By: Shayne Benowitz
Let Miami’s rhythm move you!
Miami is a city pulsing with music. From classical performance venues like the New World Center and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts to hotel hotspots like the Fontainebleau and The Biltmore, along with nightlife destinations like E11EVEN and Lagniappe, you’ll find a wide variety of musical genres at Miami’s hottest live music venues. Read on for our live music guide by neighborhood.
South Beach
New World Center
Home to the New World Symphony, Miami’s orchestral academy, the New World Center is a groundbreaking performance venue designed by starchitect Frank Gehry. Situated in the heart of South Beach just north of Lincoln Road, you can enjoy a wide variety of classical music concerts. They also host popular Wallcast concerts in the park outside where the symphony’s performance is simulcast on the building’s monumental wall. Music lovers can enjoy the free concert under the stars with a picnic.
Lobby inside The Fillmore
The Fillmore
One of Miami’s most beloved live music venues, The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater brings both national acts and local singer-songwriters to the stage. Think, everyone from Thievery Corps to flamenco gypsy singer Diego El Cigala and even Madonna’s Madame X tour. The intimate venue and prime South Beach location makes The Fillmore a perennial favorite.
Fontainebleau
Miami Beach’s hotels also provide a wide variety of musical entertainment. In addition to world class DJ acts at LIV, including everyone from Tiesto to David Guetta, the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach also hosts the Bleau Live concert series, featuring some of the biggest acts of the year performing poolside or in the hotel’s ballrooms. Past acts include everyone from Pharrell and TI to Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers. They also host the star-studded annual I Heart Radio pool parties.
Downtown Miami
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
Head to the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts for a wide variety of acts, including famed musicians, symphonies, orchestras, touring Broadway productions and performances by the Florida Grand Opera. Recent performances have included Fiddler on the Roof, Don Giovanni and the Miami Symphony Orchestra. Situated in the heart of Downtown Miami, the Arsht Center is a true cultural hub.
FTX Arena
Home of the Miami Heat, FTX Arena is located in Downtown Miami and also serves as a stop off for some of the biggest musicians of the day. Think, Paul McCartney, Ariana Grande, Marc Anthony, Lizzo, Celine Dion and more. It’s Miami’s ultimate concert stadium venue.
Disco Ball
E11EVEN
Downtown presents both a mix of traditional live music venues and cool underground, warehouse type venues, like the 24-hour ultra club E11EVEN. It’s part-nightclub, part-cabaret and always wild. Musicians like Drake, Cardi B and Post Malone have performed here alongside aerialists and contortionists.
Wynwood
Gramps
The eclectic Gramps hosts plenty of community events, comedy nights, and movie screenings. It’s also one of the most reliable venues for great live music from local musicians, DJs and traveling indie groups. With a spacious courtyard, a classic bar and multiple rooms for performance, there’s always a variety of interesting things happening at Gramps for a fun night out in Wynwood.
Lagniappe House
Lagniappe House brings a New Orleans-style party to this classy, yet casual wine bar. With an enormous outdoor patio, friends gather to sip wine, nibble on cheese and charcuterie plates or order made-to-order BBQ off the grill. Inside, live music is performed every single night, usually with a jazz combination, bringing Crescent City vibes to Miami.
Hoy Como Ayer
Little Havana
Hoy Como Ayer
Little Havana is a hotbed of live Latin music, thanks to venues like Hoy Como Ayer. Set on Calle Ocho, Little Havana’s main thoroughfare, the club features both local musicians like Palo! along with touring acts for a night of authentic Cuban and Latin beats that everyone can enjoy.
Ball & Chain
Former stomping grounds for jazz greats like Billie Holiday, Ball and Chain offers up a mix from Latin to jazz and everything in between. The sleek bar features cocktails by celebrated Miami mixologist Julio Cabrera and outside, you’ll find a bandshell shaped like a pineapple, perfect for Caribbean-Latin beats.
Little Haiti
Churchill’s
Churchill’s Pub (you can’t miss the giant Union Jack out front) has been a mainstay for rock and punk music in Miami since 1979. With Sweat Records just up the road playing host to a constant flow of local record release parties and special shows, Little Haiti is a hotbed for live music.
Fly’s Eye Dome in Palm Court
Design District
Palm Court
A pastiche of breathtaking architecture and public art, the Design District is a hot spot for luxury shopping and dining. It also plays host to a Performance Series in the al fresco Palm Court with its centerpiece sculptural installation, Buckminster Fuller’s Fly’s Eye Dome. Recent acts have included everyone from The Wailers to the Miami Symphony Orchestra.
Coral Gables
The Biltmore
The Biltmore Bar, located in the historic Biltmore Hotel, offers light bossa nova and jazz tunes to complement its menu of martinis and handcrafted cocktails. You’ll feel like your stepping into a bygone era at this Coral Gables classy joint.
Bougainvillea
Another old favorite is Bougainvillea, lovingly called Bougie’s Bar, featuring different music every night with live reggae and local jam bands. Set inside an old Florida house, the lineup includes performances in the living room and the backyard with both visiting and local musicians and DJs coming through.