Erica Commisso 
There’s nothing better than experiencing live music in Montclair, NJ, where performances come to life on stage with singers, guitars, brass instruments, and more. The Montclair and Essex County area is home to a thriving live music scene, featuring a wide range of music venues, bars, and performance spaces that cater to every genre and vibe. From intimate acoustic sets to high-energy concerts, these Montclair live music venues offer something for everyone. Read on for The Montclair Girl’s roundup of the best spots for live music in Montclair and the surrounding Essex County area.
Cedar Bean’s Coffee Joint | 575 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove
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In addition to really, really good coffee, Cedar Bean’s — which was established in Cedar Grove in 2018 — has a jam-packed calendar of artsy events. There are art openings and special occasion activities as well as tons of performances from local musicians.
Clement’s Place | 15 Washington Street, Newark
Located inside Ruth Bader Ginsberg Hall at Rutgers University, Clement’s Place is a cabaret that hosts authentic jazz events in a space dedicated to historian Clement Price. There are both frequent performers and special invitees, and each brings a special flair to their concert.
Read More: Open Mic Nights to Check Out in Northern New Jersey
Egan + Sons | 118 Walnut Street, Montclair
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What’s an Irish pub without live music? So, true to form, this traditional gastropub — co-founded by a native of Dublin — showcases European football matches and a ton of live Irish music. It’s been voted the best bar scene for years on end for good reason.
Just Jake’s | 30 Park Street, Montclair
This family-run restaurant and bar boasts a true neighborhood vibe. It’s been a Montclair staple for nearly 30 years, and the extensive live music calendar only adds to the fun. Sometimes there are even two shows in a night.
The Meatlocker | 8 Park Street, Montclair
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This venue has become synonymous with punk, rock, hardcore, and grunge shows in the area. It’s hosted big-name groups like My Chemical Romance and provides a no-frills, hole-in-the-wall experience that won’t be easy to forget.
Montclair Brewery | 101 Walnut Street, Montclair
This microbrewery serves up locally inspired and culturally interesting creations. The brewery also hosts musicians to play inside the space and even encourages local talent to apply to perform through a form on its website.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) | 1 Center Street, Newark
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The New Jersey Performing Arts Center is one of the largest of its kind in the United States. It’s a nonprofit organization that aims to provide performances and programming that educate people and foster a sense of community through the arts. Musical performances of all kinds are known to frequent NJPAC’s stages.
Outpost in the Burbs | 40 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Outpost in the Burbs is another nonprofit arts organization in North Jersey. It was established in 1987 and hosts events both in-house and at other local businesses, some of which benefit various charities and programs. It also hosts a New Voices series in addition to bringing in established musicians.
The Porchistas Home Studios | 148 Forest Street, Montclair
This venue makes the possibility of going to a house party and seeing a cool band play on the porch or in the backyard a reality. The stages around the property all have dedicated sound systems that are perfect for block parties and concerts. And it all started because of a group of friends singing songs outside on warm summer nights.
Prudential Center | 25 Lafayette Street, Newark
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The former home of the Grammys and current home of the New Jersey Devils draws some of the most notable musicians in the world, from local superstars the Jonas Brothers to Drake and everyone in between. It’s the biggest concert venue in the area.
Ringside Pub | 379 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
The home of all-day happy hour is the site of a structure that was originally built around 1913. It’s been a bar and restaurant since 1978, but now focuses solely on the bar side of things. It boasts live music on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Shillelagh Pub | 648 Prospect Avenue, West Orange
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This pub is an extension of an Irish-American cultural and social organization of the same name, which works to preserve Irish traditions and heritage in the United States. Local and regional acts take the stage every Friday and Saturday night.
South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) | One SOPAC Way, South Orange
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The South Orange Performing Arts Center is a performance venue that has a range of live entertainment. Its 439-seat mainstage theater has acoustics that amplify the live entertainment experience.
Tierney’s Tavern | 138 Valley Road, Montclair
Two floors of greatness are on offer at Tierney’s Inn. There are darts, a jukebox, darts, burgers, and beers, and there’s a stage for both comedy and live music. Acts perform sets of various genres, from blues to indie to rock to jazz, every Friday and Saturday night.
The Wellmont Theater | 5 Seymour Street, Montclair
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Live music fans celebrated when this event venue reopened in 2015. Dance parties, cover bands, and renowned musicians alike have all taken to The Wellmont Theater’s stage, which has been hosting entertainment since March 1921.
See More: A Comprehensive Guide to Hoboken + Jersey City Live Music Spots
Honorable Mentions:
Bergen Performing Arts Center (BergenPAC) | 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood
The BergenPAC is a premier entertainment venue in Bergen County, hosting a wide range of performances in a large theater setting. From live music and concerts to comedy shows and special events, there’s always something happening at this well-known cultural hub.
Finnegan’s Pub | 734 Willow Avenue
Finnegan’s pub hosts live music events each week. Head over there to hear live music on the weekends.
Five Dimes Brewery | 247 Westwood Avenue, Westwood
Five Dimes Brewery is a laid-back, community-focused spot serving up craft beer and good vibes. In addition to its rotating tap list, the brewery regularly hosts live music, making it a go-to destination for casual nights out with friends and local entertainment.
Rustica Lounge Bar + Restaurant | 620 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park
Rustica brings a lively, upscale vibe to Cliffside Park with great food, cocktails, and entertainment. Guests can enjoy a stylish setting perfect for a night out, and the space often features live music on the weekends, adding to its energetic atmosphere.
White Eagle Hall | 337 Newark Avenue
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White Eagle Hall is Jersey City’s concert and performing arts venue, housed in a restored and renovated historic theater. From Gimme Gimme Disco and musicians from all genres to kids’ shows like Rock + Roll Playhouse, there’s something for everyone here.
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