12 Unexpected US Cities with a Vibrant Nightlife Scene

When it’s all about what happens when the sun goes down, you must find a destination with a lively nightlife scene. Setting the obvious big hitters aside, this list focuses on a dozen more unusual places to hit the town after dark. Here are our favorite US cities to head to after sunset.

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12 Unexpected US Cities with a Vibrant Nightlife Scene

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1/5

New Orleans, Louisiana 2/5

Cincinnati, Ohio 3/5

Austin, Texas 4/5

Kansas City, Missouri 5/5

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Austin, Texas

Life after dark in Austin is something to write home about. Live music spots here specialize in blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, rock, and Latino genres. Head to Sixth Street to find the most vibrant venues in town.

Explore Sixth Street: Walk down Sixth Street to experience Austin’s lively nightlife. This area is packed with music venues, bars, and restaurants, offering a taste of the city’s diverse music scene.
Catch a Show at The Continental Club: Visit The Continental Club for an authentic Austin music experience. Known for its intimate setting, this club hosts live performances ranging from rock to blues.

Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City’s Power and Light district is party central – among other things. It’s also a favored haunt of basketball fans and those who love retail therapy. Upscale cocktail bars and clubs are a particular feature of this area.

Catch a Game at T-Mobile Center: Visit the T-Mobile Center for an exciting basketball game or concert. This arena hosts major events and is a must-visit for sports fans.
Explore the Power & Light District: This area is filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it a great spot for both day and night activities.

Cincinnati, Ohio

Busy enough on weekdays and packed out at weekends, Cincinnati’s riverwalk area is the place to be after sunset in Ohio. Live music venues are everywhere, where bartenders can pour you anything from beer or bourbon to a cool cocktail.

Stroll Along the Riverwalk: Walk along Cincinnati’s riverwalk to enjoy the scenic views of the Ohio River. This area is lively with street performers and offers a great atmosphere for an evening stroll.
Catch a Show at The Andrew J Brady Music Center: Visit The Andrew J Brady Music Center for live music performances. This venue hosts a variety of artists and is a fantastic spot for music lovers.

New Orleans, Louisiana

A mixed crowd and laid-back vibe make New Orleans one of the best US cities for nightlife. Some places can be pricey, but it’s refreshingly unpretentious. With something different every evening, you’ll never get bored in this southern city.

Explore Frenchmen Street: Walk down Frenchmen Street to find live music venues and bars. This area is less touristy than Bourbon Street and offers a more authentic New Orleans music scene.
Visit Preservation Hall: Head to Preservation Hall for traditional jazz performances. This historic venue is a must-visit for jazz lovers and offers an intimate setting.

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Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee can offer it all, whatever you want from a night out on the town. Third Street is the epicenter of after-hours entertainment. From a casual drink or sports bar with big screens to a thrumming club with a crowded dance floor, there’s something for everyone in Wisconsin’s most populous city.

Catch a Game at Major Goolsby’s: Visit Major Goolsby’s for a classic sports bar experience. With big screens and a great selection of beers, it’s an ideal spot to watch a game.
Dance at The Rave/Eagles Club: Head to The Rave/Eagles Club for a night of dancing and live music. This venue hosts a variety of concerts and events, making it a popular choice for music lovers.

Denver, Colorado

Denver’s River North Art District – or RiNo – is where it’s at when it comes to nightlife in this city. It’s fun to spot the rhinos around the area as you go, which have become the local symbol. Find them decorating the walls and windows of the local brewpubs, music bars, and more.

Visit The Source: Stop by The Source for a mix of food, drinks, and shopping. This market hall features local vendors and is a great spot to start your night out.
Sip Craft Beer at Ratio Beerworks: Try the craft beers at Ratio Beerworks. This popular brewery has a laid-back vibe and often features food trucks and live music.

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Baltimore, Maryland

Downtown Baltimore in twilight — © f11photo / Adobe Stock

The seaport of Baltimore also offers a lively nightlife scene. The historic Federal Hill – or Fed Hill – neighborhood is the best place to go. Cool burger and pizza joints, pubs, and live music venues ensure a good time for everyone after the sun goes down.

Explore Federal Hill Park: Visit Federal Hill Park for a stunning view of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. It’s a great spot to relax before diving into the neighborhood’s nightlife.
Catch Live Music at The 8×10: Head to The 8×10 for live music performances. This intimate venue hosts a variety of bands and offers a fun night out for music lovers.

Orlando, Florida

Orlando downtown skyline panorama — © rabbit75_fot / Adobe Stock

With a great selection of venues on North Orange Avenue, downtown Orlando makes bar and club hopping easy. Drinks are more affordable than in bigger cities, too. Visit any night of the week to find a party vibe going down.

Visit The Courtesy: Stop by The Courtesy for craft cocktails in a stylish setting. This bar is known for its creative drinks and relaxed vibe.

Des Moines, Iowa

Downtown Des Moines skyline — © Dan Garneau / Adobe Stock

Des Moines offers a perhaps surprisingly lively nightlife. You can find arcade or cocktail bars here, plus plenty of late-night places to eat. With more than 50 bars downtown, there’s always somewhere to sink a beer or two in Iowa’s capital.

Sip Cocktails at The Bartender’s Handshake: Stop by The Bartender’s Handshake for creative cocktails in a cozy setting. This bar is known for its unique drink menu and friendly atmosphere.
Grab Late-Night Eats at Fong’s Pizza: Head to Fong’s Pizza for a late-night bite. Known for its Asian-inspired pizzas, this spot is a local favorite for satisfying late-night cravings.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Aerial sunset view of Scottsdale — © Matt Gush / Adobe Stock

Scottsdale has plenty of bars and clubs to sample. Many of these are packed into the old town district, which is very walkable. Start with a cut-price happy hour, opt for a sophisticated wine bar, or conserve your energy for dancing the night away in one of the desert city’s clubs.

Start with Happy Hour at AZ/88: Visit AZ/88 for a cut-price happy hour. This stylish spot offers great deals on drinks and appetizers, making it a perfect start to your night.
Sip Wine at Kazimierz Wine & Whiskey Bar: Head to Kazimierz Wine & Whiskey Bar for a sophisticated wine experience. With an extensive selection of wines and whiskeys, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy a drink.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

As one of the most walkable cities in the US, it’s simple to sample all life after dark in Pittsburgh. The city offers a thriving nightlife scene, from neighborhood and sports bars to upscale cocktail bars and clubs.

Explore the Strip District: Walk through the Strip District to find a mix of bars and clubs. This area is known for its vibrant nightlife and offers plenty of options for a fun evening.
Dance at Cavo Nightclub: Check out Cavo Nightclub for a night of dancing. This club features top DJs and a high-energy atmosphere, perfect for those looking to dance the night away.

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is packed with Honky Tonk bars where you can enjoy free live music. Rooftop bars are scattered across the city, so you can sip a cocktail while enjoying the sweeping views. Broadway – aka Honky Tonk Highway – is the place to head to, as it’s packed with bars, restaurants, clubs and music venues.

Visit Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge: Stop by Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge for a classic honky tonk experience. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and live music, it’s a must-visit spot on Broadway.
Sip Cocktails at L.A. Jackson: Head to L.A. Jackson for rooftop views and delicious cocktails. Located in the Gulch, this bar offers a great place to relax and enjoy the city skyline.