One of the most exciting things about moving to a big city like Philadelphia is that there is always something to do. Of course, you can spend your weekends checking out restaurants or shops in Center City, but an option that is often overlooked is catching a concert at one of Philly’s renowned music venues.
Home to a vibrant live-music scene, Philly is almost always a stop for your favorite music acts on tour. For students just getting acquainted with the city for the first time, here is a guide to a few of the most notable music venues in the city. While living in Philly, you are bound to see a great show—whether it is at an enormous sports stadium or in a basement bar.
Franklin Music Hall
Franklin Music Hall is one of the more popular venues in Philadelphia. With a capacity of around 2,700 people, this venue is bound to feel electric at any show you see here. Hosting acts across all genres, it’s likely someone you love will play at the Franklin Music Hall at some point during your time in Philly. In the next month or so alone, acts like Mac DeMarco, Wet Leg, Lil Tecca and Thundercat will be performing at this venue.
Location: 421 N 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Similar venues in Philly: The Fillmore
Xfinity Mobile Arena (formerly known as Wells Fargo Center)
Home to professional Philly sports teams, this arena hosts big budget music acts. Stars like Eric Clapton, Playboi Carti and Billie Eilish will be playing here in the near future. If you are a fan of the most popular figures in music today, keep your eyes peeled for tours stopping at Xfinity. While it will not be as intimate as some venues, the energy in a packed, 20,000-person capacity arena will be unmatched.
Location: 3601 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Similar venues in Philly: Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field
Ukie Club (Ukrainian American Citizens’ Association)
Ukie Club is a seriously underrated venue in Philadelphia. This place is about as close as you can get to the feeling of being at a house show in Powelton village while still at an established venue. The bands that come through here are typically up-and-coming acts, whether they are experimental noise rockers or quaint singer-songwriters. With a capacity of only about 400 people, the immediacy of the performances here are unmatched. No matter where you stand, the venue will feel intimate. Upcoming shows at the Ukie Club this fall will feature Soul Glo, Pool Kids, Bassvictim and more.
Location: 847 N Franklin St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Similar venues in Philly: First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia
The Met Philadelphia
This beautiful venue is rich with history. Originally built as an opera house in 1908, it has since been used for several different purposes. It has hosted everything from vaudeville shows to sports events to religious gatherings. Now, almost ten years after a massive renovation, The Met operates primarily as a top-tier concert venue that sits about 3,500 people. The architecture inside is something to gawk at while waiting for the performing act to take stage. It is a building to be admired. Acts like Ethel Cain, Big Thief and Patti Smith will take the stage at The Met in the fall.
Location: 858 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Similar venues in Philly: Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
The Mann Center
If you are ever feeling like you want to escape the energy and noise of Center City, The Mann is a great place to see a concert. This open-air amphitheater is nestled over in Fairmount Park, away from the most bustling areas in Philly. Most shows at The Mann are held during the spring and summer seasons so that audience members can enjoy a beautiful night while seeing a show. Bands like Goose, Haim and Car Seat Headrest are performing some of The Mann’s final shows before they close for the Fall and Winter.
Location: 5201 Parkside Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Similar venues in Philly: The Dell Music Center