9 Best Live Music Venues in Connecticut!
Connecticut has been home to several historic concerts throughout its history. A secret show from the Rolling Stones in New Haven? You got it. The Doors? They were here in their prime. Today, large venues and small clubs alike attract both national talent and local gems. No matter your music taste, one of these cool music venues will surely host an upcoming concert you’d like to see.
Toad’s Place, New Haven, CT
Toad's Place celebrated its 40th year in 2015 as one of New Haven's best places for live music. Located near the Yale campus in the heart of downtown New Haven's nightlife, Toad's place is naturally a popular spot. But more than just drinks and a good time, you can expect music that matters here. The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Snoop Dogg have all graced the stage after making it big, while Macklemore, U2, and Iggy Azalea were once known locally as "that act at Toad's last week." You can count on a good time here!
Fairfield Theatre Company, Fairfield, CT
To see some of the biggest acts in music, in a space with unmatched acoustics, you must stop into one (or both) of FTC’s excellent stages. There is the smaller, more intimate StageOne that has hosted the likes of Vanessa Carlton. And there is the more spacious Warehouse that has featured legendary groups like Tom Tom Club and the Misfits. There’s not a bad seat in the house.
Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, CT
This mega center for gambling, owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, is an excellent venue to see A-list performers as well as lesser-known musicians and musical groups. Within Foxwoods, there are no less than 10 venues that hold a variety of shows. Music genres include class rock, rock, pop, country, jazz, rap, and more. Their schedule is always packed, so be sure to check out their website for tickets and pricing.
Toyota Oakdale Theater, Wallingford, CT
In addition to live concerts, the Toyota Oakdale Theater (formerly Oakdale Theater) hosts musicals and live shows for children. This 4,600-seat theater originally opened its doors in 1954 as a much smaller venue. Recently, they have featured artists including Steely Dan, The Moody Blues, Hall & Oats, Lana Del Ray, and more. They have also featured internationally-renowned musicians at the start of their career such as Lady Antebellum and Britney Spears, so you never know who you’ll discover at the Toyota Oakdale Theater.
Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
A gambling mecca in Connecticut, Mohegan Sun Casino, owned by the Mohegan Tribe, also features live concerts at their arena. If you are looking for a fun budget option, the Wolf Den hosts free musical performances by a range of bands. Note that you do need to be 21 or older and show a valid ID to enter this area (it is located in a gambling section.) In addition to the Wolf Den, there is the Mohegan Sun Arena, which gets big name artists such as Keith Urban, Stevie Nicks, and Ariana Grande.
Webster Theater, Hartford, CT
The Webster Theater is a former movie theater that has since been restored and now holds numerous concerts. They feature music from every genre and have a small dance floor in the former orchestra section. From reggae shows to giant foam dance parties, their schedule is always full. Do be sure to check frequently for updates.
Xfinity Theatre, Hartford, CT
Xfinity Theatre, formerly known as The Meadows, is a large outdoor and indoor venue that shuts down over the winter. Xfinity Theatre features big name artists such as Disturbed, Pitbull, and Blink 182, and often holds festivals. During concerts, the grassy area, which acts as a seating area, turns into a massive dance party. For big shows, you’ll find everyone sprawled out on the lawn relaxing and enjoying the music.
Infinity Music Hall, Norfolk, CT
Infinity Music Hall is in a former opera building from 1883 and is a small concert venue and bistro. The building has been recently renovated and restored to feature a beautiful, curved stage and a ceiling with exposed beams that are painted green (to match the exterior of the building). The walls and ceilings are made from warm-toned wood and chandeliers dangle from the ceiling lending to an intimate feeling. There is also a location in Hartford.
College Street Music Hall, New Haven, CT
With a huge selection of musical genres, College Street Music Hall is sure to have a concert for everyone. Located on the New Haven site that once held the Palace Theatre and Roger Sherman Theatre, the venue opened as College Street Music Hall in 2015. As the Palace Theatre, the venue hosted talent such as B.B. King, Sonic Youth and Run-DMC. The venue can fit up to 2,000 people depending on if the show is strictly seated or if standing room is allowed. Concerts can also be enjoyed by all ages unless otherwise noted as 21 and over. The venue has already hosted talented groups like Beach House and comedians such as Fred Armisen.
