10 Must-See Music Venues in Philly
Giana Pistoria
Philadelphia is a city with a rich culture, steeped in history with a lot of musical roots. The sounds of the city are numerous and vary from rap and drill to classical music, jazz to R&B, rock, and even opera. Philly is home to many different artists who have called the city theirs, including Hall & Oates, Lil Uzi Vert, The Roots, Patti LaBelle, and more. Since the city has such a deep and varied musical history, it’s only fitting that it is home to an incredible variety of venues. Here’s our Fynd guide to some must-see venues in the city:
1. Johnny Brenda’s
Johnny Brenda's is a beloved music venue and bar located in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia. Known for its intimate setting, it has a capacity of around 200, making it a great place to catch up-and-coming bands as well as established acts. The venue features a diverse lineup of genres, including indie rock, folk, and electronic music.
In addition to live music, Johnny Brenda's offers a full bar and a menu that focuses on locally sourced ingredients, including tasty pub fare and craft beers. The venue has a laid-back, welcoming vibe and is popular among both locals and visitors. Its combination of good food, great drinks, and quality music makes it a staple in Philadelphia's nightlife scene.
2. Franklin Music Hall
Franklin Music Hall, formerly known as the Electric Factory, is one of Philadelphia’s most iconic music venues. It has a capacity of around 2,500, with a unique venue featuring a versatile layout with a large main floor and a balcony, providing excellent sightlines for concertgoers.
Its history dates back to the 1960s, and over the years, it has seen countless legendary performances. It is a multifaceted venue and hosts various genres, events, and festivals. It has a vibrant atmosphere and an impressive sound and lighting system to enhance the experience for all concertgoers.
Franklin Music Hall does not have a food menu but hosts a full bar, confirming its place in the lineup of Philly’s wide variety of nightlife.
3. Union Transfer
Union Transfer is a popular music venue located in Philadelphia’s Callowhill neighborhood. Opened in 2011, it has a capacity of about 1,200, making it an intimate but still spacious venue. The venue features a unique design with a spacious main floor and an elevated balcony, ensuring a good view from anywhere in the venue. Union Transfer is known for excellent acoustics and a warm, inviting atmosphere. It hosts a wide range of genres, making it a favorite among diverse audiences.
The venue also has a full bar and a selection of local craft beers, contributing to its vibrant nightlife scene. Its combination of great music, a cozy setting, and a commitment to showcasing a variety of acts makes Union Transfer a key part of Philadelphia’s live music landscape.
4. World Cafe Live
World Cafe Live is a renowned music venue and restaurant located in Philadelphia, situated right off campus from the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. Opened in 2004, it features two stages: the larger main stage, which accommodates about 600 people, and a smaller, more intimate stage in the café area.
The venue is well-known for its diverse lineup, showcasing a wide range of genres, including rock, folk, jazz, and world music. It's also associated with the popular NPR program "World Cafe," which highlights emerging artists and established musicians alike.
In addition to live music, World Cafe Live offers a full-service restaurant and bar, featuring a menu that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is welcoming and casual, making it a great spot for a night out filled with good food and live entertainment.
5. The Theatre of Living Arts (TLA)
The Theatre of Living Arts (TLA) is a historic music venue located on South Street in Philadelphia. Opened in 1908, it has a capacity of about 1,000 and has a vast history. Originally opening as a movie theater, it has evolved into a popular spot for live music, showcasing a diverse range of genres, including rock, indie, hip-hop, and electronic.
In addition to concerts, the TLA often hosts special events and themed nights, contributing to its lively and eclectic reputation. With its rich history and commitment to showcasing a variety of musical talent, the TLA remains a favorite spot for music fans, especially with its longstanding history in the city.
6. Kung Fu Necktie
Kung Fu Necktie is a unique music venue and bar located in Fishtown. It is an intimate setting and could be considered by some as more of a club than a venue. At a capacity of around 200, it’s a great spot to catch local and touring acts in a close-knit atmosphere with lots of dancing. The venue hosts more alternative genres, such as punk and indie rock.
Kung Fu Necktie features a laid-back vibe with a bar serving a selection of craft beers and cocktails. The decor is eclectic, often reflecting the artistic spirit of the surrounding neighborhood. They are also known for their community events, including themed nights and art shows. Its combination of good music, strong drinks, and a friendly atmosphere makes it a favorite spot in Fishtown.
7. Ortlieb’s
Ortlieb's is a well-loved music venue and bar located in the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia. Originally a soda bottling company, it has been transformed into an intimate space for live music, with a capacity of around 300. The venue features a cozy, laid-back atmosphere that makes it a great spot to catch local bands and touring acts across genres like jazz, blues, rock, and funk.
In addition to live performances, Ortlieb's has a full bar with a focus on craft beers, including many local options. The venue often hosts events like open mic nights and themed parties, contributing to its vibrant community feel. Similar to Kung Fu Necktie, it has more of a bar plus live music feel rather than just a live music venue.
8. MilkBoy Philly
MilkBoy is a popular music venue and restaurant located in the Center City area of Philadelphia. Opened in 2010, it features a cozy atmosphere with a capacity of around 150, making it an incredibly intimate spot.
MilkBoy also offers a full menu with a focus on comfort food and locally sourced ingredients, along with a selection of craft beers and cocktails. The venue's design reflects a warm and inviting vibe, with a bar area that encourages mingling before and after shows.
MilkBoy also has a second location in Ardmore, and both venues emphasize a community-centric approach, often featuring events like open mic nights and themed music showcases. MilkBoy is a beloved part of Philadelphia's music scene, known for its good food and great live music.
9. Time Jazz Bar
Time Jazz Bar is a cozy and intimate venue located in Philadelphia, known for its welcoming atmosphere and dedication to live jazz music. The bar features a relaxed vibe, making it a great spot for both jazz enthusiasts and those new to the genre. With a capacity of about 100, it provides an up-close experience with performers.
The venue regularly hosts local and touring jazz musicians, offering a mix of styles, from traditional to contemporary jazz. In addition to live music, Time Jazz Bar serves a selection of drinks and light fare, enhancing the overall experience for guests.
The bar's commitment to supporting the local jazz scene makes it a cherished part of Philadelphia's nightlife, often attracting a diverse crowd of music lovers looking to enjoy quality performances in a friendly setting.
10. The Fillmore
The Fillmore Philadelphia is a popular music venue located in the Fishtown neighborhood. Opened in 2015, it’s part of a chain of Fillmore venues across the country, known for their vibrant atmosphere and dedication to live music. The largest venue on this list, it has a capacity of about 2,500, allowing for an intimate yet energetic concert experience.
The Fillmore has a unique interior design, including a large chandelier made of guitar strings and a vintage aesthetic that pays homage to the classic Fillmore venues. In addition to concerts, it often hosts events like festivals and special performances.
The venue is a great spot for a night out beyond just the music, and a must-see in the city as they host popular touring acts as well as smaller and more local bands. It’s a key player in Philadelphia's vibrant music scene and is a concrete way to close out the list.
