Energetic crowd lit up at a live concert.
Rock n’ roll, country, bluegrass, jazz, R&B, and hip hop—Marylanders have a diverse taste in music and here you will find something for everyone. In the summer, this may as well be the outdoor music capital of the world because the hardest choice you will make is which outdoor concert to go to on any given weekend. With many free or low-cost venues, listening to incredible bands is something you can do every weekend and not just some of the time. Here are some of the best music venues in Maryland and why we love them.
Rams Head Live!, Baltimore, MD
In Baltimore, head to Rams Head Live! and listen to incredible musicians from throughout the country. What makes Rams Head such an amazing location is that you feel as though you have the best seat in the house, no matter where you are standing. Nowhere else can you be so close to incredible artists like Kansas or Lauryn Hill. This intimate venue makes for an incredible experience and with the Power Plant right outdoors, you can keep the party going all night long.
Baltimore Soundstage, Baltimore, MD
Local and national bands play at the Baltimore Soundstage. With good sound quality, bar, and parking in the same building, it is an excellent venue to catch a show. You will find more quirky bands playing here so if you are after a unique or cutting edge sound, check out their calendar.
Ottobar, Baltimore, MD
If indie rock is your thing, head to the Ottobar. This is an awesome place to check out up and coming acts and DJs that keep the crowd moving. The sound is fantastic and the vibe is friendly but be warned that this is a locals-type place and not somewhere you want to go for a fancy date. Head to Ottobar if you want a cool and casual vibe, friendly bartenders, and an awesome show from a band you may be just finding out about.
Rams Head on Stage, Annapolis, MD
For great music in the state's capital call ahead to Rams Head on Stage. You get the same quality, service and excitement that you will find in Baltimore but the venue is more intimate and conveniently located for anyone not wanting to head into the city.
CFG Bank Arena, Baltimore, MD
This is your standard large-concert venue with bleachers and higher priced seating near the stage. Big-name groups come to CFG Bank Arena (Formerly Royal Farms Arena) so their lineup includes people like the queen of R&B, Mary J. Blige and a Christmas show with Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant. This is where you want to go to see your favorites and with plenty of parking, it is a convenient music venue in the heart of Baltimore.
An die Musik LIVE, Baltimore, MD
For a 100 percent, unique experience where it is all about incredible music, go to An die Musik Live. This is a listening room located in a Baltimore townhouse so you are truly up close and personal with the musicians. If you love jazz or are looking for an unmatched musical experience, this is where you want to be.
Live Casino & Hotel Maryland, Hanover, MD
Where else can you roll the dice, dance till your heart’s content, catch a live show and stay the night? Only at Live Casino & Hotel Maryland! This is an incredible music venue because there are only 400 seats, making it a fun, energetic, yet intimate venue. Plus, there’s a show every night so you can always catch an act.
Hard Rock Café, Baltimore, MD
Anyone who knows the Hard Rock, knows that you are always going to catch a show, no matter what day it is. With good burgers and brews, you can’t beat this fun musical destination for a last-minute night out or as a place to bring your visiting family. It’s a dependably fun venue and always there when you need a show.
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, College Park, MD
Head to College Park to hear music performances by the University of Maryland Orchestra and other performing arts groups. This is an excellent venue to listen to classical music and to see interesting performance art delivered by talented local students.
The Horse You Came in On Saloon, Baltimore, MD
Country music every night? Check. Historic bar? Check. Lots of fun? Triple check. If you love you some country, then head to The Horse You Came in On Saloon in Baltimore. This is an old-school country bar with live music nightly, cheap drinks, and good pub food. They even have a dance floor so you can grab your date and dance the night away. Plus, their claim to fame is that they are the oldest saloon in America since they were established in 1775. That’s pretty cool.
You are always going to have a fun time if you're listening to music in Baltimore or anywhere in Maryland. Regardless of whether you check out one of these year-round indoor venues or you're catching a summer concert in the park, this is a state that is full of talented musicians and people that love to listen.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Rams Head Live! in Baltimore offers a close-up concert experience with big-name acts like Kansas and Lauryn Hill. Its layout ensures great views from anywhere, and its location is by Power Plant Live! This means the party can keep going after the show.
- Baltimore Soundstage is known for its mix of local and touring artists. It has solid acoustics and convenient parking. Expect a lineup of unique, genre-bending performers in a casual setting.
- Ottobar, also in Baltimore, is the spot for indie rock, DJs, and underground acts. With great sound and a laid-back vibe, it's a favorite among locals looking for something fresh and offbeat.
- Rams Head on Stage in Annapolis is a smaller, more intimate version of its Baltimore counterpart. Known for its cozy setting and strong acoustics, it's ideal for catching live music without heading into the city.
- CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore (formerly Royal Farms Arena) hosts major national tours and arena-sized acts like Mary J. Blige. With a large seating capacity and plenty of parking, it's the go-to for big events.
- An die Musik LIVE is a small, jazz-focused listening room in a Baltimore townhouse. With no distractions, it offers a pure, intimate musical experience for fans of jazz and classical sounds.
- Live Casino & Hotel Maryland in Hanover combines nightlife and music. With only 400 seats, it's an energetic yet intimate venue where there's always something on the calendar.
- Hard Rock Café in Baltimore delivers reliable live music daily, with burgers, drinks, and a tourist-friendly vibe. Great for spontaneous nights out or visitors looking for something lively.
- The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center in College Park showcases student and professional classical music performances. It's a top pick for orchestra, jazz, and creative performance art fans.
- The Horse You Came in On Saloon in Baltimore is a historic bar with nightly live country music, a dance floor, and a casual, lively atmosphere. Established in 1775, it's one of America's oldest continuously operating saloons.
