To get by in a big city like Los Angeles—especially when you’re in the early stages of your career—you have to be pretty savvy. This often means finding the free within your reach: free food, free drinks, and of course, free entertainment. Luckily, L.A. is home to tons of the country’s most historic music venues, some of which are totally free.
Below, we’ve rounded up a few of the cost-free places to see live music in L.A., sorted by genre and location. So the next time you need to blow off steam after an audition or just have an itch to feel the pulsation of a bass, you can refer right back here.
The venue: The Satellite
Where: Silver Lake
When: Monday nights
The music: indie rock
The venue: Whiskey a Go Go
Where: West Hollywood
When: Tuesday nights
The music: classic rock
The venue: The Barkley
Where: South Pasadena
When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights
The music: jazz
The venue: Federal Bar
Where: North Hollywood
When: Free events weekly (check calendar)
The music: Latin
The venue: Harvard and Stone
Where: East Hollywood
When: Sunday nights
The music: country
Inspired to get cast? Check out Backstage's Los Angeles audition notices!