At music venues in the Hudson Valley, you’ll discover many awe-inspiring musicians. Don’t miss the musical magic they have to offer! Here is where you can find some of the best live music in our region.
Avalon Lounge
Catskill
If you’re heading to the Avalon Lounge, you better bring your best dancing shoes! The dance club vibe and dynamic lighting features create a palpably fun energy. The food offerings set this venue apart, with a delicious Korean kitchen and sake bar onsite. Come out and dance with up-and-coming artists as well as many of your favorite Hudson Valley acts.
Basilica Hudson
Hudson
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Basilica Hudson is a haven for artists of all kinds and features movie screenings, art shows, and, of course, concerts. The huge, repurposed factory mixes industrial and pastoral aesthetics with large windows that wash the space in sunlight. The sound created in the large open space is huge, and you can feel the music reverberate all around you. Although the venue is housed in a factory, Basilica Hudson strives to be ecologically responsible and create a greener community in Hudson. This nonprofit venue aims to provide a place for people and artists to come together for little to no cost.
BeanRunner Café
Peekskill
This Peekskill venue is a fun spot for community acts alongside scrumptious bites and drinks.
Blueberry Fields by Groovy Blueberry
New Paltz
The Groovy Blueberry is a favorite for shopping in New Paltz, but did you know it does music, too?
The Capitol Theatre & Garcia’s
Port Chester
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The Capitol Theatre has an important place in rock ‘n’ roll history. Throughout the years, some of the most legendary rock stars have graced its stage. (Do Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd, and the Grateful Dead ring any bells?) To this day, talented musicians continue to stop by the theater to deliver spectacular performances. Plus, if you’re looking for a more casual music experience, you can visit the new bar location, Garcia’s. The venue opened in partnership with Jerry Garcia’s family as an homage to his love of the theater and the Hudson Valley region. If you’re a rock enthusiast, you will love the atmosphere and history that these spaces have to offer.
The Chance
Poughkeepsie
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Throw it back to the 1920s at The Chance Theater. Although the venue now hosts the most face-melting rock and metal bands the Hudson Valley has to offer, the historic vaudeville vibe remains in the theater’s red and gold architecture. This stage has seen some of rock’s greatest musicians such as The Ramones, The Police, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, and many more. If you like head-banging and raising your lighter in the air, chances are The Chance is the venue for you.
City Winery Hudson Valley
Montgomery
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The musical acts that grace City Winery’s stage are worth a visit on their own, but the venue’s lengthy wine list seals the deal. Come for brunch, served with a side of Strawberry Fields, the Hudson Valley’s premier Beatles cover band. Conversely, you could enjoy an evening performance from major names like Chris Knight, Jimmy Sturr, and Popa Chubby. It’s vino and a show. What’s not to love?
The Colony
Woodstock
Originally opened as a hotel in the late 1920s, The Colony delights with a cozy, vintage vibe. The atmosphere may take you back in time, but the state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems keep the shows hip. The Colony provides audiences with not only a great show, but also delicious food and drinks. Its ideal location just off the village green makes this venue a perfect way to close out a day trip to Woodstock. You can also catch outdoor shows in the beautiful beer garden, which features picnic table seating and an outdoor stage.
Daryl’s House
Pawling
You may know this venue from the hit internet and MTV series “Live From Daryl’s House,” featuring Daryl Hall and his friends jamming and hanging out together. The casual vibe of the show can be felt at the venue to this day. Hall created Daryl’s Hous so that people can drink beers and share in the experience of musicians coming together and jamming. The venue provides a cool, casual, intimate setting that feels like spending time with old friends.
Dogwood
Beacon
Dogwood is a too-cool spot for cocktails and small bites in Beacon that also hosts live music.
Emelin Theatre for Performing Arts
Mamaroneck
The magic of Broadway comes to life in the Hudson Valley at the Emelin Theatre. The large venue hosts stage productions, bands, comedy groups, and large dance troupes. Broadway stars often grace the stage, putting on show-stopping sets. You can also catch premieres of new plays written by Hudson Valley locals.
Empire Live
Albany
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At Empire Live, you can rock out with your favorite bands and artists. In the massive, 1000-capacity upstairs venue, you can mosh and feed off the energy of the crowd, then recharge at one of the two bars located onsite. If large concerts aren’t your scene, you can find a more intimate 350-capacity space in the basement. This downstairs venue has a punk, DIY feel and hosts talent from the Hudson Valley and beyond.
The Falcon
Marlboro
Looking down over the cascading Marlboro Falls, The Falcon offers incredible views and even better music. Enjoy dinner and a show in the spacious dining room. The acoustics in the room are phenomenal while still providing an intimate feel, and the large stage spanning the front of the dining room guarantees that there is not a single bad seat in the house. The venue’s founder, Tony Falco, wanted to share impressive musicians with people from all walks of life; accordingly, the shows are offered with no tickets and no cover. Plus, 100 percent of all donations go straight into artists’ pockets, ensuring our region’s music scene can continue to thrive.
The Hollow Bar & Kitchen
Albany
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The Hollow has music for everyone, with funk, punk, bluegrass, rock, and more. The elevated stage sits in front of ample floor space for moshing, skanking, and clogging along to the tunes. The bands that play here are framed by brick arches that support the stage lighting and make for beautiful pictures and videos (can you say Instagrammable?). Enjoy drinks and food from the classy menu, which features craft beers and a wide variety of vegan and gluten-free food options.
The Jazz Forum
Tarrytown
This venue is a must-visit for all cool cats and jazz lovers and hosts incredible jazz musicians every weekend, all year long. The Jazz Forum has the atmosphere of a classy dinner party, so feel free to enjoy small plates and sip on a glass of vino as you listen. If you love to play jazz, take the stage with other musicians on the first of every month at the monthly jam session. In the summer, the music of the forum can’t be contained within its four walls, so check out the summer concerts at outdoor venues across Westchester.
Lark Hall
Albany
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Lark Hall combines the size of a large theater and the capacity of an intimate venue to make for beautiful evenings of live music in the Hudson Valley. The 300-capacity venue features 21-foot ceilings that create a huge, harmonious sound. Head to Lark Hall to see all kinds of acts, from comedians to singer-songwriters, country bands, rock bands, and more.
Levon Helm Studios
Woodstock
Levon Helm Studios, referred to as “the barn,” is a live music venue that feels alive. The building was designed and acoustically engineered by its eponym, Levon Helm, the legendary drummer and vocalist of The Band. The beautiful building is constructed from local hemlock, pine, and bluestone without the use of metal nails for perfect acoustics. The sound in the barn resonates perfectly and embraces the audience and musicians alike. Check out The Helm Family Midnight Ramble, featuring family and friends of Levon Helm carrying out the tradition of his famous Midnight Rambles he began hosting at the barn nearly two decades ago.
Maureen’s Jazz Cellar
Nyack
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Maureen’s Jazz Cellar is named for the late jazz vocalist Maureen Budway. Budway’s performances brought lyrics to life and entranced audiences, and this venue lives up to the greatness of its namesake. Enjoy delicious food and drinks as you bask in the some of the best jazz our region has to offer.
Maverick Concerts
Hurley
At Maverick Concerts, you can experience live music while soaking in the natural wonder of the Hudson Valley’s lush forests. Maverick Concerts is the oldest continuous chamber music festival in America, hosted in a gorgeous wooden building constructed by hand in 1916 as a part of the Maverick Colony. The wooden structure makes for incredible acoustics and a fantastic view. This nonprofit venue is a beautiful place to see jazz and chamber music as well as contemporary artists.
No Fun
Troy
If experimental music is your jam, then No Fun is the place to be. The Troy venue hosts intimate musical experiences in the upper Hudson Valley.
Pearl Moon
Woodstock
Anyone in the Woodstock area knows that Pearl Moon is a must for dining. Come Fridays and Saturdays, it’s also a top spot for live music.
Quinn’s
Beacon
You love Quinn’s for ramen and comfort-food bites, but did you know the venue also hosts live music? Check it out and prepare for repeat visits.
Revel 32
Poughkeepsie
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The impressive Revel 32 building was a Methodist church built in 1845, but inside, it’s a modern marvel. The huge ballroom space is fit for any event, but it is perfect for an energetic concert. The wide-open interior provides the ideal dance floor for the audience, and the white walls reflect the multi-colored stage lights throughout the room, making for beautiful Instagram pictures. Musical acts of all kinds make appearances at Revel 32, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.
River Spirit Music
Hastings-on-Hudson
Not into catching the show in person? Watch live music in virtual reality and HD thanks to River Spirit Music.
Senate Garage
Kingston
Well-known for its wedding and event capabilities, Senate Garage also hosts live music.
Silk Factory
Newburgh
The event venue and eatery in Newburgh is also an excellent pick for live music if you find yourself in Orange County.
The Stissing Center
Pine Plains
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The Stissing Center is a live music and culture venue that is incredibly dedicated to its community. The nonprofit provides experiences for everyone, striving to be “Your Stage Next Door.” It’s all about a communal experience, with seating in a semi-circle that opens up onto the stage, allowing guests a perfect view of the stage as well as the opportunity to interact with other audience members. The venue hosts acts of all kinds: bluegrass, jazz, classical, comedy, and more.
Towne Crier Café
Beacon
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Towne Crier Café hosts a wide variety of Hudson Valley musical excellence. You can catch dinner and a show at the salon stage, featuring smaller acts for a more intimate show experience. If a small, intimate show isn’t for you, larger bands rock out on the live music venue’s main stage. What’s more, you can join in on the fun at the open mic nights on the salon stage.
Tubby’s
Kingston
Tubby’s is a classic neighborhood bar serving up delicious drinks and fresh-baked, vegetarian pizza by the slice provided by Rosie’s Bakehouse. Tubby’s is the place to find up-and-coming artists in the local music scene and beyond. The bright disco ball hanging over the stage and sparkly curtains make for a dynamic atmosphere that’ll have you dancing and singing along to the music in no time.
The Turning Point
Piermont
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If you prefer your rock soft and steady, you will love everything this live music venue has to offer. This cozy cabin café has heard the musical stylings of many legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees such as Rick Danko and Arlo Guthrie. Enjoy a meal while local, home-grown music feeds your soul.
Related: This Couple Threw a Music Festival-Themed Wedding in the Catskills
