No matter our age, music is a common bond we all share, and Claremont is one of the most welcoming towns for enjoying music with friends. Known as a liberal arts-focused college town in the heart of the Inland Empire, Claremont also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene that caters to diverse tastes. From cozy wine bars and outdoor lounges to energetic live music venues, there are plenty of options for a memorable night out, especially for music enthusiasts.
A Diverse Live Music Scene
Claremont’s live music scene covers a wide range of genres, from jazz and blues to rock, folk, and even dueling pianos. Local bands and musicians frequently perform at designated venues, providing a platform for emerging talent and fostering a strong sense of community around music.
The Claremont Music Scene
The Claremont Music Scene plays a vital role in promoting and supporting the city’s live music offerings. The events calendar on their website is a great resource for the community, packed with local live music events. Their mission is to nurture the thriving music scene by organizing concerts, workshops, and educational events that benefit both artists and the community at large.
Restaurants and Breweries with Live Music
Many local restaurants and breweries feature live music on certain nights, creating a relaxed ambiance for enjoying good food and drinks alongside talented performers. Places like The Quarter Creole, Walter’s Lounge, The Back Abbey, Grafted Cellars and Casa Maguey in the Village Plaza frequently host live music events.
Evolve Distilling, Claremont Craft Ales, and Ironbark Ciderworks
The business industrial triangle that houses Evolve Distilling, Claremont Craft Ales, and Ironbark Ciderworks is the perfect setting for those seeking a relaxed and intimate ambiance. This area frequently hosts live music events, offering a fun way to spend the weekend outdoors. Visitors can enjoy performances while sampling a variety of craft beers, ciders, and spirits. The lively atmosphere, combined with high-quality beverages, makes it an ideal spot for both locals and visitors looking to unwind and enjoy the vibrant local culture.
Charming Hotel Venues
Hotel Casa 425
Hotel Casa 425 is a gem, offering a peaceful escape under the starry skies with cozy fire pits and a lush garden setting. During the summer months, guests can enjoy the Summer Music Lounge at the Lounge at Hotel Casa 425, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment.
Unique Music Venues
Folk Music Center and Ophelia’s Jump
The Folk Music Center and Ophelia’s Jump in Claremont, CA, are fantastic venues that cater to diverse musical tastes. The Folk Music Center, with its rich history and intimate setting, offers an immersive experience for both musicians and audiences, celebrating traditional and contemporary folk music. Ophelia’s Jump, known for its eclectic programming, provides a dynamic space for live performances, including music, theater, and other artistic expressions. Both venues create unique and engaging atmospheres, making them essential stops for music lovers in Claremont. Be sure to check their event calendars.
Ophelia’s Jump Midsummer Shakespeare Festival
It’s not music, but it’s worth mentioning that Ophelia’s Jump also hosts the Midsummer Shakespeare Festival at the Sontag Greek Theatre from July 11-21. This year, you can catch “The Tempest (or Shakespeare Goes Caribbean)” under the stars, offering a unique and enchanting night out. It’s a perfect way to experience classic theater in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Outdoor Concerts: Family-Friendly Fun
When the weather is warm, Claremont comes alive with outdoor concerts perfect for the whole family. Spread out a blanket on the lush grass of Memorial Park and let the melodies of talented musicians fill the air as the sun sets over the picturesque surroundings. Or, join the lively crowds at Friday Night Live events, where the streets buzz with energy and the music seems to flow from every corner.
Monday Night Concerts – July 8 through August 26, 2024
Every Monday at 7:00 p.m., Memorial Park will host a diverse summer concert series, featuring a different genre of music each week. The Kiwanis Club of Claremont will offer a variety of concessions starting at 6:00 p.m., with all proceeds directly supporting the concert series.
Friday Nights LIVE! in The Claremont Village
Enjoy free music with your family while shopping, dining, and strolling the charming streets of Claremont Village. Performances will take place every Friday from 6 – 9 p.m., from the first Friday in May to the last Friday in October. Venue locations include Village Square Public Plaza (adjacent to Laemmle 5 Theatres), Shelton Park (N/E corner of Bonita and Harvard Avenues), and Claremont Chamber Patio (205 Yale Ave between Second St & Bonita Ave). Enjoy a night out with live music in beautiful Claremont Village.
The Art Walk Every First Saturday
The Claremont Art Walk, held in the charming Claremont Village, is a vibrant community event showcasing local artists and performers. Highlights are live jazz performances with “Vintage Music” at the Depot Plaza, hosted by the Claremont Museum of Art. The event, every first Saturday of the month, offers a perfect opportunity to explore art galleries, shops, and enjoy live music.
The Garner House Treasury of Claremont Music Concert Series
Another notable venue in Claremont is the Garner House, a charming historic site surrounded by lush gardens and serene ponds. It hosts various cultural and artistic events, including the Treasury of Claremont Music concert series. This venue provides an intimate setting for enjoying performances that showcase local talent and enrich the community’s cultural landscape.
California Botanic Garden: Music and Nature
At California Botanic Garden in Claremont, you can enjoy music nights throughout the year, including during Luminaria Nights. These special evenings feature live music, combining the garden’s beauty with delightful melodies under the stars. It’s a wonderful way to relax and enjoy nature with family and friends.
College Venues: A Hub of Talent
The Claremont Colleges host a variety of live music performances throughout the year. Check the Claremont Colleges calendar for details on free and ticketed events at Bridges Hall of Music and other campus locations. Student showcases, cultural events, and concerts at venues like the Seaver Theatre Complex offer a glimpse into the incredible talent brewing within these hallowed halls. You might just catch the next big thing before they hit it big.
The Lively PianoPiano
At the heart of it all is the one-of-a-kind PianoPiano, a Dueling Piano Bar. If you’re over 21 and looking for a lively music venue in Claremont, this is a must-visit for those seeking a high-energy, interactive experience. This spot promises a night of non-stop entertainment and laughter. Step inside, and you’ll be swept up in an electrifying atmosphere as talented pianists duel it out, taking requests from the lively crowd and cracking jokes between songs. Here, you can sing along, dance, and make some unforgettable memories.
Claremont’s Nightlife
Whether you’re a college student seeking a night of revelry, a couple looking for a romantic evening, or a group of friends seeking a lively night out, Claremont’s nightlife scene has something to offer music lovers of all ages. Get ready to tap your feet, sway to the beat, and lose yourself in the joy of the music. From cozy wine bars and outdoor lounges to lively music venues and entertainment hotspots the vibrant city of Claremont in the heart of the Inland Empire promises an unforgettable experience after dark.
