Ready to swap your playlist for a ticket stub and get swept up in Spokane’s soundwaves? Whether you crave toe-tapping pub tunes, velvet-seat symphonies, or summer jams under the stars, we’ve scoured the Lilac City to find the perfect spot for every live music mood. Cue the lights, grab your friends, and let’s dive into Spokane’s best venues where the music always takes center stage.
The Fox Theater | Spokane’s Art Deco Marvel
Hidden behind a marquee recalling a scene from The Great Gatsby, this restored 1931 jewel invites you to a “fancy night out” without veering into stuffy territory. Art Deco flourishes and bas-relief murals line the walls, while chandeliers dripping from the ceiling add a glamorous flair. The acoustics are truly remarkable: every note travels crisply through the hall, so you won’t risk missing a single instrument.
With 1,600 plush seats, the venue strikes a balance between grand scale and comfortable proximity. Whether hosting the Spokane Symphony, a jazz quartet or a contemporary act, the sound remains pin-clear. Concessions focus on cocktails and light bites instead of full meals, keeping the evening’s emphasis on top-notch performances.
Perfect for cultural enthusiasts of all ages, this theater offers elegant people-watching and impeccable audio quality. Dress up or dress down, but don’t miss the chance to soak in history, style and uncompromising sound. see what’s playing at The Fox.
Bing Crosby Theater | Historic, Intimate Performances
Step inside a 744-seat treasure that’s echoed with performances since the early 20th century. Original murals and a purpose-built acoustical shell ensure every show resonates with warmth and clarity. From jazz legends to rock tributes, each act benefits from a sound design that puts cramped bars to shame.
Reserved seating guarantees you’ll settle in without elbowing your neighbor. Head to the bar beforehand for craft beer, fine wine or a stronger spirit. Parking downtown can be an adventure, so plan to arrive early and enjoy nearby dining options if you need dinner before the curtain.
Mid-range ticket prices deliver high-value evenings in velvet chairs, complete with premium sound. If you crave a polished performance rather than a rowdy garage-band vibe, this theater is your go-to spot. Browse the upcoming lineup and see why Spokane locals still keep Bing in their playlist.
O’Doherty’s Irish Grille | Cozy Craic & Local Tunes
Dark wood, Gaelic accents and dollar bills stapled to the walls set the scene for authentic Irish pub fun. Local bands deliver Celtic tunes and folk standards, creating an atmosphere that feels both international and intimately Spokane. When patrons brave the bar stage for impromptu singalongs, everyone cheers them on.
The menu overflows with comfort staples—shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash—and offers enough vegetarian options to keep non-meat-eaters happy. This is not a cavernous concert hall but a cozy gathering place where friends laugh, pints of Guinness flow and live music fills every corner.
Family-friendly until 10 PM, then purely adult energy takes over. Communal tables encourage conversation, whether you’re a seasoned performer or a wallflower. Here, connection is king: shared songs, hearty food and the simple joy of a well-poured pint. See if you have the nerve to stand on the bar yourself.
First Interstate Center for the Arts | Big Shows, Big Views
Tucked beside Riverfront Park, this venue showcases Spokane’s big-city aspirations. After a multi-million-dollar facelift, the lobby gleams and the auditorium’s sound design lets you catch the flutter of a tutu or the crash of a cymbal with perfect clarity. Broadway musicals, symphony concerts, ballet and rock legends all rotate through an impressive calendar.
Reserved seats spare you from theater traffic jams, and concessions deliver snacks and drinks without long lines. Best of all, parking here breaks the local mold by actually being convenient. Whether it’s a date night or a special celebration, this center proves you don’t have to drive to Seattle for top-tier live entertainment. scope out what’s coming up here.
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars | Best Views With Your Groove
Perched on a cliff with sprawling vineyard views, this 21-plus venue blends live music with a side of jaw-dropping scenery. Award-winning Rieslings, bold Syrahs and other estate wines flow freely as indie folk, reggae and acoustic acts perform against a sunset backdrop. There’s no VIP barricade—just lawn chairs, good vibes and panoramic photo ops.
On-site food vendors ensure everyone, from carnivores to vegans, finds something delicious. The sound system keeps every guitar riff and vocal harmony clear without shouting down conversation. Parking is a breeze compared to typical city gigs, so you can arrive, unpack your chair and relax.
Best enjoyed on summer Sundays and Thursdays, this spot offers a laid-back twist on concertgoing where wine country meets live-music magic. see who’s playing next—and grab tickets before they’re gone.
The Viking | Classic Spokane Nostalgia, Beer & Bands
If you step inside this bar you’ll swear it’s been a fixture since your dad’s first concert—timber walls lined with local posters and enough character to outshine any cookie-cutter chain. The lighting sits comfortably low, setting the mood for a laid-back night of killer craft beers. You can almost taste the history in every sip.
Order the Viking Burger and brace yourself for a patty so hearty you’ll need both hands. Live acts range from indie dreamers to hometown rock squads making their first big break, all amplified through a crisp new sound system. On nights off, trivia buffs and sports fans stake their claim at the big screens.
Just a heads-up—parking might require a little extra patience. Once you’re through the door, though, the snug, wood-lined room and friendly bar staff make every minute worth the hunt for a spot. See who’s playing this week and claim your spot in Viking lore.
High Country Orchard | Bucolic Backyard Beats
Imagine swapping sticky floors and velvet ropes for rows of apple trees and the scent of pie baking in the background. Up at Green Bluff, seasonal gatherings turn into a family-friendly bluegrass blowout where cider donuts and local brews make perfect dance partners. Toddlers on sugar highs only add to the feel-good vibe.
There’s no late-night frenzy here—just barn dances where grandma might lead the conga. A café sandwich in one hand and sunshine in the other feel infinitely more rewarding than neon lights. And if you miss a riff or two, the rustic surroundings will keep you smiling.
By golden hour, the orchard glows and the band kicks off the next set. It’s wholesome escapism at its finest. Plan your visit here.
nYne Bar & Bistro | Spokane’s Inclusive Dance Floor
This downtown hotspot does it all without feeling overstuffed. Live bands share the stage with drag queens, DJs, standup comics, and the occasional trivia meltdown. The dance floor leaves plenty of room to bust a move without knocking over someone’s cocktail.
Until nine it’s open to any age, then it converts to a strictly over-21 scene with a small weekend cover charge. Pub classics like burgers and fries hit the spot every time, and the cocktail menu never disappoints. When your feet need a break, grab a table and marvel at the surprisingly sharp acoustics.
Expect a warm welcome and friendly faces everywhere you look. You’ll probably leave with more new friends than you arrived with. Check their event lineup and start planning your spree.
Honorable mentions:
• ZOLA
