Just the Right Note: Where to Enjoy Music in Greater Grand Forks

Whether you’re in the mood to discover new, local talent, hop on the nostalgia train to your youth, enjoy timeless classics, or dance the night away, Grand Forks offers plenty of unique venues to enjoy live music.

The North Dakota Museum of Art (NDMOA), nestled along the southern edge of the University of North Dakota campus, is one of my go-to culture spots in Grand Forks. Year-round it hosts multiple art exhibits, as well as a semi-permanent installation called Barton’s Place. Each summer, it hosts one of my favorite musical event series, “Concerts in the Garden”. These small, outdoor concerts are set in the museum’s rock garden and feature a variety of local and national bands and artists. In addition to live music, you can enjoy hot food catered by the museum’s café, as well as root beer floats, local beer, and wine. Pack up your lawn chair and enjoy a beautiful summer evening at the NDMOA. Tickets are available individually or as a season-pass.

Once the snow flies and cooler weather prevails, you can enjoy classical music at the museum’s “Concerts in the Galleries” series. These concerts are a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and feature string quartets, pianists, cellists, and other great classical musicians. Tickets are available for single concerts or by subscription for the season.

One of Grand Forks’ newest and perhaps most hidden music venues is in the basement of Half Brothers Brewing Company. Located in the heart of downtown Grand Forks, the brewery offers local craft beer on tap or by the can, along with brick oven pizza by the pie or by the slice in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Since its founding in 2017, the brewery’s mission has been to create an experience that promotes art and culture in the community by providing a stage for local artists and musicians. The original performance stage was located at the back of house, but with the growth of the brewery’s canning business, the stage shifted throughout the space until early 2022 when the owners converted a portion of the basement into a live performance venue dubbed Half Brothers Underground. While the brewery is open to all ages The Underground is open to those aged 21+. Tickets are available at the door. Grab a brew and a slice and head on down.

For those looking for a music venue with a side of kitch and enough vinyl to keep you spinning for decades, DogMahal DogHaus is the perfect spot. It’s a combination record store, comic book store, and restaurant, featuring artisan-style hot dogs, sandwiches and more. Swing by on Saturdays for its Wafflepalooza brunch buffet and an afternoon of free, live music by regional artists and musicians. This is one spot where you can really get your groove on.

My favorite spot for arts and entertainment in Grand Forks is the Empire Arts Center, a nonprofit, historical arts facility in downtown Grand Forks. You may know it by its iconic “Empire” marquee shining bright along DeMers Avenue. Throughout the year, it hosts dozens of events, including live theater, movies, cabaret, dance recitals, and concerts. In 2021, the theatre launched the Music Box, a monthly showcase of local musical talent. The concerts take place in the theater’s intimate basement performance venue and each show ends with a jam session that attendees are welcome to join. Tickets are available at the door.

If you’re in the mood to dance the night away, SouthTown PourHouse is the place to be. A bar and entertainment venue located near the center of Grand Forks, its performance space includes a dance floor and hosts concerts featuring everything from 90’s pop cover songs to country music to rock and roll. Grab some friends, throw on your dancing shoes and party the night away. Cover charge may vary.

Need to wind down after a busy weekend? Attending a concert by the Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra in the historic (and some would say mysterious, but also very cool) Masonic Temple. The orchestral season kicks off in September and stretches to the following May. Dr. Alejandro Drago serves as conductor and each concert has a theme. Tickets are available individually or as a season pass.

The Grand Forks jazz scene is on the rise and Ely’s Ivy is leading the charge. Once a month, the restaurant and bar on South 3^rd St. hosts a live jazz band called Jazz on Tap in its dining space. If you’re looking for a fun, energetic night out, jazz night at Ely’s delivers. To top it off, Ely’s offers a great selection of specialty cocktails, wine, and taps, as well as a unique menu with locally produced ingredients, chef prepared. Jazz night at Ely’s is one of my favorite ways to unwind. Sidle up to the bar and toe-tap your worries away.

There are so many places to enjoy live music in greater Grand Forks that I couldn’t hit on them all so here’s some honorable mentions you definitely should check out: Alerus Center (giant concerts from rock to country to hip-hop), Chester Fritz (the University of North Dakota’s gem of a theater, which hosts touring artists and incredible campus talent), Ralph Engelstad Arena (from JoJo Siwa to Keith Urban, this venue is more than just hockey, hockey, hockey) , Northwood Performing Arts Center (one of the newest venues in Grand Forks County, this venue will host Lorie Line for Christmas).