Hear that? It’s the scintillating sound of Columbia’s live music venues beckoning you to a performance you’ll never forget.

The concert scene is truly unmatched in our area — from intimate jazz lounges to grand amphitheaters, there’s a stage for any type of tune. To get to know them all, you must do three things: Put your hands in the air, wave ‘em like you just don’t care, then lay your eyes (and ears) on our guide.

Arenas/Stadiums

Colonial Life Arena | 801 Lincoln St., Columbia

Capacity: 18,000
Description: Colonial Life Arena is a multi-purpose arena that serves as the home for Gamecock Basketball and hosts a variety of other events, including concerts, family shows, and other entertainment.

The Name-A-Seat campaign offers three tiers of donations. | Photo by Koger Center for the Arts

Concert Halls

Harbison Theatre | 7300 College St., Irmo

Capacity: 400
Description: Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College offers programming that encourages dialogue, educates, entertains, and enriches the Midlands community.

Koger Center for the Arts | 1051 Greene St., Columbia

Capacity: 2,256
Description: The Koger Center for the Arts is known for its acoustics, opera, and ballet productions. It serves as a cultural centerpiece for USC and the Cola community. Plus, the venue is now hosting concerts on the front lawn.

New Brookland Tavern | 632 Harden St., Columbia

Capacity: 300
Description: New Brookland Tavern is the oldest music club and tavern continuously operating in the Columbia area. It has been the cornerstone of the music scene in Columbia for over 20 years and offers a platform for new music and artists.

Newberry Opera House | 1201 McKibben St., Newberry

Capacity: 426
Description: A historic performing arts venue dating back to 1882, the Newberry Opera House hosts a wide range of events, from classical music and opera to comedy and contemporary concerts.

The Senate | 1022 Senate St., Columbia

Capacity: 1,200
Description: Located in the Vista, The Senate hosts nationally acclaimed acts of all genres and serves as Cola's primary mid-size venue.

Township Auditorium | 1703 Taylor St., Columbia

Capacity: 3,099
Description: The Township Auditorium is a historic venue that has been a part of Cola's culture since 1930. It hosts a variety of events, including concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical performances.

USC School of Music | 813 Assembly St., Columbia

Capacity: Varies by hall
Description: The USC School of Music offers various performance spaces, including the Koger Center for the Arts and the School of Music Recital Hall. These venues host student recitals, faculty performances, and guest artist concerts.

Nashville Nights happens every Friday starting June 2 through August 11. | Photo provided by Steel Hands Brewing

Outdoor Settings

Ice House Amphitheater | 107 W. Main St., Lexington

Capacity: 900
Description: Located in the heart of Lexington, the Ice House Amphitheater is a community gathering place that hosts various events, including concerts, festivals, and movies. The venue offers a family-friendly atmosphere and is a cornerstone for local entertainment.

Market on Main | 1320 Main St. #150, Columbia

Description: The outdoor stage features live music in front of the big screen, indoor and outdoor seating, a bar, and a one-of-a-kind outdoor venue in the shadow of the State House.

Palmetto Citizens Amphitheater | Center of Doko Meadows Park, Blythewood

Capacity: Ground-level seating for 2,000 people
Description: The Palmetto Citizens Amphitheater is an open-air, outdoor performing arts venue located in the center of Doko Meadows Park in Blythewood. The amphitheater features a large stage that is regularly used for concerts and festivals.

Savage Craft Ale Works | 430 Center St., West Columbia, SC

Description: In addition to the brews and food, Savage Craft also features a beer garden that frequently hosts both national and local live music acts on its outdoor stage.

Steel Hands Brewing | 2350 Foreman St., Cayce

Description: Steel Hands Brewing offers live music on their outdoor patio, inviting guests to set up lawn chairs and blankets in their beer garden. The venue hosts Nashville Nights every Friday during the summer, featuring Nashville singer/songwriters.

Intimate Spaces

The Aristocrat | 1001 Washington St., Columbia

Description: The Aristocrat is a cocktail bar in the Vista with a focus on live jazz music.

Chayz Lounge | 607 Meeting St., West Columbia

Description: Chayz Lounge is an intimate venue that offers an up-close experience with the finest local and national talents. The venue is designed for those who love jazz, soul, and R&B with events that consistently sell out.

GROW | 1340 Elmwood Ave., Columbia

Description: A grassroots arts and organizing space that hosts intimate concerts, open mics, and cultural events with a focus on local artistry and community connection.

The Joint at 1710 | 1710 Main St., Columbia

Description: Crafted after traditional Jazz Halls popular in the 1940s, The Joint at 1710 is set in the 1700 block in the Main Street District. The bands perform in the front window, so you can get a little preview that will draw you in.

Restaurants/Bars/Cafes

Art Bar | 1211 Park St., Columbia

Description: Art Bar is a 21+ bar that caters to Cola's alternative crowd. The Vista establishment offers a variety of entertainment options throughout the week. From live music on Saturday nights to open mic comedy and karaoke, Art Bar provides an eclectic mix of activities for Soda Citizens.

Breakers Live | 801 Harden St., Columbia

Description: Breakers is Five Points primary live music venues that caters to the college crowd. You'll see all kinds of live acts from country and rock to EDM and DJs.

Bill's Music Shop & Pickin' Parlor | 710 Meeting St., West Columbia, SC 29169

Description: Bill's Music Shop & Pickin' Parlor is a unique music venue that offers a cozy setting for live music, particularly bluegrass and acoustic shows. The venue also offers music lessons and has a shop for musical instruments. Bring your own instrument, many of the jam sessions are open.

Curiosity Coffee Bar | 2327 Main St., Columbia

Description: This North Main café regularly hosts live music, poetry nights, and community events in its cozy indoor space.

Foxfield Bar and Grille | 406 Howard St., Columbia

Description: Foxfield Bar and Grille is a dive bar located in the Rosewood neighborhood that regularly hosts live music in the backyard patio area.

Jake's Bar & Grill | 2112 Devine St., Columbia

Description: Jake's Bar & Grill hosts live music on the back deck and was voted "Most dog-friendly restaurant in Columbia." Fun fact: It was formerly home to Rockafella's, Columbia's premier music venue for nearly two decades.

Tin Roof | 1022 Senate St., Columbia

Description: Tin Roof is a live music joint where people can hang out, grab a drink, and enjoy music. You'll hear everything from country hits to national acts. Plus, you may run into a celebrity influencer like the Cornbread Cowboi.