With nice weather and days off coming up from school and work, the end of the year is a great time to see live music at a variety of venues in Houston. Local bars, clubs and music halls support a myriad of genres and a wide range of musicians. Here are some of the best spots to catch music acts up close and in person.
Anderson Fair
If you’re looking for a unique sound, this is the spot for original, eclectic music performed mostly by up-and-coming Texas singer/songwriters.
Boondocks
This chill venue draws in an alternative crowd who enjoy great indie bands, simple cocktails and a big dance floor.
The Big Easy
The Mardi Gras are a giveaway for this lively hangout that frequently has blues or zydeco playing. Dancing attracts a big crowd on the weekends.
Big Top Lounge
There’s never a cover in this funky and eclectic spot featuring good tunes without a lot of hype.
Cactus Music
Enjoy free shows from local talent on singer-songwriters Saturdays.
Dosey Doe
It’s the closest you’ll get to a big barn dance in The Woodlands. Upcoming country acts include Sunny Sweeney, Honeybrowne, Collin Raye, Doug Supernaw, Cody Canada and Micky & The Motocars.
Dan Electro’s
Hipsters love this dive bars with underground tunes, in part because you can bring your own liquor and get a set up!
Firehouse Saloon
This classic honky tonk provides a great backdrop for Texas bands and a night of dancing. Plus, there’s an open mic night every third Thursday of the month.
Continental Club
The Derailers and popular cover bands are often on the classic neon and red velvet stage.
Fitzgerald’s
For more than three decades, local artists and more established groups have played here.
House of Blues
Emerging and seasoned acts can rock out for up to 1,500 music lovers.
Goode’s Armadillo Palace
Here’s another great place to scoot your boots to country music.
Last Concert Café
Experience the funky vibe of this Houston institution, which also servesTex-Mex and margaritas on the patio.
McGonigel’s Mucky Duck
If you like country and folk genres, this half Irish pub and half music hall is a popular venue.
The Nightingale Room
Thursday nights are best for live performances, but this place also features great DJs on the weekends.
Numbers
Big bands such as The Cure, The Black Keys and many others have drawn crowds to the large dance floor.
Revention Music Center
Rock bands like Coldplay and Nickelback prefer the venue’s state-of-the-art sound system.
Rudyard’s
Enjoy indie rock and punk bands upstairs after eating fish and chips or Irish stew downstairs.
Walters
Emerging rock and blues artists fill this venue with great sound.
Warehouse Live
This unique concert venue features styles ranging from alternative blues to rap to pop rock.
White Oak Music Hall
Multiple indoor and outdoor stages have hosted The Lumineers, The Flaming Lips and more.