Hear that? It’s the scintillating sound of San Jose’s live music venues beckoning you to a performance you’ll never forget.
The concert scene is truly unmatched in our area — from the large SAP Center to the intimate Break Room, there’s a stage for any type of tune. Get to know them all with our local guide.
Arenas/stadiums
SAP Center | 525 W. Santa Clara St. | This 18,000-capacity venue is the official home of the Sharks, but hosts ~100 other events annually including ice skating shows, sporting events, big stand-up comedy tours, and live music. Peep the 2025 schedule.
Levi’s Stadium | 4900 Marie P. DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara | As the official venue of the San Francisco 49ers since 2014, this stadium boasts ~68,500 seats and 80+ concession stands. It has been the big stage for big acts like Taylor Swift + Beyonce. In 2025, it has hosted acts like Metallica and Morgan Wallen.
Concert halls
San Jose Civic | 135 W. San Carlos St. | Since its original opening in 1936, this small but mighty 2,850-capacity venue has hosted music legends, political figures, boxing matches, symphonies, and more. Fun fact: The Who had their first headlining US tour here in 1968 — who knew?
The Ritz | 400 S. First St. | Hosting everything from emo ragers to throwback nights and themed dance parties, this venue in the SoFA District holds an interesting history — and between 375 and 500 fans. Enjoy a full bar inside and an eclectic lineup of music acts Thursdays through Saturdays — shows are 21+.
San Jose Center for Performing Arts | 255 S. Almaden Blvd. | Originally opened in 1972 by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, the 2,677-seat theater boasts stunning circular walkways and high, vaulted glass windows. Whether you’re seeing a fabulous Broadway production or a concert the multi-level seating ensures you’ll always have a great view of the stage.
California Theatre | 325 S. First St. | Walk into 1,122-capacity this theater and be transported into the 1920s. With its twinkling marquee, ornate details, and expansive halls, the building is considered to be one of the best-preserved examples of 1920s-era motion picture houses in the US. It is the official home of Opera San Jose.
Outdoors
Shoreline Amphitheatre | One Amphitheatre Pkwy., Mountain View | Just up 101 is this open-air venue with both lawn + premium seating for 22,000 fans. The amphitheater plays host to ~30 major music events every summer, like that time in 2023 when Jonas Brothers and Post Malone hit the stage. The 2025 lineup includes Dave Matthews Band, Thomas Rett, and Matt Rife.
The Mountain Winery in Saratoga rocks, especially during the summertime.
Photo via The Mountain Winery
The Mountain Winery | 14831 Pierce Rd., Saratoga | This historic vineyard opened its Concert Bowl in 1958, and since then, has seen performances from legends like Diana Ross, Willie Nelson, and Ray Charles. The 2,500-seat venue hosts a Summer Concert Series annually.
Experience an eclectic lineup of artists at Art Boutiki’s Music Hall.
Photo via @chaekate
Restaurants + bars
SLG Art Boutiki & Gallery | 44 Race St. | Comic books, records, apparel, kickin’ live shows, and events make this spot unforgettable. Filled with ti leaves, tiki statues, a cafe, and bright art + paint, this venue hosts weekly drink ‘n’ draws, open mics, and jazz shows.
San Pedro Square Market | 87 N. San Pedro St. | Listen to live music almost every day from local bands in San Pedro Square Market’s back patio or inside the Three Sisters Bar. This casual venue allows you to grab a drink and a bite from its 20+ food vendors, and kick back to local tunes.
Caravan Lounge | 98 Almaden Ave. | One of San Jose’s oldest live music venues, this dive bar features black painted walls, brick, and bright neon signs. The gruff exterior belies an atmosphere of warmth and community, and one of the most intimate concert venues in town for 88 patrons.
The Back Bar SoFa | 418 S. Market St. | This 130-capacity dive bar took over the former Cactus Club in 2003, and hosts themed parties, music nights, and local musicians and bands. Its club atmosphere is amplified with state-of-the-art LED light displays and dance floors; shows are 21+.
Intimate spaces
Hammer Theatre Center | 101 Paseo de Antonio | Named after former San Jose Mayor Susan Hammer and her husband Phil Hammer, San Jose State University took over this venue and reopened it in 2016. Today, it’s SJSU’s premier performing arts center showcasing student, local, and international talent to an audience of 520.
SJZ Break Room | 310 S. First St. | Opened in 2020, this is San Jose Jazz’s first official venue that has welcomed more than 80 local artists since its conception. Weekend shows feature both up-and-coming and award-winning musicians from across the country — snag tickets fast, as this spot holds just 100 people.
Montgomery Theater | 217 S. Market St. | This stage is home to many musicals throughout the year, plus tribute concert experiences dedicated to legends like The Beatles, Elvis, and ABBA.
Festivals
San Jose Jazz Festivals | Locations vary | The local jazz organization hosts seasonal festivals (Winter Fest, Summer Fest, New Works Fest) that showcase the best and up-and-coming artists in blues, R&B, soul, electronic, and more. Its New Works Fest aims to showcase rising musicians commission by San Jose Jazz’s Jazz Aid Fund.
Music in the Park | Plaza de Cesar Chavez | Held June-September, this festival has rocked downtown San Jose since 1989, bringing high-profile artists to the park including Maroon 5, Neon Trees, The Wailers, and CeeLo Green. Along with music, festival goers can also enjoy local vendors, beer + wine, and food trucks. The Psychedelic Furs headlined in July 2025 with special guest Rooney.
Fountain Blues & Brews Festival | Plaza de Cesar Chavez | The Bay Area’s longest-running blues festival was started in 1981 from San Jose State’s Associated Students organization’s desire to put on a free festival for students. Today, it has grown to welcome 2,500+ attendees — typically in June — and offer vintage games, craft beer, Southern cuisine, and of course, great tunes.
Pacific Feats Festival | Plaza de Cesar Chavez | This summertime festival is fairly new to the Silicon Valley, but presents two days of Pacific Island beats, merchandise, food, dance, CBD, nonprofits, and more. Past events have featured artists Sammy Johnson, Common Kings, and Maoli.
Did we miss your favorite live music venue in SJ? Drop us a line and let us know about it — we love the sound of your suggestions.
