12 Best Spots to Experience Live Music in Greenville, SC
From seasonal events and festivals to venues big and small, Greenville is bursting with places to experience live music.
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Bon Secours Wellness Arena
The largest performance venue in the area, Bons Secours Wellness Arena, or “The Well,” as it’s referred to locally, regularly hosts major artists and can accommodate up to 15,000 attendees.
“It’s exciting to see the national acts come through,” says Ray Reullbach, director of marketing for Visit Greenville. “There’s also a master plan for a new campus, including an amphitheater, which will bring even more acts to town.”
The Peace Center Venues
The Peace Center – and its sub-venues, The Mockingbird, Coach Music Factory, Gunter Theatre and The Pavilion – bring in a wide variety of talent on the local, regional and national level. The main concert hall is where folks can experience touring acts, including Broadway productions, and the Greenville Symphony Orchestra.
“We do our classical series and our film concerts at the Peace Center Concert Hall,” says Jessica Satava, executive director of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra.
Each venue is versatile. In addition to The Peace Center’s classic concert hall, the Coach Music Factory offers a trendy, club-like environment. The Gunter Theatre is a black-box venue, ideal for more intimate performances, while The Pavilion is located outdoors, right along the Reedy River. The Mockingbird, a lounge and listening room, is the newest addition to the lineup.
The Foundry at Judson Mill
Set in a redeveloped manufacturing mill, The Foundry at Judson Mill offers a casual yet energetic atmosphere in an industrial-chic setting. It can fit up to 1,500 people, and the price point for tickets tends to be very affordable.
“They’ve brought a lot of bands and folks through that are really rising,” Reullbach says. “And the mill venue is so cool, with all that open space.”
Radio Room
Diversity is king at the Radio Room, where everything from punk to metal to Americana is fair game. It’s an authentic Indie music hub with plenty of standing room, accommodating up to 500 people.
“It’s a smaller, home-grown venue that’s bringing a lot of amazing talent to our market,” Reullbach says.
Blues Boulevard Jazz
An upscale jazz club located along the Reedy River downtown, this venue is open Thursday through Sunday. The lineup doesn’t just feature jazz, though – there’s also blues, soul and other piano performances, with national and regional artists making appearances.
Smiley’s on the Roxx
This small bar has live music seven nights a week, featuring every type of genre you can imagine. Not only do they welcome versatile musicians to the stage, but they also have live band karaoke and open mic nights. Check one two, anyone?
Swanson’s Warehouse
A favorite with locals, Swanson’s Warehouse regularly books Indie, punk and experimental musicians to perform at their venue. Usually standing room only, it can accommodate approximately 150 people and offers a true grassroots, community-driven experience.
Seratonic Venue & Lounge
Seratonic is an upscale listening room designed to create an intimate connection between performers and the audience. This place is swanky, with premium seating, VIP tables and specialty cocktails. It’s a great date night spot, especially for lovers of jazz and acoustic singer-songwriters.
CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park
A short drive away in Simpsonville, this outdoor venue can accommodate approximately 14,000 attendees. With primarily lawn seating, it’s a go-to for summer concerts, though open season is spring through fall. And thanks to its size, big touring acts are typically booked in the summer.
NOMA Square
Located off of Main Street, NOMA Square is the go-to place for live music in the warmer months. Every Thursday and Friday, a few blocks are sectioned off so people can purchase food and drinks while they enjoy the free concerts put on by the city.
Greenville Jazz Fest
A signature Greenville event, this music festival puts all things jazz front and center.
“The talent that the city’s been able to bring in has been phenomenal,” Reullbach says. “It’s one of the most underrated opportunities to see live music in Greenville.”
Hampton-Pinckney Porchfest
A hidden gem among Greenville events, Hampton-Pinckney (HP) Porchfest is a community-driven festival held throughout a residential downtown neighborhood. Porches, lawns and driveways serve as “stages” for all types of musicians.
“It feels very intimate but also communal,” Reullbach says. “There’s a great sense of community there.”
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