Boondocks
Central
The unofficial home of the Blues Heritage Foundation, Boondocks hosts local and touring blues musicians and classic rock singer-songwriters six nights a week (Wednesday through Monday).
9 Best Nightlife in Tucson, Arizona
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The majority of Tucson's bars and clubs, many with live music or a DJ, are clustered along Congress Street Downtown and on 4th Avenue. A proliferation of craft breweries and gastropubs pour local brews in this district. In addition, most of the major resorts have late spots for drinks or dancing. The Westward Look Resort's Lookout Bar, with its expansive view and classic rock band on Friday and Saturday nights, is popular for dancing. The bars at Westin La Paloma, Hacienda del Sol, and Loews Ventana have live acoustic music on weekends.
Club Congress
Downtown
The city's main venue for cutting-edge bands and singer-songwriters, Club Congress has a mixed-bag crowd of alternative rockers, international travelers, young professionals, and college kids. There is live indie rock and folk/roots during the week, while Friday and Saturday nights bring more rock and dance parties.
IBT's (It's 'Bout Time)
University
Tucson's most popular gay bar, IBT's has rock and disco DJs, karaoke, live music, or drag shows nightly.
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La Cocina
Downtown
Hear some of the best local talent play folk-rock, blues, and jazz Wednesday to Saturday nights and during weekend brunch hours at this eclectic restaurant and bar in the courtyard of Old Town Artisans. Sit under the stars and order from the late-night menu until midnight on Friday and Saturday. If you feel like performing as well as listening, head indoors to the adjacent Dusty Monk, where you can belt out your favorite tunes at the piano bar.
Old Pueblo Grille
Central
This Southwestern restaurant and bar has live jazz on Sunday night.
Playground
Downtown
Four distinct spaces at this popular bar offer something for everyone—everyone who likes a modern, urban vibe, that is. The spacious rooftop deck has a DJ and dancing most nights. Downstairs, the sleek, minimalist bar, with large-screen TVs and happy-hour specials, has occasional live music. Check out the intimate covered rear patio for quieter conversation, or see and be seen on the front patio along Congress Street.
Tap and Bottle
University
Known for its huge selection of beers—especially local craft beers—and convivial atmosphere, this popular pub sits two blocks off 4th Avenue. It's a pleasant alternative to the rowdier college hangouts and dive bars nearby.
The Maverick
Eastside
An excellent house band gets the crowd two-stepping Tuesday through Saturday nights at this country Western club. Dance lessons and dinner are also offered.
The Shelter
Central
Sip a martini or a local brew and go totally retro at the Shelter, a former bomb shelter decked out in plastic 1960s kitsch, lava lamps, and JFK memorabilia. Watch Elvis videos and listen to the music of Burt Bacharach, as well as current alternative rock.
