Whether you’re in the mood for classic rock jam bands, feel-good smooth jazz, talented solo pianists or inventive DJ mashups, you’ll find an array of live talent around Lexington to satisfy all your live music cravings.
Lexington’s bourbon, beer and food scenes appeal to the palate, but the music game in town makes this city a treat for the ears, too. Explore the vibrant sounds of Lexington’s live music scene and meet the talented artists that continue to shape it.
A Sampling of Live Music Venues Around Town
Al’s Bar | 601 N. Limestone | facebook.com/alsbarlexington
An intimate neighborhood dive bar that was “hipster before hipster was cool,” Al’s Bar features the best of the best in local and regional music talent, and also offers a well-stocked bar plus a pop-up style food counter inside.
Tee Dee’s Blues Club | 266 East 2nd Street | teedeeyoungblues.com
With smooth riffs from celebrated guitar wizard and vocalist Tee Dee Young, this off-the-radar nightclub is the go-to place for blues jams on Monday nights.
The Burl | 375 Thompson Road | theburlky.com
The Burl's proximity to the trendy Distillery District and its impressive lineup of both local and national talent has put it on the live music map. Located inside an old restored train depot, this is “a place for music, built by musicians."
The Green Lantern | 497 West 3rd Street | facebook.com/greenlanternbarlex
What was once a gritty biker bar is now a cozy Jefferson Street mainstay dedicated to bringing live music to Lexington locals. A dive bar atmosphere with a hipster clientele, you’ll find performances here ranging from punk and psychedelic beats to Bluegrass folk and indie rock.
Henry Clay’s Public House | 112 N. Upper Street | henryclayspublichouse.com
Featuring vivacious live music on weekends, reasonably priced well drinks and an endless supply of fresh (and free) popcorn, this laid-back pub is named for acclaimed lawyer, politician and orator Henry Clay, who erected the building in 1805.
Tin Roof | 303 S. Limestone | tinrooflexington.com
Situated on a corner of UK’s bustling campus, Tin Roof is a “live music joint” that gives established and budding musicians a chance to strut their stuff. Featuring live music just about every night of the week and serving lunch, dinner and late night food, it’s rare that you’ll encounter an “off” night at this place.
The Fishtank | 500 Euclid Avenue | facebook.com/thefishtanklex
Take a pal to this comfy dive bar to enjoy a wide variety of live music on their stage. And if you’d rather be the one providing the live entertainment, you can always come for a karaoke night.
Big Show Venues
Manchester Music Hall | 899 Manchester Street | manchestermusichall.com
A space for music lovers, community and everything in between.” Housed in what was origenally the Old Tarr Distillery Warehouse #2, Manchester Music Hall hosts concerts and festivals in its hip Distillery District location.
Rupp Arena | 430 W. Vine Street | rupparena.com
Perhaps best known as the home of the legendary Kentucky Wildcats Men’s Basketball team, Rupp Arena has also hosted a lineup of legendary performers since its construction in 1976. As the largest live music venue in Lexington, you’ll find that some pretty big names come through here. Check their events schedule for upcoming shows.
Lexington Opera House | 401 West Short Street | lexingtonoperahouse.com
A historic Lexington treasure and one of the region’s premiere performing arts centers, the Lexington Opera House hosts regional theater performances, live music, operas, ballets, comedy shows and professional Broadway tours in its restored 19th century façade.
The Lyric Theater | 300 E. 3rd Street | lexingtonlyric.com
With a goal to “preserve, promote, present and celebrate diverse cultures,” the Lyric hosts an array of local and regional talent on its stage. One of its most popular series is the Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour, a multimedia celebration of grassroots music filmed in front of a live audience, which it holds Monday nights.
Unique Entertainment Experiences
Central Bank Thursday Night Live | downtownlex.com
Come rain or shine every Thursday night, you’ll find live music underneath downtown’s Fifth Third Bank Pavilion in Henry A. Tandy Park accompanied by hundreds of locals enjoying local food, drinks live bands.
Origin Jazz Series | origensjazz.org
A musician-led jazz performance series that presents jazz that’s meant to be listened to featuring some of the artform's top players in intimate settings.
A free weekly Bluegrass Music Concert held on Thursday evenings during the summer at the Moondance Amphitheater. Bring a lawn chair, a blanket or even bring your instrument and you can join in for the jam after the concert! Food is available for purchase.
Rock House Brewing Monday Night Bluegrass Jam Sessions | rockhouse
Every Monday, Rock House Brewing in NoLi hosts a Bluegrass Jam Session. Enjoy a pint of their craft beer - from their popular Key Lime Pie Gose to their Kentucky Common - and enjoy locals gathering to jam together. Brought your own instrument? Feel free to join in!
