Live Music in Saratoga County

Live music plays a major role in Saratoga County’s culture and nightlife, and local artists love to show off their talents at our city’s many venues. Read on to learn where you can catch a live show in Saratoga!

Live Music Bars

Bars are some of the best spots to experience live music in Saratoga, NY, and a night of pub-hopping will surely give you the chance to hear multiple bands and solo artists. 

At Spa City Tap & Barrel, guests can order one of their 32 draft beers or a craft cocktail and settle in for a show– Tap & Barrel’s lineup may include anything from rock covers to folk to jazz to EDM– on Friday and Saturday nights. Another bar for music lovers is Ice House Bar & Grill, a laidback spot that welcomes artists of all styles to jam out on their tented patio. For those looking for a lively nightlife experience, Vapor Nightclub offers an electric atmosphere with top DJs and dancing late into the night, making it a must-visit for anyone wanting to keep the party going.

Outdoor Music Venues

When the weather warms up, outdoor concerts become a vibrant staple in Saratoga, especially during racing season when the  Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill transforms into a popular summer attraction for track goers. Just around the corner from the Saratoga Race Course, this venue is renowned for its expansive outdoor tent, which is a favorite stage for local musicians. For those seeking excellent craft beer alongside a spacious patio and live music, Artisanal Brew Works is the perfect spot. Meanwhile, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) hosts large-scale outdoor performances with top-notch production, featuring acts like the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and award-winning musicians spanning genres from pop to rock. Don't forget to enjoy the free Summer Concert Series at Congress Park—just be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair to kick back and enjoy the music!

Intimate Concert Venues

Some Saratoga music venues are happy to exchange square footage for cozy vibes. For example, 9 Maple Ave is a charming jazz bar in a historic building dating back to the 19th century. At The Parting Glass Pub, you can catch live Irish music every week. If you happen to play an instrument and know your way around Irish tunes, they’ll happily welcome you to join in and share your talents with the crowd. But If you're looking to experience a venue that has showcased legends like Bob Dylan, Arlo Guthrie, and Ani DiFranco, look no further than Caffe Lena—the longest continuously operating folk music venue in the United States. This iconic spot still hosts fantastic artists regularly, making it a must-visit for music lovers.

Historic Music Halls

The Saratoga City Music Hall, located on the third floor of our historic City Hall, features a stage, cathedral ceilings, acoustically rich hardwood floors, and can seat up to 300 guests. Similarly, the Universal Preservation Hall was built in 1871, and recent renovations and upgrades have turned it into one of Saratoga’s most state-of-the-art venues where you can catch orchestras, bands, comedians, plays, and more!

Local Festivals & Music Events

Saratoga County loves its local festivals, and plenty of these events also feature live music. From the Mostly Modern Festival at Skidmore College (which showcases modern music of all types) to the Saratoga Jazz Festival at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, festivals in Saratoga cater to a broad group of music enthusiasts. 

 

Stay tuned to our events calendar for more information on seasonal music festivals and events!