Ann Arbor is renowned for its vibrant music scene, and sometimes, you get to listen to your favorite tunes for free. Below is a list of top places to enjoy free live music in Ann Arbor. Sometimes, venues and artists have a tip jar for donations, which are always encouraged to show your support.
LIVE Happy Hour
Where: 102 South 1st Street
When: Friday from 6:30–9:00 p.m.
LIVE features a variety of bands — from rock to blues, funk to country — and a dance floor if the mood strikes you. There’s typically a tip jar passed around to support the band, and donations are appreciated. For more information, visit Ann Arbor Happy Hour @ LIVE.
Conor O’Neill’s
Where: 318 South Main Street
When: Every Sunday night, 6-9 p.m.
“Traditional Irish Session,” with musicians who often gather in a circle — playing fiddles, drums, harps, and more. They perform traditional Irish jigs and reels — sometimes upbeat, sometimes heartfelt, but always impressive. Patrons enjoying drinks, food, or even a sports game on the TV are welcome to listen for free.
Weber’s Habitat Lounge
Where: 3050 Jackson Avenue
When: Fridays and Saturdays, 9-11 p.m.
Live jazz sets the mood at Weber’s Habitat Lounge. Drinks and discounted menu items are available, though not mandatory for enjoying the performance. You can come simply to soak up the music.
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Venue by 4M
Where: 1919 South Industrial Highway
When: Sunday Jazz Brunch and Saturday Night Jazz & Blues
Venue Restaurant hosts Sunday brunches and Saturday evenings with live jazz and blues. You’re welcome to order coffee, a drink, or a meal — but there’s also space to sit and listen. Notable acts this month include Josie Ala, Rachel Arnsdorf and Houston Patton.
Old Town Tavern
Where: 122 West Liberty Street
When: Varies
Known as “one of downtown Ann Arbor’s most beloved townie bars,” Old Town has showcased local talent since 1972. Their motto — “Eat, Drink, Listen” — says it all.
TeaHaus
Where: 204 North 4th Avenue
When: Acoustic music nights on January 22, February 5 & 19, and March 5 & 19
TeaHaus hosts free music concerts, poetry readings and pop-ups on select nights. Sip on tea, indulge in sweet treats, or even enjoy a glass of wine — purchases are not required.
Crazy Wisdom Bookstore — Celestial Lounge
Where: 114 South Main
When: Fridays, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Stop by Crazy Wisdom’s Celestial Lounge for live music. Coffee, tea and cold drinks are available upstairs, while light snacks can be found downstairs. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are also welcome. See their upcoming performers here: crazywisdom.net/live-music.
North Star Lounge
Where: 301 North 5th Avenue
When: Varies
Some shows require paid tickets in advance, but there are also free Happy Hour concerts. Recent free performances have featured multi-instrumentalist Mary Ann Kirt, The Dangling Participles and the Liam Charron Trio. Happy Hour typically runs from 5:30–6:30 p.m.
The Ark
Where: 316 South Main Street
When: Monthly
The monthly “Artist Spotlight Series” is free, with the next show on February 25 featuring Les Green — an Ameripolitan award winner and the voice of Little Richard in the “Elvis” movie (Grammy-nominated soundtrack). While not required, donations of food or groceries for Food Gatherers are encouraged.
According to The Ark organizers, Spotlight Series takes place on the last Tuesday of each month, January through November. Ford Philanthropy helps offset the costs of producing the series and proceeds always benefit Food Gatherers.
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The Earl
Where: 121 West Washington Street
When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: Solo piano or guitar begins at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays: Soft jazz trio starts at 7 p.m.
Relax with a glass of wine and enjoy soothing music. The Earle also features French and Italian specialties if you’d like to dine during the performance.
Mash Bar
Where: 211 East Washington Street
When: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday nights
Known primarily as a bourbon, whiskey and beer bar located below Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery, Mash offers free live music featuring unique local bands on select evenings. Solo acts on Thursdays and bands on Fridays and Saturdays.
First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor
Where: 517 East Washington St., Ann Arbor
Dates: 3/14: Passacaglia and Ciacona; 4/11: Special performance with violinist Phoebe Geizer-Goyato; 5/9: Goldberg Variations
This church hosts free public concerts featuring organ music by J.S. Bach and Dieterich Buxtehude, performed by organist Shin-Ae Chun, titled “The Baroque Art of Variation and Embellishment in Three Concerts.”
Whether you’re a student on a budget, a local looking for new hangouts or simply eager to discover fresh tunes, these free music spots in Ann Arbor are worth exploring.
El Limon
Where: 2709 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor
When: Thursdays 6:30-8:30 p.m.
This Mexican-Mediterranean fusion restaurant features live music that includes jazz, Blues, rock and Latin sounds. All local musicians. Munch on a healthy chicken shawarma burrito or mango avocado salad while listening to music. No dancing is reportedly allowed here, however.
Moon Winks Cafe
Where: 5151 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor
When: Most every night
According to Moon Winks staff member: “…We have free music most every night of the week, Monday through Saturday. We do encourage a $5 suggested donation just to help offset any cost to the owners, and we also encourage our performers to set out a tip jar and mention that a few times throughout the evening. But no enforced cover is set, and nobody is turned away. We are a cafe and a tavern, so this is why we don’t enforce a cover. We have regular customers that come here specifically for the food and drinks.”
The Zal Gaz Grotto
Where: 2070 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor,
When: Many nights a week
While this is a private club, live music nights are regularly held — oftentimes free. Every Sunday, Monday or Tuesday, The Zal Gaz Grotto has traditional jazz. Other nights throughout the week, different kids of music is played for the public to enjoy.
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
