Buffalo is Alive with Music
Buffalo has its scene – but it also has a sound.
It’s the gritty guitar chords of a city always grinding, with fledgling musicians flicking strings through punk sets or intricate progressions in the corners of dive bars and dance halls. It’s the drum thump of an ethnically diverse population, packed together in rock clubs once host to jazz greats, alt rock gods and every performer in between. It’s the amplified exuberance of a region still rising from the ashes of its Rust Belt past, but now blooming from the artistic fervor that’s always kept it pulsating.
Buffalo’s music is its heartbeat, and every night, it’s unleashed to illuminate this once-heralded City of Light.
Popular Music Venues
Step into Asbury Hall @ Babeville and find downtown’s most angelic venue, set inside a converted 19th century Gothic Revival-style church. Catch a touring show inside the lower bowl of the historic Town Ballroom, then shuffle across the street to the Tralf for blues, jazz or the spirit of Prince—who famously played a surprise set in the place in 2002. Pack into Mohawk Place for genuine rock club grit, or find the city’s answer to Austin, Texas within the alt-country, honky tonk confines of Sportsmen’s Tavern. Walk up to a collaborative evening within the Colored Musicians Club; stroll in and get situated within the jazz-infused ambiance of Pausa Art House; or head to bohemian cool of Nietzsche’s, whose exterior artwork states its position quite clearly: Without music, life would be a mistake.
Rick James found his funk on these streets. The Goo Goo Dolls went from sweat-drenched local club shows to eventual pop radio stardom. Snapcase’s homegrown snarl influenced every fledgling hardcore act for decades—including fellow Buffalonians Every Time I Die, who tore up local spots before rising to a now flagship act of its genre. Ani DiFranco, Willie Nile and Weezer’s Patrick Wilson grew up here; and before its swirling jams moved summer festivals, Aqueous, Moe. and Soulive were born on these blocks.
But the venues and lineage are only part of the sound. The rest lies in the region’s ongoing need for that beat, and how it reverberates from musician to resident across all corners of Western New York.
Tireless local artists. Visiting Canadian quartets. Hip-hop poets and purveyors of glittering synth pop. Their rhythms roll through venues small and large, suburban or city. In the winter, it echoes between frost-covered windows of neighborhood taverns and intimate enclaves. In the summer, it moves into every park, headlines every waterfront festival, and entertains thousands, seven nights a week.
Finding Buffalo’s Nightlife
Regardless of season, it’s always a working-class communal experience, shared by locals who’ve lived it, and visitors who want to check the pulse of this city. And with every song or sold-out show, that vibrancy is here—and it’s the sound of Buffalo.
With many watering holes waiting until 4 a.m. for last call, you could say Buffalo knows a thing or two about nightlife. From old-school taverns and hopping bars to craft beers, casinos and live music, the Nickel City parties from dusk to near dawn.
You’ll find nightspots all over town, from Allen Street, Elmwood Avenue, University Heights and Hertel Avenue to the Chippewa Entertainment District in the heart of downtown. Chow down on innovative food at Local Kitchen & Bar and SoHo, soak in the city on Skybar’s rooftop terrace and dance the night away at 67 West. The drop-down menus on the listings below will help you hone in on the nightlife and locations that fit your mood. Spend and evening in some of Buffalo’s classic taverns. Or fellas: plan a guy’s night out with these suggestions!
Ready to hear it? Scroll down to see our list of venues, or explore our events calendar for upcoming music events.
Listen Local. Drink Local.
The abundance of opportunities to combine live music and craft beer for an enhanced experience within Buffalo’s footprint makes WNY a first-class region for live entertainment. This series is presented by 42 North Brewing Company.


Buddy Guy: The Damn Right Farewell Tour
06/10
Music
$39.50-$79.50
Buddy Guy is one of the most celebrated blues guitarists of his generation, embodying the traditions of classic Chicago blues while…
Details

Buffalo’s Largest 80’s & 90’s Dance Party
06/10
Food & Drink
$15 – Presale$25 – Day of Show
Nerds Gone Wild takes the stage to celebrate their 10 year anniversary alongside May Day Buffalo with DJ ‘Pauly’ Paul.…
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Jagged Little Pill
06/06 – 06/11
Music
SOME SHOWS YOU SEE. THIS SHOW YOU FEEL.Joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis, LIFE everything we’ve been waiting to see…
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June in Buffalo
06/06 – 06/11
Music
The UB Music Department is proud to announce the details for the annual, world-renowned composer festival called June in Buffalo,…
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Live Music – CHRIS MALONEY
06/10
Music
FREE
Join us for live music by Chris Maloney, outside on the floating barge and grab a frozen cocktail from the…
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Lucky Moon Zooz
06/10
Music
LUCKY MOON ZOOZ is the horn powered super band comprised of Too Many Zooz, Moon Hooch, and Lucky Chops. A…
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Sondheim on Sondheim
06/02 – 06/18
Music
$40
SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM features a multitude of classic Stephen Sondheim songs and video interviews with the legendary composer, revealing his…
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University United Festival
06/10 – 06/11
Culture
Buffalo, get ready to celebrate! The University United Festival will be taking over our city with some of the biggest…
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Verdi’s Requiem
06/10 – 06/11
Music
Combining operatic drama, emotional solo moments, and the prowess of your BPO with vocals from the combined Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus…
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Live Music – BROTHERS OF INVENTION
06/11
Music
FREE
Join us for live music by the Brothers of Invention, outside on the floating barge and grab a frozen cocktail…
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Sunset Sundays 2023
05/28 – 09/03
Bars & Nightlife
And we’re back! Come to the Patio at Riverworks for House, techno & breaks at sundown! Overlooking the gorgeous Buffalo…
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Blue Monday
08/30 – 12/15
Music
Free
Chicago Jack and the Heptones play with weekly Special Guests. Join us in the Grand Room in the lower level…
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Bruce Cockburn Live with Dar Williams
06/12
Music
One of Canada’s finest artists, Bruce Cockburn has enjoyed an illustrious career shaped by politics, spirituality, and musical diversity. His…
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JazzMondays at Tappo
05/29 – 09/04
Downtown
The popular Summer JazzMondays on the rooftop patio of Tappo Restaurant returns for the summer of 2023! Sit back and…
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Bryan Adams: So Happy it Hurts Tour
06/13
Downtown
Famed musician and singer-songwriter Bryan Adams announced his 2023 So Happy It Hurts Tour with iconic group Joan Jett and…
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Food Truck Tuesdays
06/06 – 08/29
Family Fun
Free
Dozens of food trucks from Buffalo, Rochester and beyond come together to celebrate a night of food, live music and…
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Young the Giant with Milky Chance
06/13
Music
Young The Giant was established in 2004 and is comprised of Sameer Gadhia (vocals), Jacob Tilley (guitar), Eric Cannata (guitar),…
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Buffalo Riverfest Park Wednesday Night Concert Series
05/31 – 09/06
Family Fun
Free
This summer concert series is a perfect way to enjoy the waterfront with family and friends. The Old First Ward…
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Clam Jam in the Biergarten
06/07 – 08/30
Bars & Nightlife
Free
Clam Jam in the Biergarten comes to Hofbräuhaus Buffalo every Wednesday! Enjoy music in the Biergarten and 12 steamed clams…
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Dave Matthews Band
06/14
Music
Dave Matthews Band returns to the Darien Lake Amphitheater for their 2018 Summer Tour. Each ticket purchase includes complimentary same…
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Food Truck Wednesdays in the Garden
06/14 – 08/30
Food & Drink
$5
Food Truck Wednesday’s in the Garden at Samuel’s Grande Manor is back! We’re so excited to host this event, so…
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Groovin’ in the Grove
05/31 – 09/13
Food & Drink
$5/cover
The Summer is finally here – Groovin’ in the Grove at Banchetti by Rizzo’s is BACK for the 2023 Season!! …
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Live at Larkin Music Series
06/07 – 08/30
Food & Drink
Free
KeyBank Live at Larkin Wednesday evening concerts are the signature night for music in Larkinville, featuring at least two bands…
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