The best live music venues in the U.S.

For superior sound in a natural setting

Perched at 6,450 feet above sea level, Red Rocks is often cited by artists as the greatest venue on earth, partly because being there makes you feel like you’re on an entirely different planet. Flanked by two towering 300-foot sandstone monoliths—Ship Rock and Creation Rock—the amphitheater provides naturally perfect acoustics, allowing sound to envelop the audience. Seeing a show here can be a rugged, outdoorsy affair that requires a bit of a hike, but the panoramic view of the Denver skyline and the stars above, paired with all-encompassing sound, makes every step well worth the effort.

Address: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465

For a cutting-edge concert experience

Sphere has fundamentally redefined what going to a concert means. A show here is a 360-degree immersive sensory experience. With a 16K wrap-around LED screen and “beamforming” audio technology that can target specific sounds to individual seats, it’s like stepping into a high-definition dream, albeit one inhabited by 20,000 fellow concertgoers. Mind-blowing visuals and haptic seats that vibrate to the music add to the experience. Residencies from the likes of Phish and the Eagles have already demonstrated that Sphere can transform the concert-going experience, letting fans enjoy music in a whole new way.

Address: 255 Sands Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89169

For a spiritual experience with the roots of country music

Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman is steeped in a kind of reverence you won’t find anywhere else. Originally built as a tabernacle in 1892, its wrap-around church pews and stained glass windows remind you of its spiritual roots. The layout also makes a concert feel like you’re sitting in on an intimate living room session. It served as the home of the Grand Ole Opry for more than 30 years, and while it’s synonymous with country music, its legendary acoustics continue to attract superstars from every genre, from Lizzo and Neil Young to the Foo Fighters.

Address: 116 Rep. John Lewis Way N, Nashville, TN 37219

For a chance to see jazz in its purest form

In the heart of the French Quarter, Preservation Hall is a tiny, weathered room that serves as the heartbeat of traditional New Orleans jazz. There is no air conditioning, no bar and no fancy lighting—just a few wooden benches and some of the world’s most talented players. It is a portal back in time, dedicated to preserving a musical lineage that dates back over a century. During the city’s annual Jazz and Heritage Festival, a series of midnight shows feature surprise performances by iconic artists like Robert Plant, Gary Clark, Jr., Julian Marley and Paul McCartney.

Address: 726 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116

For Art Deco glitz and glamour

The “Showplace of the Nation” is an Art Deco masterpiece that represents the pinnacle of New York glamour. Since 1932, Radio City’s massive stage—stretching an entire city block in width—has hosted everything from the Rockettes to the Grammy Awards. The auditorium is designed as a series of vast, shimmering arches that mimic a setting sun, providing a sense of scale that is both intimidating and beautiful. Despite its nearly 6,000-seat capacity, the lack of pillars ensures every guest has a perfect view.

Address: 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020

For a BYO, alfresco concert

Seeing a show under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl is an ultimate L.A. summer experience. This massive outdoor shell is famous for its white concentric arches and its BYO picnic policy (for most shows). Whether you’re sitting in the elite garden boxes or way up in the nosebleeds (which you can score for as little as $1), the sound is crisp, and the atmosphere is celebratory. It’s a prestigious icon, but entirely approachable, set right in the Hollywood Hills.

Address: 2301 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068

For tunes with a side of Texas BBQ

In a city that brands itself as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Stubb’s might just be the crown jewel. A show at the venue’s Waller Creek Amphitheater is like a Texas-sized backyard party, where the smell of smoked brisket fills the air as legendary rock and indie acts take the stage. From its humble roots in Lubbock to its status as a Red River District icon, Stubb’s is the definition of “Austin cool.” The Sunday Gospel Brunch is an equally legendary tradition.

Address: 801 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

For panoramic Bay views and ancient vibes

Not to be confused with its (also excellent) Los Angeles cousin, the Greek Theatre in Berkeley is a concrete masterpiece modeled after the ancient theater of Epidaurus. Located on the UC Berkeley campus, it offers a stunning view of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. The tiered stone seating and air tinged with Eucalyptus create a vibe that is distinctly Northern Californian. Its Greco-Roman design provides a timeless, epic feel where the architecture itself acts as a massive amplifier for the sound bouncing off the Berkeley Hills.

Address: 2001 Gayley Rd, Berkeley, CA 94720

For vibrant acoustics in a cathedral setting

Like the Ryman, the Tabernacle began its life as a house of worship (specifically a Baptist church) before becoming a music venue for the 1996 Olympics. Today, it’s a multilevel masterpiece of Southern charm, featuring ornate balconies, crystal chandeliers and painted ceilings. The floor can get rowdy, but the upper tiers offer one of the most beautiful settings for music in the South. It retains its original 1911 ecclesiastical grandeur, including a massive pipe organ that sits behind the stage, giving every rock show a cathedral-like weight.

Address: 152 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

For indie rock cred and impeccable sound

If you want to know where the cool kids go in D.C., it’s here. The 9:30 Club is an indie-rock institution known for its impeccable sound system and adjustable stage, which allows the venue to change its capacity and feel based on the act and size of the crowd. It’s a rite of passage for up-and-coming bands, and the walls are practically vibrating with the history of the punk and new wave scenes. It’s been voted the top club in the country by Rolling Stone and Billboard more times than almost any other venue, largely due to its flawless sightlines, but also its legendary cupcakes.

Address: 815 V St NW, Washington, DC 20001

For a star-studded rock pilgrimage

You can’t mention First Avenue without talking about Prince. This former Greyhound bus station became the epicenter of the Minneapolis Sound and served as the primary filming location for Purple Rain. It’s gritty, dark and prioritizes the music above all else. The exterior is covered in silver stars—one for every legendary act that has played there—with Prince’s star, naturally, painted in gold. It’s a hall of fame of sorts, making the building itself a curated museum of modern music history.

Address: 701 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

For salty Jersey Shore rock & roll

The Stone Pony is a no-frills rock club on the Jersey Shore that gained worldwide fame as the launching pad for Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi. While it has an outdoor Summer Stage for larger acts, the indoor club is where the ghosts of rock & roll live. It’s salty, loud and smells like beer and the ocean—as it should. It remains the spiritual home of the Jersey Shore sound, and there’s always that tiny chance of seeing The Boss himself hop on stage for a surprise sit-in.

Address: 913 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park, NJ 07712