The Top Places to See Live Music in Miami

Right in the center of Little Havana’s Calle Ocho is the famous night spot, Ball & Chain. This hotspot is a classic and has been around for more than 80 years, so it’s no doubt the lounge is rich in Miami history. Today, the bar and music venue host all types musical artists every day of the week. 

It’s a staple of Little Haiti even though there's nothing Haitian about Churchill’s. People gather at this dive bar for great live music, food, and the causal and welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss out on one of Churchill’s weekly hip-hop or jazz nights.

If you’re looking for the big-name concerts, head to the American Airlines Arena. This is where you’ll find the likes of Elton John, Shakira, and Kendrick Lamar perform in front of thousands. When it’s not hosting musical royalty, the American Airlines Arena is home to the Miami Heat. During sold-out events, parking can be tough, so arrive early for your show. 

With colorful artwork and lots of food trucks, the Wynwood Yard has become a go-to spot in this artsy neighborhood. Outdoor concerts happen almost weekly (check the venues website for a full schedule), and great food is served up from the bar and food trucks that are permanently parked in the area. Expect lots of reggaebut you can really find any kind of music here—Shakira once made a surprise visit to the venue. 

With two stages, one indoor and one outside, Gramps is a guaranteed good time. The Wynwood-area bar is popular for three reasons, which is advertises blatantly—air conditioning, beer, and cocktails. What more do you need from a bar in South Florida? Gramps has come to be known for its wide variety of live events and concerts. There’s always so type of themed-party going on here, which is an endearing part of the venue’s identity. 

Besides for being home to the Miami Dolphins football team, Hard Rock Stadium is one of the largest concerts and event venues in South Florida. With a capacity to hold about 70,000, Hard Rock Stadium has hosted some of the world’s biggest superstars like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, U2, and Coldplay. The stadium also hosts WrestleMania events, baseball games, and college football bowls. 

Known first and foremost as a wine bar, Lagniappe has garnered a reputation for its jazz concerts, too. It’s a small, intimate space, but the mood inside is relaxing and romantic. The outdoor space is homey and welcoming, too. With its miss-matched collection of lawn furniture, it’s more like a friend’s backyard than anything else. The relaxed vibe is enjoyable to all. 

This record store that doubles as a live music venue is located in the heart of Little Haiti. It’s a hub for indie artists and the eclectic music scene, they even started their own record label recently. If you’re into off the beaten path kind of music, artisanal coffee, and of course, great company, come here for a show, or just browse the aisles of this magical music mecca. 

This outdoor venue is a recent addition to the Live Nation family, which means it is set to see some big acts in the future. Set right in the heart of Downtown Miami, the amphitheater fits about 10,000 people, which includes seats and lawn space. That’s relatively intimate when you consider stadiums can house closer to 80,000. The one downside is that concerts during the summer months can be a bit brutal with the heat, humidity, and mosquitos. 

With only about 2,000 seats, the Arsht is pretty small for a concert hall, but it prides itself on its state-of-the-art acoustics. Visitors will appreciate the world-class sound that emanates from the stage. The likes of Patti LeBelle, The Roots, and The Beach Boys have performed here. 

What used to be the set of the 1950s Jackie Gleason Show is one of the most fun concert venues today. Since it’s owned by Live Nation, The Fillmore sees lots of up and coming and popular names, plus those not big enough for a stadium, but too big for a bar. 

Designed by famed architect Frank Gehry, the New World Center is home to the New World Symphony, an American orchestral academy based out of Miami Beach. The center is centrally located a block north of Lincoln Road right in the heart of South Beach. Aside from concerts and events, the center also hosts WallCasts, where they guests can come with a picnic and blanket, set up comfortably on the lawn at SoundScape Park and watch live performances of select shows going on that night. A massive 7,000-square-foot screen is set up right outside the center, and crowds gather for a free evening of classical music. 

There’s nothing better than great music and beach vibes, and that’s exactly what you get at the North Beach Bandshell. This outdoor, waterfront venue is a picturesque place for a nighttime picnic and some great tunes. Located on the famous Collins Avenue, the North Beach Bandshell hosts all types of musical acts and festivals.