Where to Go in Chicago to Find Live Music
There’s nothing quite like live music to make for a fun night out. Whether you are planning a date or a fun adventure with some friends or family, live music can elevate your evening plans from boring to amazing with ease. Chicago is a great place to go if you love live music, as there are so many options that you can access while you are visiting or if you live in the area. You might even be able to find live music on short notice in a city as big as Chicago, which can be great if you aren’t someone who likes to plan too far in advance.
Live music events in Chicago are all over the place if you know where to look. This guide will help you to track down the live music events that you just have to go check out, as well as venues that are known for having live music each week. Being able to track down the right musical events and venues can help you to have an amazing time during a night out and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Where to Access Live Music in Chicago
Chicago is a great place to head for cultural experiences, good food, and even better live music. If you have decided to visit the Windy City for a few days, or if you live just outside the city and need some inspiration to come into town for some fun, this guide will help you plan a night out to remember. You will have all kinds of musical options laid out for you at these venues as well as access to alcohol, snacks, and food.
1. Empty Bottle
Empty Bottle is a cozy, fun, laidback bar that offers you access to all kinds of musical events. They offer music on the weekends but also have live artists booked throughout the week during most of the year. If you are looking for soul, jazz, rock and roll, or pop music, it’s on offer at this venue.
Enjoy drinks at the bar and a comfortable seat as you discover new artists, enjoy covers of your favorite classic songs and have a generally great time. Shows are for those who are 21 and over here, but that means that you know exactly what kind of musical shows you can expect from this fun, adults-only venue.
2. Cole’s Bar
There’s just something about a venue that’s named after the owner. You know you’re going to get a really friendly, fun, accessible experience as well as good music, drinks and food. Cole’s Bar’s shows always start at 10 pm and you can join their newsletter and email list to get updates in real time as new shows are added. Enjoy their extensive list of top-shelf whiskeys as you groove to excellent music or enjoy a full bar that can offer you access to any of your favorite cocktails.
This location is intimate, charming, and so classically Chicago. You will have a great time here, no matter what kind of show you decide to see.
3. Robert’s Westside
Billed as a live music venue and a community gathering space, you can expect a casual, fun, pub-like atmosphere at this bar that offers live music many nights of the week. Many kinds of artists play here and there is easy access to tickets for shows on their site. You will get to save money on a happy hour menu that really caters to those looking to enjoy music at a cost that they can afford and there’s drink specials on the menu all the time.
Robert’s Westside is an amazing hangout that is a great choice if you want a comfortable, welcoming, laid-back vibe to your night out on the town.
4. Carol’s Pub
Do you love country music? If so, you need to head to Carol’s on Clark. This is a really nice country bar that offers you the chance to hear lots of different styles of country music, all in a laid-back and fun atmosphere. Didn’t have dinner before leaving the house? No problem! You can eat at Carol’s as well as get a drink and enjoy a live band.
There’s all kinds of home-cooked meals on the menu here, and lots of great shareable and snackable items to enjoy. A big group of people will get excellent service here and never go hungry in between musical sets.
5. Montrose Saloon
Their website says it all: Live Music, Cold Beer. That’s all you need to know to motivate you to head to this fun pub/bar mash-up where live music is the norm. Pull up a barstool, and snuggle in at a tall table, and listen to all kinds of different artists who play in different genres. The staff is friendly and fast, and you can pick from cocktails, whiskey, and beer as you jam with the artists who are gracing the stage.
This is a really fun place that has been in business since the 70s, and the excellent service and overall fun vibe of this venue draws crowds nearly every day of the week.
Chicago Can be the Best Place to See Live Music
There are so many ways that you can enjoy the live music scene in Chicago. You might choose to head to a small local pub and sit right next to the stage while you have a cocktail. Maybe you’re looking for a large concert venue that draws big artists from all over the world. Perhaps you want to listen to country music and practice a couple of your dance moves near the table.
Whatever your musical preferences, there are venues in Chicago that are perfect for your plans. Having a great time out on the town in the Windy City is easy. This guide will help you to figure out which kind of venue is right for your mood of the night and you can easily check out the various kinds of artists who are playing throughout the week at these locales. Enjoy your time in Chicago, and be sure to add live music to your list of things to experience during your stay.
