Our annual Music & Meetings issue and contest are among our most popular offerings each year. For 2024, our contest asked readers to vote on their favorite live-music venues. We narrowed down the long list of music venues all across the South to just three choices in each destination in our coverage area, letting you cast your vote to choose the ultimate winners.
From historic theaters and train stations to more modern spaces with an industrial design, these venues set the stage for incredible musical performances. Beyond the music, these venues’ opulent, ornate design and décor, historical and cultural significance, and eclectic elements provide an exciting backdrop for meetings and events, including conferences and seminars, banquets and receptions, keynotes, awards ceremonies, galas, holiday parties, reunions, weddings, and special celebrations.
If you’re singing the blues because your favorite music venue didn’t make the cut, email your nomination for our 2025 Music & Meetings contest to info@conventionsouth.com.
ALABAMA: Alabama Theatre, Birmingham
Seating: 2,164 on four levels: 850 on Floor/Orchestra,
317 on Mezzanine, 126 on Dress Circle, and 871 on Balcony; concessions on each level; and 15 dressing rooms backstage
Venue Info: 65,700 square feet
Private Events: Seminars, graduations,
community events, and more
Description: The historic Alabama Theatre originally opened in 1927 as an Alabama showcase for Paramount silent films. Owned and operated by nonprofit Birmingham Landmarks Inc. since 1987, the theater is known for its Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ and underwent a complete restoration in 1998. In 2016, Birmingham Landmarks Inc. restored and reopened the historic Lyric Theatre across the street, establishing Birmingham’s Theatre District.
AlabamaTheatre.com
ARKANSAS: Robinson Center, Little Rock
Seating: 2,222
Venue Info: Approximately 25,000 square feet in seven room configurations; connected to DoubleTree by Hilton Little Rock
Private Events: Corporate events, conferences, receptions, reunions, and more
Description: The stunning transformation of the historic Robinson Center has made it one of the best venues to host meetings, events, and performances in Little Rock. With seven room configurations, it provides the ideal meeting and convention space. The 7,135-square-foot ballroom and 5,477-square-foot terrace offer stunning views of Arkansas River and Little Rock’s lighted bridge.
LittleRock.com/Robinson-Center
FLORIDA: House of Blues, Orlando
Seating: 2,500
Venue Info: 43,000 square feet
Private Events: Corporate events, social gatherings,
and weddings
Description: Uniquely designed, the House of Blues Orlando consists of seven distinctive environments with three outdoor spaces, two event spaces, and a restaurant and bar. Each area has state-of-the-art staging, lighting, and sound equipment to bring any event alive.
HouseOfBlues.com/Orlando/Concert-Events
GEORGIA: Fox Theatre, Atlanta
Seating: 4,665
Venue info: 250,000 square feet
Private Events: Corporate events, receptions, and weddings
Description: With more than 150 performances annually, Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s iconic premier venues for live entertainment. In addition to its renowned theatre, event spaces include Egyptian Ballroom, seating 480, and Grand Salon & Terrace, seating 200.
FoxTheatre.org
KENTUCKY: The Louisville Palace, Louisville
Seating: 2,611
Venue Info: 22,894 square feet
Private Events: Cocktail receptions, awards, graduations, weddings, and social gatherings
Description: Built in 1928, The Louisville Palace has a long historical legacy as a premier movie theatre. Its unique architectural design and spacious seating capacity make it the jewel of Kentucky. Groups can upgrade their rental to include the Marquee Lounge for the ultimate VIP experience, offering access to
the venue’s exclusive bar, private restrooms, and private entrance.
LouisvillePalace.com
LOUISIANA: Orpheum Theater, New Orleans
Seating: 1,470 fully seated or 2,000 standing
Venue info: 3,300 square feet
Private Events: Corporate events, business meetings, weddings, Mardi Gras balls, and movie premieres
Description: Since opening as a vaudeville theater in 1921, Orpheum Theater has experienced several renovation projects, making it one of the most evolutionary theatres in New Orleans. It is home to Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and includes an adjustable orchestra floor to accommodate private events on the same stage.
OrpheumNOLA.net
MARYLAND: The Fillmore, Silver Spring
Seating: 2,000
Venue Info: 23,000 square feet
Private Events: Corporate events, tradeshows, product launches, award ceremonies, holiday parties, wedding receptions, and special occasions
Description: The Fillmore’s rich history is on full display throughout the venue, with original chandeliers and posters of past performers. It offers two event spaces: the Music Hall and Vertigo Lounge; event capacity is 1,200 for receptions or 1,800 at full buyout.
FillmoreSilverSpring.com
MISSISSIPPI: Duling Hall, Jackson
Seating: 220 seated or 450 standing
Venue Info: Access to green room downstairs, outside caterers allowed
Private Events: Corporate events, dinners, holiday parties, fundraisers, reunions, and more
Description: Built in 1927, Duling Hall is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, as the site of the original Lorena Duling School, which served the local Fondren community for much of the 20th century.
DulingHall.com
MISSOURI: The Pageant, St. Louis
Seating: 750-2,300
Venue info: 33,000 square feet
Private Events: Special events, corporate events, parties, receptions and weddings
Description: The Pageant features a tiered main floor, offering ample room for cabaret-style or row seating and/or traditional dining tables. The balcony has more than 300 theater seats and two separate elevated seating areas. A flexible capacity of up to 2,000 people can accommodate big or small groups for a more intimate setting.
The Pageant.com
NORTH CAROLINA: The Ritz, Raleigh
Seating: 25-1,400 guests
Venue info: 12,000 square feet
Private Events: Corporate events, private concerts, weddings, receptions, and business meetings
Description: Recently remodeled and operated by Live Nation, The Ritz is Raleigh’s premier music destination. The Ritz creates a memorable guest experience for private events, with the bright lights of The Ritz marquee sign, a red carpet, showgirl greeters, uplighting, and video mapping.
RitzRaleigh.com
OKLAHOMA: Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Tulsa
Seating: 2,365
Venue Info: 9,188 square feet
Private Events: Meetings, lectures, films, and plays
Description: Considered one of the most renowned theatres in Oklahoma, Tulsa Performing Arts Center has showcased performances by Tony Bennett, Norah Jones, Kelly Clarkson, Steve Martin, and others. State-of-the-art multipurpose spaces include Chapman Music Hall, John H. Williams Theatre, Liddy Doenges Theatre, LaFortune Studio, Kathleen P. Westby Pavilion, and Charles E. Norman Theatre.
TulsaPAC.com
SOUTH CAROLINA: Charleston Music Hall, Charleston
Seating: 965 or 1,200 open-floor plan; upstairs lobby can accommodate 100
Venue Info: Reception, banquet, and theater setup options for private events; includes a green room and full kitchen
Private Events: Corporate dinners and events, keynotes, galas and fundraisers, holiday parties, weddings, birthday and anniversary celebrations, and private concerts
Description: Converted from a historic train station, Charleston Music Hall was transformed into a performance venue in 1995 by Bennett-Hofford Co., retaining its original historical Charleston-style aesthetic.
CharlestonMusicHall.com
TENNESSEE: Ryman Auditorium, Nashville
Seating: 2,362
Venue Info: 18,000 square feet
Private Events: Weddings, corporate meetings, award shows, and press conferences
Description: The Ryman is considered one of the most iconic music venues in Nashville, bringing fans and artists together for unforgettable moments in music. It is also one of Nashville’s most sought-after venues for private events. Each year, the auditorium hosts hundreds of shows, performances, and other third-party client-based events.
Ryman.com
TEXAS: The Majestic, Dallas
Seating: 1,704
Venue Info: 20,000 square feet
Private Events: Corporate meetings, shows, and fundraisers
Description: Originally a vaudeville theater and site for film premieres, The Majestic has served as a performing arts venue since being restored in
1983. It is managed by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs.
Majestic.DallasCulture.org
VIRGINIA: The National, Richmond
Seating: 1,500
Venue Info: Customizable floor options, seven full bars, and dressing rooms with Wi-Fi.
Private Events: Corporate events, weddings, award shows, and benefit concerts
Description: Steeped in history, the National Theatre opened in 1923 after much fanfare, becoming part of Virginia’s thriving downtown scene. A private VIP room features lounge furniture, a fully staffed bar, private restrooms,
a coat closet, and a flat-screen TV.
TheNationalVA.com
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Anthem
Seating: 2,500-6,000
Venue Info: 57,000 square feet
Private Events: Seated dinners, cocktail parties, and weddings
Description: With its spacious interior, The Anthem can host seated dinners for up to 1,200 guests and cocktail parties for 3,000 guests. The state-of-the-art venue is situated along the District of Columbia’s historic Southwest Waterfront, The Wharf, close to the National Mall.
TheAnthemDC.com
WEST VIRGINIA: Culture Center Theater, Charleston
Seating:
460 (335 main floor, 125 balcony)
Venue Info: Complete theatrical lighting and sound system; equipment available for film, video, and slides; audio equipment in place for public speaking and recording; and grand and electric pianos available
Private Events: Meetings, presentations, teleconferences, awards ceremonies, theatrical performances, concerts, and television and radio broadcasts
Description: The Culture Center in West Virginia opened in 1976. It regularly showcases West Virginia’s historic, cultural, and artistic heritage through a variety of shows, festivals, and events. It also hosts the Mountain Stage live radio show and musical performances.
WVCulture.org/Communications-Events
