We searched coast to coast for the best live performance venues to catch a show, and these standout spots are more than worthy of a shout-out
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Music isn’t just heard, it’s experienced — which is why it can live or die by the room it’s played in. In other words: a venue category wasn’t optional for our Audio Awards; it was non-negotiable. A tweak in sightlines, a powerful audio system, or the right kind of atmosphere can completely change how you witness an artist you thought you already knew. Those details matter, and we took them seriously while hunting down the live performance spaces that actually enhance the music.
We looked coast to coast and everywhere worth stopping in between to find the arenas, club rooms, rooftops, and immersive spaces that make seeing live music feel like more than just buying a ticket stub. From outdoor venues propped against city skylines to jazz rooms hiding in plain sight, to innovative spaces that are actively redefining what a live show can be, these are our favorite venues of 2026.
We’ve been there, up close and loud, and yes, we’ve even clocked the bathrooms too (Pier 17’s mirrors deserve their own award). These venues don’t just host music; they make the whole damn experience better.
How We Chose Products for Rolling Stone Audio Awards 2026
Live music is the bread and butter of Rolling Stone. Over the past year, we’ve visited performance venues, sprawling arenas, and innovative entertainment spaces from New York City to Los Angeles, evaluating each for sound quality, views, amenities, and overall experience. Some venues miss the mark, and many are simply not worth the visit. But a select handful earn our ultimate seal of approval: a spot in the Rolling Stone Audio Awards.
best music venue
Hollywood Palladium
Los Angeles, CA
The Hollywood Palladium first opened its doors more than 80 years ago, but the live performance venue remains as strong as ever. Constantly innovating and reinventing what a show can be, it now has a one-of-a-kind cocktail room experience within the space and is presenting acts ranging from comedians to DJs. It proves that some things really do get better with age. — Alexis Mikulski Ruiz
best music club
Continental Club
Austin, TX
Austin, Texas, is one of our favorite music destinations in the country, and the Continental Club, located in the city’s South Congress neighborhood, is a perfect example of why. It combines historic charm — it’s even an official landmark — with cool, casual vibes, and has hosted some of the most impressive talents in the industry, from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Junior Brown. Plus, you can bring your own food, which, if you’ve ever had late-night munchies, you know is invaluable. — A.M.R.
innovation award
Intuit Dome
Inglewood, CA
For some things, you shouldn’t reinvent the wheel, but when it comes to music venues, we couldn’t disagree more. Since it opened in 2024, the Intuit Dome has been raising the bar for live performance spaces, with immersive lighting capabilities and sound that fills the room no matter where you stand.
It’s showing both audiences and competitors just how transformative it can be to view your favorite act in a venue that captivates you from the moment you walk in to the moment you step out. The experience is so mesmerizing, you might even forget who you came to see. — A.M.R.
best outdoor music venue
The Rooftop at Pier 17
New York, NY
The Rooftop at Pier 17 is an outdoor music venue that might just change how you view all other live performance spaces; it’s that good. Sure, you won’t find ocean breezes or rugged mountains here, but the New York City skyline overlooking the East River almost takes your breath away. The vibe is stellar — the venue carefully avoids overcrowding so you still feel like you have space to breathe — the drinks are potent in the best way, and the lineup is consistently stacked.
They bring in new talent alongside classic favorites, never missing a beat on what people want to see. While it’s a seasonal venue, I wouldn’t spend a summer in the city without attending a show; it’s a marvel in the middle of Manhattan. — A.M.R.
best jazz club
Blue Note
Los Angeles, CA
Blue Note Jazz Club welcomed audiences through its doors in LA this past August, and already the venue is planning an expansion across the pond (they plan to open in England in 2026). The Los Angeles-based club accomplishes something rare: it keeps the heart and spirit of classic jazz alive while incorporating modern updates, including impressive sound features and a wide mix of acts (this year’s lineup includes Lizzo and Katalyst).
It’s perfect for date night, a solo outing, or anytime you want to experience a call-and-response in a room that feels both comfortable and effortlessly cool. — A.M.R.
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