Things to do in Miami

Live Music Miami

Dive into Miami’s live music scene, from cozy jazz clubs to outdoor arenas and discover a range of genres to suit every taste and mood.

When music lovers are searching for things to do in Miami, we know from experience they're likely to gravitate toward Miami restaurants with live music. To help you narrow down your search, we've collected a few of the best live music venues Miami has to offer.

From outdoor amphitheaters seating thousands to intimate bars where you have to arrive early to get a table, this audio-centric city has it all. What better way to wind down after one of our Miami shows than with the easy beats of slow blues or smooth jazz?

If that sounds good to you, we couldn’t agree more. Here’s a roundup of our favorite places in Miami to enjoy dinner and music.

Jazz and Blues Venues

Miami’s jazz and blues scene is thriving. Here, Cuban influences meld seamlessly with the deepest and most soulful blues.

Whether you're a jazz aficionado or just looking for a sweet night out, why not join us on this musical journey through Miami’s jazz and blues venues?

The Gibson Room

Whether you're into sultry jazz melodies or soul-stirring blues beats, The Gibson Room has your auditory cravings covered. Picture this: It’s a lazy Sunday morning. You’re sipping a cocktail with brunch spread out in front of you, and the air comes alive with the sounds of talented musicians.

You'll find both instrumentalists and mesmerizing vocalists here, captivating an audience just like our performers. The Gibson Room celebrates the diverse rhythms that make Miami pulse with life, with live evening acts Tuesday through Sunday.

If you're looking for a midweek pick-me-up or a soulful Sunday brunch experience, The Gibson Room is just the ticket.

Photographer: Chris Bair

Jass Kitchen

Let’s spice things up with a dash of Turkish flair at Jass Kitchen, where reimagined Mediterranean food meets the smooth rhythms of gypsy jazz. As you savor every bite of the hearty food, you’ll be serenaded by bands from around the world.

From Miami natives to groove bands from as far afield as Istanbul, the acts here will leave you hungry for more. So, if you’re ready to embark on a gastronomic and sonic adventure, head to Jass Kitchen for a night of Turkish food and jazz that transcends borders.

Lagniappe House

Next, groove your way to Lagniappe House, where every night is a celebration of a different genre of music, from soul jazz to folk and New Orleans funk. Reservations not required: Bring your appetite for music and good times. This place serves up a symphony for your taste buds and your ears.

The wine selection is impressive, with over 150 wines on the menu. As you sip on your chosen elixir, the simple, grilled American fare on the menu will no doubt be the perfect companion to the musical journey unfolding before you.

Lagniappe House is the place where flavors and melodies intertwine, creating a sensory experience that transcends the ordinary. We’re all about stepping outside the bounds of normal life, so we highly recommend Lagniappe House as a laid-back spot to unwind, indulge, and let the music carry you away.

Latin Music Venues

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the lively rhythms of Miami’s Latin music scene? From the hip-swaying salsa beats at Sala’o to the toe-tapping tunes of gypsy jazz, the city’s Latin music venues offer an unforgettable adventure.

Photographer: Ivan_z

Cafe La Trova

Welcome to the rhythmic heart of Little Havana, where Cafe La Trova is stirring up a musical storm. Julio Cabrera, a living legend in the art of cantinero-style bartending, is the maestro orchestrating a cocktail symphony in one of the best live music restaurants in Miami.

It’s no wonder Perrier included Cabrera’s establishment on its list of North America's 50 Best Bars and The World's 50 Best Bars and awarded him the title of Roku Industry Icon in 2023.

At Cafe La Trova, every sip is a journey into the soul of Cuban culture, expertly crafted by the hands of a true master. Now, let’s talk about Chef Michelle Bernstein, a James Beard Award-winning culinary virtuosa. Her touch transforms the menu into a culinary love letter to the vibrant flavors of Cuba.

As you savor every bite, the ambiance is set by the lively Cuban music that dances through the air, transporting you to the streets of Havana. Cafe La Trova is more than a live music restaurant in Miami, FL; a bonafide celebration of Cuban heritage and culture.

Ball & Chain

Step right into the iconic Ball & Chain, a world-famous bar and lounge that's a legend in its own right. Established in 1935, this place is a time capsule of Miami’s musical past.

Did you know Billie Holiday, Chet Baker, and Count Basie all performed here? Listen hard and you might hear their spirits still tapping their toes to the beat.

We’d recommend booking a table, as the live music and marvelous mojitos tend to draw in the crowds. The menu is a feast of Cuban delights, and the bar even sells merch. Why not grab a hat or T-shirt so you can keep a piece of the historic home of Miami's live music?

Photographer: Ronny Rondon

Sala’o Cuban Restaurant & Bar

From the moment you walk into Sala’o Cuban Restaurant & Bar, the air is alive with the sounds of live music. Live acts are a daily affair here, with a different theme every night of the week.

Sundays, in particular, are special. At Sala’o, they’re known as Romantic Sundays, and these events are the perfect destination for a cozy date night, surrounded by the warm embrace of Cuban hospitality.

And let’s not forget the midweek draw of Sala’o. With happy hour specials from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., every weekday is an opportunity to celebrate life with a cocktail that can banish all your worries.

The chef has crafted a menu that marries traditional Cuban seafood dishes with a signature twist. From the ocean’s bounty to quality meats, every bite is a fusion of flavors that dance on your palate like our talented performers do on stage.

Rock and Alternative Music Venues

Prepare to release your inner rocker as we dive into Miami’s rock and alternative music venues. From the nautically themed ambiance of Bar Nancy to the in-house brews at Magic 13, both your ears and your taste buds are in for a treat.

Bar Nancy

Ahoy there, rock fans. Welcome to Bar Nancy, where the sea breeze meets the beats of rock 'n' roll. Anchored on Calle Ocho in Little Havana, this nautical-themed American craft cocktail bar is not just a place to sip — it’ll take you sailing into history.

Imagine stepping onto the deck of the American Revolutionary sailing vessel, Nancy. This fine ship carried not just ammunition but also spirits, setting the tone for the kind of adventures you’ll find within these walls.

The Nancy creed, “Carpe Noctem,” or “Seize the Night,” is a motto and a promise of good times. As you dive into the menu, expect cocktails as adventurous as the Nancy herself.

Every drink is a toast to the spirit of exploration. If that thought makes you want to sing with joy, then Karaoke Sundays are where it’s at. Seize the night with your favorite tunes, and rock out in Bar Nancy.

Photographer: Sangria Señorial

Magic 13 Brewing Co.

Get ready to be spellbound by Magic 13 Brewing Co., where the beers are as enchanting as the experience itself. The magic happens in-house as they brew up a storm of flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.

From hoppy happiness to malty masterpieces, each sip is a journey through the art of craft brewing. Latin nights sizzle with sultry beats, and you don’t have to simply sit and listen. Dance lessons ensure you can salsa and bachata your way into the night.

We love how these dance maestros can make your hips move in ways you never thought possible! Prefer to get involved in making the music? Drop by on karaoke night and compete with other would-be singers in a battle of voices. There’s a spirit of camaraderie that ensures you’ll have a whole lot of fun.

Eclectic and Various Genres

Wait — there’s more! The best restaurants in Miami don’t bind themselves with strict genre rules. There’s a whole world of boundary-pushing sounds to discover in these unusual Miami live music venues.

Understory

Step into a world where fine wines, tapas, and live music converge to create an experience you’ll never forget — that's Understory Miami! This hidden gem of the Miami live music scene invites you to hit the dance floor, grooving to funky beats that echo through the cozy space.

Understory has a range of eclectic activities on offer in addition to its live acts. Have you ever thought of joining a figure drawing class while sipping on your favorite wine? Well, here’s your chance.

Understory is a creative hub where you can let your artistic side shine, whether that’s through a pencil, paintbrush, or your own unique dance moves.

Savage Labs Wynwood

Savage Labs Wynwood is a spot to grab a quick bite while exploring Miami museums — but it’s also a culinary and artistic gem tucked away in the vibrant Wynwood Arts District.

As you step into this welcoming space on the up-and-coming 5th Avenue, you’ll find an ambiance that feels like a cozy living room, making you feel right at home.

Owned by passionate locals deeply rooted in the Miami hospitality scene, Savage Labs goes beyond business to create a community-driven establishment focused on showcasing local talent.

Gaze at the artwork adorning the walls while you listen to live acts ranging from rock to funk and more. The open mic nights are especially popular and often turn into spontaneous jam sessions, so bring your guitar to join in.

Dante’s HiFi

As the first vinyl listening bar in Miami, Dante’s HiFi aims to cater to lovers of analog sounds. Audiophiles love this intimate venue for its gorgeous acoustics and authentic vibe.

Pro-tip: It’s a small venue that often fills up, but becoming a venue entitles you to priority seating and access to exclusive, members-only monthly events. If you love music, it’s well worth visiting the bar or website to find out more.

Large Venues and Arenas

Sometimes, nothing beats watching a concert with thousands of other people, captivated by the wizardry that allows some extra-special performers to keep a large audience spellbound.

We know how difficult a task that can be, so we salute any band that takes on the following venues, each of which has a seating capacity stretching well into four figures.

Photographer: Hanny Naibaho

Miami Beach Bandshell

The Miami Beach Bandshell is one of the biggest and best outdoor places to see live bands in Miami. It’s an iconic mid-century Miami Modern masterpiece designed by architect Norman Giller in 1961.

Managed by the Rhythm Foundation since 2015, the open-air venue has become a key cultural hub, hosting more than 100 events each season, with a diverse mix of genres. Acts that have performed here include Tangerine Dream and Son Rompe Pera, along with others from around the world.

Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the Bandshell underwent significant renovations in 2009. It was enhanced with a new canopy in 2019, which means you can now enjoy live acts while being protected from the weather.

Take a stroll through the MiMo Historic District to the Miami Beach Bandshell to catch a show. It’s an experience not to be missed.

Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater

The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater is the next stop on our tour of live music in Miami. Located beside the Miami Beach Convention Center, this 2,200-seat art deco venue has a rich history.

Once a backdrop for TV shows in the '60s, it now hosts a diverse array of live entertainment, from music and comedy to ballet and drag shows.

Genres span pop, rock, hip-hop, Latin, and almost everything else you can think of. No matter what your favorite kind of show is, you'll find it here.

Klipsch Amphitheater at Bayfront Park

Right in the heart of downtown Miami is the Klipsch Amphitheater at Bayfront Park, a breathtaking waterfront venue with a seating capacity of 7,500.

This iconic amphitheater has been a stage for acclaimed artists, such as Maroon 5, the Goo Goo Dolls, and Robert Plant, offering a spectacular setting for live performances against the backdrop of Miami’s stunning skyline.

Immersing in Miami's Beats: The Pulse of a Vibrant Music Scene

As the final bars of our journey through Miami’s diverse music scene ring out, it’s evident that this city pulsates with a rhythm uniquely its own. From intimate jazz lounges to grand arenas, Miami has something to offer to every audiophile.

Once you’ve been inspired by the varied acts playing their souls out in the various live music bars in Miami, we hope you’ll come to one of our shows to see how music, movement, and storytelling can come together to create an experience you’ll never forget.

We love incorporating music into our shows to set the mood and help us tell captivating stories. We know you'll be on the edge of your seat as you watch our performers twist, tumble, and show off their unique talents.

Book your tickets to one of our shows in Miami to avoid missing out, and then start planning your journey through Miami’s live music scene.

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