Live music is around every bend in Fayetteville, so no matter what brings you to town, be sure to keep your ears open - you may be about to find your next favorite act! Fayetteville venues are notorious for featuring a variety of genres: rock, alternative, country, bluegrass, folk, blues, jazz, hip-hop, EDM … if you can dance, bob, hum, or sing along to it, we’ve got it.
Thanks to a vibrant nightlife scene - especially along the famed Dickson Street entertainment district that lies between the Historic Downtown Square and the University of Arkansas campus - and the community’s deep appreciation for live music, traveling to Fayetteville to seek out concerts and live performances is one of the most popular activities for visitors! If you want to know the best places to see live music in Northwest Arkansas, keep on reading.
We’ve listed some of our favorite places to catch live music in Fayetteville, AR below. Check our event calendar to find out who’s playing on the dates you’re in town, or browse around and start planning your next concert vacation in Fayetteville!
Dedicated Music Venues
George’s Majestic Lounge
Opened in 1927, George’s is an iconic landmark for Fayetteville. As the oldest and longest-running club and live music venue in Arkansas, they continue to bill incredible artists, showcasing to Fayetteville and its visitors the best in local, regional and national acts.
JJ’s Live
JJ’s Live - formerly known as JBGB - continues to consistently announce shows and bring some seriously big names to perform in Fayetteville! For such a young venue, they’ve proven themselves to be big players in the Fayetteville music scene, plus the providers of some of the most fun dance parties in town.
Prairie Street Live!
All are welcome in this inclusive, artist-led hub of community. Prairie Street Live! (PSL) lives in a beautiful open-air space, right off the bike path in the heart of Fayetteville. PSL is a cross between your favorite art park, your favorite music venue, and a special place you never knew existed. Offering live music, food, cocktails, and games. Family and pet friendly.
Heartbreak House
Located on Block Street in downtown Fayetteville, Heartbreak House is both an analog recording studio and an event space known for intermittent, yet raucous and lively shows.
the HopOut
A DIY music venue inside of a Fayetteville home, the HopOut is a supportive and friendly place to see a show in close quarters! Local and regional acts are booked through social media and entry is donation-based, with folks often pitching in a little extra to support traveling acts.
Roots HQ
On the southeast corner of the Fayetteville Square, in the historic 1880s building that was once the home of Guisinger Music House, lives Roots HQ. The Roots HQ has played host to intimate listening room concerts, jam sessions, and workshops through the years, often in collaboration with the Northwest Arkansas Jazz Society.
Tin Roof
An offshoot of the famed Nashville original, Tin Roof Fayetteville brings live music to Dickson Street daily. Their multi-level performance venue additionally serves as a bar and restaurant and offers multiple locations within the building for musicians to perform.
Restaurants & Bars
Six Twelve Coffeehouse & Bar
Featuring live music nearly every night, Six Twelve prides themselves on supporting local musicians and carving out space for them to perform. They’ve got coffee and cocktails and often host pop-up events that occur side-by-side with musical performances.
Mojo’s Pints and Pies
Live music scheduled regularly, either inside or on the patio, plus great food, hand-crafted cocktails and NWA’s finest craft beers.
Nomads Trailside
Proudly booking acts from all genres, Nomads has hosted shows since 1999 and supports local artists. The restaurant has an eclectic menu, plus beer on tap, hand-crafted cocktails, and patio seating.
Smoke & Barrel
Located just behind JJ’s on Dickson Street, this popular tavern features live music, fine whiskey and brews from Arkansas and out-of-state. In between sets, enjoy billiards and more.
Kingfish
Kingfish is open nightly until 2 a.m. and features live music regularly. It’s the perfect place to enjoy your favorite can of beer and your new favorite band.
JJ’s Grill on Dickson Street
Free live music most every day of the week featuring a variety of local names and favorites. Delicious sandwiches, wraps and full dinners are also available in addition to a large bar selection.
Concert Series
First Thursday
From May through October on the historic downtown square, you can catch a different variety of live music during each rendition of First Thursday. The Fayetteville square transforms into a pop-up art district with street performances, community activities, food trucks, and more. Each month has its own theme, and the family-friendly event is always free to attend.
The Lunch Hour
Inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, The Lunch Hour is a free concert series that celebrates local artists over lunch. The intimate shows, one per month, take place in the KUAF lobby.
Gulley Park Summer Concert Series
In the heart of one of Fayetteville’s most appreciated parks, the Gulley Park Summer Concert Series brings the community together for a long-standing tradition of live outdoor music. It’s a family friendly event - furry friends included. The series typically spans six concerts, which take place on Thursday evenings at the Gulley Park gazebo.
Sunday Music in the Gallery
On select weekends, head to Terra Studios for a free concert in the gallery! Featured artists rotate, so check the schedule if you're on the hunt for a particular sound. The music makes a nice addition to a walk through the sprawling art park. Donations accepted to support the mission of Terra Studios, and tips for musicians welcome.
Mountain Street Stage Summer Music Series
Held at the Mountain Street Stage in the Fayetteville Public library, this free-to-the-public series highlights local and regional artists in an intimate stage setting.
Music on the Mountain
This series of outdoor concerts at Mount Sequoyah is produced by Creative Spaces NWA. Featuring a selection of varied musical artists performing on the gorgeous lawn, it's perfect for the whole family and makes an exquisite backdrop for a picnic.
Music Festivals
Her Set Her Sound
Her Set Her Sound is a bold fetival centering womanhood to elevate local talent and beyond. Featuring a growing number of BIPOC and femme/them DJs and musical artists, HSHS first debuted as a one-day festival, and grew to two days for 2022.
Chamber Music on the Mountain Summer Festival
Born of a year-round classical concert series, this extensive festival brings high caliber musicians to collaborate with local musicians, artists and organizations in the Northwest Arkansas region. As part of the Creative Spaces NWA program at Mount Sequoyah Center, the goal is to make classical music accessible and appreciated by all.
Springtime of Youth
An annual festival produced by the University of Arkansas’ Headliners Concert Committee that brings big-name acts to Fayetteville, with free admission for students and public general admission tickets for sale.
