Although Ohio has a bad reputation for being in the Midwest, it holds many hidden gems in terms of concert venues. Whether you’re from Northeast or Southern Ohio, there are plenty of cool venues to check out this fall.
Here’s a list of the best concert venues in Ohio:
Agora Theater & Ballroom - Cleveland
Cleveland is one of the best places to go see a concert in Ohio, especially if you’re looking for a city setting. In particular, the Agora Theater & Ballroom is one of the most interesting venues to see a concert at, as it was founded in 1913. With old-fashioned architecture such as pillars that line the stage and seating above and behind the pit, the venue has plenty of space for fans to dance and jump around. There’s also a bar located in the back of the venue, as well as places for merch, and it’s definitely versatile and easier to navigate than other places like the House of Blues or Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. Additionally, a wide range of artists performs at this venue, including past acts such as Clairo, Wallows and even Bruce Springsteen.
Blossom Music Center - Cuyahoga Falls
If you’re not from Ohio, many people assume Blossom Music Center is also located in Cleveland, but it actually sits within miles of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, making it a beautiful outdoor venue to watch a concert. With pavilion and lawn seating, this venue is ideal for the summer months, and that’s usually prime time for music fans. Recently, artists such as 5 Seconds of Summer have played here, and there’s always something to do between acts at Blossom Music Center. With food vendors, plenty of bathrooms and space to move freely and walk around, this place is the best for music lovers who are looking for a more relaxed vibe.
KEMBA Live! - Columbus
What makes KEMBA Live! a standout venue is that it has an outdoor and indoor space for artists to perform. Yet, its outdoor stage is what draws in the biggest crowds, grabbing the attention of artists like The 1975 and Tyler, the Creator in the past to perform in Ohio’s capital. While this venue tends to pack in as many fans as possible, it’s perfect for fans who want an authentic concert experience. Basically, if you like the closeness of being next to fans in a pit or enjoy moshing, this venue may be your best bet.
Paycor Stadium - Cincinnati
Paycor Stadium is more suited for fans who want to experience bigger artists on a larger production scale, such as past performer Taylor Swift. This venue holds close to 66,000 people, which makes the live experience more exciting, as you can hear the echoes of others singing along and screaming to their favorite artists. It’s also in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, close to the riverfront, which allows for city and nature landscapes to come together and create a space that is open and stress-free for fans.
The Union - Athens
Last, but certainly not least, is The Union in Athens, Ohio, of course. You haven’t truly lived out your four years at Ohio University if you haven’t gone to at least one event at The Union, which is one of the only live concert spaces in town. With an array of acts such as student bands, local performers or even critically acclaimed artists, The Union always has something going on during the weekends. They also host a student rendition of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” every year, which is one of the venue’s biggest events. It’s a fun, quirky and experimental atmosphere for students and music lovers to enjoy on a weekly basis, and you always leave feeling better than you did before. If you want to learn more about the history of The Union, click here.
