Doesn’t live music just get you jazzed? (Sorry, it was just too good not to say once). The DFW music scene is sometimes overlooked when compared to the fellow Texan city of Austin. Yet, with all that overlooking comes a substantial amount of underrated talent to catch on the DFW jazz scene. Bars, restaurants, and festivals across Denton, Dallas and beyond cater to jazz junkies and those looking for a chill night out.
Head to these live music hot spots (and events) around Dallas that will transport you straight to the speakeasies of the prohibition era.
JAZZ WINE TRAIN
Grapevine, TX
March 20 – 21 | All aboard a journey straight out of the twenties during this epic evening of jazz. With tastings from all 8 wineries in Grapevine, dinner, and dessert from a master chef and live jazz on each of the train cars, this annual soiree should be marked on your calendar. Until then, you can toast to new wines at the New Vintage Wine & Gallery Trail or plan a weekend of winery hopping.
DENTON ARTS & JAZZ FESTIVAL
Denton, TX
April 26 – 28 | This FREE, full weekend festival has gained a reputation as one of the best showcases for jazz in North Texas. Planted in Quakertown Park, Denton’s annual celebration of arts and jazz is an easy way to fill your spring day with culture for the entire family. Here, you’ll find seven stages for live music, along with plenty of festival food and art vendors. In addition to the festival, UNT has a strong jazz program and the students have a presence across town with live jazz on campus all spring semester long.
THE BALCONY CLUB
Dallas, TX
This groovy jazz bar is tucked away in Dallas‘ lovely Lakewood neighborhood. Spotted on the second floor of the Lakewood Theater, The Balcony Club’s cool aura is radiated through the original theater feel with live music every night. You know this bar is made for music because there are one side booth setups facing the small stage for optimal viewing.
SCAT JAZZ LOUNGE
Fort Worth, TX
This sweet, speakeasy-style bar will give you all the jazzy feels of Fort Worth. Tucked away in an alley near Sundance Square, you can scoot over to Scat to see some of the best local and national talent on the scene. After finding the neon sign, ride an elevator down to the basement and find yourself in a bar that’s cool meets cozy. As an added bonus, happy hour lasts until 8 PM to keep the cheap drinks flowing, and entrance is free on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
THE FREE MAN
Dallas, TX
Deep Ellum is rich in history and a show stopper on the Dallas music scene. The Free Man is perhaps the most notable bar to catch a spectacular jazz performance — all for the price tag of zero. With free live music every night of the week, you won’t be disappointed in this historic hotspot. For those looking for a bite, bring the experience full New Orleans and get a taste of The Free Man’s must-try Cajun-style menu.
ÉCLAIR BISTRO
McKinney, TX
Whether you’re popping up post-dinner for a cocktail or simply stopping in for a small plate and some music, this Mckinney spot is definitely worth a visit. Hidden upstairs of this French eatery is a cocktail bar that packs the punch for intimacy. Every weekend the Eclair Bistro’s bar host live jazz performances — usually sans cover.
STEVE’S WINE BAR
Denton, TX
Winos welcome at this darling Denton venue. Steve’s is a warm, neighborhood wine bar with tastings, events and live music that has a focus on jazz. It’s located right off the Downtown Denton Square, making it a charming and classy way to end a day of exploring. Check out their calendar for a full events schedule and the best times to pop in for some tunes.
Article originally published on Visit DFW
