“Live Music”. If you’re like us when we hear those words, you feel a certain energy arise and you can’t help but want to find out where it is. Whether it’s classical at The Rialto, a rock show in an intimate setting at a local pub, or even major billboard artists at the Budweiser Events Center, we just can’t get enough. Fortunately, you don’t have to look too hard to find it in the Loveland area.
The live music scene in Northern Colorado has gained quite a following and the local venues are as varied as the genres. Loveland is home to listening rooms, intimate concert halls, rockin’ bars, a full-service events center, and even a true honky-tonk. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out or your next favorite musician, look no further. Here are some top spots to check out the local music scene.
Black and Blues Music and Brews
423 N. Cleveland Ave.
Northern Colorado’s exclusive guitar boutique and listening room also features craft beer and cocktails. Black and Blues hosts live music every week on Thursday (7-9 p.m.), Friday and Saturday (7:30-10 p.m.), including local, regional, and international acts of various genres. Recent acts have included: Bruce Cook Duo, Lady Denim, Blues Jam, Bluegrass/Acoustic Jam, Graham Good, John Bunzli Consortium, the NoCo Songwriters Series, Devon Tree Rooted Loops. and Lonnie Griffiths. For a full line up visit the website.
Budweiser Events Center at The Ranch Event Complex
5290 Arena Cir.
The Budweiser Events Center at The Ranch Events Complex is a 7,200-seat multi-purpose venue that plays host to a variety of family shows, rodeos, comedy events, concerts and the AHL-affiliate Colorado Eagles hockey team. In 2023 see big names and bold bands at the arena. An Evening with Styx was the most recent act, and Tracy Lawrence & Clay Walker will play March 16. Discover additional shows and events here.
CJ’s Patio Grill
1331 Eagle Dr.
CJ’s Patio Grill promises “quality food and great service in a fun and friendly atmosphere.” This local gem with a laid-back vibe is the perfect place to settle in and enjoy local live music. CJ’s has hosted Christine Alice, Kit Sawyer and Mountain Duo, just to name a few acts. Check the website for more information and a full event schedule.
East End Ale House
422 E. 4th St.
Looking for live music along with other activities? East End Ale House features two full bars with 22 taps, 10 TVs, nine pool tables, three dart boards, good food and a variety of events (plus reserved street parking). It’s Karaoke Night on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and Open Mic Night on Thursdays. Fridays are reserved for live music, including acts like Ragged Union, Dale Cisek Band and Rachel Alena. Find more information about the music line-up here.
Rialto Theater
228 E. 4th St.
The Rialto Theater Center in Downtown Loveland opened as a silent movie theater in 1920 and is now the city’s premier performing arts venue, welcoming nationally touring musicians,
comedians, and performers, as well as performing arts groups. With 446 seats, additional disabled seating, and state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment, the Rialto offers a stunning, historic experience for music lovers. Recent acts have included The Doo Wop Project and Altan. If comedy is more like your style, Kevin Nealon will grace the stage in early May. Additional performances at the Rialto Theater are detailed on the website.
Thompson Valley High School’s Roberta Price Auditorium
1669 Eagle Dr.
Loveland Performing Arts brings high-quality, nationally touring acts to the community at an affordable price. Five domestic and international concerts are scheduled during concert season, and performed at Thompson Valley High School’s Price Auditorium. Purchase a season pass or individual tickets. Upcoming shows for the 2022-2023 season include Forever Simon & Garfunkel on March 17, and Gary Mauer on April 22.
Tom Davis Saloon
450 N. Cleveland Ave.
Loveland’s first Honky-Tonk features a full line-up of fun: live music, line dancing, Dolly Parton look-alike contests, Karaoke, and the most unique drinks in town. Really. BeerCocks – a beer-cocktail combo – and SloshTails – an alcoholic slushy – are specialties of the house. Plus, there’s something going on every night of the week. Join Jam Session Tuesdays to showcase your own talent and perfect your skills with a pro sound tech for free or catch upcoming live shows including: Ryan Chrys & The Roughcuts on March 3; and Westside Cruiser on March 4. Find a full list of events and other weekly happenings here.
West End Lounge
127 W. 4th St.
A great place to “meet, eat and socialize,” West End Lounge is more than a restaurant and bar, though the food and drinks can’t be beat. Local musicians tickle the ivories on the resident baby grand piano weekly, while local visual artists display works throughout the restaurant. Wednesdays are Open Mic nights, and Thursdays through Saturdays are Live Music nights. Check out their website and follow WELL (West End Lounge Loveland) on Facebook for upcoming show announcements.
These are just a handful of options for live music in the Sweetheart City. There are numerous other opportunities to catch a live show in every season at the many festivals Loveland has to offer. Even venues such as the Loveland Museum have hosted the occasional pop-up concert here-and-there. So with that, “Loveland” and “live music” go together like wine and chocolate…and you could even find those at some of these venues. Happy listening!
