Local Guide: The Best El Paso Venues for Concerts & Live Music

El Paso is a beautiful desert city with centuries-old Spanish mansions, mountain views and mariachi bands. But that’s not the whole story. The city’s live entertainment scene is as diverse as its colorful history and as delectable as its outstanding cuisine. If you’re looking for info on the best venues for concerts in El Paso, this is the guide to read.

Abraham Chavez Theatre

Address: 1 Civic Center Plaza, El Paso, TX 79901
Box Office Hours: Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and three hours prior to showtime.

Known locally as the Chavez Theatre, this sophisticated and elegant performance hall is adjacent to the Williams Convention Center. It features a three-story-high glass entrance and unique sombrero-shaped architecture, making the Instagram shots you’ll get here just as good as the performances you’ll see. The theater is named after the El Paso Symphony’s long-time conductor, Maestro Abraham Chavez. With a capacity of 2,500, the venue gives off an intimate feel while still offering spacious seating. The theater is home to the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and also hosts many Broadway productions. Expect to see an eclectic mix of artists perform here, including Gabriel Iglesias, Aaron Velasco, Tim Black, Hunter Downing and Eric Carvajal.

The Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Center

Address: 125 W Mills Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
Box Office Hours: Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and three hours prior to showtime

One of the city’s most iconic theaters, the Plaza Theatre is a national historic building of significance. The theater houses the 2,050-seat Kendle Kidd Performance Hall and the smaller Philanthropy Theatre, which seats 200. Originally, it was the location of a produce warehouse, but when Louis L. Dent purchased the property in 1927, he declared he would build something the people of El Paso could be proud of. In 1930 it opened as a movie theater and stage show theater, but after a period of decline it was rendered as non-operational. It was then remodeled as a performance hall in 2006. The Plaza has hosted popular entertainers like Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Tallulah Bankhead, Hopalong Cassidy and James Stewart. If you visit the Plaza Theatre today, you’ll see a blend of classic and contemporary entertainment from some of the best in the business, like Theresa Caputo, Los Lonely Boys and Cuarteto Latinoamericano.

Lowbrow Palace

Address: 1006 Texas Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
Box Office Hours: One hour prior to doors opening on show days.

This downtown live entertainment venue offers an eclectic mix of country, rock, punk, emo, pop and comedy shows. An intimate club with a unique atmosphere, the Lowbrow Palace is general admission and offers an up-close-and-personal experience. You never know when a performer may join the crowd and sing in the middle of the room. NNAMDÏ, Freddie Dredd, Show Me the Body and SALES have all graced the stage at Lowbrow Palace.

Don Haskins Center

Address: 151 Glory Road, El Paso, TX 79902
Box Office Hours: Located at UTEP Ticket Center and open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and one hour prior to start of event.

Located at the University of Texas at El Paso, the Don Haskins Center is home to all things UTEP Basketball. Named after the university’s legendary basketball coach, the Don Haskins Center boasts a concert capacity of 12,567 and is considered one of the top venues in the Southwest. At the Don Haskins Center, you’ll see globally recognized acts like Shakira, George Lopez, Britney Spears, Cher, Bad Bunny, Alan Jackson and more.

El Paso County Coliseum

Address: 4100 E. Paisano Drive, El Paso, Texas 79905
Box Office Hours: Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed on non-event Saturdays and Sundays. The box office opens 90 minutes prior to event start time.

Situated on the south central side of El Paso,  the El Paso County Coliseum is one of the city’s most popular venues. The coliseum opened its doors in May of 1942 and was built to host the El Paso County Livestock and Agricultural Exhibition, along with the rodeo. It has since evolved to host many popular events, including boxing matches, Disney on Ice, bullriding championships and concerts. Over the years, the coliseum has hosted massively popular musical artists, including The Jackson 5, Johnny Cash, Grateful Dead, Elvis Presley, Fleetwood Mac, Ariana Grande, Selena and more. At a seating capacity of 5,250, the coliseum is the perfect spot to see your favorite artist live.