Summary of Arlington’s Music Scene
Music Venues in Arlington
Texas is a haven for music lovers. Austin boasts the title of Live Music Capital of the World, hosting famous festivals like SXSW and Austin City Limits. Big names like Beyonce proudly represent Houston, and Leon Bridges has brought significant attention to Fort Worth. Moreover, Arlington, the often-overlooked sibling city of Dallas-Fort Worth, has recently developed a diverse range of music venues that attract musicians of various genres and levels of notoriety.
AT&T Stadium and Its Musical Events
In 2009, the Cowboys’ Stadium, affectionately known as Jerry’s World after the team’s owner, moved from Dallas to Arlington and became the AT&T Stadium. While this move primarily attracted sports fans to the area, a new wave of music lovers quickly followed. The newly expanded stadium can accommodate up to 100,000 fans and has hosted big names in the music industry. In 2023 alone, the stadium has featured musical talents like Ed Sheeran, Metallica, and Taylor Swift on her Eras tour.
But the stadium isn’t the only musical draw to the area. Live! by Loews opened in 2019 one block from the stadium, offering visitors a stylish place to stay right next to their favorite musical acts. Additionally, it features a lively lobby bar that caters to both sports and music crowds.
Enjoying Local Talent
Arena-sized crowds not your preference? Explore one of the many other local venues. The Levitt Pavilion provides a welcoming outdoor environment in downtown Arlington, offering more than 50 free shows each year. This concert series is an excellent chance to see up-and-coming artists.
For those interested in history, the Arlington Music Hall, a historic theater that dates back to the 1950s, has a rich tradition of hosting renowned musicians and performances from Symphony Arlington every Thursday evening from October through May.
If a relaxed atmosphere with local acts suits your taste, downtown Arlington features venues like the Grease Monkey Burger Shop, which frequently hosts live music and offers shuttle services to the AT&T Stadium. Vinyl enthusiasts will want to visit Growl Records, known for its selection of new and used records, and enjoy live performances that span various genres, from hip hop to metal.
