Seeing live music is a great form of entertainment, and Vermont is a state full of fantastic live music venues. On any night of the week, you can find a place to hear some of Vermont’s best local bands live or go to a venue that hosts national touring acts. Vermont is a place with a lot of character, and it shows in their venues. There’s a deep rooted history of live music in Vermont, the state that spawned internationally acclaimed live act Phish, and a real sense of community. This will tell you all about the best venues to check out for live music in Vermont.
Nectar’s – Burlington, Vermont
Nectar’s is one of downtown Burlington’s best venues to see live music, and they’ve been around for years. Boasting live music almost everyday of the week (along with famous gravy fries), the venue features some of the area’s best live acts. There is a full bar and and as well as a dining area located in a room offset from the spacious dance floor. Nectar’s is a venue that makes seeing live music very affordable, most nights the music is free although sometimes they charge a five dollar cover.
Club Metronome – Burlington, Vermont
Club Metronome is located directly above Nectar’s and often holds special live music events and intimate performances from many amazing artists. The venue usually only offers 21+ shows, but the space is a great place for music.
Langdon Street Cafe – Montpelier, Vermont
Langdon Street is a very hip little cafe located in Vermont’s capitol, and features live music on a regular basis. The atmosphere is cozy with comfortable chairs and artwork displayed by people who live in the area. The space is very small and full of an assortment of people from all walks of life, brought together by great coffee and a love of live music. Bands usually play for donations, so it’s great place to see live music for cheap.
Higher Ground – So. Burlington, Vermont
Higher Ground is Vermont’s premier live music venue, featuring two rooms that host many nationally touring bands. The venue is split into the main ballroom and a smaller lounge, though both are fairly large rooms. One of best things about Higher Ground is that all the shows are all ages, allowing anyone a chance to see great music. This venue also offers some really good food. In my oppinion it is the best live music venue in Vermont.
Radiobean – Burlington, Vermont
Radiobean is an amazing down to earth coffeeshop that has great character. It’s the type of venue that features many regulars and offers new and interresting (though sometimes very unconventional) live music every day. This bohemian gem is very realxed and hosts a weekly open mic night, as well as a weekly live jazz night. During Vermont’s brutal winters Radiobean provides a warm and cozy atmosphere that attracts some of Burlington’s most interesting people. Any given night you can go down and be pleasantly surprised to hear an interesting new band.
The Monkey House – Winooski, Vermont
The Monkey House is another great bar type venue similar to Nectar’s with a very nice stage and in-house PA system. It’s a great place to hear some live music, have drinks and shoot some pool. The cover here is usually only five dollars and the music on the weekends is usually great.
Vermont is full of great little venues to see live music, but this list will get you on your way to seeing some quality bands.
