Fortunately for us, the Lehigh Valley offers some of the best concert-going spots. Experiencing live music—either in an intimate setting while sipping a cold one or in a vast venue with a hot new headliner—is not only festive, but often turns into an unforgettable pastime. No matter your musical taste, take advantage of this list of local concert hotspots where you can enjoy both old-time favorites and some of the Valley's newest hidden talents.
State Theatre
With its recent renovations and a new sound system uplifting the historic theatre's character, you'll find The State Theatre in Easton to be charming and cozy, yet incredibly spacious and grandiose. Some would say the venue comprises the best acoustics in the greater Lehigh Valley. Guests will find affordable tickets for a wide selection of seating options, all which give you a historic experience and an appeasing view. Although the State Theatre is also known for hosting a variety of performances such as local theatre productions, comedians and even entertainers like Criss Angel, there is always an impressive line-up of noted musicians—from Tony Bennett to The Pixies to local singer-songwriters. Be sure to keep an eye out for Fred, the theatre's resident ghost.
453 Northampton St., Easton | 610.258.7766 | statetheatre.org
Porters' Pub
Since opening in 1990, this self-acclaimed “quintessential, old-world pub” has gradually evolved to be a hotspot in the Valley's local music scene. Many would describe it as an intimate venue where amateur artists can gather and jam for a jubilant crowd of indie music lovers. Apart from offering your classic pub atmosphere, Porters' hosts different themed nights of music varying between Blues, Jazz, Bluegrass, Rock, Folk, Americana and even Celtic. Luckily for music lovers and open-mic seekers alike, the pub vows to never demand a cover charge.
700 Northampton St., Easton | 610.250.6561 | porterspubeaston.com
The Lafayette Bar
This is the most renowned bar/club in the Valley for live jazz music. The place is packed on its biweekly Saturday jazz nights, when artists from the area are selected by Anthony Jabbour, the club's talent acquisitioner and an original hipster. Whether you're a jazz enthusiast or a curious listener, it's safe to say that the Lafayette Bar in Easton is the ultimate place to hear some swingin' sounds from the coolest cats around, baby.
15 N. Fourth St., Easton | 610.252.0711 | lafayettebarjazz.com
Sherman Theater
Although this venue is on the outer margin of the Lehigh Valley, its classic rock club atmosphere fused with a contemporary dance vibe makes it one of the area's top venues for concertgoers. In the past few years, the theater has been bringing in national headliners while still highlighting local artists, and it has stepped up its commitment to attracting “quality, culturally-diverse entertainment” with a new, state-of-the-art lighting and sound system. Check out upcoming shows and head down to this gem in Downtown Stroudsburg.
524 Main St., Stroudsburg | 570.420.2808 | shermantheater.com
Pearly Baker's Alehouse
Yearning to listen to up-and-coming talent? This restaurant, bar and music venue offers you a chance to listen to the bands and DJs making waves in the Valley. The alehouse prides itself on having no limitations on music genres, which sets it apart; you'll find artists of all sorts, like emerging EDM DJs, indie rock bands, acoustic singers and even some admired open-mic performers from the area. Stray from your weekend plans and see who's jamming a Pearly Baker's this weekend. Just like Porters', there's no cover charge!
11 Centre Square, Easton | 610.253.9949 | pearlybakers.net
Gin Mill & Grill
As a tribute to the 1940s, this small town tavern aims to be the place where locals meet after long days of work to eat, drink and be merry. Yet, at the back of the house is one of Downtown Northampton's largest and most prominent sound stages—the Main Street Music Hall at the Gin Mill—which brings in both local favorites as well as some nationally recognized artists. It's also known to be frequented by some the Valley's best underground musicians.
1750 Main St., Northampton | 610.262.5486 | ginmillandgrille.com
Godfrey Daniels
Godfrey's has been acclaimed throughout the country as one of the finest folk music venues. The site is described as a “premier live music listening room that has provided the Lehigh Valley with top quality entertainment since 1976,” according to its website. It hosts community jams, regular open-mic nights and well-known, traditional and contemporary folk musicians. Both professional artists and amateur performers consistently select Godfrey's as their top choice for performing in the Lehigh Valley because of audience members' appreciation for the heritage of folk music. Check out this historic, live music hotspot in Bethlehem.
7 E. 4th St., Bethlehem | 610.867.2390 | godfreydaniels.org
ArtsQuest Center & Musikfest Café
Often featured in our monthly calendar of events, the ArtsQuest center is a multifaceted and eclectic music venue. Live performances by lesser-known acts from the Valley and surrounding areas usually occur on the first-floor, Creative Commons area. Nationally touring artists perform just a walk upstairs in the Musikfest Cafe for ticket holders. It's a venue that can be transformed between a standing-room-only setting for more dance-focused shows to a table-seating venue for more laid back, intimate performances.
101 Founders Way, Bethlehem | 610.332.3378 | artsquest.org
Sands Event Center
The Sands Bethlehem Event Center is not the newest venue to the area but by far one of the largest. With an unremitting stream of big-name artists on its schedule, peruse their website for upcoming shows and you'll surely find an artist of your liking. Also, the party doesn't have to be over after the encore. The Vision Bar next door features regular DJs in its expansive nightclub, where you can partake in spirits and dance the night away.
77 Sands Blvd., Bethlehem | 610.297.7414 | sandseventcenter.com
The Funhouse
Welcoming all fun people to come and party, this cozy little dive bar doubles as one of the most popular venues for local, alternative musicians. You can't miss its iconic, bright and playful sign out front. Get comfortable with the crowd as you'll be shoulder-to-shoulder fist pumping on whatever punk rock, reggae, dance DJ or jam band is performing. From Monday's open-jam acoustic night to Saturday's party night theme, there's an occasion for anyone interested in the underground music scene.
5 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem | 610.868.5311 | funhousepub.com
The Alternative Gallery
Coupled with a full art gallery and studio space, The Alternative Gallery also serves Lehigh Valley residents as a truly “alternative” music venue. Gallery openings and exhibitions are almost always paired with live performances. The space aims to be more than a trendy, non-profit gallery; it hopes to transform art into something more interactive—musically.
707 N. Fourth St., Allentown | 610.462.3282 | thealternativegallery.com
Artisan Wine and Cheese Cellars
To all of you winos and jazz fans, this little venue may be less prevalent, but don't underrate it. Located inside Bethlehem's historic freight house at the Wooden Match complex, Artisan is a venue that offers wine on tap, spirits, hand-crafted cheese boards, a full menu from the Wooden Match and of course, live music on Wednesday through Saturday from 7-10 p.m. Stroll in for light fare, great drinks and to see some talented local artists, especially during weekly open jazz jam nights.
55 W. Lehigh Street, Bethlehem | 610.813.2851 | artisanwineandcheesecellars.com
Strange Brew Tavern
Known around the Valley for offering that ideal mix between bar and restaurant, the Strange Brew Tavern will satisfy your classic pub food and craft beer cravings. Sip up, fill up and then stay a bit later to enjoy local music. The Tavern books each month with an assortment of up-and-coming bands and various musicians from the area, such as Flowers for Taco, a funk-reggae band making a name in the Valley or Bethlehem's own high-energy, alternative rockers, Strange Coincidence.
1996 S. 5th St., Allentown | 610.841.3610 | strangebrewtavern.co
