Summary
Little Rock has a vibrant music scene that caters to various tastes, encompassing local bands and national tours. Ranging from intimate venues hosting emerging artists to larger locations featuring well-known acts, Little Rock’s music offerings provide something for every audiophile.
West End Smokehouse & Tavern
West End is highly regarded as one of the best bars in West Little Rock. Patrons rave about its delicious food, served until 2 AM every day, along with massive televisions and excellent pool tables. Live music typically fills the air on Friday and Saturday nights, featuring dance bands that create a fun and lively atmosphere. It’s especially bustling on band nights.
Age restriction: 21 and over only. Not smoke-free.
215 N Shackleford Rd
501-224-7665
Juanita’s
Juanita’s has established itself as a go-to venue for local, regional, and national performers for many years. With live music nearly every night, the crowd is diverse, featuring genres from blues to punk and everything in between. Patrons should check the calendar for upcoming performances.
The dining experience is moderately above average, and the venue is smoke-free, though it can become quite loud and crowded given its capacity of around 300.
614 President Clinton Ave
501-372-1228
Cajun’s Wharf
Cajun’s Wharf hosts live music on most nights, with their Thursday night deck parties being particularly popular. Featuring a range of live bands and dance music, the venue boasts multiple levels, allowing for quieter spots if desired. While the seafood was once famed as the best in the city, the emphasis has shifted to its vibrant atmosphere. The location by the Arkansas River makes it a worthwhile visit.
2400 Cantrell Rd
501-375-5351
Vino’s Brewpub
Vino’s offers a unique independent rocker vibe complemented by fresh pizza (with some claiming the calzones are the best in Arkansas) and craft beer. Although live music occurs on various nights, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays are the most consistent. With a crowd capacity of around 300, the lively atmosphere is a staple, and all ages are welcome in the smoke-free venue.
501-375-8466
Sticky Fingerz Rock and Roll Chicken Shack
Famous for its gourmet chicken fingers, Sticky Fingerz is well-located in the River Market, the heart of Little Rock’s nightlife. With live music from Tuesday through Saturday, the venue hosts bands across various genres, ranging from hip-hop to bluegrass.
501-372-7707
Revolution
Connected to the popular restaurant Rumba, the Revroom (or “Revolution”) is larger than Vino’s and Juanita’s, with a capacity of about 550. Various music performances occur on weekends and select weeknights, adding to its appeal with a prime location in the River Market.
501-823-0090
White Water Tavern
Founded by Larry “Goose” Garrison, White Water Tavern has a laid-back college crowd ambiance, making it an excellent place to relax and enjoy live music. The venue showcases a variety of musical acts, catering to diverse tastes.
501-375-8400
The Village Live
The Village is a transformed movie theater that serves as an all-ages music venue. While it features a wide variety of bands, it frequently showcases artists that appeal to the Alice 107.7 or Edge crowd.
501-570-0300
Downtown Music Hall and Record
Prominently known as “Little Rock’s true home of the underground,” this venue primarily operates on weekends, offering a full bar alongside its music events.
The Afterthought
If jazz and New Orleans-style music are to your liking, The Afterthought is a must-visit destination. Hosting live performances Monday through Saturday, it features an eclectic mix of jazz, blues, and rock, often highlighting regional and national bands, with a particular emphasis on jazz musicians.
501-663-1196
In summary, Little Rock’s music scene encompasses a wide range of options for music enthusiasts. From intimate bars to larger concert venues, the city attracts diverse musicians and genres, ensuring that there is always something to enjoy for everyone.
