While Austin is often referred to as “The Music Capital of Texas,” Houston’s music scene has been making a lot of noise and making its presence known – and for good reason. From smaller clubs to midsize venues, the Bayou City has it all and hosts all the top names. Here are some of the best places in Houston to see all your favorites and discover new acts to add to your Spotify playlists.

Revention Music Center
Revention Music Center has the feel of a large arena – it can handle crowds of 1,000+ – yet still feel intimate enough to host stand-up comics and other nonmusical acts. Its downtown location in the Bayou Place Complex makes it a fun night out with the surrounding bustling nightlife and prime location. 

House of Blues
Located in the heart of downtown Houston, House of Blues is one of the most popular music venues in the city attracting hot acts and music lovers alike. The multi-level music hall allows for concertgoers to choose between rockin’ out on the expansive lower level, or keepin’ it chill sitting down upstairs. 

Heights Theater 
This theater is the true embodiment of the Heights neighborhood: diverse, quirky and unique. The 1930’s era cinema has seen many changes but it’s charm has never dimmed. Shows range from dancing and rock ’n’ roll to classical and singer/songwriters. Located off of 19th, Heights Theater is surrounded by restaurants, shops and art galleries making it the perfect all-in-one date night excursion. 

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Don’t let its distance outside the city fool you, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is one of the best places to see a show in town. The amphitheater’s large capacity attracts some of the biggest names in music and tickets for the sprawling lawn are much time cheaper, and with better views, than you would get paying for nosebleed seats at Toyota Center.  

Warehouse Live
Warehouse Live is the music venue that doesn’t discriminate. Located in the ultra-hip EaDo district, this renovated warehouse features two stages – one large, one intimate – and features musical acts from alternative to rap to rock. With a packed schedule, it is the perfect location to spend a night and discover your new favorite band. 

White Oak Music Hall
The newest outdoor venue to take H-Town by storm has already hosted some of the top performers in the biz. With indoor and outdoor stages, White Oak offers spectacular views of downtown and the bayou as you hear you favorite artists play.  The area also includes the Raven Tower ice house. 

Fitzgerald’s
One of the oldest music venues in the city, Fitzgerald’s boasts a low-key vibe that is always a good time. This Height’s area hotspot has seen some of the best shows through the years and has two stages – one larger space upstairs and a smaller downstairs – behind its weathered wooden doors. 

Numbers
Ask any Houstonian and most likely they’ll have a story about a wild night at Numbers before they were old enough to purchase booze. Just off of Westheimer in Montrose, Numbers no-frills attitude have kept music fans coming back to hear rock and alternative bands for decades. Inside, the large dance floor keeps partygoers dancing with weekly DJ nights and parties.