New York City has long been considered a land of opportunity, and when it comes to live music, there’s no exception. With a vibrant cultural history and incredibly diverse population, New York City has become a hub for all things musically creative. From punk to hip hop, New York City has been the birthplace of some of the most iconic sounds, giving it a reputation and status as one of the most important music cities in the world.
And where there’s good music, there’s good music venues.
From dive bars to ballroom theaters, check out this list of the top 10 music venues to catch a show in New York City.
10. Brooklyn Bowl
Situated in the ever-so-hip neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Brooklyn Bowl is a fusion of bowling, food and great live music. With a laid-back atmosphere and wide range of bands, Brooklyn Bowl has gained national recognition and has become known as a go-to spot in New York City. You can catch everything from funk to rock and hip hop, and the venue has even hosted acts as big as Kanye West, M.I.A. and Elvis Costello. And the best part? It’s usually pretty affordable. On any given night, you can usually snag a ticket between just $15 and $20.
9. Madison Square Garden (MSG)
Perhaps the most iconic venue in New York City, Madison Square Garden has hosted just about every major musician you can think of. Though the venue has changed location four different times, the name and entity has been around since 1925. Since then, the massive indoor arena has routinely hosted acts such as Elvis, Led Zeppelin, Grateful Dead, Madonna and Taylor Swift. For a musician, selling out a show at MSG has been considered one of the highest forms of musical accomplishments, and for a fan, seeing one of your heroes on such a legendary stage is truly magical.
8. Baby’s All Right
For a more laid-back and close-knit scene, Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn is the perfect venue. The DIY style venue hosts a number of indie rock bands and DJs, and gives off a trendy and relaxed vibe. For a relatively affordable venue and a break away from the chaos of the city, Baby’s All Right is a great spot to spend an evening out with friends.
7. The Bowery Ballroom
Located in the southeast part of Manhattan, The Bowery Ballroom plays host to a number of bands ranging from electronic dance groups to punk and indie rock. This famous club has appeared in movies and been referenced in songs, making it one of the hottest ticket joints in New York City. Despite this, tickets remain relatively affordable, typically costing between $15 and $20. But the venue itself is on the smaller side — fitting only about 600 people — so be sure to grab a ticket fast!
6. Mercury Lounge
If you’re a fan of The Strokes, the Mercury Lounge is the place for you. Located on the Lower East Side, the intimately sized club is where The Strokes first got their start, and the venue continues to be an important spot for indie bands. The Mercury Lounge can only hold 250 people, so if you’re looking for a smaller, more relaxed venue, this is the perfect joint.
5. Village Vanguard
A venue rich with history and culture, the Village Vanguard is one of the most important places to hear jazz music in New York City. The Village Vanguard opened its doors in 1934, and was originally intended to be a hangout for poets and artists, but in the late 1950s, it transformed into one of the most iconic jazz clubs in the city. Since then, the Village Vanguard has hosted all the greats — from Miles Davis to John Coltrane — and continues to be one of the most respected venues in New York.
4. Forest Hills Stadium
Ever dream of seeing a show at a tennis stadium? Forest Hills Stadium is the perfect spot for you. The outdoor tennis arena/concert venue has become one of the most iconic music spots in America. With a history of hosting bands such as The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Barbra Streisand, Forest Hills Stadium quickly gained a reputation as a serious and legendary music venue. Nowadays, you can regularly find bands like Alabama Shakes, Greta Van Fleet and Mumford & Sons rocking the stage.
3. The Blue Note Jazz Club
In Greenwich Village, you can find the intimate and superbly cool Blue Note Jazz Club, a venue established in 1981 that has since become a renowned spot to hear contemporary jazz music.The small venue is seat-style and patrons gather around tables to hear some of the most renowned jazz musicians of today. Additionally, the club has started bi-weekly Late Night performances that include funk, hip-hop, soul and R&B music for a more eclectic and groovy vibe.
2. Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
One of the most beautiful music venues in the U.S. — let alone New York City — is Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, an outdoor amphitheatre situated right on a New York City beach. Located off Jones Beach State Park, the amphitheatre overlooks the bay and ocean, providing a picturesque background for every show. Who wouldn’t want to see a concert on the water? The venue hosts a variety of musicians from Jimmy Buffet to the Tedeschi Trucks Band, and remains one of the most iconic places to catch a concert in the warm summer months.
1. The Beacon Theatre
Formerly a Vaudeville theater and movie palace, the spacious Beacon Theatre on the Upper West Side is one of the most grandiose and beautiful venues in New York City. With a rich cultural history and gorgeous interior design, seeing a show at the Beacon Theater feels like a true New York night on the town. The venue itself is quite large and has hosted a variety of music from a famous set of shows by the Allman Brothers Band, to performances by Mariah Carey and Ryan Adams.
