The best places to see live music in Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth is growing and so is its live music scene. Luckily, that means you don't have to search far to find a great place to hear it.
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
Naturally, the first place you might look is Sundance Square in the heart of downtown. The largest outdoor stage there by far is the covered patio at Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, which regularly hosts local music acts. With more than 200 beers on tap and a wide range of pub food offerings, the Saucer continues to be a popular destination for beer and music lovers.
Scat Jazz Lounge
One block south and several feet underground is Scat Jazz Lounge where local jazz ensembles like Black Dog Jam and R&B/jazz composer and singer Tatiana Mayfield perform frequently, along with visiting and touring artists from around the country. Order a martini or any of their superlative cocktails and take in an authentic jazz lounge experience.
Billy Bob's Texas
Just to the north is the nightlife of the Stockyards National Historic District where the neon lights shine bright at Billy Bob's Texas, the world's largest honky-tonk. Virtually every major country star has performed at Billy Bob's Texas, but local and regional faves also grace the stage. Music, drinks and chef-driven food can all be found under Billy Bob’s very large roof.
Lola's Saloon & Trailer Park
Just north of West 7th Street is Lola's Saloon and Lola’s Trailer Park, two adjacent venues that host nearly every genre imaginable. Lola's Trailer Park is an open-air venue with a large overhead roof. Nearby Dayne’s Craft Barbecue is known for award-winning smoked meats and old-school hamburgers.
Magnolia Motor Lounge
Just south of Lola’s is another popular music venue, Magnolia Motor Lounge. The automotive decor sets the tone for this restaurant and bar that regularly features open mic nights and a solid lineup of rock, county and roots music performances.
MASS
MASS (Main at South Side) is located in the bustling South Main Village adjacent to downtown. The venue is the preferred space for many popular local bands. The single large performance hall largely caters to fans of progressive rock. The bar is always stocked with affordably priced macro and micro beers.
Tulips FTW
Also in the South Main Village area is newcomer Tulips FTW. Fort Worth has long needed a solid mid-sized music venue that blends pristine acoustics with a sound team that knows how to sonically balance everything from acoustic sets to hip-hop and rock. Come early or stay late for some of the best cocktails in the 817.
The Boiled Owl
A fun and quirky dive bar, The Boiled Owl Tavern is one of the best local spots to catch live acts. It's also a favorite venue for bands too. Without a stage, fans are encouraged to step right up to the musos. The dive bar also sells a surprisingly robust offering of craft beers at prices that won’t leave you feeling gouged.
Ridglea Theater
Ridglea Theater, known for its Mission/Spanish Revival facade and 70-foot stone tower, is by far the oldest music venue on this list. Since opening in 1950, the roomy concert venue has hosted famous and local acts alike. The event space features a large theater, a mid-sized room and a newly restored lounge.
The Post at River East
Just northeast of downtown in the bustling River East development is The Post at River East where you can catch regular acts by local and touring singer-songwriters. The open-air space is highlighted by worn stone and metal features that add a unique charm. Here, listeners are encouraged to sit down, order a drink or meal and take in sublime performances from masterful troubadours.
Panther Island Pavilion
These mentions only scratch the surface of what Fort Worth has to offer — not to forget Panther Island Pavilion, the only waterfront stage in Texas. If you haven't been keeping up with the local music scene, these venues are a great place to start catching up.
Dickies Arena
National touring acts grace the stage of this state-of-the-art arena. The 14,000-seat venue hosts the annual Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, numerous sporting events and chart-topping sensations Camila Cabello, Parker McCollum and more.
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