A Guide to Enjoying Live Music in Raleigh

A Guide to Enjoying Live Music in Raleigh

Raleigh is home to a variety of places to enjoy live music, from intimate clubs and bars with local talent to large amphitheaters hosting world-renowned acts. The City of Oaks offers a diverse and lively music scene that caters to all tastes and preferences.  Plan your visit with our guide to enjoying live music in Raleigh, NC. 

Fans enjoying live music in Raleigh, NC.

Live Music Venues in Raleigh

Red Hat Amphitheater

500 S McDowell St, Raleigh | 2.8 miles from The StateView Hotel 

This outdoor amphitheater in downtown Raleigh hosts a wide range of concerts and events, including major touring acts and local performances. It offers both covered and lawn seating. Red Hat Amphitheater has hosted acts like Noah Kahan, Subtronics, Porter Robinson, Khruangbin, and more, and will host big names like Chappell Roan, A Day To Remember, Bailey Zimmerman, and others in 2024. 

Red Hat Amphitheater recently announced an exciting development – the amphitheater is moving from the current location at McDowell Street just one block south to the Raleigh Convention Center by 2026! 

PNC Arena

1400 Edwards Mill Rd. #3624, Raleigh | 9.5 miles from The StateView Hotel

One of Raleigh’s largest indoor venues, PNC Arena is a top destination for big names playing in the City of Oaks – though the arena does more than host music! Home to the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team and NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball team, this arena frequently hosts sporting events in addition to an incredible and diverse lineup of live music with names like Meg Thee Stallion, Tim McGraw, Childish Gambino, blink-182, Jelly Roll, and more visiting Raleigh via the PNC Arena. 

The Ritz

2820 Industrial Dr., Raleigh | 6.9 miles from The StateView Hotel

The Ritz Raleigh is a popular live music venue known for hosting concerts by national and international artists across different genres, including rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. This industrial-style space makes for great acoustics and is a popular venue for large names visiting Raleigh on tour. With state-of-the-art lighting and sound, this unique venue gives guests access to an unbeatable live music experience. 

Lincoln Theatre

126 E Cabarrus St., Raleigh | 3.3 miles from The StateView Hotel

Lincoln Theatre is a historic music venue located in downtown Raleigh. It features a diverse lineup of live music, including rock, indie, and alternative music. Lincoln Theatre is a popular choice for everything from intimate performances to dance parties with live DJs, putting on a Raleigh party like no other behind an unassuming entrance that looks more like a small-town theater than a hotspot for rock bands. 

The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop

224 S Blount St., Raleigh | 3.9 miles from The StateView Hotel

The Pour House is a laid-back music venue known for its intimate atmosphere and diverse music offerings, including rock, blues, jazz, and local bands. It often hosts up-and-coming artists, giving locals and visitors the opportunity to join an artist’s fan base “at the start” and watch them grow! If you visit during the day, you’ll find The Pour House Record Shop’s extensive vinyl collection – and maybe get the chance to hear some of your favorite tracks live at night when the space transforms back into The Pour House Music Hall. 

Kings Raleigh

14 W Martin St., Raleigh | 3.4 miles from The StateView Hotel

Kings is a popular spot for live music, DJ nights, and other performances in Raleigh. It showcases a mix of genres from indie rock to electronic music, offering a range of touring acts and local artists to keep shows diverse for frequent visitors. Kings is also known for their stand-up comedy sets and game show nights. With a 250 person capacity, Kings is an intimate and unique place to enjoy live music in Raleigh. 

Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

3801 Rock Quarry Rd., Raleigh | 7 miles from The StateView Hotel

Formerly known as Walnut Creek Amphitheatre, this large outdoor venue hosts major concerts and music festivals, including performances by top artists in various genres. The amphitheater has a capacity of 20,000, making it an ideal location for large festivals and popular events. Covering over 70 acres, this venue has seen names like Aerosmith, Pearl Jam, Fleetwood Mac, Drake, Britney Spears, Coldplay, Phish, Santana, and more. This Raleigh park was even part of iconic music festival Lollapalooza from 1991 to 1997! 

Neptune’s Parlour

14 W Martin St., Raleigh | 3.4 miles from The StateView Hotel

A dive bar to some and a music venue to others, Neptune’s is a curated experience that blends music and drinks with all manner of extra entertainment like dance parties, jazz nights, comedy, karaoke, and more. This basement lounge is home to locally sourced craft beer and delicious cocktails to fuel your live music experience, with the added perk that you can bring your own food in (as long as you clean up after yourself, as stated by the bar online).

Slim’s Downtown Raleigh

227 S Wilmington St., Raleigh | 3.5 miles from The StateView Hotel

Slim’s Downtown is a neighborhood bar and music venue in Raleigh. Known for their intimate setting and lineup of live performances by local musicians, Slim’s is a top destination for up-and-coming bands in the Raleigh area – and a great place for anyone visiting Raleigh to get a taste of the music scene in the City of Oaks. 

Upcoming Events and Concerts

Looking for upcoming events and concerts in Raleigh? Check out each venue’s website and event calendar for the most up-to-date information. Another great place for music updates is your favorite artist’s socials – check their Instagram or website for tour dates and start planning your trip! Here are a few of the most popular events coming up in Raleigh: 

Discovering Local Artists

Raleigh’s music scene wouldn’t be the same without talented local musicians. From singer-songwriters to entire bands, Raleigh’s local artists are a treasure to experience. You’ll find local artists in Raleigh performing at smaller venues, local festivals, and open mics, looking for their big break that will eventually bring them back to Raleigh to play one of the bigger venues. Slim’s Downtown is a great place to discover local bands in Raleigh! 

Planning Your Visit to Raleigh

For the best live music experience possible in Raleigh, keep in mind that every venue and show is different. Rules vary between venues, so always check out the bag restrictions, age requirements, and other FAQs for your show’s venue before you head to the show. 

Venue websites are helpful for obvious information like door times and accessibility questions, but typically also contain directions for parking, local suggestions for food and drink nearby, the venue’s dress code, and more. 

Whether you’re a lifelong music enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out, Raleigh has live music events to offer everyone. From local bands in intimate venues to sold-out national tours at 20,000 seat amphitheaters, you can enhance your trip to Raleigh with live music experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.