From indie and rock to EDM DJs and funk, the OC has you covered no matter what type of music you’re up for. Here are our top 10 live music venues in Orange County for your listening pleasure, in no particular order.The Observatory
With an old punk rock vibe, black walls and a roll-in standing bar ready to serve you at the entrance, The Observatory is a cool place to see a show, offering concerts for every age and genre. Since reopening in 2011, they have had everyone from local indie bands and favorite Spanish artists to hip hop performers like Fetty Wap, Juicy J and Bone Thugs N Harmony. 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, 714.957.0600. observatory.com
Irvine Meadows Ampitheatre
For a fun outdoor concert, the Irvine Meadows Ampitheatre can’t be beat. With a divine atmosphere under the stars, it’s a wonderful venue to catch a summer concert, offering reserved as well as grass level seating. Headliners such as No Doubt, John Mayer and more typically stop here. 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 949.855.8095. ticketmaster.com
The Coach House
The Coach house is tucked away right next to the freeway not far from the beach life along Pacific Coast Highway. Home to some of the country’s favorite classic rock and blues bands, expect to see musicians such as The Animals, Ted Nugent and Puddle of Mudd. The venue features tables and chairs, allowing you to dine while listening to some classic tunes. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com
The Yost Theater
In the heart of Downtown Santa Ana, The Yost Theater is an awesome place to hear dance music, hosting local DJ’s and EDM dance parties with DJs such as The Chainsmokers and KISS FM’s DJ Alex. With their pulse on the local community, The Yost Theater also lines up some of the hottest local musicians. 307 N. Spurgeon St., Santa Ana, 888.862.9583. yosttheater.com
Tiki Bar
Hidden away in the industrial part of Costa Mesa, the Tiki Bar showcases local talent featuring a perfectly-sized stage and plenty of room for dancing. Enjoy some food at the bar before watching the show. 1700 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.270.6262. tikibaroc.com
Alex’s Bar
If you’re looking for a local bar with some good tunes, Alex’s bar in Long Beach is the place to go. Just a quick jump from Orange County, they offer reasonably priced drinks at the bar, along with a photo booth in the corner to capture the memories of your evening. A solid place for local, indie shows. 2913 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, 562.434.8292. alexsbar.com
The Constellation Room
Located inside the Observatory in Santa Ana, the Constellation Room is a private room off to the side with it’s own bar and stage. This 300-person capacity venue is great if you are watching your favorite underground band, as you can stand directly in front of the stage which allows for the best vantage point. 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, 714.957.0600. constellationroom.com
The Continental Room
This intimate lounge is where you might find a DJ or an indie rock band. The long narrow bar and club leaves you with a place to dance, mingle or sit in a booth and enjoy the show. Fridays tend to feature hip hop, funk and soul while Saturdays are dedicated to electronic dance music. Located in the SOCO art district in Downtown Fullerton. 115 W. Santa Fe Ave., Fullerton, 714.526.4529. continentalroomoc.com
Slidebar
From the moment you walk in to the Slidebar, the theme is prominent–you just walked into Rock-n-Roll heaven. Owned by the lead guitarist of Fullerton-based band LIT, the Slidebar pays homage to legendary OC musicians, featuring some of the county’s most talented rock-n-roll and punk bands. Fun factoid: Leo Fender created the Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster electric guitars in the parking lot, back when the venue was called The Hub. 122 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, 714.871.2233. slidebarfullerton.com