10 Best Places to See Live Music in Quebec City

Palais Montcalm is a historic theater that has a diverse lineup of acts you can enjoy within a building that's been a staple of Old Quebec for decades. It primarily hosts classical and contemporary musical performances, with some specialty artists as well.

The way the theater is designed offers supreme acoustics that let every seat in the house enjoy the experience. The cost of a show here can vary quite a bit, so always be sure to check before visiting, especially if you're trying to vacation on a budget. You'll find it on the west side of Old Quebec.

Grand Théâtre de Québec is an immense performing arts complex that not only showcases concerts but also other live performances across 2 stages. The maximum capacity here is 2,600, so you'll find plenty of room to enjoy the show in this spacious, high-end facility.

The primary stage is the Salle Louis-Fréchette, while the smaller, more modest stage is the Salle Octave-Crémazie. Musical performances tend to be assigned to one stage or the other depending on how popular they are. You can see it all for yourself in southern Saint-Jean-Baptiste.

Théâtre Capitole is a historic and famous theater that's packed full of history and opportunities for a fun night seeing live performances. This theater was constructed in the beaux arts architectural style, and it's considered to be a National Historic Site of Canada.

Quite a few famous names have played shows here, and that's due not only to the prestige of the theater, but also the variety of performances. You'll find international artists playing shows here along with local artists and tribute shows. See it for yourself in northwestern Old Quebec.

L'Anti Bar & Spectacles is a laid-back bar that's known for its live musical performances that you can enjoy along with a wide selection of drinks. Given the atmosphere and small size of the venue, this is where you'll find mostly lesser-known artists or well-known artists with a very strict limit on tickets.

The bar offers plenty of drinks to enjoy whether you're looking for craft beer or unique cocktails. Just keep in mind that you need to be at least 18 years old to attend any kind of event here, with no exceptions. You'll find it in Notre-Dame-des-Anges on the east side of Route 175.

Impérial Bell is one of the most well-known venues in town if you're trying to see a rock show, though you'll still find more variety than you might think. The vast majority of shows at this venue fall under the rock umbrella, but the diversity among them is quite impressive.

Metal shows are a major part of the lineup here and dominate the calendar, but you'll find softer rock music as well. Both big-name and local bands take the stage here, so you can see your favorites as well as Quebec City's best. It's located downtown in the Saint-Roch district.

Le D'Auteuil dates back decades, and even though it recently moved to a new location, it still offers unforgettable experiences among its stage and bar. This venue was originally a music bar in the '90s, though it moved in 2018 to a new location that still gets plenty of visitors and impressive acts.

Don't expect many international artists to hit the stage, though you'll still find some popular favorites like Jean Leloup and Sarah McLachlan. Plus, the drink selection here is quite impressive. You'll find it in its new location on Rue Saint-Joseph in the Saint-Roch district.

Centre Vidéotron is a massive venue that was created for hockey games, but it's also commonly used for big concert events. This is the place you'll want to go in town to see immensely popular musical artists perform for crowds of up to 20,396 people.

Most big-name tours that go through Quebec City will stop at this venue. This is where you can see legends like Metallica, Justin Timberlake, and Celine Dion. Any act that can sell out a sports stadium will be found here. The venue is located in Lairet, a short distance north of downtown across the river.

Bistrot Pape Georges offers a festive musical experience that not only allows you to relax and enjoy the music, but you can also get some delicious food here. The venue was founded in 1984, though the building it's housed in dates back to 1668.

Local bands play acoustic shows here every night from Thursday to Saturday, though you'll find some internationally renowned artists playing shows here as well. Additionally, you can enjoy a fine selection of wine and cheese along with sandwiches, soups, and homemade chili con carne. It's located on the east side of Old Quebec.

La Piazz is a "song box" featuring live entertainment in the heart of the city where you can relax and enjoy acoustic performances by in-house artists every Thursday through Saturday. With multiple sets a night, it's easy to find something you'll enjoy among the lineup no matter when you visit.

When visiting this venue, you'll also find a well-stocked bar offering all sorts of drinks to enjoy including craft beers and custom cocktails. The decor is downright cozy as well, with exposed brick walls and atmospheric lighting. You'll find it downtown near Route 175.

Pub Saint-Alexandre is a popular brewpub that offers an immense selection of drinks as well as live performances by local musicians in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. More than 300 beers are on the menu here, and you'll find a selection of scotches and whiskeys from all around the world.

The musicians who perform here tend to be locals, so it's a great place to take in Quebec City's culture. Plus, the warm and welcoming atmosphere creates an all-around laid-back experience. You'll find it on the northwestern side of Old Quebec just south of Basse-Ville.