Top 12 Live Music Venues in Dallas:
1. The Kessler Theatre
The Kessler Theatre is a hippy and vibrant spot in Dallas to enjoy live music as it is well decorated with artistic interiors and an intimate stage. They invite various artists from all over the country to perform in the musical ambience of the theatre. Grab a drink and enjoy the harmony in the theatre with perfect sound quality and comfy sitting.
Location: - 1230 West Davis Street, Oak Cliff, Dallas, Texas, 75208, USA
2. The Bomb Factory
Built-in the early 1900s, Bomb Factory was once an automobile manufacturing unit and ammunition factory during World War II before it was transformed into a music venue in 1990. It is a grand 50,000 square foot space with intricate décor, alluring visuals and balcony space. Apart from an amazing visual and sound system, The Bomb Factory can equip multiple bars and food points that double the musical experience.
Location: - 2814 Commerce Street, Old East Dallas, Dallas, Texas, 75226, USA
3. Trees
Trees is a simple and aesthetic musical venue which has been a performance spot for famous musicians like Erykah Badu and Natalia Lafourcade. Beautifully decorated with some musical souvenirs, the stage position is in a way that it is visible from almost all the corners of the venue. The venue is large, however, is suited for intimate musical fun for its vibrant ambience and a large bar.
Location: - 2709 Elm St, Dallas, TX, USA
4. South Side Ballroom
The most versatile and enormous entertainment venue in Dallas, South Side Ballroom, is spawned over 92,000 square feet. It houses five bars and can accommodate 3,800 audiences in its standing room. Famous music artists like Future, The Neighbourhood, Chance the Rapper etc. can be spotted in the venue often for performing some of the hottest and euphonious gigs in the city.
Location: - 1135 S Lamar St, Dallas, TX, USA
5. Three Links
Three Links is a funky and vibrant musical venue in Deep Ellum, a home for rock, indie, pop, electronic and hardcore music. Once known as La Grange, it still holds the same vibes and sound system for its audience. If you are a rock music fan, then head to this lively music venue and taste the flavours of music of Dallas along with some delicious tacos.
Location: - 2704 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226, United States
6. Granada Theatre
One of the historic venues in Dallas, Granada Theatre was initially set up as a movie theatre in 1946 which is now a popular music venue in the city. Stunning and intricate décor makes it more special apart from the lively ambience of the place. Granada Theatre showcases the best live performances every week and even serves the delicious food and fuzzing beer, making your weekend more enjoyable.
Location: - 3524 Greenville Avenue, Lower Greenville, Dallas, Texas, 75206, USA
7. House of Blues
Want to experience the Southern Culture in the African American decorations then House of Blues in Dallas is a perfect place to visit. Vibrant lightening and rhythmic acoustics enhance the audience’s musical experience. House of Blues equips mezzanine seating, three bars, and a grand stage making House of Blues one of the most visited music venues in Dallas.
Location: - 2200 North Lamar Street, Victory Park, Dallas, Texas, 75202, USA
8. The Loft
The Loft is an intimate space for enjoying harmonious and rock music located in Gilley’s Dallas. With a fascinating assemblage, The Loft houses a grand stage, club lightings, and two large bars inside a purple textured building. Along with some musical enjoyment, The loft also allows its audience to have fun in their patio, which is filled with vintage furniture, cocktail tables, cabanas and bars serving some refreshing cocktails and delicious food.
Location: - 1135 S Lamar St #175, Dallas, TX 75215, United States
9. The Balcony Club
A perfect jazz club near The Lakewood Theatre, The Balcony Club has been graced by many iconic music artists of Dallas. The intimate setting, colourful décor and vibrant feel make this venue worth visiting.
Location: - 1825 Abrams Rd Suite B, Dallas, TX 75214, United States
10. Canton Hall
Canton Hall is a new and fresh addition to Dallas exciting musical venues located in Deep Ellum. This artistic venue is spread over 10,000 square feet and equips the customizable audio and video settings. This chic setting venue hosts some private gigs by local artists full of celebrations and fun which are worth attending.
Location: - 2727 Canton St, Dallas, TX 75226, United States
11. Uncle Calvin’s Coffee House
Uncle Calvin’s Coffee House is a subtle and classic spot which runs as a non-profit music venue. With a large listening room, coffee house and simple décor, it is one of the best places in Dallas for enjoying clear, pristine, relaxing acoustic music. If you are into music genres like folk, Americana, blues, roots etc., then do take a visit to Uncle Calvin’s Coffee House on a Friday night for a soulful music gala.
Location: - 9555 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75231, United States
12. Dada Dallas
Dada Dallas is a classic and majestic venue in Deep Ellum famous for organising some metal shows and rock gigs. High ceilings, large stage and open standing space makes this venue a lot more hippy and vintage. Dance on the beats of rock bands and relish some authentic cuisine of the city in Dada Dallas.
Location: - 2720 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226, United States
13. Deep Ellum Art Co.
An art gallery, a bar, game arcade and a live music venue, Deep Ellum Art Co. is a place in Dallas that can offer various services. Deep Ellum Art Co. celebrates the native art form by showcasing a live music gig, cool artwork and various ancient décor. Enjoy the relaxed ambience with a mug of fuzzy beer in this popular music venue of Dallas.
Location: - 3200 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226, United States
14. Gas Monkey Live!
New in Dallas city, Gas Monkey Live! is a grand venue for celebrating its music in Dallas. Shaped like a guitar, it equips high-class sound and visual systems doubling the enjoyment during a live concert. Food, free parking and a cocktail bar add to the highlights of the venue.
Location: - 10110 Technology Blvd E, Dallas, TX, USA
15. Majestic Theatre
Majestic Theatre is the oldest venue in Dallas with vintage looks and grand hall. It is well decorated on the Renaissance theme and is a haven for various musical performances, comedy shows, movie screenings and concerts. The prime highlight of the Majestic Theatre is its acoustic after its baroque look.
Location: - 1925 Elm Street, Dallas Downtown Historic District, Dallas, Texas, 75201, USA
Types of Musical Genres You can Enjoy in Dallas
- Punk and Rock Punk and Rock were originated in the 1960s with a fusion of garage rock, roll, hard rock and proto glam-punk which became a popular genre in Dallas. Still, there are many metal bands like Black Flag and Flipper giving hardcore punk musical performances in Dallas.
- Metal A loud and aggressive subgenre of rock music, metal music is filled with rhythmic, loud, powerful sounds. You can hear the beats of electric guitars, bass, and drums in Dallas from CoLab and Friday’s Foolery’s live performances.
- R&B R&B often referred to as Rhythm and Blues is a contemporary musical genre popularised in Dallas by some famous bands like Tiffany Tatum and Brioche. R&B is made with the amalgamated elements of electronic, soul, funk, and hip hop genre. Hence, it is considered the most famous musical genre in Dallas.
- Country A part of Dallas musical history, Country music has always been a shine in the city’s musical surroundings. Iconic artists hailing from Dallas including Ray Wylie Hubbard, Jack Ingram, Bob Wills, have popularised the country music worldwide. If you are in Dallas’s city, its country music will probably steal your heart apart from metal, rock, electronic, and rap music.
- Hip Hop Hip Hop has always been a popular genre in Dallas along with rap cultures. However, over time, it is fading from the city’s musical surroundings. Certain prime venues in Dallas are entirely dedicated to hip hop music including Trees, Off the Record etc. Feel the old school vibes on the DJ beats across the Dallas streets and enjoy the hip hop beats.
Iconic Musical Artists and Bands from Dallas
1. St. Vincent
Best Indie rock artists of Dallas, St. Vincent or Annie Clark started her musical career as a band member in The Polyphonic Spree after which she made her band in 2006. Her musical style includes an eclectic version of piano, cello and flute along with a dash of pop. She has collaborated with famous singers like David Bryne and has won the Grammy award for Best Alternative Music Album.
2. Demi Lovato
A renowned Pop artist, Demi Lovato is an actress, singer and songwriter who has appeared in some of the popular musical films like Camp Rock and Barney & Friends. She is also a face of pop-rock Hollywood albums including Don’t Forget, Here we go again, Unbroken, Skyscraper etc.
3. Power Trip
American Thrash Band, Power Trip was formed in 2008 in Dallas with talented musicians like Blake Ibanez, Chris Whetzel, Nick Stewart, and the lead vocalist Riley Gale. With the release of two best-selling albums, Manifest Decimation and Nightmare Logic, they have made a name in Dallas’s music industry and entertains the Dallas crowd with their metal and electronic live music of Dallas.
4. Usher
Usher is the best selling music artist of Dallas who has been popular for his smooth and flawless voice and rhythmic dance moves. From movies to popular TV shows, Usher has always been a big name in Dallas’s musical industry.
5. The Polyphonic Spree
The Polyphonic Spree is a rock band featuring one of the best vocalists and musicians of all time. It is one of the most versatile bands showcasing the beats of flute, French horn, violin, cello. Piano, percussion, bass, drums, piano and choirs beautifully in a single performance.
6. Erykah Badu
Erykah Badu, First Lady of Neo-Soul, is a grammy award-winning singer and songwriter originally from Dallas. She combined the musical elements of R&B, jazz and hip hop to popularise a new style of neo-soul worldwide. With a bohemian touch in music, she is one of the most celebrated artists of the city.
7. The Chicks
Hailing from Dallas, The Chicks performs genres like folk, bluegrass, country pop, etc. since 1989 with the eminent musicians like Martie Erwin Maguire, Emily Strayer, Natalie Maines etc. They have given many commercial hits and won 13 Grammy awards for their fusion music and songs.
Best Musical Festivals of Dallas
1. Riverfront Jazz Festival
Celebrated during the weekend of Labour Day, Riverfront Jazz Festival is one of the biggest musical events in Dallas spawning over three venues. It was initiated by The Black Academy of Arts and Letters in 2017 for a three-day musical celebration. Riverfront Jazz Festival is best suited to enjoy and dance on national and international artists’ best jazz beats apart from native Erykah Badu of Dallas.
When: - September 4, 2021
2. Oaktopia
Acknowledging Dallas’s musical innovations, Oaktopia is a late fall music fest started by UNT grads in 2017. From Norah Jones to 21 Savage, Oaktopia festival is a perfect weekend fest which unites the flavours of music from every corner of the world.
When: - November, 17 – November, 18
3. Old 97’s County Fair
Old 97s County Fair is a single-day fest that merges all the Texas colours on one stage. It is a one-day festival with music, food, and fun celebrated in April to recognise the old era’s music. Attend Old 97’s county fair to enjoy the soulful country music beats by big names like Lucinda Williams, Vandoliers, and Mavis Staples.
When: - In the first week of April
4. Homegrown Music and Arts Festival
Music fans in Dallas never miss an opportunity to attend this summer music festival in the city equipping two stages, twelve Texas artists and even hundreds of food trucks. It happens on the Main Street Garden Park where thousands of audiences come together for live art demonstrations, a lot of street food and a perfect summer musical weekend.
When: - In May
5. JMBLYA
JMBLYA is a music festival that started in Dallas to give a platform to the city's young and budding talents. Witnessing the grand performances by Chance the Rapper, J.Cole, Bun B, Trae the Truth, JMBLYA has always been a popular festival in Dallas for enjoying beats of EDM and hip hop.
When: - Early weeks of MayDive into the diversified musical culture of Dallas and enjoy every bit of western music!!