21 Best Places for Live Music in Carlsbad, CA (From a Local)

Carlsbad, a picturesque coastal city, is not only known for its stunning beaches, but for its eclectic live music scene. From intimate bars to outdoor concerts, you can find a thriving nightlife and live music scene in a variety of venues and genres that attracts locals and visitors alike.

As a Carlsbad local for over 20 years, I have insider’s knowledge about the best places to find live music at local bars and restaurants. If you are looking for a fun night out with friends, a place to dance, or somewhere with relaxing acoustic music, there’s a place in Carlsbad for your musical tastes. Keep reading to discover the best spots where you can immerse yourself in the Carlsbad live music scene. 

DISCLOSURE: PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME LINKS BELOW CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. I EARN A MINIMAL COMMISSION THAT SUPPORTS MY SMALL BUSINESS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.

Live Music in Carlsbad With a View 

1. The Camp Store

One of the best places for live music in Carlsbad with ocean views is the Camp Store. This outdoor venue is perched on the bluffs above the Pacific Ocean. The Camp Store is a casual spot in the South Carlsbad campground. It offers gorgeous scenery and stunning sunsets while you enjoy musical performances. Patrons can buy drinks inside the small store and listen to music while relaxing at the picnic tables.

Address For The Camp Store:

• 7201 Carlsbad Boulevard Carlsbad, CA 92008

Live Music at the Camp Store:

• Live music is available at The Camp Store Thursday through Sundays from 4:00-6:30 pm.
• Check out the music calendar at the Camp Store here.

Seeking Stamps Tip: Parking is very limited for guests not staying in the campground, so get there early to find a spot.

2. Chandler’s Restaurant and Lounge

Another place to watch live music with an ocean view is Chandler’s restaurant in the Cape Rey Hotel. Soak up the scenery with cool ocean breezes while you relax on the outdoor Sunset Terrace.

Address For Chandler’s Restaurant Carlsbad:

• 1 Ponto Road Carlsbad, CA 92011

Live Music at Chandler’s:

• Live music is usually available Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 4:30-6:30 pm.

• Check out the Chandler’s events calendar for the full entertainment lineup.

3. The Crossings Golf Course

If you are looking for Sunday brunch with live music and distant ocean views, visit The Crossings golf course. This is the perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat while relaxing on the outdoor patio.

The Crossing Golf Course Address:

• 5800 The Crossing Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008

Live Music at The Crossings:

• Enjoy live music at The Crossings for brunch every Sunday from 8:00-3:00 pm at the Canyons Restaurant.
• Check the Crossings events calendar for more details.

4. The Landings

Go inland to The Landings Gastropub at Carlsbad Palomar Airport. Here you’ll find views of aircraft taking off and landing. This unique restaurant is a great place to listen to live music in Carlsbad five days per week.

Address For The Landings:

• 2198 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad CA 92011

Live Music at The Landings:

• The Landings offers live music Wednesday through Saturday, and Sunday brunch.
• On Friday and Saturday nights, music starts at 6:00 pm.
• Check the events calendar at The Landings for more information about bands and genres.
• Reservations are recommended.

Places With Live Music in Carlsbad Near Bressi Ranch

5. Black Rail Kitchen + Bar

Black Rail Kitchen is a great place to listen to jazz music on their spacious outdoor patio. With its gorgeous bar, interesting craft cocktails, and innovative menu it’s a top venue for entertainment in the La Costa area.

Address For Black Rail Kitchen and Bar:

• 6981 El Camino Real # 103 Carlsbad, CA 92009

Live Music at Black Rail:

• Live music is Thursday through Saturday starting at 6:00.
• Check the Black Rail events calendar for more information.

6. Alejandra’s Restaurant

Visit Alejandra’s Fine Mexican Food & Cantina for another live entertainment venue in the La Costa area of inland Carlsbad. This upscale restaurant has a spacious outdoor patio and bar seating for live events. This is a great place for a date night or happy hour in Carlsbad.

Address For Alejandra’s Restaurant:

• 6996 El Camino Real Carlsbad, CA 92008

Live Music at Alejandra’s:

• You can typically find live music at Alejandra’s Thursdays through Saturdays at 6:00 pm
• Check Alejandra’s music calendar for live entertainment events.

7. Giaola Italian Restaurant

If you are looking for a relaxed neighborhood restaurant for live music, Giaola’s is a great option in Bressi Ranch. We love dining and listening to the talented artists here because they add to the ambiance without being overwhelmingly loud. If you want to enjoy dinner with music, I recommend trying Giaola’s.

Address For Giaola’s:

• 2688 Gateway Road #180 Carlsbad, CA 92009

Live Music at Giaola’s:

• You can find live music in Bressi Ranch at Giaola Restaurant Thursday-Saturdays at 6:00 pm.
• Check Giaola’s music events calendar here.

Restaurants With Live Music in Carlsbad Village

8. Le Papagayo

Another place for live music is Le Papagayo in Carlsbad Village. Lively artists perform nightly. Find classic rock, country, Americana, pop, blues and all of your favorite music genres!

Address For Le Papagayo:

• 660 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad CA 92008

Live Music at Le Papagayo:

• Sunday-Thursday from 6:00-9:00 pm
• Friday, Saturday 6:30-9:30 pm
• Check the calendar of events at Le Papagayo here.

9. The Deck at 264 Fresco

Next, try the only open air rooftop lounge patio in Carlsbad Village, the Deck at 264 Fresco. It is a gorgeous modern place for a night out. It has tables, bar seating and cabana rentals perfect for a date night or evening with friends. The Deck is another favorite spot in Carlsbad Village for live music.

Address For 264 Fresco:

• 264 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008

Live Music at 264 Fresco:

• Friday 5:30-8:30 pm
• Saturday 5:30-7:30 pm
• Sunday 1:00-4:00 pm
• This area is 21+ only

10. Cicciotti’s Restaurant

If you are craving delicious Italian food and entertainment, go to Cicciotti’s in Carlsbad Village. Not only is this one of Carlsbad’s best Italian restaurants, but they also have amazing live music.

Address For Cicciotti’s:

• 590 Grand Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008

Live Music at Cicciotti’s:

• Live music is available every Friday 6:00-9:00 pm at the Carlsbad location.
• Check the Cicciotti’s events calendar here for the lineup.

Bars in Carlsbad Village With Live Music 

11. The Compass

For an upscale Carlsbad bar and restaurant for entertainment, go to The Compass American Gastropub. It is conveniently located in the Carlsbad Village Faire shopping center. We love the cozy atmosphere and friendly service. Plus, one of the best perks here is they stay open late.

Address For the Compass:

• 300 Carlsbad Village Drive #202 Carlsbad, CA 92008

Live Music at the Compass:

• Visit The Compass events page for more information.

12. Hennessey’s Tavern

If you are looking for a fun Irish pub, visit Hennessey’s Tavern. They offer both indoor and outdoor dining in this casual bar. Make sure to try one of their famous handmade bloody Mary’s when you visit. This is our go-to pub every year for St. Patrick’s Day and their Irish hospitality never disappoints.

Address For Hennessy’s:

• 2777 Roosevelt Street Carlsbad, CA 92008

Live Music at Hennessey’s Tavern:

• Hennessey’s Tavern is a hot spot for karaoke and live music Thursdays through Saturdays.
• They do not have an events calendar. Call for the latest information (760) 729-6951.

13. Boar Cross’n

This lively spot for nightlife in Carlsbad Village originally opened its doors as Ralph and Eddie’s in 1958. It changed its name to Boar Cross’n in the early 90’s and has been a local go-to for live music featuring Southern California bands and billiards. It’s a hole in the wall, but this is one of the Carlsbad Village bars that always delivers a fun night out.

Address For Boar Cross’n:

• 390 Grand Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008

Live Music at Boar Cross’n:

• There is no events page or website for this “no frills” bar in carlsbad. Call for more information (760) 729-2989.

14. Mas Fina Cantina

Check out the family-owned Mexican dive bar, Mas Fina Cantina, for a casual spot to enjoy live music. While the atmosphere is a bit dark and musty inside, the service is friendly and the margaritas are potent.

Their musical offerings are a bit sporadic, and there’s no events calendar. But, if you are lucky you can find karaoke, open mic night, and other musical events. This is a perfect place to chill on the patio in Carlsbad Village while enjoying tacos and hospitality.

Address For Mas Fina Cantina:

• 2780 State Street Carlsbad, CA 92008

Live Music at Mas Fina Cantina:

• Call (760) 434-3497 to find out what’s happening.

Tasting Rooms with Live Music in Carlsbad

15. Witch Creek Winery

Next, stop by Witch Creek. It’s San Diego’s oldest urban winery which opened in Carlsbad in 1996. You can listen to live music while you sip their delicious wine in this cozy space.

Address For Witch Creek Tasting Room:

• 2906 Carlsbad Boulevard Carlsbad, CA 92008

Live Music at Witch Creek Winery:

• Live music is available at Witch Creek Thursdays through Sundays.
• Check out the Witch Creek events calendar for live music, paint nights and open mic comedy.

16. Carruth Cellars Tasting Room

For a sophisticated venue, visit Carruth Cellars for wine tasting and nightlife in Carlsbad. You will find performers playing jazz, acoustic, and country music and at their locations throughout San Diego. Plus, you can find date night events such as speed dating, paint and sip, pizza parties and salsa dancing at Carruth Cellars locations.

Address For Carruth Cellars in Carlsbad:

• 2727 State Street Carlsbad, CA 92008

Live Music at Carruth Cellars:

• Sundays 4:00-7:00 (at their Carlsbad Location)
• Check the Carruth events calendar for more information.

Seeking Stamps Tip: Carruth also has locations in Liberty Station, Solana Beach, and Oceanside.

17. Oak + Elixir

A great place for a date night, wine and cocktails is Oak + Elixir wine bar in Carlsbad Village. The mid century modern aesthetic, wine barrels, string lights, and outdoor patio make this space warm and inviting. Yet, it’s the hospitality and service of this family owned and operated business that will make you a repeat guest.

Address For Oak and Elixir:

• 2917 State Street Carlsbad, CA 92008

Live Music at Oak and Elixir:

• Check the Carlsbad entertainment calendar at Oak and Elixir here.

Venues With Dancing & Music in Carlsbad

18. Coyote Bar and Grill

For younger crowds and a boisterous scene, The Coyote Bar is one of the best Carlsbad bars with karaoke and live entertainment. This spacious venue has been a hub of entertainment since it opened its doors in 1989. Coyote Bar has live entertainment 7 days per week. You can find all musical genres- from 80’s music, classic rock, soul, and jazz playing at Coyote Bar.

In addition to indoor and outdoor seating with fire pits, it also boasts a small dance floor if you are looking to get your groove on. I can attest that this is a fun place to dance in Carlsbad, and I am guilty of staying at the Coyote Bar until closing on more than one occasion. I recommend coming here for its social scene or for a girl’s night out in Carlsbad Village.

Address For The Coyote Bar:

• 300 Carlsbad Village Drive #114 Carlsbad, CA 92008

Live Music at The Coyote Bar:

• Karaoke or Live music offered daily- check the Coyote Bar events calendar for the full schedule.
• Most evenings live entertainment starts at 6:00 pm.
• Music starts at 1:00 pm on Sundays.

19. The Alley

Well, the name says it all at this casual venue. Although it’s pretty grungy inside, The Alley is one of the best places to dance in Carlsbad.

I have spent many (late) nights at the Ally because it is one the best places with music and nightlife in Carlsbad. It’s seedy, cramped, hot, and sweaty- and you’re sure to wake up with a hangover after a night here. Nevertheless, Carlsbad locals keep coming back for more!

Address For The Alley:

421 Grand Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008

Live Music at The Alley:

• Entertainment varies by night and rotates between DJ’s, karaoke, and live music.
• Admission is 21+ only.

Hours of Operation for The Alley:

• Monday- Friday 7:00 pm- 2:00 am
• Saturday 5:00 pm-2:00 am
• Sunday 4:00 pm- 2:00 am

Seeking Stamps Tip: Leave your best clothes and shoes at home- you are almost guaranteed to have beer spilled on you here! This lounge and sports bar is also a relaxed place to watch the game during the day, but there are better venues in Carlsbad to watch sports.

20. Carlsbad Concerts in the Park 

For another music venue in Carlsbad, check out the seasonal summer concerts in the park. Each year, the city of Carlsbad has an exciting lineup of musicians playing in local Carlsbad parks. From reggae, country, or 80’s bands, the city always has a variety of music to choose from.

Summer concerts at the park allow attendees to dance or simply relax on picnic blankets at these inviting family-friendly events. Enjoy live performances by talented musicians on warm evenings in Carlsbad. We live close to one of the parks and make a point to attend these events each year because it’s fun for the whole family.

Location for Concerts in the Park:

• Venues vary from local parks including Poinsettia Park, Stagecoach Park, Alga Norte and more. Check the events links above for times and locations each week during the summer.

Seeking Stamps Tip: Go to concerts in the park for FREE live music in Carlsbad!

21. The Belly Up

This last spot for live music on my list is The Belly Up. Technically, it’s in Solana Beach. However it is SUCH a fun place to go for shows, I had to include it on my list. Plus, it’s in North County San Diego, so it’s not far from Carlsbad and Encinitas.

The Belly Up is a great spot for a date night or a girls night out because it is a large venue. It has all kinds of performers on their lineup. Some of my favorites are Super Diamond, a Neil Diamond cover band. Or No Duh, a No Doubt cover band who’s lead singer really looks and sounds like Gwen Stefani! If you are looking for a fun night out near Carlsbad, this is the best place to go.

Address For The Belly Up:

• 143 South Cedros Avenue Solana, Beach CA 92075

Live Music at The Belly-Up:

• Showtimes vary on evenings during the week and weekend.
• Check out the Belly Up events calendar for specifics.
• Buy tickets in advance in person at their box office or over the phone.
• This venue is 21+

Carlsbad Live Music: Final Thoughts

Carlsbad, CA is a destination that not only captivates visitors with its natural beauty and attractions, but also satisfies music enthusiasts with its vibrant music scene. From venues featuring local artists to large outdoor concerts, nightlife in Carlsbad, CA offers a broad range of live music for locals. So, next time you need a night out, visit Carlsbad!