A Music Venue for Every Taste
Want to see a concert or show in St. Louis? No problem. The Gateway City’s live music scene is going strong. From entertainment districts like Washington Avenue and the Delmar Loop to urban neighborhoods like Grand Center and Soulard, there’s a music venue to suit every taste. Whether you’re in the mood for jazz, blues, hip-hop or rock, St. Louis has a place for you.
The Old Rock House
Taking its name from an infamous riverfront saloon that once attracted steamboat captains, the Old Rock House is today one of St. Louis’ most attractive live music venues. This beautifully renovated turn-of-the-century tavern serves as part southside bar, restaurant, swanky nightclub, basement wine cellar, and vibrant music hall.
Both the main floor and a mezzanine balcony offer great views of the stage, while a state-of-the-art sound system ensures everyone can enjoy the music, even from the cozy basement wine cellar. Top-notch local and national musicians perform nightly, including an acoustic set during happy hour.
Blueberry Hill
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Blueberry Hill is a legendary bar and music space located in the Delmar Loop, attracting top national and local musicians for decades. Concerts in the Duck Room, a more intimate venue accommodating just 340 people, allow for a personal music experience, contrasting with larger stadium concerts.
The Duck Room has played a crucial role in St. Louis music history, being the spot where rock-n-roll legend Chuck Berry performed his monthly shows. Anyone lucky enough to experience these concerts knows how unique they were.
Blueberry Hill is open every day of the year, hosting live music most nights. For the latest schedule of performers, check the Blueberry Hill calendar of events.
The Pageant
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Opened in 2000 by Joe Edwards, who also owns Blueberry Hill, The Pageant is built from scratch and resembles a renovated art-deco theater. Its vibrant facade extends the Delmar Loop by another block, filling a much-needed niche for a mid-sized venue catering to local and national rock acts. The main floor resembles a large cabaret, with tables and chairs toward the back, providing room for those who want to stand and dance closer to the stage. A large balcony features reserved seating, with the best views from the railing. Acts include nationally-known musicians as well as up-and-coming local bands.
BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups
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A night at BB’s is everything you would expect from a blues house. With exposed brick walls and great acoustics, it offers some of the best blues this side of the Mississippi. Cover charges are usually reasonable, especially given the quality of acts that perform here and the closeness of the seating to the stage. While several local blues bars have a more rustic charm, BB’s excels in delivering an exceptional blues experience. Moreover, as the name suggests, it’s almost as famous for its soups, which are definitely worth a visit for lunch, regardless of whether the stage is empty.
McGurk’s Irish Pub
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McGurk’s Irish Pub remains a timeless favorite in St. Louis, noted for its massive brick archways, decorative tin ceilings, and intricate woodwork, all of which still appear fresh. For over 20 years, McGurk’s has been serving pints of Guinness along with exceptional Irish music. The venue gets quite packed on weekend nights, with patrons joyfully singing “along” to their favorite Irish tunes and ballads. The bands performing at McGurk’s are always high-caliber groups straight from the Emerald Isle, adept at engaging rowdy crowds. For a more laid-back experience, attending a performance on a Sunday evening is highly recommended.
