There have been a lot of changes in the local music scene in the past few years. When the pandemic hit and everything shut down, some spots didn’t come back. But, interestingly, some brand new spaces were dreamed up during that dark time that have now come to life.
Have you been out of the loop on what’s been happening in the music scene? Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
This collection includes all of the best places to see live music in St. Louis. Big, small, wide and tall, these spaces will provide you with more music than your little ears can handle. Long live the mighty St. Louis music scene.
(7423 South Broadway, sinkholerecords.com)
VIBE: Small punk club for up-and-coming locals and underground-famous touring bands
TIP: Wear whatever you feel most comfortable in but don’t leave anything of value in your car; the neighboring streets can be a bit crime-y.
(17105 North Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield; thefactorystl.com)
VIBE: Large new space with great sound and and efficient drinks options
TIP: Parking couldn’t be easier. But don’t bother paying for the VIP tables; they’re not worth it
(6161 Delmar Boulevard, thepageant.com)
VIBE: Large venue with great sound system that’s known for hosting world-class touring performers
TIP: You can arrive late because sight lines are great throughout the whole venue so you don’t need to be worried about being stuck in a bad spot.
(2720 Sutton Boulevard, Maplewood; thefocalpoint.org)
VIBE: Intimate venue in Maplewood specializing in presenting folk music and songwriters
TIP: Make a night of it in Maplewood with a pre-show dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants and bowling at Saratoga Lanes after.
(3040 Locust Street, redflagstl.com)
VIBE: Warehouse-like space known for hosting heavier live music — but they also do money-makers like Taylor Swift dance parties
TIP: Get your tickets early because the events here frequently sell out.
(527 North Grand Boulevard, fabulousfox.com)
VIBE: This gorgeous and historic spot does double duty as the best place to see a touring musical and the best place to see your favorite artist’s concert
TIP: Dress up a bit. This is the most beautiful room in St. Louis so it’s a great place to wear that new dress or suit.
(14141 Riverport Drive, Maryland Heights; hollywoodcasinostlouis.com)
VIBE: Large outdoor shed-type amphitheatre that hosts some of the biggest touring acts
TIP: Seats are cool and all, but everybody knows that the real party is out in the lawn.
(6104 Kingsbury Avenue, 314-862-2541)
VIBE: Speakeasy vibes (although it’s a B.Y.O.B. venue) with great decorations and a chill atmosphere
TIP: Bring a little extra alcohol with you for your friends and table-neighbors. Somebody always forgets to bring their own booze.
(3730 Foundry Way, Suite 158; citywinery.com)
VIBE: Depending on the night, it’s a rock club or a comedy club, only it’s not that kind of rock club. You’ll have an assigned seat and a server who brings you appetizers and keeps your water filled. And you’ll enjoy the band you loved in college — City Winery knows how to book ‘em for Gen Xers and older millennials.
TIP: City Winery generally hosts two shows each night, and there’s none of this Axl Rose shit — they start on time and end on time so as to get the next set of butts in the seats. Be prompt.
(5226 Gravois Avenue, theheavyanchor.com)
VIBE: Small show room with friendly owners and a perfect little back patio with picnic benches
TIP: They have lots of games here, so you’ll have something to do if the show starts late or you’re bored between bands.
(750 Casino Center Drive, Maryland Heights; centenecommunityicecenter.com/saint-louis-music-park)
VIBE: “Little Riverport” (and right near Riverport, too), but much more visitor-friendly
TIP: Arrive early to have a pre-show drink and play some of the fun yard games set up on a big field of Astroturf.
(3509 Lemp Avenue, offbroadwaystl.com)
VIBE: Warm room with a small balcony and a great patio that hosts some of the best mid-level touring acts in the country
TIP: The balcony is a great spot to do some people-watching with your sweetie.
(1200 South 7th Street, oldrockhouse.com)
VIBE: Long and pretty room with beautiful tiled floors and plenty of standing room, tables and a small balcony
TIP: Arrive early and grab a pre-show drink in the bar at 4 Hands Brewing Company just up the block.
(6133 Delmar Boulevard, thepageant.com/venue-info/delmar-hall/)
VIBE: This is the little-sister venue of the Pageant, where bands with quickly growing audiences play
TIP: If you know where the Pageant is, you can easily figure out where Delmar Hall is, too. It’s right next door with just a little parking lot between.
(1400 Market Street, stifeltheatre.com)
VIBE: Historic site with lots of little luxuries and great acoustics
TIP: Arrive super early if it’s a show where they’re locking up your phone as the entrance can get bottlenecked close to showtime.
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