Songs & Summer Nights: 6 Amazing Places to Enjoy Live Music in Downtown Phoenix this Summer
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.
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.
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.
The Nash
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
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
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.
The Van Buren
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.
Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen
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.
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.
Pa’La Wood-Fired Cooking
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.
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
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 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
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.
Châm 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.
Bar Smith
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.