15 Amazing Places to Enjoy Live Music in Downtown Phoenix
by Joe Barans and Haley Hoekstra
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As our summer days heat up, Downtown Phoenix comes alive at night. If you’re looking for a show with an intimate vibe for your night out, you’re in luck because this city’s thriving music scene has plenty to offer.
Behind the scenes of a DJ performance at Walter Studios (Photo: Walter Studios)
Electronic Dance Music (EDM) fans will rejoice at Walter Studios’ inclusive lineup of DJs from a wide range of styles and genres, from techno and deep house to classic 1970s disco. The venue is referred to as an “evolving community concept” and also contains a restaurant serving lunch, brunch, and dinner. So, you can grab a bite to eat before dancing the night away! Walter Studios is a unique part of a larger Walter ecosystem of properties across the Valley. To find your next party, check out their event calendar.
Details: 747 W. Roosevelt St.
Beer and live music on the patio at Greenwood Brewing. (Photo: Greenwood Brewing)
Kicking off their Summer Sunset Concert Series, this proudly female-owned brewery is located in the Roosevelt Row Arts District. Featuring local musicians on the brewery’s patio stage, these fun, chill shows take place Fridays from 7 – 9 p.m. through August. Enjoy one of their refreshing craft beers, and experience one of Phoenix’s famous sunsets, all while listening to fantastic music. If you’re looking for a romantic date night, this is the perfect spot!
Details: 922 N. 5th St.
Performers on stage at The Nash. (Photo: Joseph Berg Jazz Photography)
Founded by award-winning jazz musician and ASU professor Lewis Nash, The Nash is more than just a venue. It’s the premier center for jazz education, preservation, and culture in Arizona. Given special recognition by Downbeat Magzine as one of the “Great Jazz Venues in the World”, this venue is a gem in the heart of the arts district. If you’re already deeply into jazz, you will appreciate their dedication to showcasing talented artists and promoting the art form. If you are new to this music, and curious to expand your horizons, there’s no better place to start. You can check out their upcoming events here.
Details: 110 E. Roosevelt St.
Crescent Ballroom exterior and patio. (Photo: Joe Barans)
With a wide variety of entertainment options, from touring acts to hometown heroes, this historic venue has a show for everyone. Check out their free, weekly showcase of local songwriters every Wednesday starting at 8 p.m. This showcase is conveniently titled Wednesday Wednesday. Enjoy a fun night of trivia on Sunday evenings at 6 p.m. and stick around afterward for the live jazz jam session that starts at 8 p.m. Or, you can just let loose at one of their themed dance parties! View Crescent’s event calendar here.
Details: 308 N. 2nd Ave.
Valley Bar’s signature alley entrance. (Photo: Joe Barans)
This sister venue to Crescent Ballroom shines with its own unique identity. As an even more intimate space due to its size, this underground club hosts talented up-and-coming touring acts from across the nation. You’ll find shows spanning all genres, from hip hop to indie pop, so this could be the place where you discover your next favorite artist! For upcoming shows, check out their calendar.
Details: 130 N. Central Ave.
A band performing on stage at The Van Buren. (Photo: Facebook)
As the largest venue on this list, this Live Nation managed venue provides a great local opportunity to see prominent national and international touring acts. Many of the hottest rappers, rock bands, comedians, pop singers, and latin artists perform here consistently. Check out their event calendar to see their upcoming shows, and you’ll definitely want to act fast when ordering your tickets, as they often sell out quickly!
So, whether you’re looking for a casual night out, an engaging cultural experience, or a chance to connect with emerging artists, you’ll find that the Downtown Phoenix community has much to offer.
Details: 401 W. Van Buren St.
Food and drinks front row at Copper Blues Live (Photo: Mer Norwood)
Don’t wait until the weekend to catch a live show–experience dynamic performances and live music at this rock pub and kitchen, seven days a week. Discover a fusion of your favorite comfort foods and elevated pub fare perfectly designed to complement the excitement and vibrancy of their daily live entertainment. Check out their event calendar for upcoming live music and events.
Details: 50 W. Jefferson St.
Indoor-outdoor space during a music performance at The Duce (Photo: The Duce)
Uncover the unique fusion of past & present at The Duce, a family-owned gem in the heart of Phoenix! Their space is your canvas for creating memories, where the spirit of togetherness thrives! Experience lively entertainment at the DTPHX staple that was voted one of the top 100 bars of Phoenix 2024 by the Phoenix New Times! Check out their calendar for upcoming live music performances.
Details: 525 S. Central Ave.
Enjoying a glass of wine at the bar inside Pa’La (Photo: Pa’La)
The Lounge at Pa’La brings elevated vibes with global style to the downtown Phoenix restaurant. The new lounge features a live jazz band on Friday and Saturday nights, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Check out their events calendar here.
Details: 132 E. Washington St.
The patio area at BARCOA has a cozy atmosphere for enjoying a cocktail while catching a live show. (Photo: BARCOA Agaveria)
BARCOA is hidden in plain sight behind XICO – a Latinx and Indigenous art gallery and working artist studio. It’s here that you’ll find a cozy patio, the occasional taco truck, and entry into a two-level mezcal paradise. Check out their events calendar for upcoming live music, DJ performances, and community events.
Details: 829 N. 1st Ave.
Eden Rooftop Bar loves to host performers of all kinds, and they love to surprise and delight you with their latest discoveries. (Photo: Eden Rooftop Bar)
High atop the nation’s most vibrant, up-and-coming downtown…you’ve arrived. Eden’s rooftop cocktail bar is a lush desert escape, where you can find rooftop revelry from day to night. Eden loves to host performers of all kinds to surprise and delight their guests with their latest discoveries, from Live DJ Saturdays and Live Music Fridays. Check out their happenings to see upcoming live music and DJ performances.
Details: 2 E. Jefferson St.
Tap That’s modern dining area has various seating options available to choose from to settle in for a night of live music (Photo: Tap That Downtown)
Tap That Downtown was born from the love of beer. Tap, sip, and experience the local music scene with live performances from local artists. Stay tuned to their events calendar to catch an upcoming live music show at happy hour or after dark.
Details: 909 N. 5th St.
Thundercat Lounge has an open concept venue with a stage for performances (Photo: Thundercat Lounge)
Dance the night away with top artists from the 80s, 90s, and today. Experience every genre of music, from old-school hip-hop to new-wave beats. Thundercat Lounge delivers old-school vibes while giving you everything you want from a modern nightlife experience. Check out their events calendar for upcoming shows and game nights.
Details: 747 W. Van Buren St.
The iconic full 360 bar is at the center of this venue, making it easy to see a performance from any seat. (Photo: Cham Pang Lanes)
Get your jam on with lively weekly events like drag brunch, karaoke nights, and DJ sets mixing up the vibes. Check out their happenings calendar for upcoming entertainment and game night details.
Details: 903 N. 2nd St.
Creativity abounds on both floors of this bi-level nightclub located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. Dance the night away on the open rooftop or inside the main room. Bar Smith is always bringing the very best of house and hip-hop artists to the dance floor, dedicated to offering good music for 15 years strong.
Details: 130 E. Washington St.