Top 19 Places to Watch Live Music in Vegas 2024

by

Vegas is the sweet city of entertainment. On every corner, you’ll find roulette tables, quirky rooftop bars, banging super clubs, and tons of happy-go-lucky things to do. With so much going on, it’s no surprise that Sin City is also home to some of the best live music in the world.

Instead of a stadium, Vegas is the stage! People flock to the world-famous Fremont Street for its FREE live music parties every night of the week.

You’ll find a ton of bars with live jazz bands, blues tunes, country jigs, and rock gigs all over the city. You’ll have a bit of everything to enjoy – presented to you by headliner acts and rising stars looking to have a blast.

If you’re keen to join them and you’ve been wondering where you can watch (sometimes free) live music in Vegas, here’s everything you need to know about the top live music venues in Sin City.

Please remember that live music schedules change from time to time. Feel free to contact the bars, lounges, taverns, and events linked in each place to know whether they still host their amazing live shows.

Top 10 Places To Find Free Live Music

To start off the list, we would like to look at the free live music shows in town. With the high prices in Las Vegas, it is always prudent to checkout the free offerings first to know the amazing offers in store for you.

You can easily find free live music in Las Vegas, all you need to do is walk around the Strip at night and you are bound to stumble upon one. The Strip is filled with different bars that bring you live performances from local artists as well as world-renowned acts.

Downtown Las Vegas is known for its Fremont Street shows but its casinos, bars, and lounges do not lag behind either. Below are among the best free live music venues in Vegas to visit.

1. Fremont Street Experience

Fremont Street Experience Live Music
Source: @fremontstreet

Fremont Street has three stages on which you can get to enjoy one of the best free live music concerts. Visit one of the world-class live music displays every day of the week for a feel-good night out.

You will be happy to know that the free live shows bring many top-tier artists, not just local appearances. Some of the best to ever grace the stages include Good Charlotte, Nelly, Plain White T’s, 3 Doors Down, Sugar Ray, and Steven Alder of Guns N’ Roses.

Live concerts are the order of the day throughout the summer with acts from major bands and artists of all genres including Marcy Playground, Toadies, Soulja Boy, Dashboard Confessional, Neon Trees, and Smash Mouth.

If you didn’t know, Fremont Street is a big deal in Vegas. Not just because it’s the center stage of Sin City. The road went down in history from the moment it was constructed. It was the first road to ever be paved in the city, and then it was the first street to have a traffic light, before it saw the first high-rise building in Vegas and then the first purpose-built casino!

Today, Fremont Street is among the best free parties in Vegas with lots of options in the entertainment complex. It is the gateway to light shows, ziplining experiences, awesome casino plays, cheap drinks, and neon treats, all reminiscent of what Vegas has always been since the beginning.

  • Entrance price:FREE
  • Event calendar:Check online for updates
  • Location:Downtown Las Vegas, Fremont Street Las Vegas, NV 89101

2. Piano Bar At Harrah’s

Piano Bar at Harrah’s
Source: @harrahsvegas

If you are new to Las Vegas and want to see the legendary Big Elvis then look no further than the Piano Bar. Performing every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, Big Elvis brings you the legendary long-running Elvis impersonation show that has become a staple in Vegas.

Located just a few seconds from Carnaval Court, the Piano Bar offers many other live shows from the Dueling Pianos, to DJ Rusty’s all-Star Las Vegas Karaoke and the soothing sounds from the Saxman Duo every week on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Even though the entrance is free to most of the events, it is important to note that a cover charge may apply in some cases, check in with the management for prices.

Also, the Piano Bar is a 21 and up venue, not a child-friendly live music show to bring your whole family along.

3. Carnaval Court at Harrah’s

Located next to the Piano Bar in Harrah’s Las Vegas, the Carnaval Court is the gateway to some of the best nightlife on the Strip. The Nightclub is open till 4 AM every day with live music blasting through its outdoor environment all day and night.

The energetic ambiance is the best for those who enjoy a casual lounge experience with popular live DJ mixes coupled with cocktail dazzles from the talented bottle-flipping bartenders.

Bands that make appearances include the District, Whip Its, The Droids, and Mr & Mrs Smith. You do not have to buy drinks at Carnaval Court, just show up and join the outdoor party under the stars.

4. Aaron Benward’s Nashville Unplugged At Mandalay Bay

Aaron Benward’s Nashville Unplugged At Mandalay Bay
Source: @nashvilleunpluggedofficial

For an intimate, all-acoustic experience, you can spend your evening at the first-ever songwriter show in Vegas. You’ll get to hear some of the biggest country hits performed live by the songwriters themselves.

Nashville Unplugged is a hit country live show hosted by the award-winning artist Aaron Benward. It is hosted at the 24-hours open Rhythm & Riffs lounge that is known for its signature cocktails and proximity to the casino floor.

The thing that makes this venue so special is that the songwriters won’t just perform the tracks! They’ll pull up a chair, get close, and reveal the true stories behind the lyrics, making it an intimate alluring affair.

Every Friday and Saturday, you can vibe until the AM to live lounge music at Rhythm & Riffs. The bands and vocalists hit the stage in this comfortable bar between 10 pm and 2 am every weekend.

The dim setting with its mellow neon lights is perfect for hunkering down on one of the tables with a stiff drink. If you can’t help yourself, there’s more than enough room on the dancefloor to swing your hips – and you may even get a shout-out for it!

This one-of-a-kind bar in Vegas is an interactive and heart-warming experience that’ll strengthen your connection to your favorite songs.

Join the crowd every Friday from 8 pm to 9:30 pm for a free 21+ live show. You can expect appearances from Aaron Benward as the host, Gable Bradley, Matt Warren, Earl Bud Lee, Greg Bernhill, Jace Everett, Wynn Varble, and Travis Howard, just to mention a few.

5. Gilley’s Saloon At Treasure Island

Gilley’s Saloon at Treasure Island
Source: @tigilleys

If you love line dancing, head back in time to Vegas’ wild, wild west for a blast of live country music at Gilley’s Saloon. True to tradition, you’ll find ball-riding, saddle-back bar stalls, and a Honky Tonk live band that’ll get your feet stomping.

Every Friday and Saturday night, you’ll be treated to live music, drink specials, and a BBQ feast all for a small $10 cover after 9 PM. If that sounds right up your street, dig out your cowboy hat and get ready to two-step on the dance floor.

  • Entrance Fee: FREE & $10 after 9 PM on Friday & Saturday
  • Event calendar: Check out the line-up
  • Location: Central Strip

6. Losers Bar At MGM Grand

Losers Bar At MGM Grand
Source: @loserslasvegas

 

Everyone’s a winner at Losers Bar if you love live music! This trendy venue with its ultra-modern look and circular bar treats its guests to FREE live music every day of the week.

From 3 pm until 1 am, you can enjoy the mellow vibe over an early evening set, or stay late for a rocking night of country music blasting out. If you’re feeling bold, you can even give your vocals a whirl at Monday karaoke nights!

Feeling a bit hungry, try their food species including their signature Not Quite ‘World-Famous’ Losers nachos with queso, Pico, sour cream & jalapenos. Other snacks to fill you up include their spicy pickles, hot dogs, chili cheese dogs, and large soft pretzels.

Please keep in mind that there are no split checks allowed at the Losers Bar and neither is smoking or vaping.

7. Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget

Rush Lounge is not a totally free live show venue but you can expect many complimentary acts between 8 pm and 1 am every day. The Downtown Las Vegas location brings you an intimate venue to unwind and enjoy a show.

The lounge features comfortable seating and a full bar, making it the perfect spot to party and enjoy some live entertainment. The talented performers cover a variety of genres, including rock, pop, and jazz, and their music creates a lively and fun atmosphere in the lounge.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Las Vegas, the Rush Lounge free live shows are a great way to spend an evening.

8. Downtown Container Park

Downtown Container Park 2
Source: @containerpark

Even though the Downtown Container Park is not a full-fledged live show venue, they do host several concerts in a year, bringing together various talents in a multitude of genres from all over the country.

The events are often free, cheap, and family friendly. Feel free to check on their calendar to take note of the free events and the paid ones in the coming year.

Some of the events that often see talented acts gracing the stage include Cinco de Mayo parties, Saint Patrick’s Day Party, Fall into Wine, Sunset Drum Circle at the Mantis, and May the Fourth be with you.

The various bars, boutique restaurants, and nightlife venues in the Container Park make it a great place for cheap foods, drinks, and entertainment. The artistic nature of the ambiance and environment creates a spectacularly alluring scene fit for those looking to have a good time.

9. Stoney’s Rockin’ Country Bar

Stoney’s Rockin’ Country Bar
Source: @stoneysrockincountry

Stoney’s Rockin’ Country Bar is another intimate live music venue beloved by many for their famous Ladies’ Night on Thursday including $2 drinks on wells, wines, and Busch light drafts; they also include dance lessons.

As tradition, you won’t miss the mechanical bull or the beer games and all the staples of a fun country bar. Located in Town Square, the bar is opens Thursday to Saturday nights at 7 pm and features live music from open till close.

Live music is free for daily acts but can cost you more than $10 when special guests grace the stage. Some of the best performers at Stoney’s Rockin’ Country Bar include the billboard charting Stephen Wesley who performs on Fridays from time to time, singing his releases from Slash of Guns N Roses fame, to Smash Mouth, Bubba Sparxxx and his newest Rock N Roll ft. T-Pain

10. Mermaid Lounge Live at Silverton

Mermaid Lounge Live at Silverton
Source: @westcoast_desi

Silverton Casino & Hotel brings you free live music every Friday & Saturday from 8 pm to 11 pm at the Mermaid Restaurant & Lounge. The music spans across multiple genres and performances are complimented by the attractive ambiance of the nearby aquarium home to ‘mermaids.

Some of the popular artists to ever step onto the stage include Zach Winningham, Tony Venniro, Daniel Echo, Miguel Trejo, and Monreau.

The venue is home to one of the largest aquariums in Vegas hosting thousands of tropical fish and actress mermaids who swim in the depths, creating a scenic view for dining and partying the night away. It is a special unique place to lounge off the Strip.

Related Read:

Top 3 Venues to Find Live Jazz Music

If sipping scotch to the sound of smooth jazz is more your style, here are three of the best bars and venues to find live jazz music in Vegas.

1. Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Centre

Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Centre

Find your best suit and slap on the bling for a Cabaret Jazz night with Myron at The Smith Center! This up-market jazz concert can be found in a beautiful venue with a dazzling stage and chic round tables (complete with napkins and silverware!).

This 240-seat venue is the finest place to grab a bite and raise your glass to one of the best cabaret performances in town. You can buy tickets to the 90-minute show and take a seat on the fabulous balcony or on one of the downstairs tables.

Note: Prices are subject to change.

2. The Bootlegger Bistro

The Bootlegger Bistro
Source: @bootleggerlasvegas

The family-run Bootlegger Bistro has brought fine wine, Italian cuisine, and legendary live entertainment to Vegas for over 70 years. People flock here to sip a Godfather cocktail, taste Chef Maria’s Saltimbocca, and watch the surprise live acts perform.

This Bistro tends to keep the artists a secret until showtime, but you can call in advance to suss out who’s going. Either way, you’re guaranteed to experience a night of Sinatra-inspired hits that’ll get you swaying to the beat! This Italian Bistro is most known for its blues, jazz, and piano performances that know how to woo a crowd.

There is no nightly dining entertainment cover or minimum. However, for the special secret artist performances, you can expect to pay a small fee for the ticket.

Some of the former headliners at Bootlegger Bistro include Deana Martin, Foreigner, Tony Curtis, Clint Holmes, Ruth Brown, Mary Wilson from the Supremes, Tony Orlando, Jack Jones, Louie Prima JR, Pia Zadora, Dennis Blair, Frankie Scinta, Red Fox, Laura Shaffer, and Charlie Shaffe.

3. La Casa Cigars & Lounge

La Casa Cigars & Lounge

For a night of casual jazz with a touch of class, La Casa Cigar & Lounge is like stepping into a James Bond movie! On Tuesdays through to Sundays, you can kick back on the comfy club chairs or smoke a cigar out on the patio area to live jazz bands.

It’s a VIP experience where you’ll have access to some of the best martinis and smokes in town. You’ll be lured in by the impressive, blended scotch and Irish whiskey collection.

And even if you’re a cigar novice, you’ll still be amazed by the bar’s profound walk-in humidor! To get on the guest list, you need to apply for a private club membership first.

  • Ticket price: Membership fees apply, enquire within
  • Event calendar: Check out the line-up
  • Location: Off Strip

Top 3 Venues to Find Live Rock Music

If your trip to Vegas is all about letting your hair down and rocking out in a dive bar, you’ll love these top three venues where you can find live rock music.

1. Count’s Vamp’d

Count’s Vamp’d

Founded by Danny ‘Count’ Koker of History’s Counting Cars, Count’s Vamp’d is one of the coolest rock n’ roll bars in Vegas! You’ll need to head off-strip to catch some of the best rock bands blaring out FREE live music at this thrilling venue.

In 2021, headliner acts include Hell Mary, LA Guns, and Y & T. These artists and many more are all on the guest list this year (in 2021) with one job only – to entertain you! At Count’s Vamp’d, you can mingle in with the head-banging crowd and get lost in the surround-sound music every weekend until late.

2. Hard Rock Café

Hard Rock Café
Source: @hardrockcafe

For a mind-blowing night of rocking live bands, head down to a café like no other! The Hard Rock Café in Vegas is world-famous for its state-of-the-art sound system and live rock music.

You may have experienced this venue somewhere else in the world, but when you mix this eclectic café with the party spirit of Vegas, the results are phenomenal! If you visit early, you’ll find acoustic breakfast sets.

As the night rolls in, a top-rated Freddie Mercury tribute act takes over! To top it all off, this venue has some of the tastiest meat burgers on the menu and cheap drink deals every Thursday to Monday from 2pm to 5pm.

  • Ticket price: FREE for daily shows like acoustic breakfasts, from $30 – $60 for live events
  • Event calendar: Check out the line-up
  • Location: South Strip

3. Double Down Saloon

Double Down Saloon

For a bit of punk, garage, surf, lo-fi, and rockabilly tunes, Double Down Saloon is one of the best places to find a myriad of live music in Vegas. The bar may be small, but the acoustics are mighty!

This beat-up saloon is aptly decorated with splashes of graffiti and retro stickers that plaster the walls. At Double Down Saloon, you’ll be invited to smoke, drink, and get lost in the head-banging tracks completely free of charge.

The drinks are a phenomenon like no other – like their famous ‘ass juice’ drink served up in a mini toilet!

Top 3 Venues to Find Live Blues Music

Not everywhere in Vegas is full of upbeat tracks that’ll get your heart racing! If you prefer loosening up and enjoying a romantic evening dinner, you’ll love these top three places to find live blues music.

1. House of Blues Music Hall at Mandalay Bay

House of Blues Music Hall
Source: @hoblasvegas

To catch Carlos Santana perform live, you’ll want to visit the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino! The concert-style music hall with its gallery, stalls, and balcony seating is what makes it one of the best live entertainment venues in the city.

Since the House of Blues seats almost 3,000 people across the three levels, you’ll get to experience a lively crowd and buzzing atmosphere. On show nights, Carlos Santana will bring you the very best rock, jazz, blues, and Afro-Cuban rhythms with a unique Latin sound.

Note: Prices are subject to change.

2. The Sand Dollar Lounge

The Sand Dollar Lounge
Source: @thesanddollarlv

The Sand Dollar Lounge has long since been known as one of the most iconic bars in Vegas! When it originally opened back in the seventies, Mick Jagger, Middy Waters, and B.B King all swung by to dazzle a crowd.

Around 10 years ago, this underground jukebox had a complete revamp. Since reopening, it still claims its status as one of the best places to find live blues music in Vegas! If you’re looking to enjoy a spot of gambling, a slice of pizza, and great entertainment, you won’t want to miss out on the Sand Dollar Lounge!

3. Don’t Tell Mama

Don’t Tell Mama

Don’t Tell Mama is one of the best piano bars in Vegas to find live blues tunes. Every night at 8 pm from Tuesday through to Sunday, you’ll find live music that’ll get you vibing! Since this bar is situated on Fremont Street, you won’t be able to resist stopping by to see what’s going down.

Since every night is also open mic night, no two nights will ever be the same! If you’re not performing (and everyone else is too shy), one of the professional singers that work behind the bar will be ready to step in. They’ll dazzle you with blues, Broadway hits, rock n’ roll, country western, and a little bit of smooth jazz.

  • Ticket price: FREE
  • Event calendar: Check out the line-up
  • Location: Off Strip on Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas

Honorable Mentions

As you can tell, there is no shortage of live entertainment in Sin City, you may just find yourself adding more to your own list after one visit. If the above selection does not tickle your fancy or you just want more to explore then take a look at some of our honorable mentions:

  • Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas: The rock and roll live shows are regular events at this New York inspired venue. You can expect tickets to start from $25 – $400 but free shows are also regular. Shows are well incorporated with exciting games and meals.
  • The Barbershop at the Cosmo: Live music is played every Thursday through Saturday in the lounge. It is a top-of-the-line lounging experience with a small stage that creates a spacious but yet cozy live show form the house band, The 442s.
  • Hennessey’s Tavern Las Vegas: A wide range of live events are hosted at this Fremont Street tavern. Check out their calendar for the best in popular and contemporary genres.
  • The Parlour Bar at El Cortez: El Cortez brings you the live vintage voice of Michael Nugent weekly at this bar which is complimented by the piano music by Ray Horvath from the Lobby Bar next door.
  • Casa Di Amore: Live jazz entertainment is a nightly affair at this authentic restaurant. Sit at a table right in front of the stage to get entertained with the usual Sinatra and Rat Pack classics.
  • Mayfair Supper Club: This is an elegant venue with impeccable views of the Fountains of Bellagio. It is a breathtaking setting that offers live music, intimate entertainment and world-class foods. The venue is upscale which may not be what the casual live music enthusiast may prefer but still a great picturesque venue to visit.

Conclusion

Whether you are a local or a tourist, Las Vegas is the perfect destination for music enthusiasts who want to indulge in a thrilling and unforgettable experience. So, grab your friends and head to one of these many live music venues and experience the magic of live performers in Las Vegas.

From rock shows to country-based bars, lounges blasting blues, and R n’ B live shows, Vegas stands out as a live music connoisseur’s delight with everything for anyone regardless of your preferred music style.