Hear that? It’s the scintillating sound of Boston’s live music venues beckoning you to a performance you’ll never forget.
The concert scene is truly unmatched in our area — from TD Garden to O’Brien’s Pub, there’s a stage for any type of tune. To get to know them all, you must do three things.
Put your hands in the air, wave ‘em like you just don’t care, then lay your eyes (and ears) on our guide.
Rockstar Stadiums + Arenas
Agganis Arena | Capacity: 7,200
When college hockey teams aren’t chasing the puck, artists like Phoenix and Kali Uchis pack this arena on Boston University’s West campus.
Fenway Park | Capacity: ~38,000
The century-old ballpark flips its field into a music fan zone a handful of times during the warmer months, making every performance from icons like Lady Gaga and Aerosmith feel historic.
TD Garden | Capacity: 19,580
With access to the commuter rail + the MBTA’s Orange and Green Lines, TD Garden is one of the most accessible places to see superstars ranging from Lizzo and Arctic Monkeys to Madonna and The Eagles.
Xfinity Center | Capacity: 19,900
Stops from joint tours across all genres and eras — from Janet Jackson + Ludacris to Chris Stapleton + Elle King — make this outdoor amphitheater worth the ~35 mile drive from Boston.
Gillette Stadium | Capacity: ~64,200
Whether you’re talking about sports or music, Gillette is where the GOATs go. Every summer the stadium attracts some of the top-selling artists in history, including The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé + Jay-Z.
Mid-size Venues
Boch Center at the Wang Theatre | Capacity: 3,500
Originally named the Metropolitan Theatre, this ornate building has been home to the arts in Boston for nearly 100 years. While most folks associate the venue with musicals, it also welcomes acts like Nick Cave, Lorde, and a jolly assortment of holiday-themed programming throughout the winter.
Citizens House of Blues Boston | Capacity: 2,200
One of the largest venues in the House of Blues chain is located in the heart of Fenway-Kenmore, complete with a restaurant serving soul food, perfect for fueling up before a show.
Leader Bank Pavilion | Capacity: 5,000
Take the Silver Line to the Seaport to score two breathtaking views from your seat under the Pavilion’s tent: sunset at the Boston harbor and whoever’s onstage, be it Alvvays, Hozier, or Boston’s own BIA.
MGM Music Hall at Fenway | Capacity: ~5,000
Plush seats, a rooftop bar, and three spacious floors for viewing elevate the concert experience amid the bustle of Lansdowne Street. In its first year in business, the venue has already attracted back-to-back shows from acts like Bruno Mars and boygenius.
Orpheum Theatre | Capacity: 2,700
Once known as the original home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Orpheum now welcomes greats like Bob Dylan and Lucinda Williams as it approaches its 175th anniversary.
Roadrunner | Capacity: 3,000
This relatively new venue — whose name is a nod to a tune from the Natick-based band The Modern Lovers — was designed with sightlines in mind (aka the view), meaning there there’s truly no bad spot for watching performances from Tove Lo, Jason Isbell, and Gucci Mane.
Hit the (Rock) Club
Big Night Live | Capacity: 1,400
This nightclub throws regular ragers with the hottest acts in hip-hop and EDM. Read: Deadmau5, Steve Aoki, and 50 Cent make frequent stops here on tour.
Brighton Music Hall | Capacity: 476
Once home to the Harpers Ferry, Brighton Music Hall continues the venue’s legacy by packing in students from Boston University and Boston College to see trending up-and-comers like GAYLE and Glorilla, plus rising Boston acts such as Squirrel Flower and GA-20.
Paradise Rock Club | Capacity: 933
Over the course of its 40-plus year history, the ‘Dise’s stage has been a major stepping stone for some of the biggest acts in the world: Tom Petty, U2, Billy Joel, Snoop Dogg, and Billie Eilish, to name a few.
Royale | Capacity: 1,200
This chameleon of Boston’s Theatre District is known for effortlessly packing a concert and themed dance night into one epic evening. Come early for shows with Blu DeTiger or Osees, then snap up a second ticket to hear whatever the DJ is spinning.
Intimate Experiences
City Winery Boston | Capacity: 200
Have a seat at the winery’s Main Hall, or enjoy a more casual experience at the Haymarket Lounge. Themed shows celebrate everyone from Bob Marley to John Lennon, while touring acts offer just as much variety, spanning The Electric Six, The Wild Feathers, and Roomful of Blues.
Grace By Nia | Capacity: 166 (seated), 243 (standing)
The newly-opened supper club in the Seaport pairs fresh twists on favorite Southern dishes with an assortment of live jazz, funk, and soul music every Wednesday through Sunday.
O’Brien’s Pub | Capacity: 75
At this treasured Allston dive bar, guests come face-to-face with their favorite bands, literally — the stage isn’t very tall. O’Brien’s is a particularly great spot for familiarizing yourself with Boston’s rumbling rock scene.
The Red Room at Cafe 939 | Capacity: 200
This all-ages, Berklee-owned room boasts a flair for the avant garde, booking acts like Alice Longyu Gao and Jaggery, although mainstream names such Young the Giant, Tyler Childers, and Tori Kelly have graced this stage.
Wally’s Cafe Jazz Club | Capacity: 99
Throw yourself into a bygone era inside the cozy confines of Wally’s. The beat never stops at this family-owned and operated jazz club, which hosts live music every night of the year.
Where’s your favorite place in Boston to catch a show? Sound off in our inbox.
