A life without music is hard to imagine, and Tulsa proves just how essential it can be. On the surface, Tulsa’s music scene may look small. The BOK Center, The Tulsa Theater, and Cain’s Ballroom are known and notable, but if those are the only venues mentioned when talking about Tulsa music, that barely scratches the surface.
This comprehensive list of venues will help you find the full rhythm of Tulsa’s music scene while highlighting the significance of music's role in the city.
Consider this venue Tulsa’s frontman. This iconic spot was built in 1924 and was the birthplace of Western Swing. Today, it hosts notable acts such as Jack White, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, and Wilco. Aside from a row of bleachers, this venue is standing room only, but when the room fills up, the vibe is electric.
Opening its doors in 1914, this venue is one of Tulsa’s oldest performance spaces. While larger artists might play Cain’s Ballroom or the BOK Center, The Tulsa Theater’s lineup is stacked with nostalgic headliners, great comedians, and other live performances that make for a memorable night out. With 2,800 seats that wrap around the stage, the Tulsa Theater offers a closer connection to the action than many of the city’s larger venues.
This is Tulsa’s premier large stage arena. Established in 2008, the BOK Center holds up to 19,000 people, hosting touring acts, sporting events, and large-scale performances. Notable musicians to take the stage in recent years include Bruce Springsteen, Billie Eilish, and Oklahoma’s own Zach Bryan.
Woody Guthrie Center and The Bob Dylan Center
Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan are two of the most influential musicians of all time, and their legacies live on through museums in the Tulsa Arts District. Run by the American Song Archives, these venues celebrate their musical contributions and lasting impact on American culture. A standout feature of these centers is access to concerts and events connected to their archives, ranging from intimate museum performances to large-scale gatherings in partnership with nearby Arts District venues. These experiences are not to be missed.
The Tulsa Performing Arts Center
Looking for something a little more cultured? The Tulsa Performing Arts Center is home to world-class organizations like Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Ballet, and the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. It also hosts touring musical productions like Wicked and The Outsiders. Built in 1977 and located in the heart of downtown, the center features three venues, ranging from a cozy 437 seat theater to a 2,365 seat music hall. Its calendar is consistently full, offering something for nearly every interest.
Hidden in Tulsa’s historic Arts District, LowDown captures the creative and soulful energy long associated with jazz clubs. Dim lighting, rich sound, and immersive performances define the experience. Once connected to the Jazz Hall of Fame, this venue has hosted both emerging artists and Grammy winners on the same stage. Like many Tulsa venues, LowDown embraces versatility, welcoming a range of genres and fresh sounds.
Looking for something a little more salt of the earth and rebellious? Vanguard puts the audience front and center, creating an up close experience with emerging and established bands alike. The venue operates with music as the main focus, opening the bar only when a performance is scheduled. This dedication makes it a goto spot for discovering lesser-known and up and coming artists. It’s lively, loud, and well worth checking out.
If dive bars are appealing, The Mercury Lounge delivers. Most weeknights feature live music, with performances ranging from local talent to legendary songwriters. This hole in the wall venue has built a loyal following and remains a staple of Tulsa’s live music scene.
At first glance, The Colony might look like just another smalltown bar, but its musical roots run deep. This “musical honey hive” once hosted icons like Leon Russell, J.J. Cale, and Eric Clapton. While that history is impressive, the real draw today is the welcoming atmosphere and the chance to connect with local musicians and longtime regulars.
Walking past Soundpony Lounge makes it hard not to step inside. Floor-to-ceiling cycling-themed stickers create a colorful, inviting space that encourages guests to stay awhile. Eclectic and energetic, this venue goes beyond live music with fashion shows and trivia nights. From DJs to rising artists, Soundpony offers a steady pulse of local creativity.
Leave the headphones at home and plug into Tulsa’s local sound scene. And for those looking to turn a show into a full night out, the Best of Tulsa blog series offers plenty of recommendations for preshow eats and drinks.
