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Live Music Venues in Raleigh
Are you searching for the best place to listen to live music in Raleigh, NC? Here are ten great live music venues in Raleigh to see your next concert!
Raleigh, North Carolina's vibrant capital city, has evolved into one of the South's most dynamic cultural destinations. Best known for its affordable cost of living and plenty of job opportunities in the Research Triangle, it is also home to a rising live music scene.
Not only does Raleigh have beautiful homes for sale, but it also has more than 80 live music venues for residents and visitors to see both local artists and famous musicians perform throughout the year.
Home to large arenas, dive bars, hidden gems, and concert halls, there are more ways than one to enjoy live music with friends and family. The music scene is just one of the many pros of living in Raleigh.
Whether you are a fan of indie rock, classical symphonies, country, hip-hop, or experimental sounds, Raleigh's music venues provide the perfect soundtrack to life in this thriving Southern city.
Let's explore the ten best venues that make Raleigh a true music lover's paradise.
Check out these live music venues in Raleigh
1. The Ritz
Location: 2820 Industrial Dr, Raleigh, NC 27609
Capacity: 1,400
The Ritz is a popular live music venue in Raleigh that hosts some of the world's greatest musical entertainment. This 12,000-square-foot venue is best known for its industrial-style space and features multiple bars and VIP seating options, making it the perfect spot to catch live bands.
Operated by Live Nation and reopened in 2015 after a $1 million renovation, this venue features striking black, white, and "Ritz Red" interiors that create an unforgettable atmosphere. The venue includes a mezzanine level with limited seating, multiple bars, and premium features like the Jupiter Lounge for VIP experiences.
Located four miles from the Raleigh Convention Center, the Ritz is an ideal destination close to Downtown Raleigh. With the space to accommodate up to 1,400 guests, the Ritz features full-service event production, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, and custom drink menus that everyone can enjoy.
Not only is The Ritz a premier concert venue, but the space can also be rented out for special events, including corporate events, weddings, holiday parties, and social gatherings. Visiting The Ritz for a concert is a great summer date idea when living in Raleigh.
Note that it's a cashless venue, and bags must be smaller than 12" x 6" x 12". With two official parking lots ($15) and premier parking options available, accessibility is straightforward.
2. The Pour House Music Hall and Record Shop
Location: 224 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Capacity: 289 people for regular events
A unique hybrid venue that music purists dream about, The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop combines a functioning record store with an intimate concert space.
This venue embodies Raleigh's commitment to preserving music culture while fostering new talent, offering a genuine connection between artists and audiences.
Located close to Watts and Ward, which is one of the best bars in Raleigh, the music hall and record shop has been a home for all things music in Raleigh since 1997, making it a local favorite.
The Pour House features a full-service bar with five craft beers on tap, a comfortable lounge area, and a high-quality sound and lighting system that rivals much larger venues. Offering affordable ticket prices, this venue remains accessible for all music lovers.
The venue regularly hosts both touring acts and local bands across multiple genres, though it has a particular affinity for indie rock, alternative, and singer-songwriter performances.
3. Tin Roof
Location: 300 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
Capacity: 300
Tin Roof brings Nashville's famous live music energy to downtown Raleigh, offering a vibrant restaurant and music venue experience in one package. With an approximate capacity of 300, this intimate space creates the perfect environment for discovering new talent while enjoying quality food and drinks.
The venue features weekly events ranging from karaoke and DJ nights to live music performances, with a strong emphasis on showcasing local and regional artists.
As a full-service restaurant and bar, Tin Roof offers a complete night-out experience. The menu includes appetizers, hearty meals, and a well-stocked bar, meaning you can arrive for dinner and stay through multiple sets without ever leaving.
The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between casual and energetic, making it ideal for date nights, group outings, or simply unwinding after work with great tunes and good food.
4. Red Hat Amphitheater
Location: 500 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Capacity: 5,900
Nestled in the heart of beautiful downtown Raleigh, Red Hat Amphitheater serves as the city's premier outdoor mid-sized concert venue. This stunning facility offers an incredible live music experience with the backdrop of Raleigh's skyline, combining urban sophistication with the joy of outdoor entertainment.
Located directly across from the Raleigh Convention Center, the amphitheater's downtown location makes it uniquely walkable for many Raleigh residents. The venue features both covered seating and open areas, with modern amenities and excellent sightlines throughout.
Operated by Live Nation, Red Hat Amphitheater maintains the same high standards for sound quality and guest experience that define the company's venues nationwide. This outdoor amphitheater welcomes various musical acts of all genres from April through October.
5. Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Location: 3801 Rock Quarry Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610
Capacity: 20,601
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek is a beautiful outdoor amphitheater in Raleigh that hosts large concerts. As one of the best outdoor activities in Raleigh, this sizable outdoor music venue hosts concerts by well-known artists and music festivals.
Since opening in 1991, Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek has established itself as Raleigh's largest and most iconic outdoor music venue.
This massive amphitheater has hosted legendary performances from music royalty, including Aerosmith, B.B. King, Bon Jovi, Fleetwood Mac, Metallica, Pearl Jam, Prince, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and The Who.
As part of a 77-acre complex, the Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek features a large lawn where concertgoers can bring their own blankets and covered seating closer to the stage.
On-site kiosks provide food, snacks, and alcoholic beverages. The venue's longevity and consistent booking of top-tier talent make it a cornerstone of Raleigh's music identity.
6. Lenovo Center
Location: 1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
Capacity: 20,000
Lenovo Center transforms from a sports arena to a concert venue with remarkable flexibility, hosting up to 150 concerts annually. While it's best known as home to the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes and NC State University Men's Basketball team, this multipurpose facility becomes Raleigh's largest indoor concert venue when the ice gets covered and the stage goes up.
With a seating capacity for approximately 20,000 people, the Lenovo Center brings the biggest names in music to Raleigh. The venue's excellent acoustics and modern amenities create an intimate yet spacious experience that works across genres from pop and rock to country and hip-hop.
The arena's location and ample parking make it accessible for attendees throughout the Triangle region, and its professional event staff ensures smooth operations even for sold-out shows. For music fans who want to see chart-topping artists and legendary performers without traveling to larger cities, the Lenovo Center delivers world-class entertainment right in Raleigh.
7. Kings
Location: 14 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Capacity: 265
Kings is a fun live music venue in Raleigh and an intimate club and bar that is perfect for a night out on the town. As a key figure in the Raleigh music scene since 1999, Kings is a favorite venue that hosts local, national, and international bands of all genres.
This intimate 265-capacity venue occupies a unique three-level building with multiple spaces, including the main concert hall upstairs and Neptunes, a speakeasy-style bar in the basement.
The venue's downtown location puts it within walking distance of excellent dining options, and its intimate setting creates unforgettable connections between performers and audiences.
8. Lincoln Theatre
Location: 126 E Cabarrus St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Capacity: 750
The Lincoln Theatre is a premier Downtown Raleigh music venue that is best known for its live music, events, and concerts. Offering a great atmosphere, friendly staff, nice acoustics, and decently priced drinks, the Lincoln Theatre is the place to be for live music and good times.
This well-established venue has become a favorite among both performers and audiences who appreciate quality sound in an intimate setting. Artists frequently praise the venue's acoustics and professional atmosphere, which translates to better performances and a superior experience for attendees.
From metal to bluegrass, this music venue welcomes musical acts of all genres and can fit up to 750 people standing and 130 to 350 seated. The Lincoln Theatre is for all ages unless otherwise stated. Tickets can be bought online ahead of time or in person the day of the show, after the doors open.
The venue offers both general admission floor space and a balcony level, providing options for different viewing preferences. Ticket prices remain notably affordable compared to larger venues, making live music accessible to everyone.
9. Meymandi Concert Hall
Location: 2 E South St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Capacity: 1,587
Meymandi Concert Hall represents the pinnacle of acoustic design and classical performance in Raleigh. Part of the larger Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts complex, this remarkable venue serves as home to the North Carolina Symphony and hosts world-class performers across classical, jazz, and contemporary genres.
With a 65-foot ceiling, shallow balconies, and a unique shoebox shape to create a clear and immersive sound experience for visitors, seeing a live performance at the Meymandi Concert Hall is a must, whether you live in Raleigh or are just visiting.
While the North Carolina Symphony performs regularly, Meymandi also welcomes diverse artists, including Dave Chappelle, Backstreet Boys, Bryan Adams, Aziz Ansari, and various classical virtuosos.
For residents who appreciate fine arts and exceptional musical performances in a world-class setting, Meymandi is an irreplaceable community asset.
10. Slims Raleigh
Location: 227 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Capacity: 100
As downtown Raleigh's oldest music venue (established 1999), Slims occupies a special place in the city's cultural history. This authentic dive bar with only 100-person capacity provides the most intimate concert experience in Raleigh
The venue features a large back patio for outdoor space, an upstairs lounge with a pool table for when you need breathing room, and a well-stocked bar with notably low prices. Slims hosts weekly events, including Tuesday open mic nights with a live band. This is a 21-and-up-only music venue.
Methodology
Data was sourced from music venues in the area to determine the best live music venues in Raleigh, NC.
FAQs
What is the biggest venue in Raleigh, NC?
Lenovo Center is the biggest venue in Raleigh since it can seat 20,000 people and is used for concerts, ice hockey games, basketball games, and other events throughout the year.
What is the best area to live in Raleigh, NC?
Raleigh is home to some of the most sought-after neighborhoods and up-and-coming communities. Raleigh's best areas to live in include Historic Oakwood, Cameron Village, Boylan Heights, and North Hills.
How do I find good local music?
Some of the best ways to find good local music are to join local Facebook groups, follow local live music venues on social media, and browse through online forums such as Reddit.
Best Live Music Venues in Raleigh - Final Thoughts
From intimate 100-capacity dive bars to 20,000-seat arenas, the venues showcased here provide something for every musical taste and occasion.
Whether you are a metal head or a country music fan, Raleigh features tons of concerts each year and welcomes bands of all genres to the area. Listening to live music is a great way to relax if you are stressed and is looked at as an enjoyable and immersive experience.
Most live music venues in Raleigh provide friendly service, great food and drinks, and nice acoustics with either seating or standing room. If you are moving to Raleigh, make sure to go to a concert and check out the many live music venues that the city has to offer.
As you explore making Raleigh your home or dive deeper into the city you already love, let the music guide you. Attend shows at different venues, explore various genres, support local artists, and discover which spaces resonate with your personal style.
Ready to explore Raleigh's incredible live music scene from your own home in this vibrant city? Contact Raleigh Realty today to find your perfect property in neighborhoods close to your favorite venues. Let us help you discover where you belong in the City of Oaks.
