10 Best Folk Music Venues in NYC

Looking for the best places to enjoy folk music in NYC? Check out our top 10 picks for the best folk music venues in the city!

The Knitting Factory

The Knitting Factory has been a mainstay of the Brooklyn music scene for over a decade, and it’s currently one of the best places to catch a folk show in NYC. The venue has three stages, so there’s always something going on, and the sound is excellent throughout the space. The Knitting Factory also has a bar and restaurant, so you can grab a bite or a drink before or after the show.

Caffe Lena

Caffe Lena is a coffeehouse in Saratoga Springs, New York, United States, that has been in operation since 1960. It is credited as being “America’s longest-running coffeehouse”, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019.

The cafe was opened by Lena Spencer, a former vaudeville performer, who wanted to create a venue for folk musicians. Her son, Bill both managed and performed at the cafe. The cafe has hosted many well-known folk musicians over the years, including Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, and Joan Baez.

The Bitter End

The Bitter End is one of New York City’s most iconic music venues, having played host to countless legendary folk artists over the years. From Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell to Woody Guthrie and Joan Baez, the storied stage of this Greenwich Village hotspot has seen it all. Today, the venue continues to attract some of the best folk talent around, making it a must-visit spot for anyone looking to catch a great folk show in NYC.

The Living Room

The Living Room is one of the most intimate and eclectic venues in New York City. They pride themselves on being a music first venue, and that is evident in everything from their diverse booking, to their superb sound system. The room has a unique vibe that can only be described as cozy and charming, and the staff are some of the friendliest in the business. If you’re looking for a great place to see some up and coming folk acts, or just want to enjoy some good music in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, The Living Room is definitely the place for you.

Rockwood Music Hall

Folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, and New York City is ground zero for this musical movement. The city is home to a wide variety of folk music venues, from intimate coffeehouses to larger concert halls. Here are 10 of the best folk music venues in NYC.

Rockwood Music Hall is one of the premier folk music venues in NYC. The intimate setting is perfect for seeing up-and-coming folk artists, and the acoustics are excellent. The venue also hosts a variety of other genres of music, so there’s something for everyone.

The Gaslight is another excellent choice for folk music lovers. This Greenwich Village staple has been hosting live music since the 1960s, and it’s still going strong today. The Gaslight features a mix of local and national talent, and it’s one of the best places to catch a folk show in NYC.

If you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, check out Caffe Vivaldi. This West Village institution has been serving up great coffee and live music for decades. The venue has a cozy, intimate vibe that’s perfect for enjoying some folk tunes.

The Living Room is another great option for those who want to catch some acoustic folk shows in NYC. This Lower East Side spot hosts a wide variety of music genres, but it has a particularly strong lineup of folk shows. The Living Room also offers food and drink service, so you can enjoy a meal or a drink while you take in the music.

The Bitter End is yet another iconic Greenwich Village spot that’s perfect for catching live folk shows. The Bitter End has been around since 1961, and it’s one of the most legendary music venues in NYC. If you want to see some up-and-coming talent, this is the place to be.

Cafe Carlyle is an upscale option for those who want to hear some top-notch live singing while enjoying an elegant meal. This Midtown spot is known for its revolving roster of big-name performers, including manyfolk singers. If you want to treat yourself to an upscale evening out, Cafe Carlyle is the perfect choice.

The town hall is one of the most well-known concert halls in NYC, and it’s an excellent choice for catching Folk shows. This landmark Midtown venue has hosted everyone from Bob Dylan to Joan Baez over the years, so you know you’ll be in good company if you see a show here.

The Mercury Lounge

The Mercury Lounge is one of the best folk music venues in NYC. Known for its intimate setting and great sound, the Mercury Lounge has hosted some of the best folk musicians in the city. The venue is also known for its great food and drink menu, making it a great place to spend an evening listening to live music.

Pete’s Candy Store

Pete’s Candy Store is a great place to catch a folk music show in NYC. This cosy Brooklyn venue has been around since 1998 and is known for its intimate shows. The small stage is often graced by upcoming local talent, as well as more well-known folk artists from across the country. There’s no bad seat in the house, and the mood is always relaxed and friendly.

Union Hall

Union Hall is a music venue in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The 700-capacity venue is located on Union Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. It features two indoor spaces: a bar/restaurant on the first floor and a music venue on the second floor. The venue hosts a variety of musical acts, including folk, indie rock, and punk. They also have a comedy club in the basement. Union Hall has been voted one of the best music venues in NYC by Time Out New York, The Village Voice, and Brooklyn Vegan.

The Bell House

The Bell House is a live music venue in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. The venue opened in October 2009, and is located in a former printing plant on 7th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. The Bell House has two stages: a main stage which hosts larger shows, and a smaller stage located in the back of the main room which is used for more intimate shows. The venue also has a bar and restaurant.

The Bell House has hosted a variety of events, including comedy shows, dance parties, film screenings, and, of course, live music. The venue has hosted performances by folk musicians such as John Prine, Ani Di Franco, and Loudon Wainwright III; indie rock bands such as Vampire Weekend and Yeah Yeah Yeahs; and hip-hop artists such as Tyler, the Creator.

Arlene’s Grocery

Arlene’s Grocery is a vibrant music venue located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. This intimate space has a rich history, having served as a speakeasy during Prohibition, a jazz club in the 1940s, and a punk rock club in the 1990s. Today, Arlene’s Grocery features folk music of all stripes, from up-and-coming singer-songwriters to veteran troubadours. The acoustics are excellent, making it one of the best places in the city to see a folk show.