Concerts are a choice night-out for many, especially in the summer months. What better way to spend an evening than with loved ones around, drink in hand, and good music playing? However, as many music fans know, a lot of gigs, especially ever-popular amphitheater shows, come at a steep price. Well, Chapelboro to the rescue: we’re here to point to you toward the coolest spots in the Chapel Hill/Triangle area for great nights of music that won’t kill your wallet.

Cat’s Cradle
The Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro is one of the premiere music spots in all of North Carolina. The 750-capacity venue has hosted an eclectic collection of established acts, including local North Carolina talent, as well as the most exciting up-and-coming acts from around the world, from Nirvana to Crystal Castles to The 1975. Cat’s Cradle has achieved a fair level of notoriety (even worldwide!), so of any of the venues on this list, this is probably the one you’ve heard of. But even if you have heard of the Cradle, maybe even hit up a few of their shows yourself, you still might have missed one of the venue’s greatest treasures: the Cat’s Cradle Back Room. The Back Room is a 160-capacity attachment to the venue, meant to house smaller acts and up-and-comers from around the world. The atmosphere is intimate and special, almost like watching a set from your friend’s garage. Tickets are typically cheaper than the Cradle’s main room as well, so it’s a sure-fire fun night out for all.
Address: 300 E Main St, Carrboro, NC 27510
Visit Cat’s Cradle’s website here.

Local 506
Local 506 is the Cat’s Cradle cool kid brother. The 225-capacity venue is just a stone’s throw away from the Cradle, with just as hip a vibe in a far more intimate atmosphere. The genres this venue has seen spans as far and wide as metal to dance-pop, so there’s always something for everybody at this venue. Local 506 also hosts open mic nights every Monday night, typically free of charge. If you do decide to hit up a show at Local 506, you have to have a membership card. They only cost $3, and to be sure you never lose it, just take a picture of it on your phone as soon as you receive it. Being a member at Local 506 is more than worth it though; guaranteed great drinks, great variety, and a great view of the action from any place in the venue.
Address: 506 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Visit Local 506’s website here.

The Cave
The Cave has an unmatched heart and history, and if you haven’t been yet then I’d drop your evening plans as soon as possible to make that happen. Down an ominous alleyway, directed by a sign that reads “The Cave, 45 ½” the 150-capacity venue and bar resides. The Cave is one of the premiere spots for local music, a prized but hidden gem of Franklin Street. Christmas lights illuminate the place, along with LED-strings that make the ceiling appear cloudlike, and the “stage” is a well-placed rug, so you get the added treat of being eye-level with performers. With low-ceilings, booming acoustics, and undeniable warmth, The Cave is worth a visit, and definitely lives up to its name.
Address: 452 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Visit The Cave’s website here.

The Pinhook
If you’re looking for a place with a personality all its own, The Pinhook in Durham is your spot. The Pinhook declares itself to be a place for all: “We’re a safe space for lgbtqi folks, POC groups, punks, lawyers, cyclists, trivia nerds, and everyone else,” they say in their website statement. They’re not kidding. There is never a shortage of diversity in a Pinhook crowd, and the vibe is always laidback and respectful. The energy is palpable as soon as you walk in—cool, comfortable, and most of all, fun for all. With a killer view of stage from all corners, vintage video game machines scattered about (yep, you could have a Tekken battle mid-show if you wanted), and an extensive bar with fairly priced drink options, The Pinhook is one of the most unique and enjoyable places for live music around.
Address: 117 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701
Visit The Pinhook’s website here.

Kings Barcade/Neptune’s Parlour
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider taking an eye-opening odyssey to Kings Barcade in Downtown Raleigh. The venue is housed upstairs, with large surrounding windows that give audience members a great view of the city. As for musical offerings, Kings’ sees a lot of heavier shows and local acts, but its beauty is in its variety. In addition to music, Kings Barcade also features a host of diverse comedy acts. So if you’re looking to be entertained under a budget, in a prime location in Downtown Raleigh, plan for a night out at Kings. Additionally, the bar inside Kings is fun and eclectic, but if you’re looking to hit up something a little darker, maybe outside the live music realm, give Kings downstairs companion Neptune’s Parlour a try. Neptune’s prides itself on great craft beer and cocktails, exciting DJ sets, and unique fixtures (they’ve got pinball machines, guys), so on a night out to Kings, be sure stop by Neptune’s too.
Address: 14 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Visit Kings Barcade’s website here, and visit Neptune’s Parlour’s website here.

So whether you’re seeing your favorite artist, taking in some local entertainment, or flexing your musical muscles at an open mic, Chapel Hill and the Triangle hold a whole host of options for a very musical, and very economical, night out.