Music to Fido's Ears: 8 Dog-Friendly Live Music Venues

Posted by Billy Francis

Dogs can hear nearly twice as well as humans, which means they can be harsh playlist critics. Why not see a live band together instead? Let your hound’s hair down and dance like there’s no tomorrow at these rocking pet-friendly music venues.

1. Wonder Bar

Asbury Park, NJ
“Did I party too hard?” Photo by Facebook.com/WonderBarYappyHour

After Fido’s done splashing on 8th Avenue Dog Beach, get him cleaned up at The Dawg Joint before an evening out together at Wonder Bar. A featured attraction in the latest edition of our book, Ruff Guide to the United States, this Asbury Park hangout is one of our favorite pet-friendly music venues. The rockin' beach bar has hosted some of the biggest legends in music over the years, none more prominent than New Jersey local Bruce Springsteen, who has been spotted at its famous Yappy Hour. The bar’s outdoor space - Tillie’s Landing - is fenced and equipped with a dog agility area.

If you’re looking for a rock ‘n’ roll stay in comfort, The Asbury is the place for your furry VIP. Located just a short walk from the dog beach and Wonder Bar, the hotel features a rooftop lounge and swimming pool area, which is the perfect spot for hanging out with your pooch during the summer months.

2. The Stage on Broadway

Nashville, TN
You’re gonna need the hair of the dog!” Photo by @ash.the.grey.weimaraner

Mosey on down to Music City with your four-legged roadie and check out one of the world’s most famous streets for live bands, Broadway. Most bars don’t allow line-dancing Labradors, but The Stage on Broadway isn’t most bars. Fido can honky tonk with the seasoned pros and up-and-coming stars of tomorrow at this popping pet-friendly venue. After your superstar pooch wows the crowds, let him practice his moves off-leash at nearby Riverfront Park Dog Park.

Kick off your dancing shoes at Hilton Nashville Downtown, where dogs are welcomed with organic treats at check-in.

3. Dog Mountain

St. Johnsbury, VT
"Will do tricks for tunes!" Photo by Facebook.com/DogMt

Dog Mountain is more than just one of the most epic dog parks in the country, it’s also one of the coolest pet-friendly music venues around. Spend the morning exploring the 150-acre farm, complete with swimming ponds, hiking trails, an agility course, an art gallery full of dog-related artwork, and the only chapel for canines in the world. Then fold open your camping chairs and enjoy orchestral music or a variety of live bands at one of their year-round events.

Sleep off your wild night at nearby Fairbanks Inn.

4. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Mills River, NC
"Where did the band go?" Photo by BringFido/Kortney

Boogying Beagles can strut their stuff in the beautiful beer garden at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Mills River, NC. Bring your leashed pooch along to enjoy brews and rhythm & blues at the open-air amphitheater. Regional musicians take to the stage every weekend for free shows. Sample one of Sierra Nevada’s finest beers from the converted milk truck or the Back Porch, grab a bite to eat on the ample patio, and hang out in the beautiful surroundings accompanied by the soundtrack of Western North Carolina.

Grab a six pack to go and reenact your favorite songs by the fireplace at Barkwells, one of the coolest vacation rentals in North America.

5. The Shady Llama

Wimberley, TX
“They need to turn up the sub-WOOFER!” Photo by @savirwin

The Shady Llama believes music is the great communicator, which is why they play host to awesome live acts with the stunning backdrop of the Texas countryside in the background. Located in Texas Hill Country, this dog-friendly venue is all outdoors so Fido won’t miss a beat. He won’t be the only four-legged music fanatic in attendance, either. Dolly, Odin, Sadie, Anastasia, and Barley are a supergroup of llamas who wander freely around the property and often steal the show.

Put on more of Fido’s favorite tracks at this romantic log cabin on Smith Creek.

6. Door County Brewing Co. Taproom & Music Hall

Baileys Harbor, WI
“Beer me!” Photo by Facebook.com/DoorCountyBrewingCo

Grab a tasty beer from the bar and park your pup in the big beer garden for a live show on the outdoor stage at Door County Brewing Co. Taproom & Music Hall. This Baileys Harbor hangout is known for its craft brews and friendly, laid-back vibes. Local Wisconsin musicians and touring groups perform throughout the week, so follow them on Facebook for a schedule of events.

Enjoy an affordable stay with a treat at check-in for Fido at Baileys Sunset Motel.

7. Dr. Pepper Park at The Bridges

Roanoke, VA
“Do you know anything by Snoop Dogg?” Photo by Facebook.com/drpepperpark

Located by the Roanoke River at the base of Mill Mountain, Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges is one of Virginia's premier pet-friendly music venues. This rockin' Roanoke event space plays host to touring bands, local groups and a variety of tribute acts, which means there's a show to suit every dog's music taste. Fido is welcome at most events, but there may be some exceptions that will be posted on their Facebook page.

The Gardener's Cabin is the "pawfect" post-show hangout spot for you and your pooch to go through the set list together.

Ready for a Road Trip?

Photo by Linda Segerfeldt


The editors at BringFido have dedicated themselves to digging up the best dog-friendly things to do across the country. And we've assembled it all in our new book, Ruff Guide to the United States.

Now in its second edition, the book features over 365 of the best places to stay and play with your dog in all 50 states. Order your copy today and save 50% off the retail price when you use the discount code MUSIC.

What’s Fido’s favorite type of music? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Facebook.com/DogMt.