Prime Summertime Music Spots in DTR
The official start to summer is swiftly approaching! If you’re a little lost about what to do on a nice night out this season, close your eyes, listen close, and follow the music.
Here’s five hot spots downtown to jam out:
Lincoln Theater - There’s something special about checking out a new artist in an intimate venue on the edge of the city center. Originally a movie theater in 1939, Lincoln theater has lived a few different lives, including a bar and an internet cafe, before becoming the cherished music venue it is today. With space for approximately 750 standing along with a small seating area upstairs, there’s not a bad “seat” in the house to sing your heart out.
From metal to bluegrass to DJ-driven dance parties (like the Taylor Swift event coming soon), you’re bound to find a show you’ll love. 126 E. Cabarrus St.
Kings - We’re crowning Kings one of the coolest clubs to discover a fresh, funky band. Tucked above the old Garland space, Kings possesses an eclectic vibe and a superb sound system that’ll hit your soul. In addition to rocking out, you can attend stand-up comedy and game show nights. 14 W. Martin St.
Upcoming shows: Daddy’s Beemer, Public Acid, Johnny Folsom 4
Neptunes Parlour - This hidden gem is located underground below Kings. The libations are lovely, from their seasonal craft cocktails to their draft beer list featuring local brewers, and the glow from the red string lights elicits a fun, carefree environment to dance, laugh, and make new memories. Below we’ve listed their weekly schedule of events. 14 W. Martin St.
Wednesday: Karaoke Night!
Thursday: Open Mic / Shows
Friday: DJ starts at 10PM
Saturday: DJ starts at 10PM
Sunday: Neptunes Comedy (first Sunday of every month), Venus Flytrap Comedy (last Sunday of the month)
Pour House - “Record shop by day. Live music venue by night.” No matter when the music mood strikes, Pour House has your back (and beer to enjoy). Established in 1997, the venue used to be a “sofa-bar” with live jazz music in the background but began to transform when a band recommended shifting the furniture and playing at the front of the bar.
Now a prime place with a “rock-meets-grunge” atmosphere for local and nationally touring bands, Pour House is a great hang-out to explore an eclectic mix of artists with friends. 224 S. Blount St.
The Raleigh Times Beer & Banjos - Every Tuesday at 6:30pm, The Raleigh Times hosts Beer & Banjos, a free show featuring live bluegrass and related acoustic music! Wear your best foot tappin’ shoes and get ready to kick back with some of the best beer from breweries around the U.S. Check out their Beer & Banjos line up here. 14 E. Hargett St.
BONUS - House of Art - Positioned across from Moore Square, House of Art is a non-traditional social museum featuring live music, dance parties, and comedy nights. They’ve created a whimsical world inside a historic house that is full of photo opportunities no matter which room you decide to lounge in. We highly recommend experiencing this venue before the summer ends! 306 E. Hargett St.