Downtown Set List: Guide to Live Music in Downtown Garland

Garland’s deep appreciation for music isn’t just a community vibe—it’s an official distinction. This month, Garland was proudly named a Texas Music Friendly Community by the Governor's Office of Music. This recognition celebrates cities that actively support the music industry's growth and invest in opportunities for local performers. It confirms what Garland locals have long known: music isn’t just a pastime here—it’s part of our identity. Located in the Bankhead Cultural Arts District, with its historic charm, lively square, and welcoming community, Downtown has become the city’s stage, hosting performances that reflect Garland’s diversity, talent, and love for live music.

Music on the Square: City-Sponsored Live Events

The City of Garland proudly curates a lineup of live music experiences that light up Downtown year-round, offering free and inclusive events for every type of music fan.

Music Made Here every first Friday of the month; Downtown comes alive with free outdoor performances celebrating well-known talent and tribute acts across various genres. It’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend with music by the stars, under the stars.

Every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in April, May, October, and November, the square transforms into a showcase of up-and-coming artists from Garland and beyond. With Downtown Garland's You Ain’t Heard Nothin’ Yet: Rising Talent Music Series, these early-evening sets spotlight fresh voices destined for bigger stages—catch them here first.

For fans of theatrical flair, Garland’s Cultural Arts regularly presents high-quality musical productions throughout the year at the city’s historic and iconic venues: the Granville Arts Center, the Atrium, and the Plaza Theatre. From beloved Broadway hits to exciting new works, symphonies, and more, these stages offer a dynamic and family-friendly way to experience live music indoors.

These city-sponsored programs entertain and help foster a shared love of music that resonates throughout Downtown Garland.

Local Vibes: Downtown Businesses Bringing the Beat

Beyond city events, Downtown Garland’s businesses keep the music playing with their weekly lineups. These community-driven spaces offer intimate settings, good eats, and live performances that bring energy to the evenings.

A pillar of the Downtown scene, Intrinsic Smokehouse and Brewery hosts house bands every Wednesday and Thursday! The venue pairs live music with craft brews and Texas BBQ, creating a go-to space for casual nights and serious music fans.

Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, Dos Banderas keeps things fun and flavorful with Texas Country Taco Tuesday. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., you can catch a solo acoustic artist playing easygoing Texas Country tunes while you dig into tacos and sip on a margarita. It’s the perfect midweek hangout—low-key, good vibes, and all the right sounds for a laid-back night in Downtown Garland.

Every Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m., Fortunate Son hosts live music on their beautifully lit patio, typically in rock, blues, and country. On show nights, guests can also enjoy $5 static drafts and $6 frozen cocktails, making it a true hotspot for a relaxing night with great tunes and phenomenal drinks, and, we can't forget, that delicious pizza!

New to Downtown Garland, Dead Wax is more than just a record store—it’s an all-around destination for music lovers. With a built-in stage and plans to host live performances, Dead Wax creates an immersive shopping experience where patrons can browse vinyl records while enjoying live sets from local artists.

These local favorites help create a music culture that’s casual, welcoming, and authentically Garland—one where everyone can find their rhythm.

Encore: Make Downtown Garland Your Live Music Destination

Whether it’s the electric buzz of a First Friday concert, the discovery of a rising star on a Thursday evening, or the familiar strum of country chords on a pizza patio, Downtown Garland offers something for every kind of music lover. Backed by a city that champions the arts, energized by a network of passionate local businesses, and fueled by a community that shows up and sings along, Garland’s live music culture is thriving. There’s no need to travel far for a great night out. The rhythm of Garland is right here in Downtown, and the set list is growing louder, bolder, and more exciting by the week.

So, grab a seat, raise a glass, and let the music carry you—the show has just begun in Downtown Garland.