Raleigh’s music scene is one of the best in the state. You’ll find concerts and gigs happening almost every night of the week in the City of Oaks, and there’s no shortage of awesome music venues in Raleigh.
If you’re looking to let your hair down and rock out to big-name touring artists or local bands, Raleigh has an exciting array of concert venues – from huge arenas to small local bars, from indoor venues to outdoor performance grounds. If you’re not sure what music venues have artists that suit your tastes, we’ve created this overview of Raleigh’s music venues so you can check them out and discover the local music scene at its finest.
- Indoor Music Venues in Raleigh NC
- Outdoor Music Venues in Raleigh NC
- Koka Booth Amphitheater
- Red Hat Amphitheater
- Downtown Cary Park
- Coastal Credit Union Music Park (Walnut Creek Amphitheatre)
- Bowstring Pizza & Brewery (outdoor stage)
- The Corner at Centennial Campus (NC State University)
- Gregg Museum of Art & Design front lawn
- Midtown Park at North Hills
- The Joseph M. Bryan, Jr., Theater at the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA)
- Map of Music Venues in Raleigh
Indoor Music Venues in Raleigh NC
Lenovo Center (formerly PNC Arena)
- Address: 1400 Edwards Mill Rd #3624, Raleigh
- Website: pncarena.com
Lenovo Center is most well known for being the home to Raleigh’s hockey team, the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, as well as the NC State University Men’s Basketball team, but when hockey matches are over, the ice is covered, and the stadium is transformed into an intimate yet spacious live music venue.
With a seating capacity of approximately 20,000 people, it’s the largest music venue in Raleigh for national touring artists and hosts up to 150 concerts per year. It’s hosted concerts for big names such as Mariah Carey, P!nk, and Nicki Minaj. We’ve seen Billie Eilish, Imagine Dragons, Greta Van Fleet, and more here ourselves.
PNC Arena has state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional acoustics, with modern amenities such as a huge parking lot that can fit 14,000 cars, 20 permanent concession stands, and a further 50 portable concession stands. For those who want a more VIP experience, there are 51 suits and 7 loge boxes where you can watch gigs in style. See what concerts are coming up at Lenova enter.
Read more: Best Hotels in Raleigh Near Lenovo Center (Reviews + Top Rated) and our guide to the Lenovo Center (includes parking and more) and where to eat near the Lenovo Center.
Lincoln Theatre
Lincoln Theatre is a small music venue in Raleigh that’s known for its intimate atmosphere. With a capacity of around 1,000 people over two levels, it offers concertgoers a chance to connect with artists in a unique setting.
It caters to all genres of music and is often used as a venue for Raleigh’s Hopscotch Music Festival and the Raleigh Wide Open as well as hosting lesser known, visiting bands and local bands, mostly in the rock, metal, folk, country, hip-hop, and EDM genres.
We’ve seen American Aquarium and local band; Sleeping Booty play here. It’s a really cool old-school style venue! Although it looks small and unassuming from the outside, the Lincoln Theatre is a well-known and celebrated music venue with excellent acoustics, with modern sound and lighting systems, and a warm ambiance. And affordable ticket prices!
- Address: 126 E Cabarrus St, Raleigh
- Website: lincolntheatre.com
Read our guide to the Lincoln Theatre + Did you know that sometimes the Lincoln has an outdoor theatre? Well, it’s only for one special event of the year. Read more about Band Together’s Mighty Giveback annual fundraiser. The biggest Raleigh concert block party of the year!
The Ritz
Don’t let the name fool you, The Ritz is not a fancy establishment, but it is one of the best indoor music venues in Raleigh, especially if you’re into rock or metal music. The Ritz opened up around 2015 and is owned by Live Nation, who renovated a 1960s commercial building in Raleigh’s Midtown district.
Although only a small venue with a capacity of 1,400 people, it has welcomed some top-rated artists such as Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, and Lizzo to its stage. And a couple of years ago Sabrina Carpenter played here – she’s upgraded to the (sold out) Lenovo Center two years later. Let’s call that the Swiftie Effect.
It’s most synonymous with rock and metal music though and has seen legendary metal bands perform inside its walls, from Slayer to Marilyn Manson to Motorhead to Slipknot, as well as rock bands like Fall Out Boy, The White Stripes and Foo Fighters.
I attended two concerts here for the first time last year with my daughters to see David Kushner and Inhaler (7ou may hear the lead singers voice and think it’s Bono. Close – it’s his son!) Adn then most recently, the Runarounds.
I fell in love with the Ritz and think it’s Raleigh’s best indoor music venue. It made me feel like I was in my twenties back in Sydney hopping around the live music scene there. It’s unpretentious with great sound and awesome views no matter where you stand (or sit in the balcony) The industrial-style venue has two levels, multiple bars, and parking. See upcoming events and get your tickets here.
- Address: 2820 Industrial Dr, Raleigh
- Website: ritzraleigh.com
Read our guide to the Ritz in Raleigh with everything you need to know!
Kings
Kings has been a staple music venue in Raleigh since 1999 and is known for its eclectic atmosphere and commitment to supporting local emerging artists.
The space in Kings is unique, in that it has three floors with two live music venues and a bar. On the ground floor, there is a Le Dive Bar, which also food from Da Bubs and on the second floor, there is the Kings, the largest music venue in the building. It features a large stage upstairs with seemingly “floating walls” which are designed to enhance the acoustics, with a steel bar and state-of-the-art sound system.
I love seeing bands at Kings. One big room, so it feels spacious and full at the same time, and wherever you stand you get a good view. And the design pulls me in every time. Giant disco balls. Funky colored walls. A huge crown behind the bar. And those iconic Muppet judges looking down over it all.
On the lower level, there is ….
- Address: 14 W Martin St, Raleigh
- Website: kingsraleigh.com
Neptunes Parlour
Head down the stairs at Kings and you’ll find Neptunes, a smaller basement venue with a cozy, divey, artistic vibe all its own. Low ceilings, funky lights, and a floor-level stage that puts you right in it. Fair warning: if you’re short, nudge your way to the front row early, or you’ll be watching the back of someone’s head.
We’ve only caught live acts here during Hopscotch, and the variety was half the fun. Latin pop one set, rock the next, heavy metal after that. That’s the charm of the place. You never quite know what you’re walking into.
- Address: 14 W Martin St, Raleigh
- Website: neptunesraleigh.com/
Slims
Another great place to discover new local bands on the rise is Slims in downtown Raleigh. This dive bar is one of the oldest music venues in Raleigh and has a capacity of only 100 people.
The intimate setting, created by the moody decor and a design layout that encourages interaction between the audience and performers, is what makes Slims unique. As well as the main stage area, it also has a large patio where you can mingle with the artists between sets, as well as an upstairs lounge with a pool table.
As a music venue, Slim’s hosts a diverse range of events, including soul nights and open mic nights, and opens its stage to various genres such as rock, blues, country, and folk. Our long-term Raleigh friends visit Slims regularly and they vouch that it’s one of the best music experiences in Raleigh. They were the ones that got us going to Slim’s and now it’s one of our favorite live music venues in Raleigh for small acts. We love how you can stand or sit at the bar and enjoy the music and have a great time.
- Address: 227 S Wilmington St, Raleigh
- Website: slimsraleigh.com
The Pour House
If you’re looking for a classic, small-town metal bar where your feet stick to the floor from spilled beer and sweat, then look no further than The Pour House.
Record store by day, music venue by night, this intimate, 300-capacity venue is the place to go for a fun night out, bouncing in mosh pits, and making new friends while discovering new bands.
The Pour House hosts a diverse lineup of mostly local musicians and some national artists across various genres including rock, blues, folk, rap, and indie music. The venue is particularly known for showcasing emerging talent, and it’s the best place to be if you want to get familiar with the local music scene.
The Pour House has a full-service bar with five craft beers on tap, a lounge area, and a high-quality sound and lighting system. It’s another music venue in Raleigh with affordable ticket prices. Make sure you check out upstairs and watch some of the music from there. It offers a different perspective. This is another favorite stop of ours during Hopscotch.
- Address: 224 S Blount St, Raleigh
- Website: thepourhousemusichall.com
Read our guide to the Pour House with everything you need to know before you go!
Tin Roof
A small live music joint in downtown Raleigh is Tin Roof, which is a vibrant restaurant and music venue known for hosting lively weekly events, from karaoke to DJ nights, and of course, live music acts.
Tin Roof has an approximate capacity of 300, offering an intimate experience for concertgoers. It features both local talent and touring acts, but it’s primarily focused on showcasing local and regional bands and artists, making it a popular spot for music lovers looking to discover new artists and enjoy a fun night out. As a restaurant venue, it has a full-service bar and a menu featuring a variety of food options, from appetizers to hearty meals.
Although known as a nightlife venue, it’s not only on weekends that the Tin Roof blows its top off, on weeknights, they open their stage up to original songwriter nights, acoustic sets, and other more intimate music experiences.
We were really surprised by the quality of the artist when we went one night. Good music and a rocking vibe! Country is often the flavor of music here – makes sense since it’s a Nashville chain! What’s great about this Raleigh music venue are concerts are either free or a small cover charge! After the bands have rocked the stage, the 2nd-floor rooftop patio keeps the party going. It’s location on Glenwood Ave South only enhances its party vibe.
- Address: 300 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
- Website: tinroofraleigh.com
Meymandi Concert Hall
Meymandi Concert Hall is a premier music venue inside the renowned Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. It’s known for its exceptional acoustics and elegant design and is the place to go to watch a symphony orchestra or classical music concert.
Home to the NC Symphony, this 1,587-seat venue is not only a place to watch national and international talent, but also to admire the incredible architecture of this performance venue.
It has a huge, 65-ft ceiling, and shallow balconies, allowing for everyone in the room to receive the best sound possible. Some well-known artists who have performed here include the Backstreet Boys, Merle Haggard, and Bryan Adams.
- Address: 2 E South St, Raleigh
- Website: martinmariettacenter.com
Will travel for live music? Some big artists will play at the Greensboro Coliseum, just over an hour away from Raleigh. I recently went with my daughter to see Zach Bryan. Check out our 24-hour guide to Greensboro. We also love the small, intimate Cat’s Cradle Venue in Carrboro (near Chapel Hill.) It’s a great place to see your favorite indie band! We saw Australian, John Butler Trio here playing to a crowd of about 50. In Australia, it would be tens of thousands!!!
Chapel of Bones
Chapel of Bones is a unique hidden gem in Raleigh’s live music scene, offering an unexpected contrast between day and night. By day, it operates as a cozy coffee shop serving up fairly decent coffee in an intimate, moody setting. But as the sun sets, it transforms into a haven for heavy metal fans, hosting electrifying performances from local and touring metal bands.
If you’re looking for a spot where caffeine and chaos collide, this is the place to be. This Raleigh music venue was inspired by the 16th century architecture of “Capela dos Ossos”, a chapel of human skulls and bones built by monks as a reminder of the fragility of life and mortality, in Evora, Portugal.
- Address: 658 Maywood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Website: https://www.chapelofbones.com/
Moon Room Jazz Bar
On the other end of the musical spectrum, The Moon Room in Smoky Hollows has quickly risen as Raleigh’s premier jazz venue. Tucked behind red drapes, this intimate space brings an old-school jazz club feel to the city, with dim lighting, smooth cocktails, and an ever-evolving lineup of talented musicians.
Whether it’s classic standards or avant-garde improvisations, The Moon Room offers a soulful escape for jazz lovers looking to lose themselves in the music. See more in our date experience at Madre (also owned by Moon Room) followed by jazz at Moon Room.
- Address: 500 N West St #150 Raleigh
- Website: www.moonroomraleigh.com
Outdoor Music Venues in Raleigh NC
Koka Booth Amphitheater
Just outside of Raleigh in the town of Cary is Koka Booth Amphitheatre, an outdoor amphitheater that sits in a serene, 14-acre pine woodland and next to a beautiful lake, the aptly named Symphony Lake, allowing concertgoers to watch their favorite artists whilst being soothed by a symphony of nature around them.
Because it’s an outdoor music venue, the Koka Booth is only open from the months of April until January, during which it hosts around 60 events a year. The venue can sit up to 7,000 people comfortably on its spacious lawn or on their Crescent-shaped deck.
The Koka Booth Amphitheater hosts a range of artists and performances from big-name touring artists of all genres, such as rapper Pitbull to legendary rock guitarist Slash. They also host kids’ concerts and community events. We attended the John Legend concert just last week, and one of our favorite concert experiences ever was seeing Jack Johnson here in 2005!
It’s known for hosting the NC Chinese Lantern Festival, as well as the Triangle Oktoberfest, Hum Sub Diwali Celebration, Asia Fest and Dragon Boat Racing, and the NC Wine Festival. If you’re feeling peckish, there’s an onsite cafe called Cobblestone Courtyard where you can purchase snacks such as hot dogs, pretzels, and waffle fries.
- Address: 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC 27518
- Website: boothamphitheatre.com
Read our full guide to the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary (it’s unique so come prepared)
Red Hat Amphitheater
Another large music venue in Raleigh where high-profile touring artists play is the Red Hat Amphitheater, located in downtown Raleigh in the nightlife district of Glenwood South.
It’s most well-known for hosting our favorite festival in Raleigh, the Raleigh Wide Open which takes place here every October. It has a seating capacity of 5,000, and although it’s small, it has an agreement with entertainment company Live Nation, so the acts that perform here are usually some of the best!
Some well-known artists to have rocked the stage here include Vampire Weekend, Kaleo, and Meghan Trainer. Next month we’ll be seeing Stone Temple Pilots and Live here, and our daughter recently saw Chappell Roan.
The venue doesn’t allow food or drinks inside, except for a sealed bottle of water, but there is a food truck inside selling nachos, popcorn, and hot dogs. Its location in downtown Raleigh means you’re never far away from restaurants and breweries, including one of our favorites, Crank Arm Brewing if you prefer to eat or drink before you enter the venue. The venue has gone cashless, so bring your debit and credit cards! See upcoming events and get tickets here.
Due to its outdoor setting, concerts take place here from April through to October. It’s important to note that this season 2025 will be its last at this location. It is currently being rebuilt one block over to make way for convention center expansion. That will be ready for the 2026 concert season!
- Address: 500 S McDowell St, Raleigh
- Website: redhatamphitheater.com
Read more: Everything you need to know before attending a concert at Red Hat Amphitheater and The Best Downtown Raleigh Hotels (Business or Leisure). During the winter, Red Hat transforms into the Rink: an ice-skating rink with a holiday atmosphere.
Downtown Cary Park
Downtown Cary Park, which sits in the heart of downtown Cary, is a vibrant outdoor venue that serves as the community hub for events, festivals, and live music. While it does not have a fixed capacity like traditional indoor venues, the seven-acre park has a grassy area that can accommodate large crowds making it an ideal setting for concerts and festivals.
Each year, it hosts The CaryLIVE! Concert Series which is a collection of free concerts taking place between April and October. They also have Jazz’d Up Sundays, where jazz artists take the stage on, you guessed it, Sundays.
The park has a small stage overlooking a grassy lawn area where you can lay down your own picnic blanket or camping chair. Since it’s located in downtown Cary, you can easily find restaurants and cafes around.
I attended CaryLIVE last month and was so impressed with the quality of the sound and lights, the casual relaxed vibe of the concert goers, and the incredible up and coming acts.
Read our guide to the Downtown Cary Park and enjoy these restaurants in Cary before a show!
- Address: 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511
- Website: downtowncarypark.com/
Coastal Credit Union Music Park (Walnut Creek Amphitheatre)
The Walnut Creek Amphitheatre, also known as Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, is a large outdoor amphitheater that was built in 1991 and is operated by the City of Raleigh.
It can host up to 20,500 people, both in its undercover area and on its grassy lawn area, where visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs and picnic blankets.
It welcomes some of the biggest bands to its stage such as Aerosmith, B.B. King, Bon Jovi, Britney Spears, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Kings of Leon, Metallica, Pearl Jam, Prince, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Who, Usher, and many more. We have seen countless artists here and LOVE it as a music venue. Most recently was Jack Johnson for the third time. This one was special as it was with our 14 year old daughter on her request for her birthday!
It has hosted many notable festivals, including Lollapalooza, Mayhem Festival, Ozzfest, SoulFest Uproar Festival, and Warped Tour.
There is an onsite kiosk where you can purchase snacks and drinks, including alcoholic drinks. Unlike other outdoor music venues in Raleigh, events take place rain or shine at Walnut Creek Amphitheater… so check the weather before visiting! It’s also great as the parking lot sees some fun tailgating action before a show. There is plenty of room for it! See upcoming concerts and get tickets here.
Read our full guide with everything you need to know for a concert at Coastal Credit Union Music Park.
- Address: 3801 Rock Quarry Rd
- Website: coastalcreditunionmusicpark.com
Bowstring Pizza & Brewery (outdoor stage)
Wood-fired pizza, house beer, and a stage out back. Bowstring pulls off the trifecta, and it’s become a reliable spot to catch live music without the ticket price of a big venue. Concert season runs April to November.
Just off Wake Forest Road near Mordecai, it’s got a neighborhood feel that fits the area. The outdoor stage is where it comes alive. Local bands and singer-songwriters play to a crowd that’s usually mid-slice, beer in hand, jiving in the beer garden. With the picnic tables and the overhanging trees, it feels like you’re in someone’s backyard! You don’t dress up for Bowstring. You just show up. It’s a really cool and unique Raleigh outdoor music venue.
We’ve only just discovered this live music venue in Raleigh, and do you know what drew us in? JET! One of Australia’s most iconic bands (multiple award winning) played here! We could not believe it. Not only was it a great show, because it’s a smaller venue, it meant we could get close to the stage (but great views everywhere), and that meant I could actually yell out to Jet when they asked who was from Australia, and Nic Chester the dedicated a song to me!! And they hung around after the show, and we chatted with him for about 15 minutes. Can’t wait to see more bands here. Oh, and the pizza is GREAT! They even have gluten free. And the alcohol prices are reasonable.
- Address: 1930 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608
- Website: raleigh.bowstringbrewyard.com/live-music-and-events/
The Corner at Centennial Campus (NC State University)
Tucked into NC State’s Centennial Campus, The Corner is one of Raleigh’s newer outdoor spots to catch live music, and it’s got a college-town energy you won’t find at the bigger amphitheaters. It sits in the heart of the campus’s innovation district, so you’re surrounded by students, startups, and a laid-back crowd that shows up for good music and a relaxed night out.
The outdoor setup is casual but bright and artistic. We loved the colorful, repurposed shipping containers with small bars and seating inside. These form the perimeter of the gathering/ music and are connected by twinkling fairy lights. And when we visited for Raleigh Wide Open kickoff party, they had fantastic art sculptures on the grounds. It had that classic laid back community gathering feel that makes Raleigh such a special place.
Bring a chair, grab a drink, and settle in on the open lawn while local and regional acts take the stage. It’s the kind of place that leans into community events and free or low-cost shows, which makes it an easy yes on a warm evening. During the warmer months they have the regular Artist Notes live music concerts hosted by That Radio Station. They sit down with featured artists to explore the stories behind the lyrics and the pivotal moments of their careers.
- Address: Centennial Campus, Raleigh (near 1021 Main Campus Dr)
- Website: thinkanddo.ncsu.edu/the-corner/
Gregg Museum of Art & Design front lawn
The Gregg Museum sits in a historic building on Hillsborough Street, the old chancellor’s residence for NC State, and its front lawn has become a lovely spot for open-air performances. Picture live music under the trees with the museum’s columned facade behind the stage. It’s got a cultural, arts-forward feel that sets it apart from the bar-and-brewery circuit.
Shows here tend to pair with the museum’s programming, so you’re often getting an evening that mixes art, community, and music. Spread out a blanket, take in the setting, and enjoy something a little more curated than your average gig.
WE loved experiencing live music here this summer put on by the NC State Live program from the University. We saw John “Lakota John” Locklear, a member of the Lumbee Tribe with Oglala Lakota roots who combines the blues with the indigenous music of his ancestors. it was really cool and during intermission we could go inside the Art Museum to see the exhibits, which paired beautifully with their Native American voices’ exhibition.
- Address: 1903 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607
- Website: gregg.arts.ncsu.edu
Read more: Experience the Performing & Creative Arts on Hillsborough St and check out these Hillsborough st restaurants before or after a show!
Midtown Park at North Hills
Over in Midtown, tucked into North Hills, there’s an outdoor stage that’s become one of Raleigh’s easiest nights out. Midtown Park sits in the middle of the shopping and dining district, so you can grab dinner, walk over, and settle in on the lawn for live music without moving your car.
The big draw is the Midtown Beach Music Series, back for its 17th season in 2026. Every Thursday from April through July, beach music, Motown, and old-school R&B fill the park while the crowd dances and food trucks do their thing. Tickets run around $9, or you can grab the bundle for the whole run. We usually attend a concert here at least once every season. we bought my parents who were visiting from Australia, and they loved the experience They couldn’t get over the wide age range of people attending and how well behaved and happy everyone was.
If you’d rather keep it free, the Pop-Up Music Series brings local acts to the park on Sundays in spring and fall, no ticket needed. It’s family-friendly, walkable, and easy. Plus, every year, they have their spring Midtown Music Festival. it’s the kind of place you end up at on a warm evening without much of a plan.
- Address: 4011 Cardinal at North Hills St, Raleigh, NC 27609
- Website: visitnorthhills.com
Read more: Fall in North Hills, Spring events in North Hills, best restaurants in North Hills and a guide to North Hills.
The Joseph M. Bryan, Jr., Theater at the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA)
The Joseph M. Bryan, Jr., Theater at the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) is a standout outdoor music venue in Raleigh for its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural ambiance, and diverse concert lineup. Nestled within the Museum Park, this unique Raleigh music venue offers a relaxed, open-air environment surrounded by lush trees and sculpture gardens, creating an immersive experience for music lovers.
The venue features a large lawn where attendees can spread out on blankets or lawn chairs, providing an intimate yet spacious setting for live performances. A stage is set against the backdrop of the museum’s expansive green space, and with excellent acoustics, it becomes a magical spot to enjoy live music under the stars.
Concerts at the Bryan Theater span a wide range of genres, from classical to contemporary, jazz to folk, and indie rock to world music. NCMA often partners with arts organizations and hosts notable performers, making it a cultural hub for both locals and visitors seeking a unique, art-centric concert experience. Previous acts have included American Aquarium, NC Symphony, Babyface and more.
This setting, combined with the variety of performances and the cultural vibe of the NCMA, makes the Joseph M. Bryan, Jr., Theater one of Raleigh’s premier outdoor music venues.
- Address: 2110 Blue Ridge Road Raleigh, NC 27607
- Website: https://ncartmuseum.org/events-and-exhibitions/programs/performances-and-concerts/
Read more: 21 Must-Visit Art Galleries, Art Museums & Art Events in Raleigh, and a guide to the North Carolina Museum of Art.
Map of Music Venues in Raleigh
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