Overview:

Dallas has a rich musical history, and DART makes it easy to discover the city's live music scene. From country music at The Rustic to jazz at Reveler's Hall, and blues in Deep Ellum, there are plenty of options for music lovers. Other venues near downtown Dallas include Sandaga and Lee Harvey's. The GoPass app makes it easy to plan trips, buy passes, and more.

Do you love live music? You’ll find that Texas’ rich musical history is alive and well in Dallas – country, jazz, rock, and more all call the region home. And DART can help you discover them all.

On weekends, head to The Rustic for a taste of Texas-style comfort food and live lunchtime country music. Their massive, backyard-like patio features a modern cowboy vibe. The outdoorsy spot is next door to the west portal of Cityplace/Uptown Station (near the West Village, just north of downtown Dallas), which is served by the Red, Blue, and Orange lines. You can also get there on the M-Line Trolley, which travels from downtown Dallas through fashionable Uptown, known for its many shops and restaurants.

For your afternoon, switch things up and go to Reveler’s Hall for some afternoon jazz, featuring the venue’s excellent house band along with other performers. The jazz club is an easy walk from the Bishop Arts Stop along the Dallas Streetcar line. (You can board the streetcar at the Union Station Stop in downtown, which is close to EBJ Union Station.) After 5 p.m., the music continues into the night – or you can head to Deep Ellum, the heart of the Dallas music scene.

Legendary blues musicians once called Deep Ellum home – Blind Lemon Jefferson, Lead Belly, and Lightnin’ Hopkins all performed on its storied streets. Today, you’ll find that live music is still the district’s heartbeat, while well-known restaurants serve up local flavor. Some neighborhood favorites include:

  • Adair’s is a classic Texas honky-tonk with live country music and legendary cheeseburgers.
  • Three Links is a haven for live music enthusiasts and nightlife seekers, with an eclectic mix of performers.
  • The Twilight Lounge features a variety of live acts with no cover charge.
  • The Nines is your spot for R&B-heavy DJ sets.
  • Sons of Hermann Hall’s Wednesday swing-dance nights feature live music, dance lessons, and a lively crowd. Every Thursday, enjoy a Campfire Acoustic Jam.

Get to Deep Ellum by taking the Green Line to Deep Ellum or Baylor University Medical Center stations. They’re only a stop or two west of Fair Park.

Sandaga live music located in Fair Park, Photo credit via Sanadaga Instagram

Don’t miss these other musical options near downtown Dallas:

  • Sandaga has an intimate indoor stage and a high-energy outdoor patio, both featuring soul music, jazz, and reggae. It’s near the Green Line’s Fair Park Station.
  • Lee Harvey’s is a classic dive bar with picnic tables, great burgers and frequent live music (there’s a great jukebox when there’s not). It’s walkable from Cedars Station, just south of downtown along the Red and Blue lines.

Find out about more music venues, listen to a Dallas playlist, and learn more about Dallas music history here. DART makes it easy to get to the best of the local music scene. Plus, you don’t have to worry about traffic or parking expenses. The GoPass® app makes everything even easier. Download it today, and you can plan trips, buy passes and more!


DART makes it easy to get to the best of the local music scene. Plus, you don’t have to worry
about traffic or parking expenses. The GoPass ® app makes everything even easier. Download it
today, and you can plan trips, buy passes, and more.