Come explore some of the best off-beat musical venues in New York for locals and curious visitors! You’ll be sure to have a great time!
Today, we will share with you some hot tips of the best off-beat musical venues in New York that you have to add to your to Must-See spots in town!
New York officially adopted the nickname “The Big Apple” in 1971 to woo tourists, and what an incredible job it’s done!
The city finds a place in most travel itineraries of people traveling to the US, and for good reason.
It’s rammed with famous musical venues, right from Carnegie Hall to Bowery Ballroom. All of which do their bit to attract music enthusiasts in large numbers.
However, just like all cities, NYC has some less ‘touristy’ musical venues too. Places that few non-locals actually know about.
So, if you’re a New Yorker or just an audiophile, read on to take a closer look at some of the slightly more ‘off-beat’ musical destinations the city has to offer…
Off-beat musical venues in New York
As a music lover hunting for ‘outside the box’ tourist destinations in NYC, you cannot afford to miss these 4 tourist spots off your itinerary…
#1 Pete’s Candy Store
Pete’s Candy Store stands on Lorimer Street in Brooklyn.
And, even though it’s not the biggest tourist hot-spot, it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to music. In fact, it hosts musical performances!
Book yourself a ticket & you can help yourself to cocktails, snacks, and sandwiches, all whilst listening to a music performance.
But you know the best part? They’re free to attend!
The venue also hosts an open mic every Sunday, Quizzo on Wednesdays, and a reading competition called Dead Pete’s Society (a society to remember past poets) on a Friday.
Location: 709 Lorimer Street, Brooklyn, NY
https://www.petescandystore.com
#2 Jalopy Theater
Fans of traditional folk music & live performances, need to get themselves to the Jalopy Theater.
Besides folk music itself has roots across other genres including country, bluegrass etc., so there’s a high chance it’ll be a vibe that most will enjoy.
You could also attend one of its many festivals like Roots n’ Ruckus Fest, The Brooklyn Folk Festival, and Midwinter Jug Band Rendezvous.
To make things even more interesting, they even offer adults classes and workshops, giving you the chance to learn various musical instruments like the banjo, fiddle, harmonica, guitar, and mandolin.
Location: 317 Columbia Street, Brooklyn
#3 Barbes
Barbes, a combination of bar and performance space, has hosted more than 18,000 performances ever since its opening in 2002.
The venue first came about because of two French expatriates, who wished to provide a space for non-commercial musical projects.
In essence, it’s a small clubroom with a focus on the worldwide music scene.
There’s always some form of cultural music playing, be it Western classics, more American style genres or even music from places far as France or Brazil.
You can jump into events here from Monday to Friday between 5 PM to 2 AM and Saturday and Sunday between 2 PM to 2 AM.
Location: 376 9th Street, Brooklyn
https://www.barbesbrooklyn.com
#4 Flushing Town Hall
Flushing Town Hall is a landmark in Queens (NYC) that’s steeped in history.
Aside from serving as a bank, jail, courthouse, and assembly hall, it’s now known for being a multidisciplinary venue for music & the arts.
Today, the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts (FCCA) looks to encourage jazz performances; the hall itself has been host to some of the best jazz performances in the USA!
Today, it hosts a whole range of musical events, showcasing all the various musical traditions from across the globe.
Plus, while you’re there, you could also enjoy Korean, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, American, and Taiwanese cuisines, as food is served regularly too.
Location: 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing
https://www.flushingtownhall.org
So yeah, that’s 4 lesser-known musical event destinations you can find tucked away in New York – AKA: The Big Apple!
Oh, and if you enjoyed this post, and you’re a Jazz Lover, be sure to check out these Must-See Jazz Spots In Harlem and our amazing Youtube video on them!
Credits: All images courtesy of the venues and Edward Eyer
