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Best Bars With Live Music in Dallas, TX

Dallas has one of the most vibrant and varied live music scenes in Texas, spanning intimate jazz clubs and classic honky tonk bars to legendary Deep Ellum concert halls and major stadiums hosting the biggest names in music. Whether you love blues, country, indie rock, classical opera, or sold-out pop concerts, the bars with live music in Dallas, TX, and the city's concert venues have something for every kind of music lover.

Red Roof® has put together this guide to 18 of the best places to catch live music in Dallas, all conveniently located near our affordable hotels.

Plan your stay at redroof.com and get ready to experience the sounds of Dallas.

A man playing a violin
A woman with her arms up and her tongue out
A group of people dancing in a club

Where to Catch Live Music in Dallas

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Granada Theater

A vintage art deco concert hall with a capacity of 1,000, designed by the same artist behind Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Granada Theater has hosted acts from Bob Dylan to Black Sabbath since the early 2000s. General admission and seated tickets are available, and Sundown at Granada next door offers food and drinks before and after the show.

A person playing a saxophone

The Balcony Club

A relaxed and intimate jazz club in downtown Dallas hosting classic and modern jazz ensembles alongside blues and R&B acts every night of the week until 2 am. Happy Hour runs Sunday through Thursday, with reverse Happy Hour from midnight to 2 am on Friday and Saturday. The club is 21 and over, and outside food is welcome.

A group of people dancing in a bar

Adair's Saloon

One of the original bars with live music in Dallas, TX, Adair's Saloon in Deep Ellum calls itself the best hole-in-the-wall honky tonk in Dallas with a small stage, a 200-person capacity, and a history of hosting acts including The Chicks and Jack Ingram. Classic dive bar fare, including cheeseburger baskets and beers on tap, makes every evening authentically Texan.

A group of women with their hands up

Dos Equis Pavilion

Known as Dallas's Loudest Backyard, Dos Equis Pavilion is a 20,000-seat outdoor concert venue for major touring acts. Past performers include Rod Stewart, Aerosmith, Foo Fighters, and Chris Stapleton. VIP options include the Live Nation Lounge, the Lonestar Cantina, and a Fast Lane pass to skip the line.

A stage with a couple of musicians playing on it

The Majestic

Originally a vaudeville venue opened in 1921 and restored in 1983, The Majestic is a historic and elegant 1,700-seat venue hosting live music and comedy shows. Its exceptional acoustics make it a favorite among returning performers and one of the most atmospheric concert venues in Dallas.

A crowd of people at a concert

Trees

A premier alternative music venue in Deep Ellum since 1990, Trees is widely considered a musical rite of passage for Dallas residents and has hosted legendary acts including Nirvana and Radiohead. General admission standing room and a VIP upgrade are available. Flash photography is not permitted inside.

A man playing a saxophone on a stage with a woman and a band

Club Dada

Home to the biggest outdoor patio in Deep Ellum, Club Dada is a beloved neighborhood hangout for indie rock music featuring acts like the New Bohemians and the Black Crowes. The patio is dog-friendly, beers on tap are available, and great restaurants within walking distance make it one of the most relaxed bars with live music in Dallas, TX.

A large auditorium with red seats

Winspear Opera House

Adorned with a 60-foot glass facade and overlooking Sammons Park, the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House has a 60-year history of orchestral, operatic, and choral performances in a 2,300-seat venue. Past productions include Aida, Madama Butterfly, Handel's Messiah, and Carmina Burana, alongside student performances.

A pair of feet in white shoes

Sons of Hermann Hall

The oldest bar and oldest free-standing wood structure in Dallas, Sons of Hermann Hall has hosted Kelly Clarkson's first American Idol audition and served as a filming location for Robocop. Regular line dancing lessons, folk music concerts for 400, and the Thursday Electric Campfire Jam make it one of the most historically rich bars with live music in Dallas, TX.

A group of people dancing

House of Blues Dallas

Putting a distinctly Texan twist on the House of Blues format, House of Blues Dallas hosts blues, jazz, hip-hop, and country acts for audiences of up to 2,500. Southern-style eats at the restaurant and bar, and private dining at the Foundation Room with bottle service, round out one of the most complete concert venues in Dallas.

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South Side Ballroom

A newly renovated Dallas music venue with five custom bars and a walkable location near DART stations, South Side Ballroom has hosted Imagine Dragons and Twenty One Pilots for crowds of up to 3,000. Most events are all-ages, making it a great choice for families or mixed-age groups.

A group of people on a stage

Music Hall at Fair Park

Located in Fair Park, the Music Hall opened in 1936 and has been home to Broadway Dallas productions, including Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, and Hamilton, alongside headlining bands like Morrissey and Jackson Browne. It is one of the most versatile concert venues in Dallas for musical theater and live music fans.

A group of people dancing in front of a bright stage

The Factory

Housed in one of Henry Ford's first automotive assembly plants from 1914, The Factory in Deep Ellum carries remarkable Texas history into a 350-seat intimate music venue. Luxury suites with private entrances, bars, and restrooms are available, and the setting makes every performance feel special and up close.

A crowd of people at a concert

American Airlines Center

Home to the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and NHL's Dallas Stars and a major concert destination for acts like Beyoncé, Madonna, and Justin Timberlake, American Airlines Center seats 20,000 and features retractable seating, massive video boards, and surround sound audio. Dining options range from street tacos to gourmet grills.

A group of people playing instruments on a stage

Tulips FTW (3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, Suite 253, Grapevine, TX 76051)

A short drive from downtown Dallas in Fort Worth, Tulips FTW is a beloved venue in the Texas arts community, hosting indie bands, Texas Death Fest, and local artists through the Art Tooth Wall. Capacity under 500, so arriving early is recommended. Food trucks are often present outside on show nights.

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The Rustic

A restaurant, bar, and outdoor concert venue with the feel of a neighbor's backyard, The Rustic hosts weekly live music from Wednesday to Sunday, featuring country acts alongside weekend brunch and Texas barbecue. Long patio tables and standing room accommodate up to 1,000 people.

A person playing guitar on a stage

Longhorn Ballroom

Originally Bob Wills' Ranch House and now a 2,000-seat renovated music venue, the Longhorn Ballroom has a storied history of legendary performances by Willie Nelson, B.B. King, and Ray Charles. A full bar stocking Texas beer, wine, and cocktails is available, and food trucks typically appear outside during shows.

A man playing guitar on stage

The Kessler

One of the most popular live music venues in Dallas, The Kessler offers a 400-person capacity theater, the outdoor Green at the Kessler, eight-seat VIP suites, a walk-up bar, and accessible seating and ramps. Nearby Oak Cliff Burritos is a great pre-show dining option for visitors arriving early.