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Explore Atlanta’s Music Scenes by Genre

 

Atlanta is home to one of the most diverse music scenes in the country. Whether you're looking for underground hip-hop shows, live bluegrass in neighborhood bars, or experimental jazz in intimate venues, there's a genre for every taste. Use this guide to discover the sounds that define Atlanta — and where to hear them.

Genres to Explore in Atlanta


Below are the links to in depth coverage of the different music genres including links to our music archives and critic's recommendations. For all of the music events, see our comprehensive music events calendar

Alternative Indie Music Atlanta

Explore Atlanta’s alternative and indie music scene—from underground shows to genre-bending local bands, this guide highlights the venues, artists, an...

Americana Folk Music Atlanta

Explore artist profiles, upcoming shows, venues, and features covering Atlanta’s Americana and folk music scene.

Blues Music In Atlanta

Discover where to hear live blues, find local and touring acts, and explore articles and reviews tied to Atlanta’s blues culture.

Best Classical Music In Atlanta

Get listings for upcoming classical performances, artist spotlights, and venue recommendations for symphonies, quartets, and more.

Atlanta Country Music

See which artists are performing, learn about country-friendly venues, and explore CL’s coverage of Atlanta’s country scene.

Edm And Electronic Music In Atlanta

Check out the DJs, venues, and festivals fueling Atlanta’s electronic music landscape, with updated show listings and previews.

Gospel Music Atlanta

Browse upcoming performances, local gospel talent, and features highlighting the spiritual and musical roots of gospel in Atlanta.

Atlanta Hip Hop

Explore key hip-hop venues, artist bios, concert picks, and critic coverage of Atlanta’s most defining music genre.

Jazz Music Atlanta

See what’s on stage at local jazz clubs, browse artist features, and catch our critic’s picks for upcoming jazz events.

Metal Music Atlanta

Get the latest on Atlanta’s metal shows, featured artists, and the venues known for hosting heavy and underground acts.

Punk Music In Atlanta

Find out where punk is alive in Atlanta, with concert picks, band spotlights, and articles covering the city’s DIY punk community.


Where to Hear These Sounds

Atlanta’s music culture is as diverse as the city itself. Whether you're into jazz, punk, hip-hop, or EDM, there's a venue that brings your favorite sounds to life. Use this guide to explore local clubs, lounges, and stages that help define Atlanta’s distinct music scenes — by genre, vibe, and community.

Alternative

529 Bar

In the central East Atlanta spot formerly occupied by retro soul bar the Village, you'll find 529 — a tiny, smoky space that oozes cool. Despite being...

Drunken Unicorn

The literally underground club features plenty of figuratively underground punk, electro, and hip-hop acts. Although connected to MJQ Concourse, it ha...

Eyedrum Art and Music Gallery

UPDATE: The location is Permanently Closed; the Eyedrum organization is still active. - Since its inception in 1998, Eyedrum has been a diverse venue ...

Smith's Olde Bar

Floor to ceiling renovations! With live music from the likes of Zack Brown, Butch Walker, Blackberry Smoke, and John Mayer plus past performances from...

The Earl

East Atlanta staple for local and up-and-coming rock bands, as well as nationally established indie acts, and grub for the hipster-PBR set.

The Loft

One of three music venues at the Center Stage Theater. The Loft is located on the second floor. It offers full bar service and a view of the Midtown s...

The Masquerade

Tucked away in the Kenny's Alley section of Underground Atlanta, the Masquerade is Downtown Atlanta’s most revered music venue. Over the last 30 years...

Vinyl

One of three music venues that make up Center Stage Theater that opened in 2003. Offers an intimate setting with 300 capacity and billiards.


EDM

Aisle 5

Aisle 5 maintains the communal philosophy of its predecessor, the Five Spot, but its guts are brand new. The 2014 renovation brought the space a new s...

Believe Music Hall Atlanta

The Main Stage at Believe Music Hall offers a large capacity private event space with an unmatched spectacle of lights, lasers, & special effects. Sta...

District Atlanta

Nightclub and unique visual experience located just down the street from Sweetwater Brewing.

Havana Club ATL

The Havana Club has been a fixture on the Buckhead nightlife scene since it's opening in March of 1996. Founded by seasoned entrepreneurs, The Havana ...

Iris Presents

To entertain the ONLY way, the RIGHT way, the IRIS way.

"for those that know"

Odyssey After

Odyssey After is for techno enthusiasts who are looking for a high-energy and immersive experience.

Opera Nightclub

This nightclub, music venue and event space recalls the opulence of a European opera house. But the goings-on are decidedly modern — dance music rules...

Ravine

Ravine is a state of the art, multi-platform production studio in the heart of Atlanta Midtown that transforms itself into a club for special events.

SOHO (Compound)

This mega-nightclub feels kind of like a resort, with several indoor and outdoor environments, including a pool area (swimming, not billiards). A grea...

Speakeasy Lounge

The Speakeasy Lounge, 156-A Forsyth Street, Downtown Atlanta, 2 Blocks Up From Magic City, Is A Cool Little Bar That Caters To A Mature Audience While...

The Basement

This (literally) underground club, located below the Graveyard Tavern in East Atlanta, hosts local and touring indie rock and hip-hop shows (T.I. and ...

The Music Room

This cave-like underground bar is located below Pizzeria Vesuvius. A wide flight of stairs ushers you into a moderate-size venue that features live mu...

the Sound Table

The Sound Table is as much a dance club as it is a restaurant. It's a showplace for some of the best DJs around, both in the downstairs dining room an...

Tongue & Groove

Relocated from Peachtree Road to a stylish new home in the still-growing Lindbergh City Center, Buckhead's long-running nightclub for grown-ups partie...


Hip Hop

529 Bar

In the central East Atlanta spot formerly occupied by retro soul bar the Village, you'll find 529 — a tiny, smoky space that oozes cool. Despite being...

Apache XLR

Eclectic venue for hip-hop, spoken-word poetry, and up-and-coming soul artists. Home to Wednesday night jam sessions featuring a live band and open mi...

Havana Club ATL

The Havana Club has been a fixture on the Buckhead nightlife scene since it's opening in March of 1996. Founded by seasoned entrepreneurs, The Havana ...

Josephine Lounge

International lounge just North of Buckhead. Catch the game, enjoy food, music, and dance at Josephine.

Lyfe ATL

"Restaurant by day! Nightclub when the sun goes down! A bar at all times! This upscale establishment caters to all walks of life thus the name! Come i...

Mixx Atlanta

The friendly nightclub staff knows its cocktails. The space features a video lounge, roomy dance floor, and large outdoor area. The club hosts live en...

MJQ Concourse

The tiny, shacklike entrance reveals an eclectic and loyal late-night crowd. Music at this underground clubber’s club ranges from hip-hop and Brit-pop...

Opium/SPK

Modern, neon-lit nightclub with lounge-like seating for bottle service & an energetic dance floor.

Royal Peacock Lounge

The historic club and live music venue that was the backdrop in the video for "Rosa Parks," OutKast's lead single off Aquemini, reopened to much excit...

SOHO (Compound)

This mega-nightclub feels kind of like a resort, with several indoor and outdoor environments, including a pool area (swimming, not billiards). A grea...

The Basement

This (literally) underground club, located below the Graveyard Tavern in East Atlanta, hosts local and touring indie rock and hip-hop shows (T.I. and ...

The Music Room

This cave-like underground bar is located below Pizzeria Vesuvius. A wide flight of stairs ushers you into a moderate-size venue that features live mu...

Tongue & Groove

Relocated from Peachtree Road to a stylish new home in the still-growing Lindbergh City Center, Buckhead's long-running nightclub for grown-ups partie...

Union EAV

Formerly known as Union EAV, this East Atlanta spot hosts local and regional indie-rock bands, live hip-hop, and dance music nights. Budget-conscious ...


Folk/Americana

City Winery

Atlanta's first urban winery, City Winery has an intimate music venue able to seat 300 people, a restaurant, bar, an outdoor patio, and a private even...

Eddie Owen presents: Red Clay Music Foundry

This 260-seat theater hosts a variety of musical acts. Acoustic music and singer/songwriter material is the venue's forte, but the format is open, and...

Eddie's Attic

Located across from Decatur Square, Eddie's hosts aspiring and accomplished singer-songwriters for live shows almost nightly and is famous for its bia...

Waller's Coffee Shop

Coffee Shop and Community Event Space


Blues

Blind Willie's

A local blues, jazz, and roots institution that's been around for more than 25 years. The North Highland Avenue storefront, with its signature guitar-...

Cajun Blues Seafood Restaurant

Cajun Blues is just that! Great Cajun seafood and some of Atlanta's finest blues players all under one roof. Wednesday nights feature an open mic host...

Darwin's Burgers and Blues

UPDATE: This business has been listed as Permanently Closed. The legendary bar attracts patrons with live music coming from fresh talent in the blues ...

Elliott Street Deli & Pub

This tiny bar in a lovingly renovated old building in Downtown's Castleberry Hill boasts an authentic neighborhood vibe. Downstairs hosts a variety of...

Fat Matt's Rib Shack

Live blues and the love of good barbecue bring people from all over town to the small, boxy barbecue joint. An Atlanta landmark, Fat Matt's turns out ...

Gypsy Rose

No description provided

Northside Tavern

This legendary dive bar in West Midtown is Atlanta's home for live blues. The weekly lineup includes a Monday night jam and a regular Wednesday night ...

Red Light Cafe

The bohemian living room serves as the city's center of bluegrass and Americana. The venue hosts a variety of other musical performers as well, plus d...


Metal

529 Bar

In the central East Atlanta spot formerly occupied by retro soul bar the Village, you'll find 529 — a tiny, smoky space that oozes cool. Despite being...

Drunken Unicorn

The literally underground club features plenty of figuratively underground punk, electro, and hip-hop acts. Although connected to MJQ Concourse, it ha...

The Bakery

website: The Bakery is a collective of creative thinkers aligned around social justice principles, environmental concerns, and the belief that art is ...

The Earl

East Atlanta staple for local and up-and-coming rock bands, as well as nationally established indie acts, and grub for the hipster-PBR set.

The Highlander

Cheap beer, pool tables, and fried food are the pillars of this dingy Midtown strip mall dive. Conveniently located next to Landmark Midtown, this is ...

The Masquerade

Tucked away in the Kenny's Alley section of Underground Atlanta, the Masquerade is Downtown Atlanta’s most revered music venue. Over the last 30 years...


Country

Blind Willie's

A local blues, jazz, and roots institution that's been around for more than 25 years. The North Highland Avenue storefront, with its signature guitar-...

City Winery

Atlanta's first urban winery, City Winery has an intimate music venue able to seat 300 people, a restaurant, bar, an outdoor patio, and a private even...

Eddie Owen presents: Red Clay Music Foundry

This 260-seat theater hosts a variety of musical acts. Acoustic music and singer/songwriter material is the venue's forte, but the format is open, and...

Eddie's Attic

Located across from Decatur Square, Eddie's hosts aspiring and accomplished singer-songwriters for live shows almost nightly and is famous for its bia...

Northside Tavern

This legendary dive bar in West Midtown is Atlanta's home for live blues. The weekly lineup includes a Monday night jam and a regular Wednesday night ...

Tabernacle

This former church has Gothic ambiance to spare, making it a fun spot to catch a rock or hip-hop show. The club, which boasts some inviting bar and lo...

Terminal West

As part of the King Plow Arts Center, Terminal West has become the Westside’s premier live music venue, giving equal stage time to hip-hop, indie rock...


Jazz

Apache XLR

Eclectic venue for hip-hop, spoken-word poetry, and up-and-coming soul artists. Home to Wednesday night jam sessions featuring a live band and open mi...

Atlanta Jazz Festival at Piedmont Park

Atlanta Jazz Festival is regarded as one of the largest FREE jazz festivals in the country. An annual celebration of the music, culture and art of jaz...

Blind Willie's

A local blues, jazz, and roots institution that's been around for more than 25 years. The North Highland Avenue storefront, with its signature guitar-...

City Winery

Atlanta's first urban winery, City Winery has an intimate music venue able to seat 300 people, a restaurant, bar, an outdoor patio, and a private even...

Elliott Street Deli & Pub

This tiny bar in a lovingly renovated old building in Downtown's Castleberry Hill boasts an authentic neighborhood vibe. Downstairs hosts a variety of...

Eyedrum Art and Music Gallery

UPDATE: The location is Permanently Closed; the Eyedrum organization is still active. - Since its inception in 1998, Eyedrum has been a diverse venue ...

First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta

The former home of a black Baptist church that was escaped thanks to 1950s racial hostilities is now a come-as-you-are, Unitarian house of worship tha...

Kat's Cafe

The comfortably chic lounge located under a hair salon near Piedmont Park hosts everything from comedy to erotic poetry to live music.

Northside Tavern

This legendary dive bar in West Midtown is Atlanta's home for live blues. The weekly lineup includes a Monday night jam and a regular Wednesday night ...

Pink Lion Jazz Club

Located inside the New Black Wall Street Market in Stonecrest, the Pink Lion Jazz Club is Metro Atlanta’s newest upscale Jazz Club. Local, regional an...

Red Light Cafe

The bohemian living room serves as the city's center of bluegrass and Americana. The venue hosts a variety of other musical performers as well, plus d...

Spivey Hall

Spivey Hall is Clayton State's Performing Arts Theater. Known for great classical and jazz performances over the years. The Center opened in 1991.

Star Vision LIVE Music & Event Center (Star Vision International Records)

Star Vision is a music venue for outdoor and indoor LIVE Music Events in Conyers, GA. It also operates as a small intimate Event Center for small gath...

Venkman's

Chef Nick Melvin’s long-awaited Old Fourth Ward restaurant/music venue, Venkman's, opened its doors in September 2015. The eatery is a casual neighbor...






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