Find Orlando’s lesser-known live music venues and lose yourself to the music.
If music is what moves you forward, Orlando’s intimate live music venues are ready to propel you. Drumming vibrancy into the everyday, these small-scale theaters deliver must-see, must-hear experiences. Discover how music can transform the everyday into something special, and explore how these unsung local venues are more than just stages — they’re lifelines to Orlando’s cultural heartbeat.
Discover: Orlando Arts & Entertainment
While exploring our smaller music spaces, don’t forget about Orlando’s better-known venues for live music, offering a range of performances by big and small names alike. They include the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown’s City District (which has its own intimate venue in Judson’s Live), the Kia Center in Parramore District, and Camping World Stadium in West Lakes Market Street District, as well as Hard Rock Live at Universal CityWalk and House of Blues at Disney Springs®.
But first, see how smaller stages make some big sounds in Orlando. For a complete listing of upcoming concerts, check out our Events Calendar.
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Timucua Arts Foundation
The arts belong to everyone at Timucua Arts Foundation, which is part of SODO Main Street District just south of downtown. The one-of-a-kind, 100-seat living room concert hall is as unique as it is egalitarian, asking all guests to bring a bottle of wine or other beverages to share at most shows.
Discover: Things to Do in SODO
Timucua (pronounced Tim-uh-qua) showcases live jazz, contemporary classical, and indigenous and folkloric music and dance, as well as improv, film, theater and more, with most being affordably priced. Settle in for music, conversation and an intimate entertainment experience that you will only find in Orlando.
Discover: Inside Timucua Arts Foundation
Cocktails & Screams
In the heart of downtown Orlando’s City District, Cocktails & Screams is a year-round Halloween-themed bar that’s absolutely dripping with charming character and unparalleled haunted vibes. Starring rock music and emo throwbacks, the scene is on-point for the approaching spooky season.
Discover: Year-Round Halloween Fun
For the drink aficionados, Cocktails & Screams is also notable for its creative cocktail concoctions. You can even find a reservation-only speakeasy in the back, coined The Craft.
Discover: Orlando Speakeasies
The Beacham & The Social
Walking three minutes down to the next block — literally — is “The Block,” a six-venue corner that has everything you’ll need during a musical night out. You can fuel up with slices from Planet Pizza, embrace some energy on the dance floor at The Corner, and end the night with either of the two vibrant nightclubs that double as music venues, known as The Beacham and The Social.
Discover: Things to Do in City District
Both venues host performances from a vast selection of rising indie and pop artists, each as captivating as they are moving. General admission tickets don’t often exceed $30 for both venues.
Will’s Pub & Lil Indies
A soulfully decorated bar located in downtown’s foodie- and culture-focused Mills 50 district, Will’s Pub attracts an energetic crowd without forfeiting your up-close experience to the music. The venue hosts an electric mix of indie, rock and even country shows that connect you to both those on-stage and those around you, and they’re never a bore to be a part of.
Discover: Things to Do in Mills 50
If you’re looking for a change of scenery or a chill spot to hit beforehand, just a few steps away is Will’s Pub sister bar, Lil Indies, hosting recurring jazz, funk and rock musicians without additional charge to you.
The Plaza Live
Offering a sit-down but intimate experience, The Plaza Live in The Milk District is a locally celebrated venue that plays a wide variety of music genres, including pop, jazz, country and rock. It’s also the official home of the Orlando Philharmonic. Benefiting from a recent remodel, the lofty ceilings and mesmerizing performers work to create a night of emotional immersion that won’t soon be forgotten.
Discover: Thing to Do in The Milk District
While the full bar can lean on the expensive side, tickets often start at only $25. You can even grab a bite beforehand at the nearby Smoke & Donuts or any of the extensive dining options offered in the neighborhood.
Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts
If you’re on the search for a classier, jazzier scene, you’ll need to look no further than the Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts in Winter Park. Hosting soulful artists in the classical, jazz and fusion genres, Blue Bamboo is loved by locals for establishing itself as a cornerstone of the arts.
Discover: Things to Do in Winter Park
As Blue Bamboo relocates to a better-equipped venue, a set location won’t be readily available until the end of the year. However, that’s no block to the flow of the music. You can still catch their lively tunes at the Casa Feliz in Winter Park, where you can also enjoy free admission, or at the Casselberry Arts Center 20 minutes north of downtown Orlando, where ticket prices often fall below $30.
The Abbey
The Abbey is the ideal spot for relaxation if you’re a music enthusiast that prefers to keep away from hectic club scenes — while also staying on budget. Adorned with gothic decor and often accompanied by dim lighting, the venue sets a warm ambience for its varied performances, which can range from rock and metal to blues and pop. You can find The Abbey in downtown’s City District, just a short walk away from The Block.
Discover: Things to Do in Orlando Neighborhoods
The Vanguard
Another quick stroll away from The Block is The Vanguard, a nightclub boasting a sizeable open space and state-of-the-art equipment. The combination makes for great acoustics and an even better electrifying experience. Featuring a full bar, lights that are a show all on their own, and creatively themed raves, The Vanguard is an experience you won’t want to miss in downtown’s City District. It doesn’t hurt that many of their tickets start at low prices of $15 – $25.
Conduit
Located in Winter Park, the Conduit is a sanctuary for all things metal and punk. The venue regularly hosts a ravenous variety of local, regional and national artists that draw in an excitable crowd. Each performance works to shine a light on the heart of what makes the heavy music scene so insatiable.
Tourism Districts
Howl at the Moon
Nicknamed “the Dueling Piano Bar That Rocks” because of the versatile nature of both the performers and the performances, Howl at the Moon is a one-of-a-kind experience you can’t get anywhere else. Catch the performers rocking ‘80s and ‘90s dance hits, and then enjoy some modern-day standout tracks on the same night — or even put in a request of your own and see where the musicians take it. Everything goes at this high-energy venue, found in the International Drive Entertainment District (I-Drive) southwest of downtown Orlando.
Discover: Things to Do on International Drive
Ole Red at ICON Park®
Located in I-Drive’s ICON Park and founded by country star Blake Shelton, Ole Red is your one stop for all things country, featuring live music, drinks and food. Stop by to enjoy a charming performance from rising country musicians and indulge yourself in delicious Southern cuisine. You might even be able to take part in some line dancing while you’re here — and yes, Blake Shelton himself has been known to take the stage from time to time.
Discover: Things to Do at ICON Park
Tin Roof at ICON Park®
Frequently spotlighting local talent, Tin Roof at I-Drive’s ICON Park has become a beacon for Orlando’s bustling arts community. This combination restaurant/bar offers live country and pop music to jam along to while delighting yourself in its homey food, drinks and community-centric atmosphere.
Mango’s Tropical Cafe Orlando
Mango’s Tropical Cafe Orlando is an interactive entertainment venue well-loved for its Latin-inspired cuisine, tropical cocktails and handcrafted Mojitos, and spirited cultural music. The venue’s festive decor and dance floor make for a vibrant night out in the city that’s sure to have you moving to the beat. Find Mango’s Tropical Cafe on I-Drive, a few minutes away from Howl at the Moon.
Discover: Local Hispanic & Latino Culture
Map of Orlando’s Live Music Venues
Use this interactive map to track down Orlando’s top live music venues, including the hidden gems featured in this blog and their more famous counterparts.
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