A Guide to Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill’s Triangle Music Scene
Cats Cradle
300 E Main St
Carrboro, NC 27510
The Cats Cradle is absolutely the best music venue in the Triangle, quite possibly in all of North Carolina. The Cradle hosts shows from your local bands, to huge recording artists, all for prices that are affordable for the people who listen to them. Seating is pretty limited, but there is plenty of standing space. For smaller acoustic shows they will occasionally set up folding chairs so everyone can have a seat. The best part about the cradle, they know what they’re doing and they do it well. Many of the shows at large venues around the state are booked through the Cats Cradle, because they are just that good. Depending on the band, the cradle is also a terrific place to catch the band after a show and get an autograph, or just have a little chat.
Lincoln Theater
126 E Cabarrus St
Raleigh, NC 27601
The Lincoln Theater is located in the heart of downtown, and is Raleigh’s premiere location for independent music. The theater showcases a variety of independent bands regularly, as well as several local bands. Seating is limited to just a few tables, all of which will make watching a show impossible. There is a pretty substantial standing area however, and some railings that you “could” sit on if the mood struck. Huge space, good prices.
The Pour House
224 S. Blount St.
Raleigh, NC 27601
Located in Moore Square downtown, the pour house is quickly putting itself on the radar as far as musical venues in the Raleigh area. The stage and music go on downstairs, so if the band sticks you can always hang out in the bar upstairs and play some pool. Prices are decent, and you’re close by to tons of other things to do downtown, so you can grab dinner or hang out before and after the show as well.
The Brewery
3009 Hillsborough St
Raleigh, NC
Ten years ago, the Brewery was one of the most popular places for bands to play in the Triangle. After some hardships it closed down, and has now reopened attempting to reclaim the glory it once had. Right now- it’s not doing so well, the building is small, and if one person starts smoking, everyone will be getting a little secondhand. It’s a great venue to see small local bands that still have a pretty small following. If you are a small unsigned band this is a great place to break into the raleigh music scene.
Southend Brewery
505 W Jones St
Raleigh, NC 27603
Southend is not designed to be a music venue; it’s designed to be a brewery/restaurant. The restaurant and bar are spectacular. Going to see music here-is not. They host several local bands, and have an open mike night on Wednesdays that is frequented by a college crowd. The sound system here however is horrible, making it difficult to sit through a set by anyone more than an acoustic performer, the space is also not really designed with performers in mind, making it a little awkward.
Disco Rodeo
2820 Industrial Dr
Raleigh, NC 27609
Disco Rodeo was previously run under the name “The Ritz”. They got a new owner and some new decorations and are now Disco Rodeo. Inside you will neither find a Disco or a Rodeo, in most cases the venue doesn’t pull in very many popular bands, which is a shame given its size. The Rodeo is one of the better larger venues for smaller bands in the triangle. There is a decent size stage, and a raised area for fans to stand, as well as a balcony area. Tickets to shows depend on what your going to see, and can range from $10-$30.
