Hear that? It’s the scintillating sound of Lexington’s live music venues beckoning you to a performance you’ll never forget.
The concert scene is truly unmatched in our area — from Al’s Bar to Rupp Arena, there’s a stage for any type of tune. To get to know them all, you must do three things:
Put your hands in the air, wave ‘em like you just don’t care, then lay your eyes (and ears) on our guide.
Arenas/Stadiums
Rupp Arena, 430 W. Vine St. | Capacity: 19,576
Paul McCartney, Guns N Roses, Bruce Springsteen, and Janet Jackson have all graced the stage of our largest indoor venue. Here, you’re guaranteed to find a show that piques your interest.
Memorial Coliseum, 201 Ave. of Champions | Capacity: 8,500
While home to many of UK’s home games, huge names have been known to take the stage here including Chance the Rapper, My Morning Jacket, and others.
Rock on, Lex. | Photo by @asiseetheworld
Mid-sized venues
The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd. | Capacity: 300-1,500
The Burl campus has everything you need: drinks, an arcade, and of course, live music. Whether you’re attending an intimate show inside, or outside to take in the Distillery District, there’s something for everyone here.
The Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center, 300 E. Third St. | Capacity: 540
To call this historic space simply a music venue would be an injustice. Along with the live music it hosts from both local and international artists, the Lyric also is home to art exhibits, networking events, and everything in between.
Concert Halls
Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. | Capacity: 1,000
And all that jazz. This historic venue in the heart of downtown hosts everything from concerts, to comedy shows, and even Broadway tours.
Otis A. Singletary Center for the Arts, 405 Rose St. | Capacity: 375-1,450
Located on UK’s campus, the Singletary Center has hosted a swath of talent over the years. Catch the UK Jazz Ensemble or one of its many choruses through the year’s countless performances.
Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester St. | Capacity: 400-1,100
OG Lexingtonians may remember this space as Busters, but a name change hasn’t impacted this venue’s role in our concert scene. Featuring high ceilings and two bars, this space is ideal for any live music lovers. Think: Everclear, Soulja Boy, and Here Come The Mummies.
Intimate spaces
Al’s Bar, 601 N. Limestone | Capacity: ~100
Another Lexington staple, Al’s Bar is best suited for those who want a more underground, close knit feel to the live music experience.
Black Box Theatre, 141 E. Main St. | Capacity: 250
Located in the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center, this spot is home to various live music, dance, and other musical performances.
The Green Lantern, 497 W. 3rd St. | Capacity: ~150
This one’s for the alternative crowd. The Green Lantern is the go-to spot for punk, rock, and everything in between.
TeeDee’s Lounge, 266 E. 2nd St. | Capacity: TBD
Owned by the Lexingtonian icon himself TeeDee Young, you can join the musician and his band on Mondays at 8 p.m. for a hearty helping of blues and jazz in the Bluegrass.
Music festivals
Railbird Music Festival, 1200 Red Mile Rd. | Capacity: ~40,000
Hosted by the brains behind massive music festivals like Bonnaroo, the relatively new event has already brought power house names to the Infield at Red Mile. More specifically, Tyler Childers, Hozier, and countless others.
Tahlsound, 302 Southland Dr. | Capacity: ~1,500
This monthly concert series is a staple in the community, running every year April through September in the heart of Southland. The free event is great for families and anyone looking to fully take in our local music scene.
The great outdoors
Moondance Amphitheatre, 1152 Monarch St. | Capacity: 2,000
This multi-tiered, grassy space is the ideal place for live music with the family. In addition to city events throughout the year, it’s available for rent for private functions as well.
Did we miss your favorite? Drop us a line and we’ll get it added.
City Guides are presented by VisitLEX.
