The Best Folk Music Venues in NYC

Looking for the best places to enjoy live folk music in New York City? Check out our list of the top venues for folk music lovers!

The Best Folk Music Venues in NYC: The Bitter End

The Bitter End is one of the most well-known folk music venues in NYC. It has been around since 1961 and has hosted some of the biggest names in folk music, including Bob Dylan, John Prine, and Joan Baez. The Bitter End is located in Greenwich Village and has a capacity of about 150 people.

The Best Folk Music Venues in NYC: Caffe Lena

Caffe Lena is one of the most iconic and well-loved folk music venues in NYC. Located in Saratoga Springs, NY, this charming cafe has been hosting live music performances since 1960.

Folk legends such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Pete Seeger have graced the stage at Caffe Lena, and the venue continues to be a top destination for folk musicians from all over the world. If you’re a fan of folk music, make sure to check out Caffe Lena on your next trip to NYC!

The Best Folk Music Venues in NYC: The Living Room

The Living Room has been a mainstay of the New York City music scene since its opening in the East Village in 1988. The intimate setting and excellent acoustics have made it a favorite among folk musicians, and it has hosted everyone from Ani DiFranco to Emmylou Harris. The small stage and close seating create an intimate atmosphere that is perfect for enjoying the simple pleasures of live music.

The Best Folk Music Venues in NYC: The Mercury Lounge

The Mercury Lounge is one of the best folk music venues in NYC. This cherished spot has been a go-to for music lovers since the early ’90s, hosting both up-and-coming and well-established acts from all over the world. The cozy space has excellent acoustics, making it the perfect place to enjoy intimate live performances.

The Best Folk Music Venues in NYC: Rockwood Music Hall

Known for its intimate shows and variety of genres, Rockwood Music Hall is one of the best places to see live music in NYC. This Lower East Side venue has three stages and hosts everything from folk to pop to jazz. With a capacity of only 200 people, Rockwood is the perfect place to get up close and personal with your favorite artists.

The Best Folk Music Venues in NYC: Union Hall

Located in Park Slope, Brooklyn, Union Hall is a music venue that hosts a variety of genres, but is perhaps best known for its folk music scene. The venue has two stages – one upstairs and one downstairs – as well as a bar and restaurant. Union Hall has been praised for its intimate atmosphere, which allows music lovers to really get up close and personal with the performers. If you’re looking for a down-to-earth folk music experience in NYC, Union Hall should be at the top of your list!

The Best Folk Music Venues in NYC: The Village Vanguard

The Village Vanguard is a jazz club located in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City, in the United States. The club opened on February 22, 1935, and has been in operation since. It is currently owned by the Andrea and Marc Victor.

The Vanguard is known for presenting jazz musicians who have gone on to worldwide fame, such as Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Thelonious Monk, Lennie Tristano, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane and many others. It has also been the site of historic performances by artists such as Béla Bartók and Duke Ellington.

The Vanguard is located at 178 7th Avenue South (at 11th Street) in Manhattan’s West Village. It occupies the corner space of a three-story commercial building that also houses a Greenwich Village institution, the Blue Note jazz club.

The Best Folk Music Venues in NYC: Webster Hall

Webster Hall is one of the most popular music venues in New York City, and it’s especially well known for its folk music scene. The venue has two stages, and the main stage is often reserved for folk musicians. Webster Hall is also home to a variety of other musical genres, including rock, pop, and hip hop.

The Best Folk Music Venues in NYC: The Knitting Factory

The Knitting Factory is one of the best folk music venues in NYC. It’s a great place to see up-and-coming folk musicians, as well as established acts. The Knitting Factory has a wide variety of folk music offerings, from traditional to contemporary. If you’re a fan of folk music, this is definitely the place to go.

The Best Folk Music Venues in NYC: Joe’s Pub

Joe’s Pub is one of the best folk music venues in NYC. It’s a great place to see up-and-coming talent, as well as established artists. The venue has a warm and intimate atmosphere, and the staff are always happy to chat with you about the music.