Live Music Venues & Events

The Kent Stage

175 E. Main St.
330-677-5005
concert calendar www.kentstage.org

An award winning historic theater and intimate venue that dissolves the barrier between the musicians and their audience. The Kent Stage brings sounds such as blues, folk, reggae, and classic rock as well as comedy and theater performances to downtown Kent.

Venice Cafe

163 W. Erie St.
(330) 968.4603
venicekent.com

The Venice Cafe on the corner of Erie and Franklin is one of the original and most iconic bars in the storied city of Kent. Since 1941, generations of residents, students and visitors have enjoyed the Venice Cafe for its authentic ambiance, great drinks, delicious food and more. Its noir-ish mahogany atmosphere and hued Italian murals have provided a unique backdrop for many a fun night out with friends and family.

Water Street Tavern
132 S. Water St.
(330) 677-0700
www.waterstreettavern.com

Water Street Tavern in Kent is the premier venue in Kent and beyond for food, drink, and fun! Featuring a rooftop patio, a private party room, 20 HDTV’s, a stage with free live music 3 times a week, and great food. Water Street Tavern has something for everyone.

The Outpost
4962 OH-43
(330) 678-9667
theoutpostkent.com

The Outpost Concert Club hosts concerts for a wide range of genre, hosting live music for over 50 years! They are a large entertainment venue with three bars, three stages and a great outdoor patio! Bars are fully stocked with daily drink specials and they hold events almost every day of week.

Every February enjoy FREE live Beatles and British Invasion music throughout the downtown. Brought to us by our friends at Crooked River Arts Council and presented by Wayside Furniture. Stay up to date on this great event at www.kentbeatlefest.com.

Spring in downtown Kent brings the American Roots Music Festival, a FREE festival with Americana, Bluegrass and Country music. Brought to you by our friends at Crooked River Arts Council. Presented by Wayside Furniture.
www.kentamericanroots.com

FREE live blues music at over 20 venues in downtown Kent! This annual event happens in July. Visit www.kentbluesfest.com for event schedule, map, and musician bios. Brought to us by our friends at Crooked River Arts Council and sponsored by Wayside Furniture and Acorn Alley.

The Festival started in 1966 as the Kent State Folk Festival and in recent years morphed into the Kent ‘Round Town Music Festival. Over the years the Festival has seen locals, Rock n’ Roll Hall Of Famers, pop culture luminaries, and counter culture icons put on their best performances for the City of Kent and visitors from all over the world. Over 38 of your favorite downtown businesses host music acts! Visit www.kentroundtown.org for all event details.