Chattanooga has plenty of live music spots where you can catch shows almost every night. The city’s music scene has a lot to offer—if you know where to look!
Nashville may be known as Music City, but Chattanooga’s live music scene is not one to overlook. Nestled between Nashville and Atlanta, Chattanooga is in a prime spot to host bands and artists from all over the South.
Whether it’s a cozy dive bar stage or the historic, nearly 100-year-old Walker Theatre, there’s always live music to enjoy here. With concerts happening every night, catching a show is one of the most fun things to do in the city.
To make things easier, we’ve put together a guide to the best venues for live music in Chattanooga.
15 Live Music Venues in Chattanooga
JJ’s Bohemia
The ultimate live music dive. It rules.
Google Maps | Instagram | Show Calendar | Open: Tues-Sat
Chattanooga’s go-to live music dive, JJ’s Bohemia, has been holding it down for nearly two decades. Playing a show here is like a rite of passage for local bands—and a badge of honor in our book. If a band’s done the Southeastern tour circuit, odds are they’ve hit JJ’s and cracked open a PBR tallboy with fans out back.
The list of bands that have rocked this tiny stage is legendary—think Deerhunter, All Them Witches, Kurt Vile, and even Alabama Shakes.
With shows happening most nights, Fridays and Saturdays at JJ’s are always a safe bet for a good time. And for years, they’ve been hosting a comedy open mic every dang Thursday. Be sure to check their calendar to see who’s up next!
Cherry Street Tavern
A small, unassuming bar on Cherry Street has some of the best live music in town.
Google Maps | Instagram | Concert Calendar | Open: Mon-Sat
Nestled between a cocktail bar and a billiard hall, Cherry Street Tavern is a no-frills spot where rock ‘n’ roll reigns supreme. Walk in any night of the week, pay a reasonable cover, grab a beer, and settle in for some of the best live music in town.
With regular open jams, open mics, and a monthly artist residency, this place consistently showcases top talent from around the region. Their ticketed shows may be less frequent, but when they do sell advanced tickets, you can bet it’s going to be a banger. Bands like Wednesday, Hotline TNT, The Deslondes, and Sunny War have all stopped by this year.
The Boneyard
A spacious bar venue with duel patios hosts local bands and big names.
Google Maps | Instagram | Concert Calendar | Open: Wed-Monday
If JJ’s is the classic dive, The Boneyard is the new-school version. This DIY-style bar boasts cheap drinks, cozy patios, and a barcade to keep things interesting.
They host everything from live-band karaoke to EDM DJs, along with local showcases and national acts like Pile, Avey Tare, and Vision Video.
With live music several nights a week, it’s the kind of spot that’s either buzzing with energy or just a chill bar—depending on the night. Check their schedule to see what’s up.
The Woodshop Listening Room
This cozy spot is at the foot of Lookout Mountain, toward the end of St. Elmo Ave. If you’re in Georgia, you’ve gone too far.
Google Maps | Instagram | Concert Calendar | Open: Tues-Sat
The Woodshop Listening Room feels like a cozy living room with a beer license. It’s not quite that small, but the laid-back, homey vibe makes it stand out from other venues in Chattanooga.
Their Wednesday jazz nights are top-notch, and if you’re craving more live music, you can count on Tuesday Bluesday jams and Forever Bluegrass Fridays to deliver. It’s the kind of place where you can relax and enjoy intimate performances with a drink in hand.
Sluggo’s
A vegetarian cafe with a one-of-a-kind basement venue and a true DIY punk vibe.
Google Maps | Instagram | Concert Calendar | Open: Wed-Sun
Sluggo’s might be a vegetarian restaurant first, but its basement venue is where the magic happens. The small space, which spills out onto a back patio and porch, hosts live music regularly, though not on a strict schedule.
It’s a bit of a squeeze, but totally worth it. Keep an eye on their calendar—if a show is on at Sluggo’s, it’s one you’ll want to check out.
Find more concerts in and around Chattanooga at our concert calendar.
Barrelhouse Ballroom
This medium-sized club has big club perks, shares the building with a fantastic local brewery.
Google Maps | Instagram | Concert Calendar | Open: for shows only
Barrelhouse Ballroom is a medium-sized venue, but it packs in all the perks of a bigger venue. With great sound, unobstructed views, and reasonably priced VIP seating, it’s hard to find a bad spot here.
Plus, there’s an outdoor patio for fresh air, and you can grab a brew from Five Wits Brewing right in the building.
They book a fun mix of tribute bands, cover bands, and top-notch regional and national acts. You’ll also find regular Grateful Dead tribute nights and the annual Jerry Fest.
Starting this year, they’ll host Locals Only Music Fest, a multi-day event celebrating Chattanooga’s own talent.
The Signal
The city’s prime venue for nationally tour acts with big shows, next to the Choo Choo.
Google Maps | Instagram | Concert Calendar | Open: for shows only
Recently relocated to the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo district, The Signal has become a prime spot for nationally touring acts. With multiple bars, a spacious patio, and plenty of parking, it’s easy to see why.
The standing-room-only floor holds up to 1,300 people, making it perfect for big shows. If you’re looking for something a little more exclusive, check out the second-floor mezzanine—200 seats with VIP perks that are worth a look.
Yellow Racket Records
A record store, record label, and music venue in one spot.
Google Maps | Instagram | Concert Calendar | Open: Mon-Sun
Vinyl enthusiasts already know Yellow Racket Records as the go-to spot for both classic albums and the latest releases. But it’s also an intimate live music venue, regularly hosting local showcases, album release parties, and performances by touring acts like Sinai Vessel, Mr. Floyd Larry, and Cactus Lee.
In addition to the store and venue, Yellow Racket is a record label, supporting local talent like Telemonster, Summer Drugs, and Days Now.
The Dragon’s Roast
Humble spot on Frazier Ave. hosts some of the best hardcore shows in town
Google Maps | Instagram | Concert Calendar | Open: for shows only
Perched above Coolidge Park, The Dragon’s Roast (formerly The Dark Roast) has been a staple on the North Shore for years, hosting an mix of genres.
While they’re known for their hardcore and punk lineups, they regularly feature local showcases for up-and-coming bands, making it a hotspot for younger crowds and all-ages shows.
In addition to live bands, they also throw frequent DJ nights and dance parties. Fun fact: the legendary local Grateful Dead Monday jams got their start right here.
Don’t miss their back porch—easily one of the coziest hangout spots in North Chattanooga.
Walker Theatre
A large, historic theater venue hosting nationally touring artists
Google Maps | Instagram | Concert Calendar | Open: for shows only
Located inside the Memorial Auditorium building, The Walker Theatre is the go-to for catching nationally touring musicians, comedians, and bands.
Whether it’s Americana artists like Molly Tuttle and Jeff Tweedy, rock acts like The Wallflowers, or comedians like Mark Normand and Steve-O, Walker brings the talent.
It’s a great venue to soak in a big show in a historic space with plenty of charm.
Find more concerts in and around Chattanooga at our concert calendar.
Songbirds
Get up close with bands at this venue/guitar museum combo
Google Maps | Instagram | Concert Calendar | Open: Thurs-Sat
Songbirds isn’t just a music venue—it’s a guitar museum and a hub for music education. At their new Main Street location, you’ll find a full bar, kitchen, and an impressive display of guitar exhibits you can explore before the show.
The venue caps at 220, creating an intimate experience with top-notch sound and stage setup. It’s the perfect spot to get up close and personal with the artists.
Barking Legs Theater
A relaxed, theater environment with lots of local jazz, theater, and shows.
Google Maps | Instagram | Concert Calendar | Open: for shows only
Barking Legs Theater may be small, but it’s got heart. This boutique venue, with just 76 seats, gets you up close and personal with performers, making it a great spot to catch live jazz—especially on their weekly jazz nights.
They also host comedy shows, plays, and occasional outdoor concerts in the backyard. Whether you’re into intimate performances or eclectic events, Barking Legs has something to offer.
Redbud
From the bones of an old church, the Redbud is a live music venue and recording space.
Google Maps | Instagram | Concert Calendar | Open: for shows only
Just off East Main Street, Redbud is a 100-year-old church turned DIY performance venue. Following a major renovation, it now boasts a 200+ capacity performance space and a sprawling outdoor greenspace, perfect for summer and fall concerts.
Expect to find everything from punk and hardcore shows to laid-back singer-songwriter sets in the backyard. It’s a unique blend of indoor/outdoor concert vibes in the heart of Ridgedale.
HiFi Clyde’s
A college honkytonk vibe with fun party bands every weekend.
Google Maps | Instagram | Concert Calendar | Open: Mon-Sun
HiFi Clyde’s is a Main Street staple, known for its lively bar scene and late-night concerts. Every Friday and Saturday, you’ll find live music ranging from cover bands and DJs to local and regional acts. It’s the perfect spot for party bands and energetic college rock shows that go well into the night.
Puckett’s
Located in the Aquarium district, you’ll be surprised by quality performances at this restaurant.
Google Maps | Website | Concert Calendar | Open: Mon-Sun
Puckett’s might not be your typical music venue, but when it comes to local singer-songwriters, bluegrass, and country acts, it’s a great spot for a laid-back night of live tunes. As a family-friendly restaurant with live music, it offers a more casual experience—perfect for a weekend evening out with good food and great local talent.
Find more concerts in and around Chattanooga at our concert calendar.
