Dallas, Texas is a major city in the southern United States that offers a vibrant music and concert scene. From large multi-purpose arenas to intimate music halls, Dallas has a variety of venues that host concerts and live music events throughout the year. Keep reading to learn more about the main concert and live music venues in Dallas.
American Airlines Center
The American Airlines Center is the largest indoor concert and entertainment venue in Dallas. Located in the Victory Park neighborhood, this arena has a capacity of over 18,000 for concerts. The American Airlines Center is home to major league sports teams like the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars, but it also regularly hosts major touring concerts and other entertainment events. A-list musicians like Paul McCartney, Beyonce, Ed Sheeran, and many more have held concerts at the American Airlines Center. It has state-of-the-art amenities like excellent acoustics, luxury suites, and large concession areas that can accommodate tens of thousands of fans.
Starplex Pavilion
Starplex Pavilion is an outdoor amphitheater located north of downtown Dallas in Addison, TX. This open-air concert venue can hold around 6,350 people. The pavilion features reserved seating and general admission lawn seating. During the spring and summer concert season, Starplex Pavilion attracts popular music artists covering genres like country, rock, pop, rap, and more. Luke Bryan, Dave Matthews Band, and G-Eazy are among the musicians who have performed here recently. The venue has concessions, VIP amenities, and a large parking lot on its over 20 acres of space.
Dos Equis Pavilion
With a capacity of nearly 20,000 people, Dos Equis Pavilion is one of the largest outdoor concert venues in Dallas and the whole state of Texas. The open-air amphitheater is located north of downtown in Fair Park. Dos Equis Pavilion hosts concerts and music festivals from May through October each year. Many famous musicians have performed here over the decades, including The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, Jimmy Buffet, Kanye West, and more. The venue has reserved seats under the pavilion roof as well as lawn seating on a grassy hill. Fans can enjoy a variety of concession food and drinks options at Dos Equis Pavilion concerts.
House of Blues Dallas
For an intimate concert experience, the House of Blues in Dallas offers live music in a cozy venue. The Dallas location of this national chain has a 1,200 person capacity. The House of Blues has a restaurant and bar on site, so concert goers can enjoy a meal or drinks while taking in a show. Musicians of many genres perform at the House of Blues, such as pop, rock, country, metal, and comedy acts. Up-and-coming groups often book shows here alongside more established touring bands and solo artists. Past performers include Machine Gun Kelly, Cyndi Lauper, Maverick City Music, Cold War Kids, and more.
The Theatre at Grand Prairie
Located in the city of Grand Prairie just west of Dallas, The Theatre at Grand Prairie is another large indoor concert venue in the metro area. This performing arts theater has flexible seating configurations to accommodate between 3,000 to 6,350 people depending on the concert. State-of-the-art sound, lights, and video give concert goers an immersive experience here. Artists that have played at this contemporary venue include Kendrick Lamar, Bob Dylan, Halsey, John Mayer, and Pitbull.
South Side Ballroom
Opened in 2005, the South Side Ballroom brings live music to the Dallas neighborhood of South Side. About 2,000 to 3,000 fans can fit in this indoor venue depending on the seating configuration. The ballroom has a standing floor area as well as an upper reserved level with chairs. Genres hosted include alternative rock, country, heavy metal, hip hop, and indie. High-profile acts like Adele, Megadeth, Wu-Tang Clan, and Ciara have all headlined shows at the South Side Ballroom in recent years.
Toyota Music Factory
The Toyota Music Factory in Irving, TX is a large entertainment complex with multiple live music venues. The largest is the 8,000 capacity Pavilion at the Music Factory. Opened in 2017, this outdoor amphitheater attracts major touring acts of all genres during the spring and summer months. Indoors at the Music Factory, the Texas Lottery Plaza can hold around 3,000 people for concerts. Smaller live shows happen at venues like Dos Equis Pavilion and the 321 at the Music Factory. Overall, the Toyota Music Factory brings sought-after national music tours to the Dallas area.
Fair Park Music Hall
As part of Fair Park’s collection of museums and event facilities, the 3,400 seat Music Hall is another historic Dallas concert venue. It opened in 1925 with the purpose of hosting concerts and musical performances. The Music Hall continued this tradition of showcasing live music over the decades, with artists like Louis Armstrong, Hank Williams, and Peggy Lee gracing its stage through the years. Today, established acts like Brian Wilson and Kris Kristofferson are known to schedule concerts in this ornate theater.
Texas Trust CU Theatre
Previously known as the Verizon Theatre, the Texas Trust CU Theatre is a mid-sized indoor concert hall located in Grand Prairie. The seating capacity is around 6,350. All types of musicians have entertained crowds here, such as country singer Blake Shelton, Christian artist Michael W. Smith, the Steve Miller Band, and Reba McEntire. The theater provides an intimate setting to enjoy live acts in the Dallas area.
Majestic Theatre
Downtown Dallas is home to the historic Majestic Theatre. Built in 1921, the Majestic Theatre today can accommodate around 1,700 people. The atmosphere feels both ornate and cozy thanks to details like opulent décor and tiered balcony seating. Past performers run the gamut from U2 to Sesame Street Live. Comedy shows are also big draws here. Overall, the Majestic Theatre provides a memorable and elegant concert experience in Dallas.
AT&T Performing Arts Center
The AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Dallas Arts District consists of multiple venues that host all types of live performances, including concerts. The Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House is the largest with 2,200 seats. Jazz, classical, and opera artists often hold concerts in this sleek, modern opera hall. Next door, the Wyly Theatre has about 600 seats. The smaller theatre space is ideal for more avant-garde and intimate music performances.
Gas Monkey Live!
Gas Monkey Live! brings live music concerts and other entertainment to Dallas in a fun, lively setting. This indoor venue located near downtown can hold around 2,000 people. Gas Monkey Live! attracts rock, country, metal, and comedy show audiences. Notable acts that have taken the stage here include The Deftones, Chevelle, Cypress Hill, and more.
The Rustic
In Uptown Dallas, The Rustic is a restaurant, bar, and music venue all in one. The indoor and outdoor spaces here host local and regional live music several nights a week. The cozy, rustic setting gives concerts an intimate feel. With a capacity of around 450 people, patrons can really connect with the performers. Patrons can also enjoy drinks from the bar and Texas-inspired food menu while listening to some of the best local bands and artists in Dallas.
Granada Theater
Built in 1946, the Granada Theater in Lower Greenville is a historic venue with a retro vibe. Originally a movie theater, it now hosts live concerts and comedy shows in its small 300-500 capacity space. The Granada Theater brings alternative rock, indie pop, punk, metal, and other similar genres to its small stage. Modest Mouse, Cold War Kids, Chromeo, and Atlas Genius have all headlined shows at the Granada Theater in recent years.
Sundown at Granada
Next to the Granada Theater is Sundown at Granada, another intimate concert spot in Dallas. This indoor venue can hold about 1,000 people. Sundown at Granada attracts bands and artists across genres like rock, country, pop, and hip hop. Those who have performed here include Bowling for Soup, Rick Springfield, Mat Kearney, and Clutch.
Bomb Factory
Dallas music fans know Bomb Factory as a popular place to enjoy live concerts in the city. This venue can hold 4,300 people standing or around 3,000 seated. The spacious warehouse-style building features state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. Bomb Factory attracts eclectic talent like Gogol Bordello, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Tyler the Creator. The venue has several bars and outdoor patios for fans to enjoy.
Trees
If you’re looking for live music that’s off the beaten path, head to Trees in Deep Ellum. This underground concert venue holds about 800 people. Trees primarily books metal, punk, hip hop, and indie rock bands. Up-and-coming groups frequent the venue, but more well-known acts like 50 Cent, Chase Atlantic, Highly Suspect, andIdFilter have also performed on Trees’ small stage.
Club Dada
Tucked away in Deep Ellum, Club Dada offers an intimate concert experience in Dallas. The standing room capacity is only about 300 people. Club Dada leans toward booking psychedelic rock, indie pop, punk, and alternative bands. The venue has extremely limited parking, so concert goers are encouraged to take public transportation. Popular acts like Vanilla Ice, The Motet, and Hayes Carll all held shows at Club Dada in recent times.
Echo Lounge & Music Hall
Echo Lounge & Music Hall combines a bar, restaurant, and concert venue in Dallas’ Design District. The lounge has a small stage and standing room area that can fit around 200 people. Local and regional bands and solo artists perform here, especially those playing blues, jazz, funk, rock, and electronic music. Patrons can grab a cocktail and bite to eat from the lounge menu while enjoying intimate live music nights at Echo Lounge & Music Hall.
Kessler Theater
Built in 1942, the Kessler Theater is a historic Dallas venue that hosts concerts and other events. Located in Oak Cliff, the theater can hold 600-1,000 people depending on the seating setup. Musicians who have graced the Kessler’s stage include Merle Haggard, Sinbad, John Prine, and Wayne Hancock. Concert goers say the Kessler provides an excellent live music experience in an intimate environment.
Conclusion
Dallas has concert venues of all shapes and sizes, from massive arenas like American Airlines Center to tiny clubs like Trees. Music fans can find live shows happening almost any night of the week in various neighborhoods around town. The city attracts major national touring acts while also fostering a vibrant local music scene. Whether your taste runs toward rock, country, jazz, or pop, you’ll find great concerts happening every night somewhere in Dallas, Texas.
