A Music Lover's Guide To Orlando

Visitors to Orlando who venture away from the typical tourist attractions don’t often find themselves disappointed. For music lovers, especially, the city has a vibrant, booming music scene that is sure to keep everyone interested. From live music to big acts performing Top 40 hits, “The City Beautiful” has it all.

Where can you go to hear live music?

Head to the divey Will’s Pub. While it is a dive bar, it does, indeed, have great live music. Many local artists play at Will’s, and many national artists from the indie scene stop over there as well.

Will’s Pub, 1042 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL, USA, +1 407 748 8256

The Social is another excellent place to find indie music, and on any given night, you’ll find it packed with locals. Tickets aren’t pricey, and you’ll be sure to meet a host of cool and friendly people.

The Social, 54 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL, USA, +1 407 246 1419

If low-key indie isn’t your scene, but EDM is, then Venue 578 should be your pick. This popular establishment features live dance music, but it’s not just EDM. You’ll also find several other genres performed there.

Venue 578, 578 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL, USA, +1 407 872 0066

Where can you go to hear artists that you know and love?

Amway Center is Orlando’s biggest concert venue, and many Top 40 acts schedule their tour dates there. It also hosts sporting events throughout the year, including hockey.

Amway Center, 400 W Church St #200, Orlando, FL, USA, +1 407 440 7000

That’s right – there’s a House of Blues in Orlando! This HOB is in the Disney Springs area (formerly Downtown Disney), so you’ll have lots to see and do (and eat) before or after the show.

House of Blues, 1490 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA, +1 407 934 2583

The America Gardens Theater is inside one of the Disney parks – Epcot – but don’t let that deter you. Epcot is known as the more relaxed park, mostly geared toward adults, not children. Disney hosts different concert series there throughout the year, along with the very popular “Eat to the Beat” series, which has featured artists like Boys II Men.

America Gardens Theater, 1510 Avenue of the Stars, Orlando, FL, USA, +1 407 939 1289

The Hard Rock Live is on the property of one of the other parks in Orlando – Universal – and it often hosts a variety of different artists and cover bands. Visit the café, which is a tiny bit away from the venue, where you’ll be able to eat some delicious food while checking out music memorabilia.

Hard Rock Live, 6050 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL, USA, +1 407 351 5483

Where can you go to see orchestra performances, plays, and other fine arts?

The Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts is a relatively new fine arts outpost in the Orlando area, but it’s already hosted some great events. You’ll find big name artists and live symphony orchestras at this venue.

Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts, 445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL, USA, +1 407 839 0119

While the Bob Carr Theater is part of the Dr. Phillips Center, it’s a different theater entirely. You’ll be able to catch live symphonies at the theater, as well as ballets and musicals.

Bob Carr Theater, 401 W Livingston St, Orlando, FL, USA, +1 407 839 0119 ext. 390

United States Navy Band performing at the Dr. Phillips Center

Where can you buy music?

Rock and Roll Heaven calls itself “Central Florida’s Vinyl Destination” – and that it is. It’s a used record store where music lovers will feel like they died and went to “rock and roll heaven.”

Rock and Roll Heaven, 1814 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL, USA, +1 407 896 1952

Featuring a massive selection, Park Ave CDs offers both new and used music. You won’t be disappointed with what you’ll find in their store.

Park Ave CDs, 2916 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL, USA, +1 407 447 7275