Top 11 Live Music Spots to Enjoy the Holiday Season in Miami
Here is a list of places to celebrate the holiday season in Miami with live music. Known for its cultural diversity and vibrant nightlife, Miami offers a variety of music genres, including Latin beats, jazz, indie rock, and electronic sounds.
Explore these 11 live music venues in Miami, presented in alphabetical order, for some of the best performances in the city.
Ball & Chain
A must-visit for lovers of Cuban music and salsa, Ball & Chain is a cornerstone of Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. This venue dates back to the 1930s and has played host to legendary performers like Billie Holiday and Count Basie. Its charming outdoor patio, which often features live salsa bands, and its signature mojitos are the perfect combination for a vibrant night out. Ball & Chain provides a cultural immersion into Miami’s Latin soul, with frequent live performances from local and international Latin artists.
Location: 1513 SW 8th St, Miami
Genre: Salsa, Latin jazz, Cuban music
Capacity: 200 (indoor and outdoor)
Phone: +1 305-643-7820
Website: Ball & Chain
Image courtesy of Ball & Chain
2. Faena Theater
Located inside the luxurious Faena Hotel on Miami Beach, Faena Theater is known for its opulence and exclusive performances. Inspired by grand European opera houses, the theater showcases a blend of live jazz, cabaret, and special intimate concerts. Its plush, gold-and-red decor enhances the experience, offering guests a glamorous yet cozy atmosphere for enjoying high-quality, sophisticated performances.
Location: Faena Hotel, 3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Genre: Jazz, cabaret, intimate concerts, live theater, burlesque, variety shows
Capacity: 150 seats
Phone: +1 786-655-5600
Website: Faena Hotel
Image courtesy of Faena Hotel
3. Fillmore Miami Beach
Located at the iconic Jackie Gleason Theater, the Fillmore Miami Beach is a historic venue known for hosting some of the biggest names in music. Its Art Deco architecture provides a classic ambiance, while its state-of-the-art sound system ensures an unforgettable auditory experience. From rock legends to indie darlings and pop stars, the Fillmore’s varied lineup caters to a broad audience. The venue’s intimate yet spacious layout allows for a more personal concert experience, making it one of Miami’s premier spots for live performances.
Location: 1700 Washington Ave, Miami Beach
Genre: Rock, indie, pop, hip-hop
Capacity: 2,700
Phone: +1 305-673-7300
Website: Filmore Miami
Image courtesy of Filmore Miami
4. Gramps
Located in the heart of Wynwood, Gramps is a beloved dive bar and live music venue that’s become a staple for Miami’s indie and alternative music scene. The venue has both an indoor stage and an outdoor garden area, where local and touring bands perform everything from punk rock to synth-pop and experimental music. Gramps is known for its unpretentious vibe, craft cocktails, and the famous pizza served onsite. The eclectic mix of music and arts events ensures there’s always something new happening at this venue.
Location: 176 NW 24th St, Miami
Genre: Indie, rock, punk, local bands
Capacity: 500
Phone: +1 855-732-8992
Website: Gramps
Image courtesy of Gramps/Good Exposure
5. Hoy Como Ayer
Another Little Havana gem, Hoy Como Ayer is a throwback to old-school Cuban nightlife. The venue is famous for its intimate setting and energetic performances by some of the best local and international Latin musicians. It’s particularly known for live Cuban salsa and timba, and regular performances by Miami's iconic Cuban band, Los 3 de La Habana. The audience here often gets up to dance, and the electric atmosphere makes for an unforgettable night of music and culture.
Location: 2212 SW 8th St, Miami
Genre: Cuban Music, Salsa, Timba
Capacity: 230
Phone: +1 305-506-1537
Website: Hoy Como Ayer
Image courtesy of Hoy Como Ayer
6. Knight Concert Hall
Part of the Adrienne Arsht Center, Knight Concert Hall is Miami’s premier venue for classical music and large-scale performances. Its world-class acoustics and stunning modern architecture make it a go-to destination for symphony orchestras, opera companies, and top international musicians. The design also supports more intimate performances with excellent sound quality, allowing for a versatile musical experience.
Location: Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami
Genre: Classical music, opera, jazz, symphonic music, pop, and world music
Capacity: 2,200 seats
Phone: +1 786-468-2000
Website: Knight Concert Hall
Image courtesy of Knight Concert Hall
7. Lagniappe House
For a more laid-back and intimate live music experience, Lagniappe House is a local favorite. This New Orleans-inspired wine bar features live jazz and blues performances every night of the week in a cozy, backyard setting. Guests can enjoy a glass of wine or a craft beer while lounging on mismatched furniture under string lights, creating a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. The venue’s focus on local jazz talent makes it a hotspot for both tourists and Miamians looking to unwind with great music.
Location: 3425 NE 2nd Ave, Miami
Genre: Jazz, acoustic, folk
Capacity: 150
Phone: +1 305-576-0108
Website: Lagniappe House
Image courtesy of Lagniappe House
8. Miami Beach Bandshell
This historic open-air venue in North Beach, Miami Beach, offers an eclectic mix of live performances. From Latin music to reggae and indie rock, the Miami Beach Bandshell hosts both local and international artists, drawing music lovers to its beachside setting. With its retro charm and community-centered events, it’s a favorite for outdoor concerts and cultural gatherings under the stars.
Location: 7275 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33141
Genre: Reggae, Latin music, jazz, indie rock, global music, community festivals
Capacity: 1,350 (seated and standing combined)
Phone: +1 786-453-2897
Website: Miami Beach Bandshell
Photo by William Benshimol
9. New World Center
For classical music lovers, the New World Center, home to the New World Symphony, is a must-visit venue. Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, this striking venue offers a modern setting for orchestral performances. One of its most unique features is the Wallcast concerts, where performances are projected onto a 7,000-square-foot outdoor wall, allowing audiences to enjoy the symphony from SoundScape Park. It’s a beautiful blend of architecture, classical music, and outdoor living in the heart of Miami Beach.
Location: 500 17th St, Miami Beach
Genre: Classical, orchestral, jazz
Capacity: 756 (indoor), unlimited for Wallcast
Phone: +1 305-673-3330
Website: New World Center
Photo by Claudia Uribe
10. The Ground
Located in downtown Miami’s Club Space complex, The Ground is a versatile venue that attracts some of the most forward-thinking artists in indie rock, electronic music, and experimental sounds. With a sleek, modern interior and an intimate setting, The Ground offers an immersive live music experience. The venue’s focus on quality acoustics and innovative performances makes it a go-to spot for those seeking to discover new music and underground talent.
Location: 34 NE 11th St, Miami
Genre: Indie, alternative, electronic
Capacity: 300
Phone: +1 305-375-0001
Website: The Ground Miami
The Ground Miami. Image courtesy of ADINAYEV™
11. The Living Room at Faena
A swanky cocktail lounge inside the Faena Hotel, The Living Room offers live music in a relaxed, yet refined setting. With a focus on jazz and acoustic performances, as well as curated DJ sets, it’s a perfect venue for a more intimate and social evening. The Art Deco-inspired space features lavish furnishings, providing an elegant backdrop for patrons to enjoy live music while sipping on cocktails in style.
Location: Faena Hotel, 3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Genre: Jazz, acoustic performances, DJ sets, lounge music
Capacity: 80-100 people
Phone: +1 305-534-8800
Website: The Living Room at Faena
