Where to Experience Live Music in Spartanburg
Music seems to be one of the most powerful forces in our day to day lives—it can make us feel happy, sad, empowered, or even help convey difficult-to-explain emotions to another person. And when we experience music live, all those emotions seem to multiply.
Today we’re showcasing some of the places you can experience live music in Spartanburg County, from dedicated venues to special events to casual tunes and bites at local restaurants.
Dedicated Live Music Venues in Spartanburg
The Chapman Cultural Center: 200 E St John St, Spartanburg, SC
Home to several Spartanburg County arts organizations, Chapman hosts performances by the Spartanburg Youth Theatre, the Spartanburg Little Theatre, and the Spartanburg Philharmonic. A 65-member professional orchestra, Spartanburg Philharmonic was founded in 1928 to connect the county to music and music history across the region. Spartanburg Philharmonic offers three music series: Zimmerli (full symphony concerts), Espresso (chamber music), and Bluegrass. Performances are held in Spartanburg’s historic 1489-seat Twichell Auditorium in Zimmerli Performance Center at Converse University, and at the Chapman Cultural Center’s 476-seat Theater.
Ground Zero: 3052 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC
If you live by the mantra, “Go hard or go home,” Ground Zero is for you. With capacity for only 200-300 people, you can see your favorite local and national punk, metal, indie, and hip-hop artists in an intimate setting.
The Music Camp: 190 Childress Road, Spartanburg, SC
For those who love the music festival scene, this 55 acre joint outdoor music venue and campgrounds hosts local and regional acts on beautiful grounds which are lush with trees along the Pacolet riverbanks.
Blues Boulevard: 99 S. Church St., Spartanburg, SC
Here the sounds of smooth jazz envelop you like your favorite blanket. This cozy, underground establishment is adorned with local art and has achieved the perfect atmospheric balance of unwaveringly-welcoming-yet-seemingly-exclusive.
Plum Hollow Farm: 5015 Rainbow Lake Road, Campobello, SC
This 50 acre farm hosts the Plum Hollow Alternative Bluegrass Festival every May and the Moonshiners Reunion & Mountain Music Festival every October. These biannual events include jam sessions, so be sure to bring your instrument of choice so you can play along.
Local Outdoor Music Events
Music on Main: Morgan Square, Downtown Spartanburg
This weekly live music event brings the community together right in the heart of Downtown Spartanburg to remind everyone that it’s okay to unwind, sing, dance, and just enjoy life for a while. Actually it’s better than okay—it’s encouraged!
Bars and Restaurants with Live Music
Delaney’s Irish Pub: 117 W. Main St., Spartanburg, SC
Not only will you find a full menu of all your favorite Irish food and drinks here, but 4 nights per week you’ll also find local bands playing country, blues, rock, and Americana songs you can’t help but tap your foot to.
FR8yard: 125 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC
More than just South Carolina’s first fully outdoor biergarten, this family-friendly, dog-friendly, community gathering spot has an events calendar that posts both simple sets by local musicians and mini music festivals.
Main Street Pub: 252 W. Main St, Spartanburg, SC
Between the live bands, local DJs, and karaoke performances from groups who also perform at the local theatre, the music scene (and drink menu) at the Main Street Pub can satisfy young professionals and free-spirited artists alike.
Nu-Way Restaurant & Lounge: 373 E. Kennedy St., Spartanburg, SC
Spartanburg’s oldest bar also serves as one of Spartanburg’s best music venues. Here you’ll find local and regional favorites setting up wherever they can fit, because having no formal stage adds to the charm of the Nu-Way. Come for the Redneck Cheeseburger, stay for a set; this is a must-visit venue for dedicated music-lovers.
Rockers Brewing Co.: 226-A W. Main St., Spartanburg, SC
Enjoy music on the loading dock every Thursday-Saturday as you tour Spartanburg’s first craft brewery, famous for its Son of a Peach signature beer.
The Peddler: 149 W. Main St., Spartanburg, SC
When a steakhouse is blessed with killer acoustics, it simply has to have live music—and such is the case at The Peddler Steakhouse. Spartanburg’s Peddler serves up succulent steaks 6 nights a week, but the extra side of soft, soothing live music is usually only available on Wednesdays.
Where are your favorite places to catch live music in Spartanburg county? Share all your favorite venues or other must-visit attractions with #OneSpartanburg for a chance to have your photos featured on our social media accounts (and obviously follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest if you don’t already)!
