John PerryLooking for the best live music in Philadelphia? There are so many great places to enjoy a fun night filled with amazing songs and good vibes.
No matter if you’re out with friends, planning a date, or visiting for the first time, you’ll find a place that feels right for you.
If you want to dive deeper into the city’s music scene, you can also visit local recording studios or sign up for music lessons.
Let’s help you discover your next favorite venue!
How much does live music cost in Philadelphia?
Live music in Philadelphia typically costs anywhere from free to $80+ per ticket, depending on the venue, performer, and seating option.
Local bars and clubs are the most affordable, while major theatres and touring acts generally command higher prices.
| Venue Type | Average Ticket Cost |
| Free Live Music | Free |
| Local Bars & Intimate Clubs | $15 – $30 |
| Jazz Lounges & Supper Clubs | $15 – $120 |
| Mid-Sized Concert Halls | $20 – $80+ |
| Major Historic Theatres | $80+ |
1. The Fillmore Philadelphia
Website:https://www.thefillmorephilly.com/
Address: 29 E Allen Street
Contact: 215 309 0150
Hours: The box office opens 2 hours prior to door time
Walking into The Fillmore Philadelphia feels different from a typical concert venue because it sits inside the restored Ajax Metal Factory.
The original industrial design gives every show extra character while the space still feels modern and welcoming.
Throughout the year, you can catch live performances from well-known national and international artists across many music genres, so there’s always something exciting on the schedule.
I also liked that they offer extras like VIP lounge access, event spaces, pre-paid parking, and full ADA accommodations to make concerts more comfortable.
However, parking fills up quickly during popular events, and the premium lounges use unreserved seating, so arriving early is a smart idea.
On the bright side, this venue is accessible via public transit, so it’s another convenient option if you’re heading downtown.
Customer Reviews
Will definitely return for future shows!
Absolutely awesome venue for live music. Great lounge area by the bar with real food to eat before or during the show. I especially loved the specialty cocktail based on the band playing that night. The service was great and fast even when the bar was busy. Will definitely return for future shows!
- Jenn | Google Review
Experience feel safe and fun
After THIB dropped, I knew I had to see Zay live. Thankfully he came to the FIllmore and it was dead the best concert of my life. Such warm vibes. Everyone in the crowd was there because they truly loved his music. The venue held it down too. Tickets were affordable, and they made sure COVID-19 negative tests and vaccination checks were being done at the entrance. They also had rapid testing available. Thanks to all of the Fillmore staff that made this Lil Sunny experience feel safe and fun <3
- Ainsley Wynn | Google Review
2. The Twisted Tail
Website: https://thetwistedtail.com/
Address: 509 S. 2nd St.
Contact: 215 558 2471
Hours: Mon – Thu 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Fri 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Sat 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Sun 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
The Twisted Tail is a rare spot where you can actually find live music almost any day of the week. The venue features blues, jazz, roots, and other styles, so every visit feels a bit different.
Alongside the entertainment, you can also enjoy Southern-inspired food, craft cocktails, whiskey, and a relaxed all-in-one experience.
When the place fills up, the lively crowd and great music help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
To help with planning, I appreciate that they keep an up-to-date event calendar, which makes it easy to set up a date night or an evening out with friends.
On the flip side, some visitors feel the food doesn’t always justify the price, and a few dishes can vary in flavor from one visit to the next.
Customer Reviews
We enjoyed live music
Wonderful atmosphere and exceptional service! We enjoyed live music and chef’s tasting menu at slow and pleasure pace. The cocktails were fantastic and out server was one of the best we’ve ever met! Highly recommend for a laid back evening with wonderful music and food.
- Tanya Zhou | Google Review
The live music was phenomenal
Christina H was our server, and she was so sweet! She was very knowledgeable about the menu, and even though I wasn’t too hungry, she helped me navigate what foods were good portion sizes for that. The live music was phenomenal and such a vibe. Sitting in a piece of history is remarkable! Cannot recommend this place enough, we had a lovely time!
- Shaunee Mae | Google Review
3. Time
Website: https://www.timerestaurant.net/
Address: 1315 Sansom St
Contact: 215 985 4800
Hours: Daily 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
If you want a lively night out, Time is a great spot option. The place has an energetic vibe from the moment you walk in, making it a great spot to experience Philadelphia’s local music scene.
Here, you’ll find live music, a full restaurant, a big whiskey selection, and creative cocktails all in one place. This setup means that you can simply relax with a drink while listening to talented neighborhood musicians.
They also have private event spaces, which is worth noting if you’re planning to host a small dinner or a larger reception.
However, some guests have mentioned feeling rushed by strict reservation reminders, and a few have noticed that table service can slow down when it’s busy.
Customer Reviews
The live music has always been a nice addition
The vibes are always amazing here. Brent was super helpful and even introduced me to a new dish that was absolutely amazing. The crab cakes, green beans, calamari, and tuna special were all flavorful and tasty. And the chicken sandwich had an unexpected heat from the ranch sauce that tied everything together. No pics for that one as it went fast, lol. The live music has always been a nice addition as well. Shout out to Dai Miyazaki for the night’s live entertainment!
- Mira. Mira | Google Review
My favorite thing was the live 3 piece band playing jazzy
Now. There’s no Time like the present, so go now to Time. Great bar restaurant. We went to hear the music but also got dinner and drinks. $5 charge for the music but it’s really worth it. Food was better than bar food and our Old Fashioneds were the perfect starter. Although you can never trust reviews, we had really good service and thoroughly enjoyed our time here. I think my favorite thing was the live 3 piece band playing jazzy but not too loud music.
- Mark Tremel | Google Review
4. Union Transfer
Website: https://utphilly.com/
Address: 1026 Spring Garden Street
Contact: 215 232 2100
Hours: See calendar
Union Transfer is a great place to see touring artists year-round. There’s almost always something going on here, with a full concert schedule from beginning to end.
What makes it more accessible is that the venue is open to all ages and includes wheelchair access, so more people can enjoy the shows.
At some live performances, guests often point out that the clear view of the stage really improves the overall experience.
For ticket options, you can save money by buying directly at the box office with no extra fees or use official AXS tickets for valid digital entry.
However, drinks are limited to designated areas rather than the main floor, and cleanliness can sometimes dip during packed shows. Still, the venue’s atmosphere and clear stage views make it worth the visit.
Customer Reviews
Great little place to see live music
Great little place to see live music. My one complaint- needs more seating! We are over 50 and a standing only option for a live show is just rude.
The folks working here were helpful and polite. Drinks were great.
Everything was Great except we need more seating
- Miss Pattie S | Google Review
My favorite place for live music in the city
My favorite music venue in Philadelphia ! It is historic. I especially love the balcony. It’s spacious and fun to go to shows here. Most recent show here was Die Antwoord. My favorite place for live music in the city.
- Nicole Hinterberger | Google Review
5. Franklin Music Hall
Website: https://www.franklinmusichall.com/
Address: 421 N 7th St.
Contact: 215 627 1332
Hours: Box office opens 2 hours before scheduled door time; Fridays 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Franklin Music Hall is a go-to spot for year-round live concerts with touring artists across many genres.
Most nights, the venue draws large crowds, creating high-energy shows that feel exciting from start to finish.
When it comes to tickets, you can buy through AXS or skip online fees by using the box office, which opens two hours before doors and also runs on Friday afternoons.
In terms of getting there, the venue is wheelchair-accessible and easy to reach by public transit or rideshare, which makes getting in and out pretty smooth.
On the downside, some guests have reported uneven sound quality during shows, and the flat general-admission floor can make it harder to see the stage if you’re standing farther back.
Customer Reviews
Great live music venue
Great live music venue with an energetic atmosphere and excellent sound quality. The staff was friendly and organized, and the venue layout provided a good view of the stage from different areas. The performances felt immersive, and the crowd created a fun and exciting experience. Convenient location and a fantastic place to enjoy concerts and events in Philadelphia. Highly recommend for music lovers!
- Odimarys Suris | Google Review
People who actually care about live music
Great place to catch a show. The venue feels intimate even with a 2,500-person capacity, so there’s really not a bad spot in the house. The sound quality is easily some of the best you’ll find at a venue this size in the area. Feels built for people who actually care about live music, not just ticket sales. 🎶
- That Girl | Google Review
