There have never been more options for live music entertainment in Boston than today. From waterfront stadiums to intimate and unique parlors, Boston’s rich musical tradition as one of the hubs of the east coast circuit is now known the world over. & With these venues as their home, fans keep coming back to experience music history for all ages and interests. Whichever side of the river you find yourself on, there are numerous venues to suit your tastes and mood and this list has them all.
The Sinclair
Address: 52 Church St. Cambridge, Ma 02138
Website: www.sinclaircambridge.com/
One of the Boston area’s newest venues, The Sinclair in Cambridge is the fan favorite, known for sleek vibes, multiple accessible bars & an amazing sound system. The Sinclair hosts the best acts in an environment suited for crowd surfing or a casual night out in historic Harvard Square. Early for the show? The Sinclair kitchen offers a delicious eclectic menu with handcrafted cocktails while the bands load in & excitement brims.
House of Blues
Address: 15 Landsdowne St. Boston, Ma 02215
Website: http://www.houseofblues.com/boston
Boston’s rendition of the national concert hall chain, The House of Blues is massive, beautiful and attracts the hottest stars and legends of the national and international music scenes. Located right across the street from Fenway Park, this venue is easy to access via public transportation & keeps music lovers and tourists of all types coming back to experience unforgettable performances. From country, pop, rock & dance nights, the House of Blues is music in Boston & even has a lounge area & restaurant to please a diverse array of concert goers.
Once Ballroom
Address: 156 Highland Ave Somerville, Ma 02143
Website: https://www.oncesomerville.com/
The best of Boston’s independent music venues, ONCE Ballroom & Lounge in Somerville is the best local spot & attracts fans & musical acts from around the world. Set in a retro & ornate theme, ONCE’s friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere is as charming as the top-shelf talent they attract. Packing the house most nights of the week, catch some of your favorite acts or discover your next favorite band in a remarkable venue. ONCE doubles as a lounge with a relaxed setting that overlooks the concert for the best of both experiences.
The Lilypad
Address: 1340, 1353 Cambridge St. Cambridge, Ma 02139
Website: https://www.lilypadinman.com/
On the Somerville & Cambridge border in charming Inman Square, The Lilypad is unique & intimate. The interior of The Lilypad is painted with a colorful mural, complimenting intimate jazz performances & the many eclectic welcoming troubadours Boston has to offer. As an all-ages, artist run performance space that also serves beer and wine is, The Lilypad is not to be missed for any music lover. The Lilypad is the soul of the Inman Square neighborhood and will continue to serenade locals and travelers alike with its soulful feel.
The Royale
Address: 279 Tremont St. Boston, Ma 02116
Website: https://royaleboston.com/
In the heart of Downtown Boston, The Royale is a dancehall and music venue that hosts the world’s best EDM musicians as well as other top-notch artists whose main goal is to make you dance & make the most of your stay in Boston. Once through the simple façade, The Royale opens into an ornate mezzanine that leads to a massive modern concert hall that compliments any musical style. Easy to access via public transportation, there are numerous other venues; restaurants and attractions to enjoy while you wait for you an extraordinary show to start.
Great Scott
Address: 1222 Commonwealth Ave Boston, Ma 02134
Website: https://www.greatscottboston.com/
Great Scott is the top local venue for the most remarkable talent Boston has to offer. Regularly hosting the top R&B, rock & alternative musicians in a homey late night décor fit with an outdoor patio & an extensive beer & cocktail list. Great Scott, located in Boston’s Allston-Brighton neighborhood right near Brighton Music Hall, these two venues continue to entertain legions of fans, young & old with music to appeal to a wide audience in an atmosphere that compliments Boston’s small town vibe even as the city rises to world class acclaim, Great Scott is always there for an encore.
The Paradise
Address: 967 Commonwealth Ave Boston, Ma 02215
Website: http://www.paradiserock.club/
A mainstay of the Boston scene, The Paradise Rock Club is most famous for jumpstarting the career of U2. Now the bedrock of the East Coast Circuit, The Paradise continues to book the best artists & musicians. Located on Commonwealth Avenue near the Boston University Campus, while the line queue’s under the marquis, visit in your ear, a record store warehouse in a basement a few doors down as The Paradise continues to bring the next generation of fans through its doors.
Brighton Music Hall
Address: 158 Brighton Ave Allston, Ma 02134
Website: http://events.crossroadspresents.com/venues/brighton-music-hall
A mid-size venue in a larger than life neighborhood of Allston-Brighton, this is where music lives and grows in Boston. For a vivid & intimate experience of world renowned performers, Brighton Music Hall hosts your favorite acts, and even your next favorites located in a diverse arts districts. The streets are line with world-class shops, restaurants & bars, as well as Boston’s famous brownstone apartment buildings. Brighton Music Hall is all of the Boston experience at an affordable price.
Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
Address: 290 Northern Ave Boston, Ma 02210
Website: http://www.bostonpavilion.net/
Located in Boston’s up and coming Seaport district, The Blue Hills Bank Pavilion is a waterfront stadium, which during the warmer months, entertains enormous audiences with can’t-miss performers. The highest tier of concert experiences, this venue provides an amazing time for any budget and style. Before the show take in the views of Boston’s waterfront with your friends or a date while getting the best Boston nightlife has to offer.
The Middle East/ Sonia
Address: 472-480 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, Ma 02139
Website: http://www.mideastoffers.com/
One of Boston’s historic & independent venues, The Middle East is five or six show spaces in one, complete with a Mediterranean restaurant & an outdoor patio. Located in the heart of The Central Square Cultural District, this venue has been the soul of Cambridge since the late eighties & now hosts comedy, dance nights as well as a steady stream of the top & newest hip hop, electronic and indie-alternative acts. Stop by for grape leaves, a night of karaoke or to try your hand at stand up comedy, you will always be welcome.