Best Music Venues in Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio, is a growing city with a diverse music scene. You can find live music venues across the city that feature local and nationally renowned artists. There is a venue for every type of music, ranging from piano to alternative rock. Here is our list of some of the music venues you can find in Cleveland, Ohio.
Happy Dog

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Happy Dog is a self-proclaimed “neighborhood corner bar” that doubles as a live music venue. The venue serves customizable hot dogs from within the retro bar. This is a cozy place to enjoy some local bands from any genre as you munch on a unique hot dog and sip on a beverage. Expect to pay a small cover, ranging from $8 to $20, though some artists perform for free. You can see the schedule of events on the corner bar’s website
The Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
The Beachland Ballroom & Tavern is an Americana-style establishment with a vintage atmosphere. As both a ballroom and a restaurant, Beachland is an authentic local venue in Cleveland that many people enjoy. The owners feature musicians from more than one genre, and you can find well-known and up-and-coming artists listed on the marquee. Beachland hosts a variety of events for people to attend, such as community-based flea markets and the annual SummerFest festival.
The Big Bang
With a few locations around the country, The Big Bang is a lively music venue that revolves around an epic piano duel. You can request any song you like and witness two musicians duking it out to the sound of your favorite tune. While they play the piano, you can stop by the bar for a cocktail or craft beer. The venue also serves a modern menu with shareable appetizers and snacks. Expect high energy and a fun crowd atmosphere.
CODA
CODA is an underground, intimate music venue that provides a unique experience for attendees. It mainly showcases indie, folk, blues, rock, and punk artists. Whether you want to see local artists or nationally known performers, you can find both at CODA. The graffiti stage and brick walls create a fun atmosphere for performers and the audience. CODA also serves food and drinks, and the venue often hosts events such as an open mic night. You can see what’s on at CODA by heading to its website.
Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
Jacobs Pavilion is an open-air amphitheater in Cleveland located on the west bank of the river. This is a great place to spend a summer evening as you enjoy the warm weather and live music. Big-name artists perform at Jacobs Pavilion, so you can expect tickets to sell out more quickly than in the smaller venues. This venue features all types of artists, so keep an eye on its website to see when your favorite musician is stopping by.
The B Side Lounge
The B Side Lounge is located in Cleveland Heights. The venue highlights local Cleveland DJs throughout the week. You can find information about its special events on its website, like ’90s Night or Silent Discos. One great feature of the lounge is an outdoor patio, which is perfect for getting a breath of fresh air during a show in the summertime. The B Side Lounge has a diverse lineup so everyone can find something they’ll enjoy. It’s also near several other great local spots that serve food, so stop for a bite to eat before the show.
Grog Shop
Grog Shop is a club and live music venue in Cleveland Heights that strives to create an intimate environment for performers and audiences. The owners hope to have live music every night of the year, so they spotlight several types of performers. Local, national, and international artists have all played at the Grog Shop to a small, standing-room-only audience. You can check the venue’s calendar to see what artists are on the lineup. This is one of the most well-known venues in the city, so be sure to find tickets to an upcoming show.
Nighttown
Taking its name from an area in James Joyce’s literary classic novel, “Ulysses,” Nighttown captures the ambiance of an early-century New York restaurant. You can find stained glass and memorabilia throughout the venue’s six dining rooms. Nighttown appeals to all sorts of people and happens to be home to the Cleveland Journalism Hall of Fame. This venue has a ton of character and primarily features live piano music on the weekends. Make sure to buy tickets for a weekend show to secure a spot in the audience and at a dining table.
Severance Hall
Home to The Cleveland Orchestra, Severance Hall is a magnificent building that opened its doors in 1931. The building is a gorgeous structure that resounds with classic music during the orchestra’s performances. You can reserve the venue for other types of events as well. It hosts a variety of classically trained musicians who perform multiple types of shows for audiences. You can book your tickets on the website as you prepare for a classy evening in one of the most stunning concert halls in the nation.
Blossom Music Center
The Blossom Music Center is located outside Cleveland in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. This is an outdoor amphitheater that is also home to a restaurant, art gallery, and garden. Many Ohio festivals choose the Blossom Music Center as their venue each year. The center also hosts orchestra events. Blossom Music Center recommends booking a hotel in town to save yourself from making the drive back to Cleveland after a concert.
If you are a fan of music, you can spend your time working through this comprehensive list of venues in the Cleveland area. Each venue adds its own flavor to the overall feel of the city. There is something special about each one for audiences to enjoy. Did we forget to mention your favorite music venue in Cleveland? Contact us at Honda of Cleveland Heights so we can add it to our list.
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