The midsize venue Roadrunner opened its doors this March in the Allston-Brighton area. The floor accommodates up to 2,000 people, and the balcony another 1,500. Both seats and standing areas are available. Roadrunner’s decor consists of strapping steel beams, glass block windows, and flamboyant art pieces, all of which contribute to a fiery ambience that pairs well with high-energy acts like Aurora, Lake Street Dive, and Rise Against. Their lineup features a range of genres in the coming months, including EDM, rock, and punk. Most shows are open to all ages, but age minimums vary from show to show, and the in-venue bar is 21-plus. Roadrunner also has strict no-smoking and no re-entry policies. 

Another Allston venue, Brighton Music Hall opened its doors in 2010 as a “launching pad” to new local and national acts. The standing-only venue has a 500-person capacity for live performances, ranging from rock bands to stand-up comedy to dance parties, offering a slice of many musical genres and nonmusical entertainment. Among previous music acts have been the Dropkick Murphys, Weezer, and Imagine Dragons. Concertgoers can also play pool or get a drink at one of the multiple bars (if they are 21-plus).

Paradise lies at the edge of Allston, right on BU’s West Campus, and attracts a primarily university-age crowd. This 40-year-old venue is considered fairly small, with a capacity of just under 1,000, standing only. Paradise is general admission, with a floor and wrap-around balcony providing a generous view for all. Although it usually hosts local alternative rock acts, in the past big-name popular groups like U2, Sinéad O’Connor, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have played there. With convenient to-go restaurants like Raising Canes, Blaze Pizza, and El Jefe’s Taqueria nearby, fans can get a bite to eat before lining up for their concert. 

House of Blues offers live music, folk art, and Southern-inspired food. This American chain of live music and restaurant spaces opened its first location in Boston in 2009. The capacity is over 2,000 within the combined music hall, VIP-only private club (the Foundation Room), and restaurant areas. The best viewing angles are at the lower, closer levels. The floor level is general admission, with standing only for most events; there is also a strict no re-entry policy. House of Blues is next to Fenway Park, so plan accordingly to avoid the extreme traffic on Red Sox game nights.

It’s on the smaller side, but many visitors rave about the Sinclair’s intimate atmosphere (space for 525) and great sound system. The Sinclair has an indie, alternative club vibe and has hosted acts like Badflower, Earthless, and the Japanese House. Fans of the spot also come for the food, with the kitchen open for dinner throughout the week and weekend brunch. While the venue offers classic bar foods like beer cheese nachos and Brighton hot chicken wings, the Sinclair also provides a plant-based menu, including the sweet potato rodeo burger, a sweet potato and black bean patty with mixed greens on a brioche bun. Re-entry is allowed for most shows with an occasional exception.