Downtown Los Angeles boasts a vibrant music scene, offering a diverse range of venues catering to all tastes. From intimate jazz clubs to massive concert halls, there's a perfect spot for every music lover. This guide explores 17 of the best music venues in DTLA, ensuring your next concert experience is unforgettable.
Iconic Concert Halls & Theaters
These venues are known for their larger capacities and hosting major touring acts.
1. The Wiltern
- Genre Focus: Diverse - rock, pop, hip-hop, R&B
- Capacity: ~1,850
- Vibe: Historic and elegant, with beautiful art deco architecture. A true Los Angeles landmark. Often hosts high-profile acts.
- Why it's great: The Wiltern offers a classic concert experience with excellent acoustics and a sense of occasion.
2. The Hollywood Palladium
While technically in Hollywood, it's close enough to DTLA to include.
- Genre Focus: Diverse, but leans toward rock, pop, and electronic music.
- Capacity: ~4,000
- Vibe: Grand and spacious, with a rich history in music.
- Why it's great: Legendary venue that has hosted countless iconic artists over the years.
3. Microsoft Theater (formerly Nokia Theatre L.A. Live)
- Genre Focus: Extremely diverse – awards shows, concerts, boxing matches.
- Capacity: ~7,100
- Vibe: Modern and state-of-the-art, located in the heart of L.A. Live.
- Why it's great: A premium experience with excellent sightlines and amenities.
Intimate Clubs & Underground Spots
These smaller venues offer a more intimate and up-close-and-personal experience.
4. The Troubadour
- Genre Focus: Folk, rock, singer-songwriters
- Capacity: ~400
- Vibe: Historic, legendary club that has hosted some of the biggest names in music. Intimate and legendary.
- Why it's great: A legendary venue with a fantastic history and intimate atmosphere.
5. The Roxy Theatre
- Genre Focus: Rock, pop, punk, indie
- Capacity: ~500
- Vibe: Classic rock club with a gritty, underground feel.
- Why it's great: Great for discovering new artists and experiencing live music in an energetic setting.
6. The Peppermint Club
- Genre Focus: Jazz, funk, soul, R&B
- Capacity: ~300
- Vibe: Upscale, intimate club with a sophisticated atmosphere.
- Why it's great: Perfect for a night of live jazz or R&B in a stylish setting.
7. The Bootleg Theater
- Genre Focus: Indie rock, alternative, experimental
- Capacity: ~150
- Vibe: DIY, underground, alternative, and intimate.
- Why it's great: A great place to discover up-and-coming bands and experience unique musical performances.
Diverse Venues & Unique Experiences
These venues offer a range of genres and unique atmospheres.
8. Echoplex
- Genre Focus: Indie rock, electronic, hip-hop
- Capacity: ~450
- Vibe: Lively, energetic club with a vibrant atmosphere. Often hosts DJ sets alongside live music.
- Why it's great: A popular spot for seeing indie and electronic artists in an up close and personal setting.
9. The Regent Theater
- Genre Focus: Diverse – rock, pop, indie, electronic, comedy
- Capacity: ~1,100
- Vibe: Beautiful art deco theater with a grand feel. Slightly smaller than The Wiltern, making it feel more intimate for larger shows.
- Why it's great: Offers a balance between larger venue capacity and more intimate feel.
10. El Rey Theatre
- Genre Focus: Diverse, often showcasing rock, indie, and Latin artists.
- Capacity: ~700
- Vibe: Classic movie theater turned concert venue with great acoustics and a beautiful atmosphere.
- Why it's great: Historic venue with great sound in a beautiful setting.
11. Congregation Ale House
- Genre Focus: Primarily rock, but features diverse acts occasionally.
- Capacity: ~200
- Vibe: Relaxed, pub-like atmosphere, great for a casual night out with live music.
- Why it's great: Intimate, low-key setting where you can enjoy great beers while catching live music.
Expanding the DTLA Music Scene
These venues represent newer additions or places slightly outside the immediate downtown core but still easily accessible.
12. The Novo
- Genre Focus: Diverse – pop, R&B, electronic, hip-hop
- Capacity: ~2,300
- Vibe: Modern, state-of-the-art venue within L.A. LIVE.
- Why it's great: Excellent acoustics and a modern feel, often featuring big names.
13. 1720
- Genre Focus: Hip-hop, R&B, electronic
- Capacity: Varies greatly depending on setup.
- Vibe: Trendy, upscale lounge with a focus on curated events and performances.
- Why it's great: An excellent option for a more stylish and sophisticated experience.
14. The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
- Genre Focus: Highly varied – this unique outdoor space hosts all types of performances, including concerts.
- Capacity: Variable based on the event.
- Vibe: Atmospheric, historic outdoor venue with a beautiful setting.
- Why it's great: An unforgettable outdoor concert experience in a unique location.
15. The Fonda Theatre
- Genre Focus: Wide range, from indie rock and pop to hip-hop and electronic music.
- Capacity: ~1200
- Vibe: Classic Hollywood theater with great acoustics and a lively atmosphere.
- Why it's great: A solid mid-sized venue that feels intimate but can accommodate larger acts.
Jazz & Blues Clubs
These venues offer a more specialized musical experience.
16. Blue Whale
- Genre Focus: Jazz
- Capacity: ~100
- Vibe: Intimate, upscale club with a focus on high-quality jazz performances.
- Why it's great: A great place to experience the best of Los Angeles's jazz scene.
17. The Lincoln
- Genre Focus: Primarily jazz and blues.
- Capacity: ~150
- Vibe: Relaxed, comfortable setting great for enjoying intimate performances.
- Why it's great: A laid-back venue offering a consistent stream of talented musicians.
This list isn't exhaustive, but it offers a fantastic starting point for exploring the diverse and dynamic music scene in Downtown Los Angeles. Remember to check venue websites for schedules, ticket availability, and age restrictions before heading out for a show!
