Downtown Stillwater never sleeps. It’s home to 15 live music venues including restaurant lounges, a live performance theater, a brewery and a speakeasy.

On any given night in downtown Stillwater, you can see live comedy, a ukulele jam, an intimate three-piece jazz ensemble or a rock headliner. Use these tips to create your own live music walking tour as you sample the sounds crisscrossing historic Main Street.

Lion’s Tavern

Lion’s Tavern
Open Tuesday-Sunday, with happy hour Sunday-Friday from 4-6 p.m.
Venue: Restaurant with bar, lounge area and booth seating. Music can be heard in all sections, and the vibe is casual yet lively.
Music: Find rotating acts Thursday-Saturday evenings, with open mic on Wednesdays. You’ll see acoustic singer-songwriters including Jorgenson Tagg, 3OTT (Three on the Tree), and The Third Wheel Project.
Known for: In the summer, the large bluff-side patio (often voted Best Patio by local media outlets) is the place to be for live music, with an outdoor fire pit and fountains.

The Tilted Tiki

The Tilted Tiki
Open 7 days a week, with happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m.
Venue: Tropical-themed bar and lounge with fun, relaxed vibe.
Music: Local and national acts, including Tati the Island Boy and Gary LaRue Ratpack Band, as well as events like live comedy, open mic and purse bingo.
Known for: The tropical vibes instantly transport bar-goers, any time of the year.

Portside 
Open 7 days a week, with happy hour Wednesday-Friday from 3-6 p.m.
Venue: Huge second-story, recently renovated brick-filled space with large windows overlooking the St. Croix River.
Music: Live music on Friday nights through April and a live DJ on Saturday nights (and Fridays in summer). Check the Facebook page for details. Music tends toward Top 40, rock, pop, dance and country.
Known for: It’s hands-down the best place in town to dance while enjoying beautiful river views.

Marx’s Fusion Bistro & Wine Bar

Marx’s Fusion Bistro & Wine Bar
Open 7 days a week, with live music every Tuesday night
Venue: Warm, contemporary atmosphere with a full bar and windows overlooking Main Street.
Music: Every Tuesday from 7:30-9:30 p.m., dynamic duo Dave Burkart and Tim Grady take requests and entertain guests with their incredible voices.
Known for: The bar’s casual chic vibe feels more like New York City or South Beach.

Mad Capper Saloon & Eatery
Open 7 days a week, with happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m.
Venue: Bar seating and tables along the narrow Main Street building give this bar a saloon feel. The approachable, casual vibe is good for all ages (read: families welcome).
Music: See live music on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. and most Saturday nights from 9-midnight. See the schedule here. Frequent acts include Hailey James, Travis Thamert and Joe Leiner.
Known for: This historic site has been operating as a saloon since 1906.

Ziggy’s Street Food & Live Music
Open Tuesday-Sunday, with happy hour Thursday-Saturday from 5-8 p.m.
Venue: A club-like restaurant with live music, fantastic street food, a great selection of craft beers and seven TVs for sports viewing.
Music: Weekly music Thursday-Sunday, including Piano Bar Happy Hour (Fridays and Saturdays), karaoke nights (Tuesdays) and Twin Cities-favorite, acoustic country singer Tim Sigler (Sundays).
Known for: It’s one of the top music venues in the Twin Cities and the heartbeat of downtown Stillwater.

Charlie’s Irish Pub

Charlie’s Irish Pub
Open 7 days a week
Venue: Located inside Water Street Inn, a downtown historic hotel, this cozy Irish pub is littered with Jameson, Guinness and Irish flair, and the perfect backdrop for whiskey toasts with friends.
Music: Sing along to classic bar favorites, or sit back and admire the variety of Celtic instruments, from fiddles to mandolins to accordions, that accompany guitar and vocals.
Known for: You can always count on this casual pub for live music, year-round.

Reve Bistro & Bar
Open Monday-Saturday, with a daily happy hour from 2-5 p.m.
Venue: Comfy American eatery with quiet alcoves, a spacious bar, outdoor patio and private dining rooms that can accommodate everything from business meetings to bridal showers.
Music: The perfect acoustic, low-key soundtrack to accompany good conversation and great food. Check the website for the live music schedule.
Known for: From happy hour to fine dining, Reve is Stillwater’s best kept secret. If you like to go where the locals go, Reve is your best bet.

No Neck Tony’s
Open Tuesday-Sunday
Venue: A quaint, locally owned bar and the perfect last stop for the night. You’ll find skee ball, ping pong, pull tabs, large TVs and a jukebox that never quits.
Music: Local favorite, Dave Burkart, plays acoustic music every Wednesday night.
Known for: Self-proclaimed “Classiest Dive in Town.”

JX Event Venue
Hours vary; see calendar for details
Venue: Rustic yet elegant, with brick walls from floor to ceiling and natural lighting. The recent renovation of this historic building allows for versatile event layouts and can accommodate groups of all sizes. The building also houses a photography studio, bourbon room, full-service salon, Stillwater Escape Company and the Velveteen Speakeasy.
Music: From acoustic nights to large concerts to drag shows, this venue has it all. Check out their upcoming event schedule for details.
Known for: It’s the largest event venue in the region, with the ability to host up to 720 guests.

Maple Island Brewery
Open 7 days a week; see calendar for live music schedule
Venue: Spacious, casual vibe with knowledgeable staff and craft beers. Guests can enjoy the outdoor seating area in warm weather, while huge windows show off stunning views of the St. Croix River valley during chillier months.
Music: Every Friday from 6-9 p.m., Saturdays from 3-6 p.m. and, in the summer, Sundays from 3-6 p.m. Come any Wednesday at 6 p.m. to join in a group ukulele lesson.
Known for: Craft brew with a view … and ukuleles.

Want to see more? Check out our complete list of dining and nightlife establishments in downtown Stillwater, Minnesota. Share your nights out downtown with our hashtag, #discoverstillwater!