There’s nothing quite like hearing your favorite musician perform live. And whether you’re a country music fan, a hard-rockin’ headbanger or a pop music junkie, there are lots of spots to do just that in North Carolina. From taking in an outdoor concert on a summer night to enjoying an intimate performance indoors, there are venues for every budget, schedule and taste.
NC Music Factory, Charlotte
The NC Music Factory is a music lover’s (not to mention foodie’s) dream, with 13 bars, restaurants and music venues in one location. Start your evening out at La Revolution with authentic Mexican fare, a casual bite at the Factory Café or some German-inspired bar food at the VBGB Beer Hall and Garden. Then, enjoy a concert at The Fillmore or the Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre, a more intimate music experience at The Underground or Club One.
The Evening Muse, Charlotte
Also in the Queen City of Charlotte, The Evening Muse is a small, intimate venue located in the artsy “NoDa” district. Featuring everything from country and blues, to hip-hop, R&B and jazz, the club hosts both electric and acoustic acts in a cozy, laid-back environment. Known for its excellent sound quality and engineering, it’s been named the best music venue in the city multiple times by various publications, including Creative Loafing Best of Charlotte Critics’ Choice in 2016.
The Orange Peel, Asheville
Located in downtown Asheville, The Orange Peel was named one of Rolling Stone Magazine’s Top 5 Rock Clubs in the country. With two separate levels of entertainment, it can hold up to 1,050 people, including a separate, members-only liquor bar on the lower level. Upstairs, you’ll find beer only and a large, wide standing room only space unless you reserve seats (bar stools) off to either side. Although you do have to stand, the layout does provide for a good view of the stage from any angle. Plus, they host a wide variety of acts, including some popular headlining acts.
The Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh
The capital city of North Carolina – Raleigh, is known for having one of the best music scenes in the state. In fact, there are over 80 music venues spread throughout the city. Although very unassuming in appearance from the outside, the Lincoln Theatre, a historic African-American movie theatre from the 1940’s, is now a popular music venue for both local and national acts. Although the shows are majority standing room only, there is limited seating available on both the lower and the upper levels on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Motorco Music Hall, Durham
Motorco Music Hall, located in downtown Durham, is the city’s largest music venue, holding a whopping 500 people at its max. The automotive theme comes from the fact that the building used to be a mid-century car dealership and now carries over to the Garage Bar & Patio, and the Parts & Labor restaurant. Although most shows are held in the large showroom, some events take place in the bar. However, you can always kick back there with a drink or some food at any time. And you will definitely want to check out the food – the Parts & Labor restaurant is inspired by street food from around the world and features such unique items as scallion pancake dippers, Korean-style beef and kimchi tacos, and masala poutine.
Cat's Cradle, Carrboro
For over 40 years, the Cat’s Cradle, located less than a mile from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in downtown Carrboro, has been known as the premier live music venue in the Triangle area. Although the famous venue is rather modest looking from the outside, it holds 750 people and is still able to provide an otherwise unheard of intimate experience for fans to see big name acts over the years, like Nirvana, John Mayer and Public Enemy.
The Shell, Wilmington
The Shell, the newest live music venue and event space in Wilmington, NC, offers a breathtaking riverfront view that’s hard to match. Listen to your favorite artist sing under the stars, while surrounded by water on three sides, all in the beautiful historic district of downtown Wilmington. The venue features a variety of artists from different genres and hosts several annual events including a St. Patrick’s Day concert and a summer country music concert series.
