Raleigh's best live music venues: 9 must-visit spots for music lovers
There's something special about live music that can't be duplicated through a stereo. It's more than just the music; it's the atmosphere – the people you're surrounded by and the feeling of the crowd moving as one. Raleigh is home to unique venues at various sizes where you can experience the magic of live music. So ditch your headphones and head to one of these top-rated spots.
Red Hat Amphitheater
Red Hat Amphitheater is an outdoor music venue in Raleigh, North Carolina. It is located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, adjacent to the Raleigh Convention Center. The theater has a capacity of 5,990 people and hosts various live music events, including concerts, festivals and family shows.
The Red Hat Amphitheater opened in 2010 and was originally named the Raleigh Amphitheater. It was renamed the Red Hat Amphitheater in 2011 after Red Hat, a software company headquartered in Raleigh, became the venue's title sponsor.
The Red Hat Amphitheater is known for its excellent acoustics and intimate atmosphere. The venue is also family-friendly and offers a variety of amenities, including a playground, a food court and a beer garden.
The Ritz
The Ritz is a legendary concert venue located in downtown Raleigh with a capacity of 1,900. It has been hosting live music since 1980 and has seen some of the biggest names in the industry perform on its stage. The Ritz is known for its intimate setting and high-quality sound, making it a favorite among performers and fans.
The venue has been home to many memorable concerts, including shows by The Smashing Pumpkins, The Black Keys and The Killers. It has also been a popular spot for up-and-coming artists to launch their careers.
The Ritz is a must-visit for any fan of live music. If you want an unforgettable concert experience, check out a show at The Ritz.
Lincoln Theater
If you're looking for a fantastic night out in the Raleigh area, replete with astounding music, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend your evening than a performance at Lincoln Theatre.
Lincoln Theatre has hosted big-time musical acts from various genres, including classic rock, country, indie rock, hip hop, metal and alternative.
With a rich history and excellent acoustics, this captivating venue can accommodate up to 750 standing, 150-350 seated, or partially seated guests. The theater has a fixed stage and production, making it a great place to see a variety of performances.
Jason Adamo, the local artist named second-place winner in the 2022 WRAL Voters Choice Awards, calls it one of his favorite venues to perform at with his band.
"Lincoln Theater is one of my favorite places to play and our house music hall," Adamo said. "A few times, we have graced the stage at the Red Hat Amphitheater, which is awesome for the larger touring acts."
Tin Roof Raleigh
Tin Roof Raleigh features live music every night, mixing local regional, and national acts across all genres. On weekends, you can catch solo and duo artist sets during dinner. In the late night, bands play your favorite songs on stage while a DJ spins tunes on the second-floor rooftop patio. Tip: Go there hungry – the Southern-inspired "Better Than Bar Food" menu is always a hit.
The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop
The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop is a two-story music venue and record shop in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. The venue has a capacity of 500 people and hosts various live music events, including concerts, comedy shows and spoken word performances. The record shop features a wide selection of new and used vinyl records and CDs, cassettes and other music merchandise.
PNC Area
PNC Arena is in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is home to the 2006 Stanley Cup Champions Carolina Hurricanes and NC State University Men's Basketball. It's a large venue: With a capacity 20,000, PNC Arena can accommodate a wide range of artists and events. This makes it a popular choice for touring bands and promoters. Some famous music artists have performed at PNC Arena Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and more.
Coastal Credit Union at Walnut Creek
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek has a beautiful setting in Raleigh. Trees surround the venue and it has a view of Walnut Creek. It hosts a variety of music genres, from country to rock to pop. There's something for everyone, and it is family-friendly, with plenty of activities for kids, such as playgrounds and picnic areas.
Wicked Witch
The Wicked Witch is located in downtown Raleigh in a former warehouse, which gives it a unique and industrial feel. The venue is decorated with dark and gothic imagery, and the lighting is often dim. This creates a moody and atmospheric space that is perfect for live music.
The Wicked Witch hosts various live music events, including concerts, comedy shows and DJ nights. The venue also has a full bar and a food menu.
The Wicked Witch is a popular spot for locals and tourists, and it has been praised for its intimate atmosphere, diverse programming and friendly staff.
NCMA Amphitheater (North Carolina Museum of Art)
The NCMA Amphitheater is a beautiful outdoor venue designed by architect Cesar Pelli and opened in 1988. It is known for its excellent acoustics and intimate atmosphere and hosts a variety of live music concerts, festivals and family shows. The venue is also family-friendly and offers a variety of amenities, including a playground, a food court and a beer garden.
