Incredible live music venues are one of the many reasons to love living in North Texas. We have everything from massive coliseums like American Airlines Center and AT&T Stadium to the smaller, more hip venues like Tulips in Fort Worth and Amplified Live in Dallas. Because of the proximity to Austin and the wide range of venue options, Dallas Fort Worth is a hot spot for top performers as well as lesser known acts with loyal followers.
Summer Concerts Are Heating Up
Enjoy the Stars Under the Stars
Summer amphitheater season wouldn't be complete without trips to both Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas and Toyota Music Factory in Irving. Both are excellent venues. Dos Equis is a large venue with tons of seating and a large general admission lawn. Free parking will put you in a good mood and the food and beverage choices are plentiful. The biggest drawback to this location is the summer heat. Despite the Big Ass Fans, concert goers really don't get a break from the heat until well after the sun goes down. Let's face it, you'll need a shower when you get home but this venue draws big names and if you're doing it right, that sweat was earned from all the dancing you did at the show.
Toyota Music Factory - Irving
Toyota Music Factory is a smaller version of the same set up with the added bonus of having the concession and merch areas indoors and air conditioned. Residents of the North Dallas suburbs like Flower Mound, Grapevine, and Highland Village love the ease of getting in and out and avoiding most of the heavy Dallas traffic. Additionally, the area right around Toyota Music Factory is full of restaurants and bars within walking distance for your pre and post-show festivities. Not to be overlooked is the fact that parking will set you back $20 and this venue has the highest service fees on their tickets and pretty outrageous concession prices. All in all, the customer service and cleanliness make this venue an awesome night out.
If you're willing to drive a few hours for an amazing amphitheater experience, head on down to New Braunfels and visit Whitewater Amphitheater. Nestled on the horseshoe bend of the Guadalupe River, this is an unparalleled outdoor music experience. Spend the day tubing on the river then cozy up with just a few thousand friends when the sun goes down and the music turns up. There are camping options nearby or hotels if you prefer a little more comfort. You will not regret making the drive!
Smaller Is Often Better
If it's air conditioning you seek, there are plenty of indoor venues in DFW that are sure to please. Deep Ellum does not disappoint with its various sized venues and party atmosphere. The Factory is an awesome place for all kinds of shows. The entire first floor is all general admission, standing room only while upstairs has some reserved seating. The bar is easily accessible and the high ceiling means you'll never feel claustrophobic. Parking in Deep Ellum can be a daunting task but The Factory does a great job of having parking attendants directing you to various paid parking areas.
For a much smaller and wilder ride, check out Trees. This historic spot has been host to Radiohead and Nirvana and so many other big names before they were big. You won't find Top 40 artists here so be ready to rock out to EDM or Rap artists. As much as we love Deep Ellum, we would be remiss if we didn't mention safety concerns. This area has, at times, seen its fair share of gun violence as well as theft. The city of Dallas has recently reinvested resources in the area to curb the danger but this is certainly not an area to go to alone.
Granada Theater - Lower Greenville
If Deep Ellum isn't your scene, head north to the Lower Greenville area for a stop at Granada Theater. Granada has a very interesting history dating back to 1946 when it opened as a movie theater. Now it's one of the best small music venues in town! This is a favorite spot for Dallas locals due its small size, tiered floor for exceptional viewing, and low ticket prices. The parking lot space is limited so head to the show early if you want to avoid street parking. You can enjoy dinner before the show right next door at Sundown at Granada. At select shows they give out wristbands for first in line privileges. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is great; they host their own small live music shows as well.
The Kessler - Bishop Arts District
If you want to be up close and personal with your favorite artists you can't beat The Kessler. The Kessler is even smaller and more intimate than Granada Theater and is located in the Bishop Arts District of Dallas. The bar area is very small and crowded but what you came for is the music right?! With a max capacity of around 500 you'll feel like you're at a concert in your living room. The main floor is mostly standing room only and the stage is only about 4ft from the floor so arrive early for the best spot.
The Majestic - Dallas
Keep it Cool Indoors
If you prefer air conditioning and a seat you'll want to make your way to The Majestic in downtown Dallas. Originally a Vaudeville theater opening in 1921, this place is oozing with charm. There is no general admission area so shows here are largely seated and the seats were made for folks in the 20's that didn't frequent fast food restaurants. You'll get to know your neighbors here because you'll be elbow to elbow with them. Parking here is pretty easy in but not always so easy out. The parking garage can get pretty backed up but the surface lots offer an easier way to get home at the end of the night. Concessions here are strange but charming. It seems odd to sit under a gorgeous chandelier and gilded decor while eating a frito pie but, we're here for it!
If you fancy cowtown instead of bright lights, big city, head over to Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. This relatively new area is clean as a whistle and there isn't a bad seat in the house. Customer service is awesome here and we can't complain about parking either. They draw some pretty big names for a relatively smaller arena so if American Airlines Center is too much for you, you might find Dickies to be just the ticket.
Are You Ready to Make Your Move and Find Your Groove in Dallas Fort Worth?
There are so many reasons to love calling Dallas Fort Worth home. The vibrant music scene here is just one of them. Whether you love going to the opera or the rodeo, a comedy show, a sporting event, or a good old rock and roll concert, you'll find what you're looking for here. Contact Berry Boyd Group today where Realtors, K.E. Boyd and Amy Berry are A Little Bit Luxury, A Little Bit Rock N Roll.
