioned to a full-time concert hall in the early 2000s. The Granada has hosted a variety of acts, from Bob Dylan to Black Sabbath, and is a favorite venue for many local bands.

Designed by the same artist who crafted Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, the art deco-themed concert hall holds a capacity of 1000 people. General admission tickets get you a standing-room spot, or you can upgrade to seated tickets. While the Granada doesn't serve food, you're welcome to grab drinks or dinner at Sundown at Granada next door, which often hosts live music for its patrons.

If you love listening to jazz in a relaxed ambiance, stop by The Balcony Club in downtown Dallas. Classic and modern jazz ensembles play every night of the week, along with blues and R&B acts, and the club stays open until 2:00 a.m. on weeknights and weekends.

You're welcome to bring food into the club, or you can join during Happy Hour on Sunday through Thursday (and reverse Happy Hour from midnight to 2:00 on Friday and Saturday). Minors aren't allowed in the club, so feel free to bring friends or dates over 21 years old.

Want to experience a classic Texas country bar during your stay? Spend the evening at Adair's Saloon, a Dallas live music venue known as one of the original bars in Deep Ellum, an arts district in Dallas famous for its eclectic restaurants and music venues. The saloon calls itself "The best hole-in-the-wall honky tonk in Dallas" and lives up to its name with a small stage and venue that seats up to 200 people.

Legends like The Chicks and Jack Ingram have graced Adair's stage, and you may be just in time to see the next country music star on their way to the top. Enjoy dive bar favorites like cheeseburger baskets, chicken wings, and beer on tap.

Dos Equis Pavilion often tops lists of the best outdoor music venues in Dallas for a reason. Known as "Dallas' Loudest Backyard," the 20,000-seat Dos Equis Pavillion is a perfect spot for immersing yourself in the concert experience. If stage dives and mosh pits are your thing, check out their performance lineup so you can join the action. Rod Stewart, Aerosmith, Frank Sinatra, Violent Femmes, Beck, Foo Fighters, and Chris Stapleton have all performed at Dos Equis (previously named Coca-Cola Starplex Amphitheatre).

For a VIP experience, book seats in the Live Nation Lounge to enjoy exclusive bar and table service. Stop by the Lonestar Cantina for shade and cool drinks, order burgers and sandwiches, and get a Fast Lane pass to skip the line into the venue. Reserve a lawn chair in advance so you don't need to sit on a beach blanket all night.

The Majestic Theatre opened in 1921 as a vaudeville venue, then screened movie premieres during Hollywood's golden age. In 1983, it was restored and reopened as a converted venue, hosting a variety of live music performances and comedy shows.

Historic and elegant, the Majestic feels like a touch of Hollywood in downtown Dallas. Its acoustics make it a favorite for returning bands and up-and-comers. With just over 1,700 seats, it combines the intimate theater vibe with a grand performance experience.

Consistently touted as one of the best music venues in Dallas, Trees in Deep Ellum has been a premier venue for alternative music since 1990. Dallas residents consider a night at Trees to be a musical rite of passage—and with bands like Nirvana and Radiohead holding concerts at Trees in the '90s, it's easy to see why.

Plan to stand during the concert unless you upgrade to a VIP experience. Eat at any of the unique restaurants in Deep Ellum near the venue, or enjoy drinks served at the bar. Flash photography isn't allowed inside the venue, so take your selfies outside to place yourself in rock history.

Experience the best of Dallas nightlife when you spend the evening at Club Dada. This neighborhood hangout hosts the biggest outdoor patio in Deep Ellum, where audience members can listen to indie rock bands like the New Bohemians, Ten Hands, and the Black Crowes.

Grab dinner at foodie-favorite restaurants within walking distance of the club, and choose from a selection of beers on tap before the concert starts. The patio is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your canine friend to hang out and enjoy the tunes with you.

If you prefer classical music over rock, don't miss a show at the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House. Adorned with a 60-foot glass facade, a slatted canopy, and a view of the surrounding Sammons Park, this architectural wonder inspires the senses long before the orchestra strikes its first note.

With a 60-year history of orchestral, operatic, and choral performances, the Winspear Opera House stands as a beacon for generations of musically minded audiences. Previous operas performed in the theater include "Aida" and "Madama Butterfly," while classic choral performances like "Handel's Messiah" and "Carmina Burana" thrill audiences of all ages. Stop by for a professional performance in the 2,300-seat venue, or come by to see student performances and instrumental recitals from young musicians.

What do Kelly Clarkson, the Old 97s, and "Robocop" have in common? They've all made appearances at the Sons of Hermann Hall. Kelly Clarkson passed her first American Idol audition at the venue, the Old 97s make regular appearances on stage, and the hall's second floor was a filming location for the movie "Robocop."

Known as the oldest bar—and the oldest free-standing wood structure—in Dallas, The Sons of Hermann Hall hosts regular line dancing lessons and folk music concerts for audiences of 400. Head over on a Thursday for the Electric Campfire Jam, where locals bring an unplugged instrument to jam.

House of Blues Dallas puts a distinctly Texan twist on the House of Blues style. With a variety of musical acts, including blues, jazz, hip-hop, and country bands, House of Blues entertains audiences of up to 2,500 on a standing-room main floor and reserved-seat balcony.

Upgrade your experience with a visit to the Foundation Room, where private dining and bottle service make you feel like a VIP. The venue's restaurant and bar serve Southern-style eats that feel authentically Dallas.

The newly renovated South Side Ballroom is another popular Dallas music venue, thanks to its five custom bars and convenient location, walkable to nearby DART stations. High-profile bands like Imagine Dragons and Twenty One Pilots have played at Southside Ballroom, where crowds can reach up to 3,000 for popular musical acts.

Eat at Jack Daniel's Saloon Restaurant or any number of local Dallas restaurants. Most events are for all ages, making the venue a great spot for families or groups of fans that include teens.

If you love musical theater, you can't miss a show at the Music Hall at Fair Park. Located in Fair Park with other venues like Dos Equis Pavilion and the Cotton Bowl, the Music Hall opened in 1936 as a concert hall for the Texas Centennial Exposition. It was renovated in 1999 and has been the home to musical performances ever since.

The Music Hall has hosted Broadway shows like "Wicked," "Phantom of the Opera," and "Hamilton" through Broadway Dallas (previously known as Dallas Summer Musicals). However, the Music Hall's offerings don't end with musical theater. With headlining bands like Morrissey and Jackson Browne, the venue has something for every type of music—or musical theater—fan.

Known to locals by its previous name, The Bomb Factory, The Factory in Deep Ellum got its unique name from its place in Texas history. The building was one of Henry Ford's first automotive assembly plants in 1914, which shifted to war production and munitions during World War II. In 1993, it opened as a music venue called The Bomb Factory and was renamed The Factory in 2021.

The 350-seat theater makes every performance feel intimate and special. Reserve a luxury suite with a private entrance, bar, and restroom, or order wine and beer at the bar to enjoy before the show begins.

When the 20,000-seat American Airlines Center isn't hosting the NBA's Dallas Mavericks or the NHL's Dallas Stars, it's showcasing big names like Beyonce, Madonna, and Justin Timberlake. Fans of pop rock and hip-hop acts alike can get close to their favorite artists in the general admission area, or rent a suite or theater box for a cozy viewing experience.

You can't bring your own food into the venue, but don't worry—with a variety of restaurants ranging from street tacos to gourmet grills, no one will go hungry before or during the show. Dine in the Platinum Club to enjoy a curated menu from the Chef's Table.

Take a short drive from downtown Dallas to Fort Worth, where Tulips FTW awaits.

With indie bands like Blood Red Shoes and Morning Buzz, music events like Texas Death Fest, and the Art Tooth Wall that showcases local artists, Tulips is a favorite spot in Texas' art community.

The venue has a capacity of under 500, so get there early for a table and chairs. Or, upgrade to the VIP section for a luxury viewing experience. Bring in dinner at the many restaurants in Fort Worth, or ask ahead if Tulips will have food trucks outside on the night of your show.

The Rustic is a restaurant, bar, and outdoor concert venue that makes you feel like you're listening to music in your neighbor's backyard. Enjoy weekend brunch or Texas barbecue in a family setting, and listen to country favorites like Jacob Armitage and Toby Keith play as if they're jamming just for you.

Though The Rustic has an intimate feel, its long patio tables and standing room accommodate up to 1,000 people, so you're likely to find a good spot even when seeing a popular band. Weekly live music plays from Wednesday to Sunday, so check the venue's website to see who's coming soon.

Originally Bob Wills' Ranch House, the Longhorn Ballroom has hosted legendary blues and folk music acts in its lengthy history, including Willie Nelson, B.B. King, and Ray Charles. The space has since been renovated into a 2,000-seat music venue, ready to welcome today's greatest performers and up-and-coming artists.

Enjoy drinks at a full bar that stocks Texas beer, wine, and cocktails. Longhorn typically has food trucks outside during its shows, but you can find authentic Texas barbecue at nearby restaurants around the Trinity River.

The Kessler has experienced many changes over the years, but it's still regarded as one of the most popular live music venues in Dallas. Get tickets for a show inside the 400-person capacity theater, or reserve a spot on the Green at the Kessler for live music and drinks.

Upgrade to a VIP experience with eight-seat suites, and stop by the walk-up bar to get your drink before the show begins. If you get to the Kessler early, you can pick up some burritos from Oak Cliff Burritos. Accessible seating and ramps make it easy for anyone to experience a great show as safely as possible.

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