One of the best things to do on an evening out with friends is go and see a live music performance. It doesn’t even matter what the genre is–something about seeing talented artists perform live automatically makes it enjoyable and you appreciate the experience more.
Charlotte has a great music scene full of incredible musicians who have gained local, regional, and national fame. If you have been wondering what you should do for your next Friday night outing, hit up any of these bars or clubs to have a great time.
12 Awesome Places to Catch Live Music in Charlotte
1. Middle C Jazz
They feature some truly great jazz artists of both regional and national fame. They bring artists of many different genres in to perform at their bar.
Why we like it: They have only been open for a year, and still managed to be successful and gain a following even during a pandemic.
Location: 300 South Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Days & Hours: Thursday-Saturday nights, 6-10PM
2. The Imperial
They feature some of Charlotte’s top local musicians and serve quality cocktails. Their rooftop can be quite the party because of a great view of the skyline and their great DJ.
Why we like it: Their signature drink is the Royal Apple Mule. They use organic ingredients for their drinks and have exceptional mixologists on staff.
Location: 300 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Days & Hours: Thursday-Saturday nights, 5PM-2AM
Related Post: The 7 Best Rooftop Bars and Restaurants in Charlotte
3. The Evening Muse
Opened since 2001, The Evening Muse has showcased literally thousands of musicians on their stage. They invite artists of every genre to come and perform.
Why we like it: It is in a great location in the NoDa arts district surrounded by other art galleries, shops, and restaurants. They even have original artwork around their space.
Location: 3227 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Days & Hours: it varies based on whether they book gigs or not. Typically Thursday-Sunday and 7:30 or 10PM.
4. The Thirsty Beaver
This dive bar is a quintessential dive bar: it has the pool tables, a tube T.V. to watch sports on, and some cheap beer to enjoy. This hole in the wall has been around for ages and has some really loyal customers.
Why we like it: The decor of the place is enough to entice you to come. They have a black and white checkerboard tiled floor and bras hung up on the walls.
Location: 1225 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
Days & Hours: Typically Thurs-Sun, but times can range anywhere from 5PM to 9PM.
5. Hattie’s Tap & Tavern
The atmosphere of Hattie’s is just amazing. The decor, murals, and back patio just make it a terrific place to hang out with friends. They also have quite the extensive craft beer menu and whiskey selection.
Why we like it: They allow dogs both inside and outside on the patio. They also have bingo, karaoke, and game nights too!
Location: 2918 The Plz, Charlotte, NC 28205
Days & Hours: It depends on whether they have musicians scheduled or not, but usually Fri-Sun and around 7-9PM.
6. The Milestone
If you are into punk, metal, and everything in between, you will definitely appreciate The Milestone. They are situated in a converted house and have an authentic dive bar feel to them. They’ve had musicians like Nirvana and R.E.M. perform at their bar.
Why we like it: They originally opened in 1969! They’ve been at the forefront of rock, punk, new wave, metal, and other underground scenes in the South for over 40 years.
Location: 3400 Tuckaseegee Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208
Days & Hours: Typically every night they have someone booked to play! 8PM-12AM.
7. Smoke & Barrel CIgar Bar and Lounge
A great place to relax, enjoy a smoke, and have a drink. The place has a great ambience and the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and eager to help you find the perfect cigar.
Why we like it: It’s a small business and the owner is there every night and takes the time to talk to everyone and get to know them.
Location: 121 E Charlotte Ave, Mount Holly, NC 28120
Days & Hours: Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday; 6-9PM
8. The Rabbit Hole
They have a great selection of beers to choose from, an awesome stage and sound system, and an even cooler second room with a bunch of games. Play foosball, pool, skeeball, or basketball as you listen to music.
Why we like it: They have plenty of space for dancing and even have frequent art displays from local artists hanging around the walls.
Location: 1801 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Days & Hours: varies nightly based on performance–usually 4PM-2AM and Sundays 12PM-2AM.
9. Coyote Joe’s
They have so much entertainment to offer in this one venue! They have dancing, corn hole, pool, bull riding, live music, and several bars.
Why we like it: Their drinks are pretty cheap but are still made quite strong!
Location: 4621 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208
Days & Hours: Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 7PM-2AM.
10. Rooftop 210
This rooftop is in a great spot in the city with beautiful views and a DJ bar and dance floor. Cover charge is free and the dress code is casual. It can get pretty busy by midnight!
Why we like it: They have silent discos, which is such a fun idea.
Location: 210 E Trade St, Ste B-320, Epicentre, Charlotte, NC 28202
Days & Hours: They have a DJ playing almost every night, but live bands are intermittently scheduled. Usually live music is on a Wednesday or Sunday. 5PM-12AM.
11. Tin Roof
This venue is both a bar and restaurant with a basic menu. They have two rooms so there’s space for dancing.
Why we like it: The bartenders are probably the best part. Always so friendly and never skimp on the drinks.
Location: 210 E Trade St, Ste 286, Charlotte, NC 28202
Days & Hours: Friday nights 7PM-10PM.
12. Snug Harbor
This pirate themed bar is everything you could want. They have cheap drinks that are strong, an outdoor area and really great live music.
Why we like it: The eclectic decor and artwork make this bar an absolute gem. You could spend the entire evening staring at the walls and still have more to see the next night.
Location: 1228 Gordon St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Days & Hours: Mon-Fri 4:30PM-2AM; Sat-Sun 1PM-2AM.
Regardless of which bar you visit and which show you watch, you are bound to have an enjoyable experience. Sitting back listening to talented artists who are passionate about music will inspire you. Plus, you can drink some delicious cocktails at the same time! You will never again have to wonder what to do on a Thursday evening.
Go check what artists are playing at these 12 awesome places and catch some great live music right here in Charlotte.
