New York Music Venues

So popular it’s frequently just referred to as "The Garden" by locals, this venue at the heart of Manhattan bills itself as “The World’s Most Famous Arena.” The breadth of performances here is astounding, and the musical talents rival anything else you’ll find around the globe.

This Art Deco testament to the glamorous golden era of live music performance should also feature high on your list of New York music venues. Its mix of artistic design and big-name performances makes for an incredible night out.

Head over to Brooklyn, where you’ll find this opulently decorated music venue truly fit for royalty. Kings was originally a place where trendy New Yorkers could catch vaudeville shows, and you can still enjoy the classic sounds of an orchestra and live stage shows, harking back to the fun of the Roaring 20s.

This Manhattan hangout has gone through quite a dramatic series of changes in its lifetime. It was originally built just before the Wall Street Crash of 1929, which naturally diverted funds away from entertainment and left it standing desolate right through to the mid-1940s. It was then used as a retail space, and it wasn’t until way later, in 1998, that it was finally repurposed and became the music venue that we see today. Expect a roster of great indie and rock acts here.

This hip Brooklyn venue has definitely seen some changes over the years. In 2001, it burst onto the scene as Northsix, and is a standing-only spot where around 500 attendees at a time can catch everything from popular folk to electronic acts.

Head to Queens for something a little different, where this relatively compact but incredibly impressive venue has hosted legendary names for decades. In the 1990s a group of music-loving developers decided to give it a full renovation and by 2013 it was once again a shining star in the New York City music venue scene.

Get away from the bustle of the city and head to this amazing outdoor amphitheater in Nassau County. Whether it’s huge stadium rock acts with your grandparents, indulging your love of metal with your teenagers, or taking the kids to see their favorite pop stars, this long-standing venue by the beach has to be seen to be believed.

Returning to the heart of Manhattan, this historic setting, also built in the 1920s, is famous for "Live at the Beacon Theater," a great comedy night to catch in New York. There’s also a whole section of events dedicated to family-friendly performances.

Again in Brooklyn, this is another excellent place to catch big-name musical acts and basketball games, but also events and shows aimed at families. These include the Fall Family Fest, but there’s a lot more to see throughout the year, too.