East Cobb’s live music scene keeps the entertainment going year‑round. From relaxed restaurants and taverns to public plaza sessions, here are some of the popular live music spots in East Cobb:
Montana’s Bar and Grill
A favorite local dive, this bar hosts live music most weekends. You can expect friendly crowds, food specials, and outdoor sets under the stars. A smoky atmosphere and upbeat tunes make it a go‑to for relaxed nights out. Located 2995 Johnson Ferry Rd, somewhat across the street from the nearby Northeast Cobb YMCA.
Chicago’s Steak and Seafood
For a more upscale music experience, check out Chicago’s Steak and Seafood just down the road at 4401 Shallowford Rd, near the intersection of Shallowford and Johnson Ferry. Live acts fill the speakeasy lounge on Friday and Saturday evenings, offering smooth vocals and jazzy rhythms to pair with signature martinis and other house specialties.
Westfield Tavern
While live acts aren’t on a tightly-packed schedule, this neighborhood tavern offers occasional music nights and open‑mic-style performances. Check their listings each month. Located just a few doors down from Chicago’s at 4401 Shallowford Rd.
Sidelines Grille and Taphouse
This sports bar in East Cobb lights up every Friday evening around 8:30 pm with rotating local bands. It’s a good spot for pairing live sets with craft beers and casual bites. Located near the intersection of Johnson Ferry and Lower Roswell at 4719 Lower Roswell Road.
McCray’s Tavern
Just 3 minutes away from Sidelines is McRay’s Tavern, located at 4880 Lower Roswell Rd in the Parkaire Landing Shopping Center. Live music kicks off at 8 pm every Friday at this neighborhood spot. A rotating lineup of regional artists keeps things fresh, all against a backdrop of comfort food and relaxed vibes.
The Wing Café and Taphouse
This popular venue regularly hosts local musicians and acoustic acts. It’s worth checking their social media to find out what’s next. It is a casual neighborhood spot with an indoor bar as well as outdoor tiki bar, located at 2145 Roswell Rd in the East Lake Shopping Center.
Avenue East Cobb
Every Friday from April through October, The Plaza at Avenue East Cobb hosts Avenue Live, a free live concert series from 6 to 8 pm. Families and music lovers can grab food and drinks from nearby eateries and enjoy local bands in the open-air plaza. The plaza also occasionally hosts special events and live‑music celebrations at other times during the year. Keep an eye on Avenue East Cobb’s calendar for updates, located at 4475 Roswell Rd.
Dixie Tavern
A go-to venue featuring local bands since 1997. With a large patio and pool tables, it brings a casual bar‑and‑music combination that draws a diverse crowd. Located at 2349 Windy Hill Rd, Dixie Tavern is a 21 and up non-smoking tavern.
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
If you are looking for some bigger acts, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre presents a polished lineup of musical talent, from touring symphonies and jazz ensembles to rock icons and Broadway-caliber vocalists. Its state-of-the-art acoustics and elegant interior make it a favorite for those who prefer their music seated and amplified in high definition.
The Battery Atlanta
Live music can be found at The Battery Atlanta almost every night of the week. The Coca-Cola Roxy anchors the entertainment scene with big high-energy shows from national touring acts, while restaurants and bars like Live! at the Battery and Park Bench offer smaller-scale sets, DJ nights, and acoustic performances in lively, casual environments.
Marietta Square
Marietta’s Strand Theatre hosts live shows and concerts regularly. Lumiere Lounge, upstairs at The Strand, is an elegant piano bar featuring jazz ensembles and pianists on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The Rooftop Bar at The Strand periodically hosts Brew with a View and live music. Also near The Strand is The Third Door, a live music venue, speakeasy saloon, and event space. Glover Park Brewery, across the street from The Third Door, regularly hosts live music events along with food trucks and more. The High Note is an upscale lounge upstairs from Hamp & Harry’s that features frequent local live sets. In addition, Glover Park, at the center of Marietta Square, is home to a variety of festivals and live music events throughout the year.
Guston’s Grille Woodstock
Guston’s Grille in nearby Woodstock blends food, drinks, and live music to create a laid-back nightlife option. Known for hosting local bands and solo acts on weekends, the restaurant offers a mix of covers and original tunes across rock, country, and pop genres. In addition to live music on the weekends, Guston’s also hosts a popular karaoke night where guests can take the stage to sing their favorite tunes in front of a crowd. With indoor and patio seating, plenty of TVs, and a relaxed crowd, it’s a casual spot to grab some food, drinks, and catch some live music.
Alpharetta Amphitheatre (Ameris Bank Amphitheatre)
This 12,000-seat outdoor venue hosts major names in rock, country, pop, and more each concert season. With both reserved seating and lawn options, Ameris Bank Amphitheatre is a great nearby destination for those looking to experience big name acts and live music under the stars, with food and tailgating rounding out the experience. Though not as big as the 18,920-seat Lakewood Amphitheatre (aka Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood) in southeast Atlanta, the Alpharetta amphitheater is located in the upscale Avalon/Windward Parkway area, which means parking is usually easier and more orderly, and the crowd often leans toward families and concertgoers looking for a relatively relaxed experience.
Around East Cobb
Nearby cities like Kennesaw, Roswell, Woodstock, Sandy Springs add to the mix with frequent live performances in breweries, parks, and restored downtowns. Roswell’s Alive in Roswell street festival and concerts at Canton Street establishments, along with Woodstock’s amphitheater events, offer closer alternatives to the larger venues and the downtown Atlanta area.
The variety of friendly bars, casual taverns, restaurants, and public plazas in and around East Cobb make it easy to catch local live performances any night of the week. Keep an eye on our East Cobb Calendar of Events for the bigger local events, and check venue websites and their social media for daily and weekly events, as there is almost always a show worth checking out in and around East Cobb.
