Sacramento, the state capital of California, is a city that pulses with life, culture, and music. From the soulful sounds of jazz to the high-energy beats of rock and electronic music, Sacramento’s music scene offers something for everyone. The city’s vibrant music culture thrives through its live venues, concerts, and festivals, all of which contribute to its rich, diverse musical identity. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Sacramento’s live music venues and festivals provide an exciting backdrop for enjoying your favorite tunes and discovering new ones.
The Best Live Music Venues in Sacramento
Sacramento’s live music scene is anchored by a variety of venues that cater to different genres and atmospheres. From intimate bars where local bands play to large outdoor arenas hosting world-renowned acts, these venues provide opportunities to enjoy music in a range of settings. Here are some of the top live music spots in Sacramento.
1. Ace of Spades
- Location: 1417 R St, Sacramento, CA 95811
- Best Known For: Rock, indie, and alternative music.
Ace of Spades is one of Sacramento’s most iconic venues for live music. This popular spot is renowned for its top-notch acoustics and intimate atmosphere, allowing fans to get up close and personal with their favorite bands. Ace of Spades has hosted some of the biggest names in rock, indie, and alternative music, including The Black Keys, The Flaming Lips, and Korn.
What makes Ace of Spades special is its versatility. Whether you’re into high-energy rock shows or more mellow acoustic performances, Ace of Spades offers a wide variety of music genres to suit every taste. The venue is known for its excellent sound system, as well as its spacious interior and outdoor patio, making it a great spot to catch both big-name acts and up-and-coming artists.
Pro Tip: Check their schedule regularly for new shows, as Ace of Spades consistently books incredible talent. It’s also an excellent venue for experiencing smaller local acts alongside larger headliners.
2. The Crest Theatre
- Location: 1013 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Best Known For: A historic venue hosting everything from classic rock to indie and world music.
Built in 1949, The Crest Theatre is one of Sacramento’s historic gems. This beautiful, old-fashioned theater has been thoughtfully restored to preserve its vintage charm while providing a modern and comfortable setting for concertgoers. The Crest hosts a range of live performances, including rock shows, indie concerts, and comedy events. The theater’s intimate size creates an immersive experience, making it a fantastic place to enjoy live music up close.
If you’re a fan of classic rock, The Crest Theatre is home to some of the best performances in the genre, with acts like Tommy James & the Shondells and The Righteous Brothers gracing its stage. However, the venue’s diverse programming also includes world music, indie, and jazz acts, making it an inclusive space for all music lovers.
Pro Tip: The Crest Theatre has an intimate, vintage atmosphere, so it’s a fantastic choice for fans who prefer more classic and seated performances.
3. Harlow’s
- Location: 2708 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816
- Best Known For: Soul, funk, and up-and-coming live performances.
Harlow’s is a beloved Sacramento institution known for its live performances and intimate setting. Located in Midtown Sacramento, this venue specializes in soul, funk, blues, and jazz music. But what really sets Harlow’s apart is its ability to book emerging talent. Whether it’s an up-and-coming indie band or a soulful artist, Harlow’s provides a platform for artists to make their mark on the local scene.
The venue is perfect for those who want to enjoy great music in a low-key, friendly environment. The intimate space allows for close interaction between artists and fans, making it a unique experience for concertgoers. On top of live music, Harlow’s also serves as a bar and restaurant, offering great food and drinks in a laid-back setting.
Pro Tip: Make sure to check out the weekly schedule, as Harlow’s frequently hosts live music performances from local talent as well as touring artists.
4. The Golden 1 Center
- Location: 500 David J Stern Walk, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Best Known For: Large-scale concerts and major events.
The Golden 1 Center is Sacramento’s premier indoor arena and one of the largest venues in the city, drawing in huge crowds for major concerts, events, and sporting activities. Home to the Sacramento Kings NBA team, the Golden 1 Center also hosts international superstars across genres such as pop, rock, hip hop, and electronic music. Big names like Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, and Kendrick Lamar have all graced its stage.
While the Golden 1 Center is primarily known for sports events, it’s a central location for those wanting to catch large-scale concerts. With state-of-the-art sound systems and incredible sightlines from every seat, the venue ensures fans can enjoy top-tier performances in a world-class space.
Pro Tip: If you’re going to a show at the Golden 1 Center, arrive early and explore Downtown Sacramento, which has great restaurants and bars perfect for pre-show drinks and dining.
5. The Starlet Room
- Location: 2708 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816
- Best Known For: An eclectic mix of genres, including electronic, rock, and indie.
For fans of eclectic music genres, The Starlet Room is a hidden gem in Sacramento’s music scene. Located above Harlow’s, this venue offers a more intimate and casual atmosphere compared to larger venues in the city, making it the perfect spot for fans who enjoy discovering new acts in smaller settings.
The Starlet Room has hosted an array of musical genres, from electronic and hip hop to rock and indie music. The venue’s flexibility in booking artists from different genres makes it one of the best places in Sacramento to experience diverse performances.
Pro Tip: If you’re into electronic music, the Starlet Room often features live DJs and dance parties, making it an excellent destination for nightlife enthusiasts.
Sacramento’s Major Music Festivals
Sacramento’s music scene is not just about the venues – the city also plays host to some incredible music festivals. These festivals showcase both local talent and internationally acclaimed acts, drawing large crowds of music lovers from all over the country. Here are some of the top festivals in Sacramento you should check out.
1. Sacramento Music Festival (formerly Sacramento Dixieland Jazz Festival)
- When: Memorial Day Weekend (May)
- Where: Various venues in Sacramento, primarily Old Sacramento
- Best Known For: Jazz, Dixieland, and swing music.
The Sacramento Music Festival is an annual event that brings together jazz lovers for a celebration of Dixieland, swing, and other classic jazz styles. The festival has been a part of Sacramento’s cultural landscape since 1974 and has grown into one of the city’s largest and most beloved musical events.
This event spans multiple venues in Old Sacramento, where festival-goers can enjoy a range of live performances in outdoor settings, including bars, restaurants, and large open-air stages. From big bands to small combo acts, the festival features top-tier jazz musicians and entertainers, both from the local scene and from across the country.
Pro Tip: Bring your dancing shoes, as there’s a lively swing dancing scene at the festival. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to dance to live jazz music in the heart of Old Sacramento.
2. Farm-to-Fork Festival
- When: September
- Where: Capitol Mall, Sacramento
- Best Known For: Local food, drinks, and live music.
The Farm-to-Fork Festival is Sacramento’s annual celebration of its vibrant agricultural heritage, combining the best local food and beverages with live music from talented regional artists. This festival takes place on the Capitol Mall and features multiple stages for live performances, bringing together a fusion of musical styles alongside culinary delights.
From local blues bands to rock acts, the festival’s lineup is always packed with exciting music from the Sacramento area. It’s a great event for anyone who loves good food and great music in a laid-back outdoor setting.
Pro Tip: Make sure to arrive early to explore the various food and drink booths, offering farm-fresh produce, locally sourced meats, and craft beverages. The music is just one part of the fun at this festival.
3. City of Trees Music Festival
- When: September
- Where: Bonney Field, Sacramento
- Best Known For: Indie rock, electronic, and pop music.
For fans of indie and alternative music, the City of Trees Music Festival is a can’t-miss event. This annual festival takes place at Bonney Field and features an eclectic mix of indie, rock, and electronic music, along with art and food vendors. Previous lineups have included popular acts like Death Cab for Cutie, The Black Keys, and Odesza.
The City of Trees Music Festival is one of Sacramento’s largest music festivals, drawing in thousands of music fans for a day full of performances from both well-known and up-and-coming artists. It’s the perfect way to experience Sacramento’s music scene while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Pro Tip: Dress comfortably and bring sunscreen, as the festival takes place during the warmer months. The open field at Bonney Field can get quite hot, so it’s important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
Conclusion
Sacramento’s music scene is rich, diverse, and constantly evolving. With a mix of intimate venues, large arenas, and vibrant festivals, there’s no shortage of opportunities to experience live music in the city. Whether you’re enjoying a night out at Ace of Spades, dancing at a local festival, or discovering new artists at Harlow’s, Sacramento offers something for every music lover.
So, the next time you’re in Sacramento, make sure to check out the city’s incredible music scene. From intimate club shows to massive outdoor festivals, there’s always a performance that will speak to your soul. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Sacramento’s music scene will leave you with unforgettable memories and a new appreciation for the city’s cultural heartbeat.
