Musicians performing on stage at Sister Bar in Albuquerque.

Sister Bar, Albuquerque

Arcade games, craft cocktails, and a stacked stage make this dive a magnet for edgy artists including Metalachi and KRS-One.

Front entrance of historic Buffalo Hall.

Buffalo Hall Bar & Cowboy Café BBQ, Las Vegas

Barbecue ain’t the only thing smokin’ at this dance hall, where honky-tonk and norteño acts include Sim Balkey and Sangre Joven.  

Try the Mine Shaft’s green chile cheeseburger.

Mine Shaft Tavern, Madrid

History and smooth whiskey meet onstage at this roadhouse, where blues and country artists such as CW Ayon and Alex Maryol light up the crowd.

Bartender serving drinks at Madelyn's in Mesilla.

Madelyn’s, Mesilla

Just steps from Mesilla’s historic plaza, catch regional artists like Mike Sunjka, as well as jazz, flamenco, folk, and Latin rhythms on the patio.

People hanging out outside the Motherlode Saloon in Red River.

Motherlode Saloon, Red River

A true institution, this high-energy saloon books country, bluegrass, and rock acts, including Asleep at the Wheel and Michael Martin Murphey.

People dancing at The Liberty in Roswell.

The Liberty, Roswell

With acts ranging from Soulja Boy to Marty Stuart, this trendy lounge and event space’s musicians are as out of this world as the town itself.

Couples dancing in the outdoor patio at Win Place & Show Bar in Ruidoso.

Win Place & Show Bar & Package Store, Ruidoso

Boot-stomping country and axe-throwing rule at this longtime cowboy haunt, where acts like Apache Spirit keep the dance floor scootin’ every Thursday through Saturday.

A crowd enjoying a concert at Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, illuminated by colorful nightclub lights.

Meow Wolf, Santa Fe

The stage inside this immersive art experience pulses with surreal visuals and wild acoustics, attracting innovative artists, including Doja Cat, Orville Peck, and Yo La Tengo.

Outdoor band playing on a rustic stage with string lights. Audience seated at tables, enjoying music. Trees and tents visible in the background.

Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery, Santa Fe

This brewery-distillery combo offers big sound on indoor and outdoor stages, drawing touring acts such as Sierra Ferrell and Talib Kweli, and local faves Esther Rose and Nosotros.

Garrett T. Capps & NASA Country play the main stage.

Whiskey Creek Zócalo, Silver City

This colorful, hip venue draws eclectic performers, from psychedelic cumbia band Los Shadows to Santa Fe indie darlings the Little Tulips.

A lively crowd enjoys a nighttime concert under a large, illuminated stage dome.

Taos Mesa Brewing, Taos

Taos Mesa Brewing’s El Prado outpost currently has limited hours, but the “Mothership” bandshell on the Hondo Mesa continues to welcome favorites like Shinyribs and Ozomatli.