The Ultimate Guide to Live Music in Northeast Florida: From Fernandina to Flagler

There's something magical about live music. It’s the energy of the crowd, the passion of the performers, the way a familiar song can feel brand new. But sometimes the hardest part is simply knowing where to go. You feel the urge to get out, tap your foot, and listen to a great band, but where do you even start looking?

If you're in Northeast Florida, you're in luck. This region is brimming with talent, from soulful solo acoustic acts on a breezy patio to full-throttle rock bands in classic dive bars. We’ve created the ultimate resource for you. No matter the time of year or where you are—from the historic streets of St. Augustine to the laid-back beaches of Fernandina—this guide will point you toward the music.

We’ve broken it down by county and major area to make your search simple.

A quick tip before we dive in: Music schedules can change! While these venues are known for consistent live music, it's always a good idea to check their website or social media pages for the latest schedules, special events, or potential cover charges before you head out.

Duval County (Jacksonville, Jax Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach)

The heart of NE Florida, Duval County's music scene is as diverse as its neighborhoods. From the gritty rock clubs of Riverside to the sun-soaked stages at the Beaches, there's a sound for everyone.

• Lynch's Irish Pub

  • Address: 514 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

  • An institution. If you want a guaranteed good time with loud, fun, and energetic rock and alternative cover bands, Lynch's is the spot. Live music happens almost every night of the week.

• Surfer the Bar

  • Address: 200 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

  • Located right in the heart of the Jax Beach nightlife scene, this spot features everything from local reggae and rock bands to touring indie acts. The vibe is modern and energetic.

• Blue Jay Listening Room

  • Address: 2457 3rd St S, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

  • For the true music lover. This is an intimate, quiet venue focused on singer-songwriters and acoustic performers. When you want to truly listen to the music, this is your place.

• Jack Rabbits

  • Address: 1528 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207

  • A legendary Jacksonville venue that has hosted countless indie, rock, and punk bands on their way up since 1999. It’s a classic, no-frills live music club that champions original music.

• 1904 Music Hall

  • Address: 19 N Ocean St, Jacksonville, FL 32202

  • Known for its incredible variety, 1904 hosts everything from funk and electronic to hip-hop and jam bands. They have a great outdoor patio and regularly feature both local and national touring artists.

• River & Post

  • Address: 1000 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204

  • Head to the rooftop bar for stunning views of the St. Johns River and a more upscale vibe. They frequently feature talented solo and duo acoustic acts, perfect for a date night or sophisticated evening out.

• Underbelly

  • Address: 113 E Bay St, Jacksonville, FL 32202

  • A revitalized Downtown Jax staple, Underbelly brings in a fantastic mix of touring tribute bands, local showcases, and themed nights.

St. Johns County (St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, World Golf Village)

With its historic charm and vibrant arts scene, St. Johns County is a powerhouse of live music. St. Augustine, in particular, feels like one big music festival nearly every night.

• Prohibition Kitchen

  • Address: 119 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084

  • This gastropub is always buzzing. They feature high-energy, top-tier bands every single night, ranging from soul and funk to vintage rock and roll. It's a must-visit.

• Colonial Oak Music Park

  • Address: 27 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084

  • A beautiful outdoor venue nestled under a giant live oak tree. They offer free concerts several nights a week, featuring a wonderful mix of local and regional folk, country, and rock artists.

• Cellar Upstairs at San Sebastian Winery

  • Address: 157 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084

  • There's no better way to spend a weekend afternoon. Enjoy wine, cheese, and spectacular views while listening to smooth jazz, blues, or classic rock bands on their rooftop deck. Music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoon.

• Cafe Eleven

  • Address: 501 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080

  • A beloved restaurant and intimate music venue that hosts an eclectic mix of ticketed shows from nationally touring singer-songwriters, indie bands, and tribute acts. It's a fantastic spot to see incredible talent in a close-up setting.

• Tradewinds Lounge

  • Address: 124 Charlotte St, St. Augustine, FL 32084

  • A beloved local dive bar that has been hosting live music for decades. Expect classic rock and country cover bands and a dance floor that is always full. Music happens nightly.

• Arnold's Lounge

  • Address: 3912 N Ponce De Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084

  • Another local favorite, Arnold's features blues, rock, and country acts in a laid-back, welcoming setting. A great place to escape the main tourist crowds.

• St. Augustine Amphitheatre ("The Amp")

  • Address: 1340C A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080

  • While this is a major concert venue for national tours, they also host a fantastic, free Night Market on select Tuesdays with local vendors and live music from regional bands. Check their community events schedule!

• Valley Smoke

  • Address: 11 S Roscoe Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

  • Fantastic BBQ meets fantastic music. This restaurant on the Intracoastal often features blues and country artists on its patio, creating a perfect laid-back dining experience.

Nassau County (Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island)

Amelia Island's music scene perfectly matches its historic, coastal vibe—relaxed, friendly, and full of character.

• The Green Turtle Tavern

  • Address: 14 S 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

  • An iconic, laid-back bar known for its great bourbon selection and even better music. You'll find a mix of folk, blues, and light rock here, often spilling out into their charming backyard patio.

• Sliders Seaside Grill

  • Address: 1998 S Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

  • The definition of beachside music. With a playground for kids and an oceanfront tiki bar for adults, Sliders features live bands daily. It's the perfect spot to enjoy some tunes with your toes in the sand.

• The Palace Saloon

  • Address: 117 Centre St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

  • As Florida's oldest continuously operated saloon, The Palace is steeped in history. Stop in for a drink and enjoy the piano player or a solo acoustic act on the weekends.

Clay County (Orange Park, Fleming Island, Green Cove Springs)

Clay County offers a more local, down-home feel with several gems that are fiercely supported by the community.

• Whitey's Fish Camp

  • Address: 2032 County Road 220, Fleming Island, FL 32003

  • A sprawling, rustic complex on the water, Whitey's is a Clay County legend. They have regular live music on their waterfront stage, perfect for a sunny Florida afternoon. The genre leans towards country and classic rock.

• Cheers Park Avenue

  • Address: 1138 Park Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073

  • A popular local bar and grill that is well-known for hosting live bands and karaoke nights. It's a go-to spot for locals looking for a fun night out with rock and pop cover bands.

• OP Fish House & Grill

  • Address: 636 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073

  • This spot offers a more relaxed, restaurant atmosphere with regular acoustic music on the patio. Great for a nice dinner accompanied by some local talent.

Flagler County (Palm Coast, Flagler Beach)

Stretching along the coast between St. Augustine and Daytona, Flagler County has a breezy, old-Florida beach town vibe with a surprisingly active music scene.

• Golden Lion Cafe

  • Address: 501 N Oceanshore Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136

  • This multi-level, British-style pub is famous for its ocean views from the rooftop deck and its consistent live music. They've won awards for a reason—it's a fun, lively atmosphere with bands playing daily.

• Finn's Beachside Pub

  • Address: 101 N Ocean Shore Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136

  • A classic Irish pub and sports bar right on A1A. Finn's hosts live music on the weekends, featuring rock bands and acoustic acts that get the whole place singing along.

• Tortugas' Florida Kitchen & Bar

  • Address: 608 S Ocean Shore Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136

  • With a great big beach-facing patio, Tortugas' is a prime location for live music. They feature solo and duo acts throughout the week, creating the perfect soundtrack for watching the waves.

Putnam County (Palatka, East Palatka)

The rural heartland of NE Florida, Putnam County's scene is smaller but filled with authentic, local flavor.

• Uncork & Unwind

  • Address: 301 St Johns Ave, Palatka, FL 32177

  • A cozy and charming wine bar in downtown Palatka that frequently hosts solo and duo acoustic musicians. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing evening and discovering local talent.

• Velchoff's Corner

  • Address: 101 St Johns Ave, Palatka, FL 32177

  • A classic downtown bar that has been around for ages. They often feature live bands on the weekends, offering a genuine, no-frills local music experience.

• Angel's Dining Car

  • Address: 209 Reid St, Palatka, FL 32177

  • While primarily known as Florida's oldest diner, Angel's hosts "Bike Nights" and other events that often include live outdoor music, bringing a rockabilly and classic rock vibe to this historic spot.

This list is just the beginning. The soul of Northeast Florida's music scene lives in these venues and in the talented artists who perform there week after week. So next time you're wondering what to do, pick a place from this list, go explore, and support local music!

Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know in the comments below!