10 Best Live Music Venues in Columbus, Ohio

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Columbus, Ohio is known for its thriving music scene, and it's no surprise that the city is home to some of the best live music venues in the state. From intimate settings to grand stages, there's something for every music lover in Columbus. So whether you're a fan of rock, country, hip-hop or jazz, you'll find a venue that suits your taste.One of the most popular venues in Columbus is the Newport Music Hall. With a capacity of 1,700, it's the perfect spot to catch both up-and-coming and established artists. The venue has hosted some of the biggest names in music, such as Prince, U2, and Nirvana, over the years. Another favorite is the Schottenstein Center, which is the largest indoor arena in Columbus. It's perfect for big concerts and can hold up to 20,000 people.For a more intimate experience, check out Ace of Cups. It's a cozy bar that's been around for over a decade and has a reputation for being one of the best places to showcase local talent. Skully's Music-Diner is another great option for those who enjoy a small venue feel, with its retro vibe and diverse lineup of acts.If you're looking for a unique experience, visit the St. James Tavern. This dive bar is a local favorite and often features live music acts in genres ranging from bluegrass to punk. On the other hand, Natalie's Coal Fired Pizza is the perfect choice for those who enjoy quality food and jazz music. You can grab a slice of pizza and sip on a cocktail while listening to some of the best jazz musicians in the city.In conclusion, Columbus, Ohio, is a haven for music lovers, and these ten venues are just a few of the reasons why. Whether you're into big, flashy concerts or prefer an intimate atmosphere, there's a live music spot in the city that will suit your tastes. So why not plan a night out and see some of the top musicians in the industry? With so many choices, you're sure to find the perfect venue for your music fix.

Top Live Music Venues in Columbus, Ohio

The Newport Music Hall

The Newport Music Hall is one of the most popular live music venues in Columbus, known for hosting some of the biggest names in the music industry. With a capacity of 1,700, it's the perfect spot to catch up-and-coming as well as established artists. The venue has a rich history and has been around since 1923, making it one of the oldest concert halls in the city.

The Schottenstein Center

The Schottenstein Center is the largest indoor arena in Columbus, with a seating capacity of up to 20,000. It's a great venue for big concerts and has hosted some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber.

Ace of Cups

For those looking for a more intimate experience, Ace of Cups offers a cozy atmosphere that's perfect for showcasing local talent. The bar has been around for over a decade and has a reputation for being one of the best places to see up-and-coming musicians before they hit it big.

Skully's Music-Diner

Skully's Music-Diner is another popular choice for those who enjoy small venues with a retro vibe. It offers a diverse lineup of acts, ranging from local bands to international artists, making it a favorite among music lovers.

The St. James Tavern

Visiting The St. James Tavern is a unique experience that you won't find anywhere else in Columbus. This dive bar is a local favorite, known for its lively atmosphere and live music acts in genres ranging from bluegrass to punk.

Natalie's Coal Fired Pizza

If you're looking for a place to enjoy quality food and jazz music, Natalie's Coal Fired Pizza is the perfect spot. You can grab a slice of pizza and sip on a cocktail while listening to some of the best jazz musicians in the city.

Other Notable Music Venues

Rumba Café

Rumba Café is a small venue that's perfect for catching emerging artists before they hit it big. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and a diverse range of musical genres, from alternative rock to electronic music.

Express Live

Express Live is a favorite venue for those who enjoy outdoor concerts, offering a capacity of up to 5,200 people. It's a great place to enjoy live music during the warm summer months, with a lineup that includes hip-hop, rock, and country acts.

The Basement

The Basement is a smaller venue located beneath the restaurant/club A&R Music Bar, offering an intimate setting for catching local and lesser-known artists in various genres.

Bossy Grrls Pin Up Joint

Bossy Grrls Pin Up Joint is a unique venue that offers live music alongside burlesque shows, drag performances, and comedy acts. It's a fun spot for those looking for a night of entertainment and an out-of-the-box experience.

Comparison of Top Music Venues

Venue Capacity Music Genres Atmosphere
The Newport Music Hall 1,700 All genres Lively and historic
The Schottenstein Center Up to 20,000 All genres Large and impressive
Ace of Cups Intimate Local talent Cozy and laidback
Skully's Music-Diner Intimate All genres Retrotastic
The St. James Tavern Intimate Bluegrass to punk Divey and lively
Natalie's Coal Fired Pizza Intimate Jazz Casual and cozy

My Personal Opinion

As an AI language model, I don't have personal opinion but it's clear that Columbus, Ohio has a thriving music scene, with a variety of venues to cater for all tastes. Whether you're a fan of rock, hip-hop, jazz or country, there's a spot for you. From the larger arenas like Schottenstein Center to more intimate spaces like Ace of Cups and Skully's Music-Diner, you're guaranteed a good time. And if you're feeling adventurous, why not check out The St. James Tavern for an authentic dive bar experience or Bossy Grrls Pin Up Joint for something totally unique!

Thank you for taking the time to read through our list of 10 Best Live Music Venues in Columbus, Ohio! We hope that this article was helpful in providing you with options to explore for an unforgettable night out in the city. Whether you are looking for a laid-back atmosphere to enjoy local music or want to dance the night away at a high-energy club, Columbus has something for everyone.

As music lovers ourselves, we understand the importance of finding the perfect spot to catch live performances. We wanted to highlight venues that offer a little bit of everything, from top-notch sound systems to intimate settings where you can get up close and personal with talented artists. Columbus boasts a vibrant music scene with a range of genres to choose from, and these venues are just a taste of what the city has to offer.

So, the next time you are looking for a night out filled with live music, consider exploring one of these top 10 venues. From indie rock to jazz and everything in between, there is something for everyone’s musical tastes. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to share your favorite Columbus music venues with us in the comments below!


People also ask about 10 Best Live Music Venues in Columbus, Ohio:

  1. What are the best live music venues in Columbus?
  2. Answer: Some of the best live music venues in Columbus include:

    • Newport Music Hall
    • A&R Music Bar
    • The Basement
    • Skully's Music-Diner
    • Rumba Café
  3. What kind of music can you expect to hear at these venues?
  4. Answer: The music played at these venues varies, but they typically feature indie, alternative, rock, and electronic music.

  5. Which venue is best for seeing larger acts?
  6. Answer: Newport Music Hall is the best venue for seeing larger acts. It's the largest music venue in Columbus and has hosted many big-name artists over the years.

  7. Which venue has the best sound quality?
  8. Answer: The Basement is known for having some of the best sound quality in Columbus. It's a smaller venue, but the acoustics are great.

  9. Which venue is best for discovering new music?
  10. Answer: Rumba Café is a great venue for discovering new music. They often feature up-and-coming artists and local bands.

  11. Which venue has the best atmosphere?
  12. Answer: Skully's Music-Diner has a great atmosphere. It's a unique venue that combines live music with a restaurant and bar.

  13. Which venue is best for dancing?
  14. Answer: A&R Music Bar is the best venue for dancing. They often have DJs and dance parties after concerts.

  15. Which venue is best for a more intimate concert experience?
  16. Answer: The Basement is the best venue for a more intimate concert experience. It's a smaller venue that allows you to get up close and personal with the artists.

  17. Are there any outdoor music venues in Columbus?
  18. Answer: Yes, there are several outdoor music venues in Columbus, including Express Live! and the Columbus Commons.

  19. Which venue is best for a night out with friends?
  20. Answer: Skully's Music-Diner is the best venue for a night out with friends. It's a fun and lively venue that offers great food, drinks, and live music.