Red Rocks, The Sphere, and the Coolest Concert Venues In Every State

From Colorado’s Red Rocks to “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” there are some incredible places to catch live music, comedy, and other performances no matter where you are in the U.S.

Many have visited famous venues on their bucket lists, so we scoured review sites and galleries to bring you the coolest concert venues in each state to help you save money on travel.

An array of acts from around the country stop by Iron City to perform. Two connected buildings with a deep history in the city’s auto industry underwent reconstruction to create the Iron City that stands today, with three stages, two bars, and a restaurant.

Williwaw Social is more than just an intimate venue that hosts both local and national acts, it also has a loft space with games, a Speakeasy with high-end cocktails — and in the summer months, a vibrant rooftop bar and grill.

The Van Buren is a relative newcomer to the scene, at least compared to some of historic venues featured here — but it still has a rich history. The venue, which now has a jam-packed events schedule, is located at the former home of the Phoenix Motor Company.

A top amphitheater that regularly hosts major acts, Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion (AMP) is the go-to spot in the state for outdoor concerns. Plus, concert goers can add AMP Underground access to their ticket to hang in a private bar before, during, and after the show.

Los Angeles alone has plenty of noteworthy venues, but the Hollywood Bowl, which dates back to 1922, is particularly legendary. The stunning venue has hosted everyone from The Beatles to Yo-Yo Ma and has a schedule packed with top artists to this day.

No experience on earth will match that of seeing an artist you love perform at Red Rocks, a geological wonder surrounded by the beauty and allure of Colorado’s rock formations. Plus, the incredible amphitheater attracts some of the biggest artists in the U.S. and beyond.

Though College Street Music Hall just opened back in 2015, the site, located in the heart of downtown New Haven’s arts district, has a rich history.

The hall, which boasts eclectic lineups and events, is on the site of the former Palace and Roger Sherman Theatres, dating back nearly 100 years.

Built back in the 1800s, The Queen has a storied past. It was originally a hotel before being repurposed into a movie theater for several decades. While the theater shuttered in 1959 and sat empty for 50 years, it was revamped and reopened as the hot venue it is today in 2011.

While there are plenty of spots to catch live music in Miami, the Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater offers a lineup of top touring acts that really can’t be beat. It’s a stunning, Art Deco venue and a unique way to experience Miami’s nightlife.

The Tabernacle is well-known as a top spot to catch the hottest acts in Atlanta. The building, constructed in 1911, was originally a church. It was transformed into a lively yet intimate music venue in 1996 and has hosted a wide array of top artists in the decades since.

The Republik, a bar and club in Honolulu, has become O’ahu’s go-to spot for a wide range of live music and events. It hosts everything from major rock and hip-hop acts to DJ sets and club nights to touring events like Thunder Down Under.

With the backing of Knitting Factory Entertainment, which owns venues of the same name in NYC, LA, and beyond, Boise’s Knitting Factory attracts top touring acts from around the world. With a capacity of 1,000, it is a great place to catch an array of artists.

The stunning Chicago Theatre first opened back in 1921 and has undergone many rebirths since. To this day, you’ll often find tourists disrupting traffic trying to get the perfect shot in front of the theater’s iconic marquee — and a calendar packed with top musicians and comedians.

Located in the Broad Ripple area of Indianapolis, The Vogue is a 21+ music venue with a storied past and a bright future. It was originally opened as a movie theater back in 1938 and has since evolved into one of the top-rated places to catch live music in the state.

Wooly’s offers a fun vibe and an intimate atmosphere where you can catch an array of eclectic touring artists and bands. The capacity is less than 700, so the shows all have a personal element. Wooly’s has been a top live music spot in Des Moines since 2012.

The famed Cotillion, a large events space in Wichita, hosts concerts, comedians, stage performances, and more in its 2,000-capacity space. The eclectic events calendar has something for everyone, and the space can also be rented for weddings and other events.

The Louisville Palace first opened as a movie theater in 1928 and has lived many lives since. It was revamped in the 1990s and eventually purchased by Live Nation, which turned it into the hot, lively venue it is today, with a packed events calendar and historic charm.

You can find incredible live music all around New Orleans, including in the middle of the street, but when it comes to venues, Tipitina’s is one of the best. Named after a song by famed NOLA R&B musician Professor Longhair, the club has been a local institution since 1977.

Portland’s State Theatre has lived many lives. The iconic building first opened as a movie theater in 1929. Since then, it’s hosted theatrical productions, briefly was an adult movie theater, and was ultimately restored to all its glory in 2010 to become the hot venue it is today.

Located between Baltimore and D.C., Merriweather Post Pavilion, which sits among 40 acres of parkland in Symphony Woods, has hosted rock ‘n’ roll royalty — from Jimi Hendrix to the Foo Fighters. It’s one of the most well-known and well-loved amphitheaters in the nation.

There are plenty of larger venues in Boston, but Paradise Rock Club has been a staple in the city for over 40 years. Throughout its tenure, the club has hosted some of the biggest acts in rock, from U2 to Billy Joel, and these days it can hold nearly 1,000 patrons.

The Fillmore, previously known at the State Theatre, is a beautiful, historic building that is now operated by Live Nation. It boasts an events calendar packed with some of the hottest acts in rock, R&B, and comedy.

First Avenue dates back to 1970 and has a storied past that includes hosting several artists who went on to become legends. It is perhaps best known as the old stomping grounds for local star Prince and the set and setting of his film Purple Rain.

Today, Duling Hall is a unique venue where you can catch an array of touring acts while marveling at the building’s stained-glass windows and overall beauty. A century ago, it was an elementary school, and Duling Hall has lived many lives since.

The Blue Note lives in what was formerly known as the Varsity Theater, a historic building that opened as a movie theater back in 1927. These days, it’s known for its eclectic calendar of touring bands, comedians, club nights, and more.

Located within a historic theater that dates back to the 1920s, the Wilma is a top spot to catch live music in Missoula, whether you’re looking for hot new artists, cover bands, or touring comedians — and the space can be rented out for weddings and other events, too.

The building now known as the Waiting Room Lounge has been through many eras — from a car dealership in the 1920s to a small club that hosted ‘90s giants like Nirvana and Soundgarden to a motorcycle bar.

Today, it’s been revamped into a beloved venue with a packed schedule of top touring artists.

Visitors come from far and wide to experience the Sphere — or simply gawk at the displays on the enormous orb that now decorates the Las Vegas skyline.

For those who want to experience the inside of Sphere, the Eagles are currently doing a residency — and there are plans to host a variety of events in the future.

Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion is a great place to catch an outdoor show. The grounds can seat up to 9,000 guests, and they have an array of hot-ticket shows for each season. The best part: camping is available at every show, so you can bring a tent and hang out for the night.

More than 50 years after opening, the Stone Pony has solidified its place in rock history.

From its early days, when a young Bruce Springsteen graced the stage, to the modern era, where crowds flood the streets for the massively popular Summer Stage shows, the Pony has grown and been revamped to legendary status.

The historic Lensic Theater has been a staple in downtown Santa Fe since 1931. These days, the beautiful building hosts an array of artists and performances throughout the year — as well as educational and community events.

Widely known as “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” Madison Square Garden is located alongside Penn Station in Manhattan and has a history that dates back nearly 150 years.

It’s hosted the world’s top artists, boxing matches, and live events and boasts an allure unlike any other venue on this list.

The site of The Orange Peel has gone through many changes over the years — from a popular roller rink in the 1950s to the renowned club that attracts major national acts it is today.

On any given night, visitors can find top bands, comedians, and other performers at the Asheville gem.

For nearly 20 years, the Aquarium has been the go-to spot in Fargo for live music. Primarily a rock club, the intimate venue, with a capacity of just 260, sits in the heart of downtown Fargo and attracts an eclectic array of local, regional, and national acts.

Newport Music Hall, located on Ohio State’s campus, is one of the longest-running rock clubs in the U.S. and has hosted some of the world’s biggest acts.

Originally built as a movie theater in 1923, it was converted to Agora Ballroom in 1970 and ultimately reopened as Newport in the ‘80s.

Cain’s Ballroom is known for several things: its rich history, which began in 1924, its fantastic dance floor, and its status as “The Home of Bob Wills” and “Carnegie Hall of Western Swing.” Today, its lineup is packed with major artists and up-and-coming stars alike.

Crystal Ballroom’s history dates back more than a century, and it has the vibes to match. The venue has been host to massive stars, like Tina Turner and the Grateful Dead, and is awe-inspiring with large chandeliers, vaulted ceilings, and a famed “floating” dance floor.

Philly has plenty of famed concert venues to choose from, but as a former train depot (and Italian restaurant), Union Transfer scores high on the ambiance scale. It's a great place to catch an array of GA shows and has ample balcony space, several bars, and great sound.

The Strand has been through a lot in its 100+ year history, including hosting some of the biggest acts in rock, hip-hop, comedy, and more. It underwent a facelift in 2017 to make the looking and listening experience at the historic venue even better.

The Music Farm is a fan-favorite venue in Charleston operated by Live Nation. The space was recently revamped and regularly hosts a packed calendar of events featuring top rock and hip-hop artists, club nights, comedians, and more.

The District in Sioux Falls hosts concerts, themed dance nights, and other performers. As a versatile space with convenient balcony space, it’s also a great spot to book a wedding or other large event.

Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville has a storied past that dates back more than 100 years. It became a giant in the country music scene in the ‘50s and ‘60s, and today, it attracts some of the biggest names across musical genres, from Harry Styles to the Foo Fighters.

The history of Stubb’s dates back to the 1960s, when Christopher B. Stubblefield first opened a BBQ joint where guests could eat good and listen to vintage blues.

Since then, the location has changed, but the commitment to great food, cold beer, and the best live music has stayed the same.

Red Butte Garden, a massive botanical garden located on the University of Utah’s campus, also happens to be a great place to catch some live music.

Throughout the summer, the garden hosts an Outdoor Concert Series featuring an array of top touring artists.

Higher Ground in South Burlington is well-known as a great place to catch local and national acts, an array of dance parties, and performances of all sorts. They book acts in both the “Ballroom” and “Showcase Lounge,” and both boast their own unique vibe.

The National’s history dates back to the 1920s — and it’s still an excellent place to catch a show to this day. The downtown Richmond venue’s lineup is packed with major players in rock, country, R&B, and more.

Located above the Columbia River and offering stunning gorge and mountain views, The Gorge Ampitheatre is a beautiful place to catch an outdoor show. The venue’s grounds can fit upwards of 20,000 visitors and it attracts some of the biggest names in modern music.

For over 25 years, 123 Pleasant Street has been a go-to spot for live music, themed club nights, comedy, open mics, and more. The building's rich history, dating back 100 years, gives the venue its much-loved vintage vibe.

The Pabst Theater is stunning, with a beautiful backdrop that resembles an opera house. It’s a major player in Milwaukee’s downtown theater district. Its lineup is packed with a wide array of performances, from tribute bands to comedians and themed orchestra nights.

The Gryphon Theatre, located at the Laramie Plains Civic Center, is one of the largest venues in Laramie and has a storied past. Built nearly 100 years ago, it hosts an array of performances, including live music, plays, film screenings, and more.

Obviously, some of the venues here are more famous than others, but each, whether it has 100+ years of history or was built in the past decade, offers a charm of its own — and often, an excellent events calendar as well.

So grab your top travel credit cards and tour these unique concert venues from coast to coast.