Live music venues are a must for Orange County. The culturally diverse area has churned out unforgettable musical acts and entire genres of new music, and surf rock sounds from legends like Dick Dale and the Beach Boys gave new life to the Orange County surf scene.
In the 1970s, the punk movement birthed iconic bands like Agent Orange, The Vandals, and Social Distortion. The 1990s gave us the Offspring and No Doubt. Recent success stories like Avenged Sevenfold from Huntington Beach prove that Orange County is still a musical powerhouse.
Whether you’re looking to catch some of the local acts or headlining tours, Orange County live music venues can help you get your next concert fix.
Here are the live music venues in Orange County plus the many restaurants and bars that feature live music.
The Observatory and The Constellation Room Orange County
This small-scale venue with stellar sound is the perfect place to see both big names and up-and-comers and there isn’t a bad view in the house. Originally this location was the Galaxy Concert Theatre, but a 2011 renovation transformed it into a two-room live-show powerhouse.
The calendar features performances from varying genres including DJ’s, EDM, indie bands and more well-known acts like the Dickies, The Distillers, KRS-One, Wiz Khalifa, and MGMT. Panic! At the Disco performed two sold out pop up shows here with just two days’ notice, so keep an eye on the calendar.
The Observatory features the main stage for bigger shows with a bar, a few tables available for reservation in the rear of the venue, and stadium-style seating. The remaining area is standing room only and a second level offers an aerial view. The Constellation Room is a smaller, more intimate setting and no permanent seating. Check the website for venue information and upcoming events.
Address: 3503 South Harbor Boulevard, Santa Ana
Directions: Exit I-405 at Harbor Blvd. From the North, exit Harbor an turn left, then make a right at West Lake Center Drive. From the South, exit Harbor an turn right, then make a right at West Lake Center Drive. The Observatory will be on your left.
Parking: Signs for Observatory Parking will be visible from West Lake Center Drive. Parking is $10, credit or debit only. There are a few streets within walking distance that allow parking, but it is not recommended to park in other surrounding parking lots that are not designated for Observatory Parking.
House of Blues
The House of Blues is an old standard. If you haven’t been…Go. Voted Best Live Music Venue, there are several performance spaces in a single destination here so multiple shows and events often take place at the same time, and the restaurant kicks out delicious dishes until the lights go down.
The House of Blues calendar consistently features a must-see lineup of incredible talent including ZZ Top, Blue October, Blackalicious, Jonny Lang, and Santana.
The Foundation Room’s lounge-like setting hosts pre-show parties, Local Vocals events, Hip-Hop Nights and exclusive Foundation Room VIP Club Member events. The Parish is set up for intimate performances and private events. The HOB Music Hall is a larger space to showcase the biggest concerts in the house. Here you’ll find two floors with multiple bars, VIP boxes, mezzanine seating, and a state-of-the-art sound system for the ultimate live music experience.
HOB offers daily happy hour during the week, karaoke with a live band, and the World Famous Gospel Brunch on select Sundays. Check the House of Blues Anaheim at GardenWalk website for upcoming events.
Address: 400 West Disney Way #337, Anaheim
Parking: Parking is easy here. There are two entrances to the GardenWalk self-parking structure, one on Disney Way and one on Katella. You can get your ticket validated for 3 hours as a HOB guest, and parking is $3 per hour after that.
The Outpost
The newest live entertainment venue in Orange County, The Outpost is located in San Juan Capistrano at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park. The new outdoor venue hosts concerts, festivals, sports, corporate parties, and all kinds of live events in the beautiful park setting. Great local food vendors, full bar available, and games & activities at every event. Since opening, The Outpost has hosted a variety of events including Missionfest and Winterscape Festival of Trees, and upcoming headliners include Nelly, Jon Pardi, and Walker Hayes.
The unique characteristics of The Outpost provide natural amenities like an elevated VIP lounge and an expansive area for games and activities. The soft summer ocean breezes and surrounding rolling hills create a scenic landscape and they’re ideal for the acoustics.
The flexible venue can accommodate a myriad of event sizes, from 1,000 to 10,000 person capacity.
Historic downtown San Juan Capistrano is just minutes away with a variety of restaurants and a vibrant night life for post-concert parties and gatherings.
There are more than 1000 parking spaces on site. However, the proximity to the local residential communities makes it a close and convenient destination for ride services.
Address: 30753 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano
Parking: You can enter the parking lot for the Riding Park/Outpost just south of Ortega Highway, off La Pata Road. Want to guarantee yourself a parking spot? Parking passes can be purchased online in advance until one day before the event and any available spots will be first come first serve.
Pacific Amphitheater at the OC Fair & Event Center
Every summer, the Pacific Amphitheatre at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa kicks off their summer concert series around the 4th of July.
Opened in July 1983, Barry Manilow was the first to perform on stage here. The Pacific Amphitheater is surprisingly large, with seating for over 8,000 concert-goers. In comparison, the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles seats just under 6,000.
Past Summer Series’ have been packed full of legendary performers, including comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short. Most performances take place during the annual Orange County Fair. Musical guests offer something for everyone with sounds from classic rock to country to reggae. Big names that have passed through Pacific Amp include the Psychedelic Furs, Rebelution, the Pacific Symphony, El Fantasma, Rick Springfield, Frankie Valli, Kool & The Gang, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Willie Nelson, Brett Eldredge, and Hunter Hayes.
The Summer Concert Series runs from July 4th (Includes fireworks during the show) through late August. Check the events calendar to order tickets to a hot summer show.
Address: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Directions: The 5, 22, 73, 91, and 405, all connect to the 55 South Newport Freeway. From 55 south, exit Del Mar/Fair Drive.
Parking: Signs for parking will be visible from Fair Drive and Fairview. Follow posted directions for entry. For easiest access to Pacific Amphitheater, enter through the Green, Yellow, or Blue gates. If parking is full, you will be directed to offsite parking. Offsite parking
Five Point Amphitheatre
It was a sad day in Orange County when the iconic outdoor music venue Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre (also known as Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre) closed in the Fall of 2016 after 35 years.
The legendary venue hosted festivals like Lollapalooza and KROQ’s Weenie Roast. Everyone from The Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan to No Doubt and The Dave Matthews Band graced the stage. Gwen Stefani and Young the Giant closed out farewell season on October 30, 2016 with plans for developers to demolish the site to build more housing. Sigh.
A new venue is now upon us: The Five Point Amphitheatre, located near the Great Park in Irvine. The new Amphitheatre has 6,500 fold down seats, plus room for up to 5,500 more in lawn areas. The inaugural event calendar shaped up nicely to include performances from Poison, Chicago and REO Speedwagon, Kevin Hart, Slightly Stoopid, Pentatonix, Counting Crows, Lady Antebellum, Rob Zombie, Rascal Flatts, and many more.
Time will tell if Five Point will become the icon that Irvine Meadows is, but having a large scale live music venue in Orange County gives us hope, and we’re thankful we didn’t have to wait too long for the doors to open. Check the concert calendar to see what’s happening.
Address: 14800 Chinon Avenue, Irvine
Find Directions and Parking information for Five Point Amphitheater here.
Garden Amp OC
Garden Amp is located on Main Street in Garden Grove, next to Village Green Park. The all-ages, open-air multipurpose venue features a 600-seat amphitheater and a space called the Locker Room that accommodates 150.
Garden Amp was voted best venue for live music for OC Weekly’s Best Of issue in 2018. The venue hosts a variety of concerts and events like The Swap, and 80’s and 90’s tribute shows. Warpedpalooza: 90s vs. Y2K, Through The Roots, and Nothing Fest are a few of the events held here. Popular artists like Strung Out and Stephen Marley also take the stage here.
Address: 12762 Main Street, Garden Grove
Parking: Parking here is free! There is a small parking lot and plenty of street parking.
Doll Hut
The World Famous Doll Hut in Anaheim is a legend in the Orange County Music scene. The bar and music venue is over 100 years old and was originally a private residence turned truckstop café on the side of the 5 freeway.
While a variety of genres have graced the Doll Hut stage, it is primarily a punk scene and is sometimes called the West Coast CBGB. You might see TSOL play if you can get inside the 89-person capacity venue where loud music and the smell of beer permeate the air. They even host a Punk Rock Karaoke night.
The small venue has been owned by Linda Jemison (former) and Mike (Big Mac) McGarvey (current) and features live music and plenty of beer seven days a week.
Address: 107 S. Adams Street, Anaheim
Parking: Parking is free. There is a small lot nearby with limited parking and plenty of street parking.
City National Grove
This indoor live music and event venue is located in Anaheim’s Platinum Triangle right next to Angel Stadium. The Grove, as many call it, was built in 1998, and got off to a seemingly slow start. In more recent years, more events and bigger names have passed through to take the stage.
The 1,700 seat venue has welcomed Prince, Stevie Nicks, Merle Haggard, and many more. The venue hosts more than 250 performances and events every year featuring live comedy, family shows, and touring Broadway productions like Rent, in addition to concerts.
The City National Grove has been ranked consistently as a Top 10 Stop in North America and if you haven’t seen a show here yet, it’s worth checking out this more-intimate indoor venue.
Address: 2200 East Katella Avenue, Anaheim
Parking: City National Grove has a large parking lot with plenty of parking that opens an hour before door time. General parking is $20 per vehicle, payable via credit card.
Directions: Coming from the south/beach cities: Take I-5 North to the 57 North and exit Katella Avenue. Turn left onto East Katella and left onto Stadium Crossing.
Coming from the north (LAX area): Take 405 South to the 22East. Exit The City Drive and keep left at the fork. Turn left on The City Drive, right onto E Katella, and right on Stadium Crossing.
Coming from downtown LA: Take 605 south to 91 East to I-5 towards Santa Ana. Exit Katella. Turn Right onto East Katella, and right on Stadium Crossing.
Coming from San Bernardino: Take I-215 South to 91 West to 57 towards Santa Ana/Pomona. Exit Katella, turn right on E Katella and Left on Stadium Crossing.
Coming from Palm Springs: Take 10-W to 60 W/I-215N. Take 91/I-215 North exit towards Beach Cities. Take 91-west to 57 south and exit Katella. Turn right on E Katella and left onto Stadium Crossing.
Honda Center
While the Honda Center is most well-known as being the home of the Anaheim Ducks, historically it has been one of the primary live concert venues in Orange County.
Many major headlining tours hit the Honda Center on the way through California with big names like The Weekend, James Taylor, and Michael Bublé scheduled to take the stage. Past performances at the Honda Center include the always sold-out KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas, The Rolling Stones, The Killers, Post Malone, Jimmy Buffet, Eric Clapton, and the Jonas Brothers.
This indoor venue seats over 18,000 fans for concerts so check your seating charts to get good seats. Like many large venues, the seats at the top provide a very distant view, but if your favorite band is in town, it’s worth the experience.
Address: 2695 East Katella, Anaheim, CA
Parking: There are multiple lots for parking here. Entry to all parking will be through Gate 3 and can be accessed from Douglass Road. General parking is $20-$25 per vehicle depending on the event.
Directions:
FROM 5 SOUTH BOUND
- Exit Disney Way
- Turn left on Disney Way
- Turn left on Anaheim Blvd
- Turn right on Cerritos Ave
- Merge right onto Douglass Rd (Cerritos curves into Douglass)
FROM 5 NORTH BOUND
- Merge onto 57 North
- Exit Ball Rd
- Turn left on Ball Rd
- Turn left on Sunkist St
- Turn left on Cerritos Ave
- Merge right onto Douglass Rd (Cerritos curves into Douglass)
FROM 57 NORTH BOUND
- Exit Ball Rd
- Turn left on Ball Rd
- Turn left on Sunkist St
- Turn left on Cerritos Ave
- Merge right onto Douglass Rd (Cerritos curves into Douglass)
FROM 57 SOUTH BOUND
- Exit Ball Rd
- Turn right on Ball Rd
- Turn left on Sunkist St
- Turn left on Cerritos Ave
- Merge right onto Douglass Rd (Cerritos curves into Douglass)
The Coach House
The Coach House is a legendary music venue located in San Juan Capistrano. The Coach House has served as a launching platform for the careers of many aspiring artists and a home for those who are well established in the music industry. Noteworthy performances include B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Chris Isaak, Tori Amos, Tom Jones and the Black Crowes, to name a few.
Address: 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
Directions:
From the 5 South: Exit Camino Capistrano and turn left at the bottom of the ramp. Follow Camino Capistrano south approximately 1/2 mile. Just before the first stoplight, Coach House will be on the right hand side in the Esplanade Center located behind the San Juan Tire Center.
From the 5 North: Exit Camino Capistrano and make your first three left turns to get on Camino Capistrano. Follow it south approximately 1/2 mile. Just before the stoplight, Coach House will be on the right hand side in the Esplanade Center behind the San Juan Tire Center.
Check out these 24 hour restaurants after the show is over.
Anaheim Packing District
The Anaheim Packing House and MAKE both have small stage live musical performances on a regular basis featuring local musicians from a variety of genres. Check the calendar to see who’s playing.
Mission San Juan Capistrano Music Under the Stars
Music Under the Stars is a unique experience at teh historic mission featuring Saturday night summer concerts themed around a particular genre of music.
Restaurants and Bars With Live Music
In addition to the large-scale music venues, many bars and restaurants in OC also feature live music from local and travelling bands and musicians. Here are many Orange County locations to check out:
Aliso Viejo Live Music
Stadium Brewing Company (26731 Aliso Creek Road # C, Aliso Viejo, CA): Stadium Brewing Company hosts concerts, live music and cover bands for a wide range of genres.
Anaheim Live Music
Anaheim Packing District (440 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805): There are several venues to watch an evolving lineup of live music: Anaheim Packing House, MAKE Building, Sacred Junk Bar, Pali Wine Co., The Stuffed Potato.
Chain Reaction (1652 W. Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802): Small music venue for local bands, tribute shows, and up and comers.
Juke Joint (735 N. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805): One of Anaheim’s oldest original bars, Juke Joint is open seven days a week, 365 days a year with over 50 beers on tap and live music on stage. Must be 21 and over here.
The Fifth Rooftop Restaurant & Bar (1650 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802): Located at the Grand Legacy At The Park you can enjoy live music on the rooftop while watching the Disneyland fireworks. There is a wide variety of music depending on the schedule.
The Ranch Saloon (1025 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, CA 92805): Located in Anaheim, The Ranch Saloon (next to The Ranch Restaurant) is a popular upscale venue for live country music and dancing with two bars, seating, dance floor, dance lessons, and more.
Brea Live Music
Copper Blues (180 S Brea Blvd, Brea, CA 92821): TheStage Bar is where you will want to be singing along to top-40 and classic rock from our resident bands. There is also Beer Garden where you can enjoy a conversation in an environment filled with vegetation and life.
Buena Park Live Music
Beach Boulevard Club (7600 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, CA 90620): Beach Boulevard Club features the best dueling pianists as they perform traditional piano bar songs across all music genres, as well as music from today. Audience participation is encouraged with song requests and interactive sing-alongs.
EKO Karaoke Lounge (6920 Beach Blvd K-223, Buena Park, CA 90621): Karaoke music featuring Korean, English, and Japanese songs and a small selection of Chinese, Pilipino, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Spanish, Thai & Russian songs.
Corona Del Mar Live Music
The Quiet Woman (3224 Pacific Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625): Dine, drink and play at this CDM institution. QW provides a live music venue to promote and celebrate local musicians. Have dinner and then sit back and listen to the music on the small stage crammed into the corner.
Costa Mesa Live Music
The Boulevard (1824 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92627): Never a cover charge to see local musicians. Country, funk, hip-hop, reggae and live DJs all in one house.
The Harp Inn (130 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627): The Harp Inn is the home base for OC local bands that play 80s and 90s cover and tribute bands. This Irish bar is dimly lit, and the dance floor is small but the crowds are very lively.
Sevilla Restaurant & Bar (1870 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627): An authentic Spanish ambiance with a tapas bar, restaurant and nightclub. They offer a variety of local talent performing live Latin, Salsa, Flamenco, Gypsy King Style Music & more.
Wayfarer (843 W. 19th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627): Wayfarer is a small venue in Costa Mesa that features a variety of musical guests including country, rock, reggae, and tribute bands.
Dana Point Live Music
Still Water(24701 Del Prado Ave, Dana Point, CA 92629): Still Water has indoor and outdoor seating, live entertainment, handcrafted cocktails and over 50 beers on tap.
Fountain Valley Live Music
Silky Sullivan’s (10201 Slater Ave., Fountain Valley): This Irish Restaurant and Pub features regular live entertainment, game nights, and sports events on the big screens.
Fullerton Live Music
The Continental Room (115 W Santa Fe Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832): Offers live entertainment six days a week, including garage, rock n’ roll, punk, indie, R & B and Jazz.
Totally 80s Bar & Grille (2512 W. Orangethorpe Ave., Fullerton, CA 92833): You probably guessed correctly this bar features 80s music including cover and tribute bands and DJs.
Ziing’s Bistro (209 N Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92832): This restaurant doubles as a nightclub on the weekends, with DJs spinning but there is also open mic night on Thursdays.
Garden Grove Live Music
On the Rocks Bar & Grill (12752 Valley View St., Garden Grove) On The Rocks Garden Grove features a menu with variety and weekly drink specials. Big screen TVs play popular sporting events and UFC PPVs and live music performances are a staple on the calendar with no cover.
STEELCRAFT (12900 S Euclid St, Garden Grove, CA 92840): Guests can shop the many pop-ups from local makers, grub from an array of eateries and enjoy live music and dance performances.
Huntington Beach Live Music
Aloha Grill (221 Main St., Suite F Huntington Beach, CA 92648): Aloha Grill is a casual Polynesian atmosphere featuring live bands Friday through Sunday.
Beach City Provisions (17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649): Located at Bolsa Chica State Beach this live musice venue offers comfort food and local craft beers along with portable to-go options for camping at the RV campsite. They also host campfire karaoke.
Biergarten Huntington Beach (7561 Center Ave. #49, Huntington Beach): Located at Old World Huntington Beach, the Biergarten features live music Thursday through Sunday. Most shows are free, but some events are ticketed.
Captain Jack’s (16812 Pacific Coast Highway, Sunset Beach, CA 90742): Watch live music by local singer-songwriter Jim Quealy in the lounge every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night.
Cruiser’s Pizza, Bar & Grill (210 5th Street Huntington Beach, CA 92648): On top of karaoke every Tuesday night, Cruisers hosts a slew of live reggae and rock shows plus cover bands for popular emo and pop punk bands.
Huntington Beach House (21601 PCH, Huntington Beach, CA 92646, Huntington State Beach):
Mother’s Tavern (16701 Pacific Coast Hwy, Sunset Beach, CA 90742): live music Friday through Sunday every week with bands playing rock and reggae music in an old-school, biker bar tavern.
Old Crow Smokehouse (21022 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach): Old Crow Smokehouse features barbecue by the beach and a line-up of country bands with no cover charge every Friday and Saturday night. Located at Pacific City.
Perqs Bar (117 Main St., Huntington Beach): Located on Main Street in Downtown Huntington Beach, Perqs now serves food from 25 degrees and features Karaoke nights and live bands. Check their website for weekly drink specials.
Sea Legs at the Beach at Bolsa Chica (17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649): Enjoy live music venue on the sand including up and coming artists from Reggae, Comedy, DJ’s, Country and Cover Bands. Food and drinks are served amidst lounge chairs, picnic tables and reservable VIP bonfires and cabanas.
Irvine Live Music
Bistango (19100 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92612): Monday through Saturday, Bistango is infused with live entertainment with everything from Latin Jazz to R&B to classics to contemporary cover tunes.
Hangar 24 Brewing (17877 Vona Karman Ave, Suite 110, CA 92614): Hangar 24 Orange County features an indoor dining area, full bar and a two-acre outdoor patio. The patio includes a take-away food bar with a full selection of craft beer and cocktails, an event and live music space, pool tables, volleyball court, basketball court and lawn games.
Hive & Honey (7905 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, California 92618): Hive & Honey has a line-up of live entertainers, Orange County’s top DJs and an immersive sound system on the rooftop.
Left Coast Brewing Co (6652 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618): Left Coast Brewing is a brewery, distillery and smokehouse, featuring live music, house made spirits, beers, and menu offerings.
Plush Karoke Lounge (2710 Alton Pkwy Ste 203, Irvine, CA 92606): A huge catalog of English, Korean, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Japanese songs, along a limited selection in Vietnamese, Tagalog, Thai, Indonesian, Russian, and Spanish.
Laguna Beach Live Music
The Cliff Restaurant (577 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651): The Cliff Restaurant hosts free live music nightly, plus an artist village and 180 degree ocean views.
Marine Room Tavern (214 Ocean Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651): Nestled in the heart of Laguna Beach the Marine Room Tavern has been around for over 75 years. This local tavern features live music and great drinks.
The Sandpiper Lounge(1183 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651): The Dirty Bird is a quintessential dive bar that attracts visitors and locals alike featuring live-music stage.
Skyloft OC (422 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651): The Skyloft has music 5 nights a week ranging from DJs, to country to vocalists and guitarists. The Skyloft also offers ocean views and rooftop dining serving American cuisine.
Lake Forest Live Music
Bigshots Billiards Bar & Grill (23512 El Toro Road, Lake Forest, CA, 92630): Bigshots offers country line dancing every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, live country Saturdays, live rock Fridays plus good eats and billiards.
Rush Bar & Grill (23532 El Toro Rd Lake Forest, CA): A dive bar with live music covering many favorite bands and artists.
La Palma Live Music
Isla Cuban-Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar (30 Centerpointe Dr, Suite 12, La Palma, CA 90623): Live performance times on Thursday 7pm, Friday 9pm, Saturday 9pm, and Sunday 7pm.
Los Alamitos Live Music
Griffins Grill (11272 Los Alamitos Blvd, Los Alamitos, CA 90720): Live entertainment every Saturday & Sunday
Starting Gate (5052 Katella Ave, Los Alamitos, CA 90720): Casual eatery & bar with weekly theme nights such as karaoke, country, salsa & 80s night.
Mission Viejo Live Music
Costello’s Neighborhood Tavern (27567 Puerta Real, Mission Viejo, CA 92691): Informal restaurant & bar serving Irish & American pub grub in a relaxed, brick-accented setting. Costello’s has 19 TVs, showing all major sporting events, huge outdoor patio, live music, full kitchen & bar and 19 beers on tap.
Newport Beach Live Music
Bayside Restaurant (900 Bayside Drive Newport Beach, CA, 92660): Monday through Sunday, listen to everything from Latin Jazz to R&B to classics to contemporary cover tunes.
The Blue Beet (107 21st Pl, Newport Beach, CA 92663): A Multi-level blues, jazz & rock club with nightly live music, a dance floor, martinis & a menu of American staples.
Campus JAX (3950 Campus Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660): A bustling supper club serving Cajun-inspired fare & cocktails in roomy quarters with live entertainment to dance to.
Mozambique (1740 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651): Mozambique’s Durban Room have live music which varies from R & B to cover bands. Have dinner and drinks on the rooftop over looking the ocean and stay for the music.
Muldoon’s Irish Pub (202 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660): A restaurant and pub serving Irish cuisine like corn beef & cabbage amid live music, a fireplace & patio.
Our Bar & Kitchen (2000 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa): Our Bar and Kitchen offers a variety of the finest spirits, beer, and wine, served in a family-friendly environment. In addition to being a restaurant and bar, Our Bar is a gastropub, a game room, an upscale but low key place for locals to gather, and often hosts live music.
THE LOT at Fashion Island (999 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660): THE LOT regularly hosts live music in the restaurant including Jazz and Salsa nights.
Orange Live Music
The Distict Lounge (223 W Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92866): Old Towne Orange’s neighborhood bar & nightlife features live bands and music.
El Mariachi Bar & Grill (650 N Tustin St, Orange, CA 92867) – Mariachi every weekend night.
Marisco’s La Jaiva (1724 N Tustin St Orange, CA 92865): Live Spanish Music and Karaoke.
Tartan Room (2652 N Tustin St, Orange, CA 92865): At the Tartan Room you’ll find old school decor and music with top notch service.
Placentia Live Music
Clubhouse Grille (2053 E Orangethorpe Ave, Placentia, CA 92870): Live music on weekends after 8 o’clock. 1st Tuesday of every month live comedy shows.
Rembrandt’s Kitchen & Bar (909 E Yorba Linda Blvd, Placentia, CA 92870): Sunday DJ brunch, Karaoke and live music on the weekends.
Rancho Santa Margarita Live Music
The Blind Pig (31431 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688): Enjoy some live music, food and cocktails.
San Clemente Live Music
Beachfire (204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672): BeachFire offers all the flavors of the coastal lifestyle experience with vibrant local art and smooth live entertainment.
Bloom’s Pub (2391 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672): A pub with a music venue where they have live bands playing music.
Goody’s Tavern (206 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672): There is Tuesday Karaoke night and country music on Wednesday nights. Fridays and Saturdays have live band performances.
H.H. Cotton’s (201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672): A full-service restaurant and live music venue nestled along the historic street of Del Mar.
Left Coast Brewing Co (1245 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente, CA 92673): Left Coast Brewing is a brewery, distillery and smokehouse, featuring live music, house made spirits, beers, and menu offerings.
Iva Lee’s (555 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672): Creole and Cajun food along with live music Thursday through Saturday.
San Juan Capistrano Live Music
Swallow’s Inn (31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675): Classic bar with a family feel with live music. Mostly country, classic rock and blues with a small dance floor.
Trevor’s at the Tracks (26701 Verdugo St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675): Indoor-outdoor restaurant at an 1894 railway depot offering upscale New American food & drinks. Live music from local musicians is played on the patio seven days a week.
Santa Ana Live Music
The Copper Door (225 N Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701): Latin Thursdays, Karaoke night, flash back party’s and DJ’s on the weekend. The Copper Door has something for everybody.
Fling Cocktail Lounge (2370 N Tustin Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705): Live music plays nightly at this dive bar opened in 1972 with red velvet wallpaper & pin-up art. Fun folks, great live music to dance to and awesome drinks.
Seal Beach Live Music
Glory Days Beachside Grill (620 Pacific Coast HwSy, Seal Beach, CA 90740): Live entertainment every Saturday night plus Karoake on Wednesday nights.
Kobe Steakhouse & Lounge (3001 Old Ranch Parkway, Seal Beach, CA 90740): Teppanyaki-style Japanese steakhouse featuring live music, sushi and original Beatles Sunday brunch.
Mahé (1400 Pacific Coast Hwy, Seal Beach, CA 90740): A asual, comfortable and cool restaurant with festive family ambiance and live music.
O’Malley’s on Main (140 Main St., Seal Beach, CA 90740): An authentic Irish pub featuring Irish food, live music, trivia and much more.
Spaghettini (3005 Old Ranch Parkway, Seal Beach, CA 90740) This upscale restaurant features live performances five days a week including their legendary Sunday brunch. Some shows are held in the performance lounge, others are on the outdoor garden patio.
Trabuco Canyon Live Music
Cook’s Corner (19152 E Santiago Canyon Rd, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679) This historic biker bar features food, drinks, live music and open mic nights.
Tustin Live Music
The Black Marlin (560 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780): A bustling restaurant specializing in seafood & steaks, with cocktails & live jazz performances.
Villa Park Live Music
The Post at Rockwell’s (17853 Santiago Blvd, Villa Park, CA 92861/101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa 116, San Clemente, CA 92672): There are two locations but both feature live music including original artists and popular cover bands. Food and of course drinks, are also served. There is no cover charge.
Yorba Linda Live Music
The Blind Pig (4975 Lakeview Ave, Yorba Linda, CA 92886): Enjoy some live music, food and cocktails.
Canyon Inn Sports Bar (6821 Fairlynn Blvd Ste D, Yorba Linda, CA 92886): Live bands, DJ’s and Karaoke, Canyon Inn has something for everyone.
Main Street Restaurant (4902 Main Street, Yorba Linda, CA 92886): Enjoy food, drinks and live music lineup.
Versai Wine Bar (18248 Imperial Hwy, Yorba Linda, CA 92886): Enjoy live music, food, drinks and a great selection of wines.
Just Outside Orange County
Gaslamp (6251 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA 90803) Not quite OC, but close enough and worth the mention, Gaslamp hosts live music on the regular with some of the best local performers including the 80s tribute band Knyght Ryder.
See our guide for what to bring to a concert.
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| FivePoint Amphitheatre | Honda Center |
Heidi Deal is the author of the Newcomers Handbook to Living In Los Angeles & Orange County, and a children’s book author specializing in history and human rights.