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9:30 Club Bar / Club / Live Music Venue

9:30 Club Often touted as the best place to catch a concert in the city, 9:30 Club consistently packs its 1,200-capacity hall by hosting shows ranging from big-name acts and DJs to up-and-comers, noise bands, and everything in between. Washington, DC United States 38.91786 -77.023718
4.48 29
9:30 Club - Bar | Club | Live Music Venue in Washington, DC.
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25 User Reviews
  • User Reviews (25)
  • Schedule

Ratings:

Lucas
Adriana
Jonah
Emma

Party Earth Review Often touted as the best place to catch a concert in the city, 9:30 Club consistently packs its 1,200-capacity hall by hosting shows ranging from big-name acts and DJs to up-and-comers, noise bands, and everything in between... ... read full review

  • Neighborhood:

    U Street Corridor
  • Address:

    815 V Street NW
    Washington, DC 20001

    Get Directions

  • Metro:

    Green, Yellow Lines: U Street/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo

  • Phone:

    202-265-0930

  • Links:

    Official Website
  • Hours:

    Daily, though hours vary by show

  • Recommended as:

    • Night Spot

Picture?type=large First to review Daniel M.

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9:30 Club Schedule of Events

May 2013

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May19Sun
May 19, 13:00PM
9:30 Club - Bar | Club | Live Music Venue in Washington, DC. Sound Bites

Concert / DJ / Reggae

1:00 pm
DJ Will Eastman, Batala
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May22Wed
May 22, 19:00PM
Pete Holmes Pete Holmes

Comedy Show / Stand-Up Comedy / Stand-Up Comedy

7:00 pm
Pete Holmes
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May23Thu
May 23, 19:00PM
9:30 Club - Bar | Club | Live Music Venue in Washington, DC. Futurebirds

Concert / Indie Rock

7:00 pm
Futurebirds
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May24Fri
May 24, 20:00PM
Honor by August  Honor By August

Concert / Alternative Rock / Pop / Rock

8:00 pm
Honor by August , Melodime, Jesse Ruben
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May25Sat
May 25, 18:00PM
Chris Hardwick Chris Hardwick

Comedy Show / Stand-Up Comedy

6:00 pm
Chris Hardwick
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May28Tue
May 28, 19:00PM
9:30 Club - Bar | Club | Live Music Venue in Washington, DC. The Uncluded

Concert / Hip-Hop

7:00 pm
The Uncluded
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May29Wed
May 29, 19:00PM
The Dandy Warhols The Dandy Warhols

Concert / Alternative Rock

7:00 pm
The Dandy Warhols
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May30Thu
May 30, 19:00PM
moe. moe.

Concert / Pop / Rock

7:00 pm
moe.
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May31Fri
May 31, 20:00PM
Fall Out Boy Fall Out Boy

Concert / Pop / Pop-Punk / Rock

8:00 pm
Fall Out Boy
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June 2013

Collapse (17)
Jun03Mon
Jun 3, 19:00PM
The Mountain Goats The Mountain Goats

Concert / Alternative Rock / Folk Rock / Indie / Indie Rock / Singer / Songwriter

7:00 pm
The Mountain Goats, The Baptist Generals
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Jun04Tue
Jun 4, 22:00PM
Best Coast Best Coast

Concert / Indie / Indie Rock / Pop / Rock

10:00 pm
Best Coast, Guards, Lovely Bad Things
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Jun05Wed
Jun 5, 19:00PM
Tomahawk Tomahawk

Concert / Alternative Rock / Indie Rock / Modern Rock / Rock

7:00 pm
Tomahawk, Buke and Gase
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Jun07Fri
Jun 7, 20:00PM
Cut Copy Cut Copy

Concert / Electronic / Pop / Rock

8:00 pm
Cut Copy, Worlds End Press
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Jun08Sat
Jun 8, 23:30PM
9:30 Club - Bar | Club | Live Music Venue in Washington, DC. Blowoff

DJ Event / DJ

11:30 pm
Richard Morel , Bob Mould
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Jun09Sun
Jun 9, 17:00PM
The Dangerous Summer Cute is What We Aim For

Concert / Alternative Rock / Indie Rock

5:00 pm
Cute Is What We Aim For, The Dangerous Summer
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Jun10Mon
Jun 10, 19:00PM
Animal Collective Animal Collective

Concert / Alternative Rock / Electronic / Experimental / Indie / Indie Rock / Modern Rock / Psychedelic / Rock

7:00 pm
Animal Collective, Deradoorian, Buke and Gase, Dan Deacon
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Jun11Tue
Jun 11, 19:00PM
Animal Collective Animal Collective

Concert / Alternative Rock / Electronic / Experimental / Indie / Indie Rock / Modern Rock / Psychedelic / Rock

7:00 pm
Animal Collective, Deradoorian, Buke and Gase, Dan Deacon
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Jun12Wed
Jun 12, 19:00PM
Animal Collective Animal Collective

Concert / Alternative Rock / Electronic / Experimental / Indie / Indie Rock / Modern Rock / Psychedelic / Rock

7:00 pm
Animal Collective, Deradoorian, Buke and Gase, Dan Deacon
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Jun15Sat
Jun 15, 20:00PM
Junip Junip

Concert / Folk Rock / Psychedelic

8:00 pm
Junip, Quadron , Barbarossa
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Jun16Sun
Jun 16, 19:00PM
Glen Hansard Glen Hansard

Concert / Folk Rock / Singer / Songwriter

7:00 pm
Glen Hansard, Doug Paisley
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Jun18Tue
Jun 18, 19:00PM
Amadou & Mariam Amadou & Mariam

Concert / Afro-Beat / Pop

7:00 pm
Amadou & Mariam
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Jun19Wed
Jun 19, 19:00PM
Dawes Dawes

Concert / Pop / Rock / Rock

7:00 pm
Dawes, Shovels and Rope
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Jun20Thu
Jun 20, 19:00PM
9:30 Club - Bar | Club | Live Music Venue in Washington, DC. Son Volt

Concert / Alternative Country

7:00 pm
Son Volt
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Jun22Sat
Jun 22, 20:00PM
9:30 Club - Bar | Club | Live Music Venue in Washington, DC. Who's Bad: The World's #1 Michael Jackson Tribute Band

Concert / Pop / Tribute Band

8:00 pm
Who's Bad
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Jun24Mon
Jun 24, 19:00PM
9:30 Club - Bar | Club | Live Music Venue in Washington, DC. Midnight Hike

Concert / Pop / Rock / Rock

7:00 pm
Midnight Hike, White Ford Bronco, The Silver Liners , Redline Addiction
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Jun28Fri
Jun 28, 20:00PM
9:30 Club - Bar | Club | Live Music Venue in Washington, DC. Richard Cheese & Lounge Against the Machine

Comedy Show / Stand-Up Comedy / Comedy / Stand-Up Comedy

8:00 pm
Richard Cheese & Lounge Against The Machine
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Party Earth 9:30 Club Review

The Scene

Often touted as the best place to catch a concert in the city, 9:30 Club consistently packs its 1,200-capacity hall by hosting shows ranging from big-name acts and DJs to up-and-comers, noise bands, and everything in between.

U Street Corridor, Washington, DC –

Often touted as the best place to catch a concert in the city, 9:30 Club consistently packs its 1,200-capacity hall by hosting shows ranging from big-name acts and DJs to up-and-comers, noise bands, and everything in between.

Long before the door opens, eager audiophiles line up outside the brick façade and unmarked door, with each night’s crowd of concertgoers reflecting the venue’s ever-changing performance calendar.

Seating options are limited at the club, so early birds score a quick cocktail at one of the two bars before securing a spot on the open floor in front of the stage, or dart upstairs for dibs on the handful of risers that line the horseshoe balcony.

A third bar on the second level keeps the crowd’s thirst in check and regulars know that the few precious barstools provide great views as well as quick access to another round.

Parents, meanwhile, make sure their wards are safely settled during all-ages shows before escaping to the BackBar downstairs, a fourth watering hole where ample seating and soundproof walls keep Dad from griping about the quality of music these days.

Whether for high-energy dance shows, death metal mosh pits, or mellow country bands, live music lovers in DC know that 9:30 is always a good time.

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Tip from Jonah:

An unpublished Happy Hour in the BackBar allows you to enjoy some discounted brews before the show and beat the line outside. An entrance on 9th Street opens one hour before the club does.

  • Crowd

    Varies depending on the show, but can range from ravers with glow sticks to hardcore punks, alterna-types, and mellow acoustic fans. All ages, though mostly 18 to late 30s.

  • Entertainment / Music

    Live music every night. See website for schedule and show times.

  • Food / Miscellaneous

    Vegetarian-friendly menu of bar food and sandwiches, including meat-free meatball subs, wraps, and chicken breast melts. Happy Hour daily at BackBar one hour before the club opens.

  • Prices

    Cover charge varies, usually $15–$40. Appetizers and small bites $5–$13, sandwiches $5–$8, entrées $14–$22. Beer $6–$8, wine $7/glass, cocktails $7+.

  • What to Wear / Dress Code

    Comfortable: jeans, sneakers, graphic t-shirts, casual dresses. Some shows do not allow spiked jewelry, chains, and so on.

  • Hot Nights / When to Go

    Musical tastes will always dictate the hottest nights to attend.

  • Close By

    American Ice Company (917 V Street) serves up barbeque and beer long after the show has ended.

Tags:
All AgesAll TypesBalconyBandsBar FoodBarsCasualConcertsCountryCover chargeCreative / Art / Music TypesDJDanceDeath Metal Happy HourLive MusicMusic LoversMusic ScenestersMusiciansSandwichesTeenagersVegetarian FoodWorld Music

9:30 Club User Reviews

Molly Sullivan May 3, 2013 3.0 stars Affordable, fun night out This place has it all for a night out! It is a concert venue, hosting primarily alternative, indie and rock groups, but not exclusively, as Ellie Goulding and others outside the aforementioned genres have played shows at the 930 club. Ticket prices vary, but rarely are concerts over $35-40/per ticket, generally closer to the $25-30 range, thus providing affordable concerts, in an up-and-coming area of the city. Inside, the 930 club features a stage, located on the ground level, and a balcony, which provides a bird's eye view of the show. The venue is equipped with two bars, as well as various food options, for the hungry concert goer. It is advisable to check the concert schedule, available on their website periodically, as it updates, and certain shows can sell out very quickly. That being said, if a singer, DJ or group sell out one night very quickly, the 930 club will occasionally add a second night, as it keeps the fans happy, as well as brings in an extra night of revenue, thus becoming a win-win scenario.
Eman El Saied Apr 30, 2013 2.0 stars Guarenteed good time No doubt about it, 930 is the place to be. Located near U Street Metro in NW DC, 930 has big name artists for a quarter of the price. They mainly specialize in indie/alternative music, that are on the rise of popularity. Its definitely the kind of place where people go to have fun. The ages span from 18-45 depending on the artist. Its two floors with a balcony, bar on each side of the venue, and a small coffee shop. 930 is affordable, easy to get to, and filled with amazing artists. Ellie Goulding did a secret show last weekend at 930! Be in the know with
Madison Jones Apr 27, 2013 4.0 stars Bar, Club, Concert Venue If you're looking to catch a show in D.C., look no further than Washington's eclectic, hip, and eternally packed 9:30 Club. This venue has been booking the hottest musical acts since 1980; concert goers of all tastes can experience great vibes and great music from a wide variety of genres. The club is filled nearly every night with excited fans lining up to see solo hip hop acts, underground indie sensations, country stars, or the trendiest current DJs and producers from the electronica scene. Whoever is booked at the 9:30 Club, one word serves to describe the atmosphere of any performance: ENERGY. The wonderful sense of community created by this venue is unmatched by similar historic clubs in its ability to create the most invigorating musical experience for attendees. The building is constantly in motion and filled with fans, giving it the wonderful sense of a never-ending party. The club accommodates its guests' pre-game needs with three bars, a food stop, and a small cafe. Patrons of the 9:30 Club are always comfortable, as the venue offers a wide selection of alcoholic selections, vegetarian friendly menu items, and plenty of coffee to amp guests up before the show. Guests are free to mingle and dine while serenaded by the openers, which never disappoint. The club is also conveniently located: its neighborhood houses various popular bars and restaurants, and it is located only blocks from the metro stop. Concert goers at 9:30 club are rarely let down by their 9:30 experience- from friendly staff, a wide selection of food and beverage, and constant commitment to memorable music experiences, 9:30 Club is tireless in its efforts to remain a D.C. concert staple for performers and fans alike.
Leah Stoltz Apr 22, 2013 4.0 stars Concert Venue I've only been here for concerts, but it's such an awesome venue! I've heard multiple bands say it's their favorite venue to play at in DC! (Streetlight Manifesto even said it was their favorite on the West Coast!) You MUST check out a show here. Plus, it's super close to Ben's Chili Bowl. (And as some of my friends learned the hard way, do NOT try to get away with a fake ID here. Just get stamped for being under 21.)
Kimberle D'Aria Mar 25, 2013 4.0 stars Perfect for Concerts of All Kinds From Frank Ocean to Christopher Owens, the 9:30 club provides a perfect venue for upbeat dance music or mellow sit-down shows. The bars accept credit cards or cash and provide a wide variety of choices. The mezzanine level allows you to see everything that's happening on stage while the bottom floor allows you to get up close to your favorite artist. The 9:30 club offers a good assortment of shows, which include well-known artists and not-so-well known. It's location is easily accessible from cab or metro and has a number of amazing restaurants (Ben's Chili Bowl!) and bars in close distance. Check out their website for upcoming shows as well as music reviews!
Joey Machak Mar 3, 2013 4.0 stars Great place for a night out! The 9:30 club is one of the coolest places in the city. It has been a fixture in NW D.C. since 1980, and it only takes going to one concert there to see why. The 1,200 person capacity means the club is large enough to draw big name acts, while still allowing you to feel like you’re at an intimate performance. The layout of the 9:30 club is truly unique. There is a huge floor area where you can get right up against the stage, and where more than a few mosh pits have broken out. It doesn’t matter if it is a local talent or Cake up on stage; you can get close enough for the bassist to sweat on you. If you’re more interested in listening to the music than thrashing around, you should hang out on the balcony instead. From this elevated vantage point, you can really feel the bass and appreciate the finely tuned acoustics. No matter where you decide to watch the show you won’t be thirsty, as there are bars on both levels. Just because there is plenty of booze doesn’t mean you have to be 21. As soon as you turn 18, you can enjoy both the atmosphere and music perfectly legally. The club is located just a couple blocks from both the U Street and Shaw Metro stations, so getting there is no problem at all. Limited parking can be found if you have to drive, but make sure you’re early. If you don’t feel like munching on bar food, there are tons of restaurants just steps away; so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something to snack on until show time. Most importantly, the 9:30 club has built a strong reputation for bringing in A-list talent. While it is best known as a rock venue with legends like the Ramones and the Red Hot Chili Peppers gracing the stage, the club has always hosted a diverse range of acts. Performers varying from Bob Dylan to Adele, with many more in between, have all made stops at this little club. No matter whose set list is taped to the stage, you have a good chance to have a excellent night at the 9:30 club.
Frances Foster Feb 27, 2013 4.0 stars "9:30 - a Place in Time!" The 9:30 club is the perfect blend between night club and concert outing. Always hosting a variety of performers, The 9:30 Club has something for everyone. I went here to see one of my favorite bands perform, and I was not disappointed. The venue is small enough to feel closely connected to the bands playing while still being popular enough to have bigger band names perform. 9:30 also has a great knowledge for good music. Their website even contains a blog for music reviews. If you are visiting D.C., and you are looking for a good time with good music, definitely check out The 9:30 club.
Kendall Hymes Feb 24, 2013 4.0 stars 930 Club The 930 club is probably one of my favorite places in the city. It's not a club like what most people think of. Instead, the 930 club caters more towards the music crowd, holding a variety of concerts each week especially come summertime! The genre of music isn't limited to one demographic either which is definitely a bonus. The club is pretty small for a concert venue which makes it more intimate and personal. There are 2 levels; personally I enjoy the main floor because there is always more activity and people to mingle with before the concerts. Another plus is if you know the right people who work there it's easy to get meet and greets with the artists which is a unique experience! The only down side is that the club is located in a not so great part of the city but besides that the 930 club is great!
Caroline Cullen Feb 20, 2013 4.0 stars Best DC Music Venue The 930 Club's awesomeness lies in the fact that you can see the stage everywhere you stand. Small enough that the performance you see feels intimate, but large enough to attract big names, 930 is arguably the best music venue in DC. There are draft beers on the first floor, craft beers on the second. If you can get there early enough to be in the front of the pit, it is the closest you will ever get to your favorite band. If you feel like casually standing in the back, don’t worry you’ll have access to beer, snacks, and will still be able to see the stage and enjoy the show. Great tip: the second floor balcony has 2 bars and some more elbow room. Get there early and stand in the front.
Edwin Hernandez-Ayala Feb 17, 2013 4.0 stars . .
Jessie Ohrozzcoe Feb 8, 2013 4.0 stars Perfect for the avid music listener! If you are a music lover that wants to feel as though they are being serenated, the 9:30 Club is perfect for you! Artists also enjoy the intimate setting and feel more relaxed. Something I learned when I attended a Brazilian Girls show. By the middle of the show Sabina, the lead singer had invited all those that wanted to come up on stage and dance with her! Being 1) a huge fan and 2) at the front I quickly jumped (literally) at the opportunity! The security guards were also very friendly and didn’t harass attendees off the stage. One security guard even picked up the girl in front of me when she fell. From the outside it looks like a dingy hole in the wall building but once you enter you fall in love with its quirky character. All though it’s a small venue you can see the stage from almost everywhere you stand. Don’t like the first floor? That’s alright; you can go up to the balcony. Also, With 4 stocked bars there is no need to keep on going back and forth between floors. On that concert high after the show? You can pick from several restaurants and bars all within walking distance! The streets are filled with people all looking for an exciting time especially on the weekends. A block away there’s a recently opened mom and pop pizza shop with huge slices. But beware! They’ll talk your ear off if you let them!
vt23 Feb 7, 2013 3.0 stars It's never too early for 9:30 Right when you walk into this little "hole in the wall" club you feel the energy of the people surrounding you. You expect the venue to be small but instead you have a ton of room to explore and enjoy. Lucky for me, the band that was playing that night was from my home town (Fight Cloud) and I had grew up with all the band members since middle school. The vibe of the club was just right and the bands that they allow to play always compliment that atmosphere at whole. Definitely a must-go!
Jordan Hillier Jan 31, 2013 4.0 stars One of my favorite spots I have only been to the 9:30 Club a handful of times, but every time it's been a blast. I love it for small concerts! The setting is so intimate you really feel close to the artist, but there is still enough room to move around and mingle! Everyone I know loves going here because the atmosphere is so vibrant and the venue is classic! Can't wait for my next visit!
ikellymcd Jan 24, 2013 4.0 stars One of My Favorite Venues I've been to a handful of shows at 9:30 Club and I can't get enough! The venue is super easy to get to (only a few blocks from the U Street metro) and even spot in the house has a great view. It's perfect for those of us who love smaller, intimate concerts. You really get the full experience of what a concert should be like: good views, awesome crowds, great music. I saw Passion Pit here a couple months ago and it was easily one of the best concerts I've been to. You feel like you're interacting with the artist, you get to fully experience the music. As previous comments have said, tickets tend to sell out quickly. But I promise you, it's worth it!
Lauren Gil Jan 4, 2013 4.0 stars A Must-Go for Concert Lovers! As an avid concert goer, I was excited about 9:30 Club just from unanimous buzz of approval I heard from others. No matter where you are in this 1,200 capacity venue, you'll find yourself entranced by the music, the lights, and the crowd and able to see the stage, even form the back. The space is on the smaller side, but as a result, you get an intimate music experience, allowing you to see close-up the faces of the artists you love. 9:30 Club brings in multiple big names as well as underground artists so be sure to check the website periodically for upcoming shows to ensure you get a ticket, seeing as many of the concerts sell out quickly. Tickets are usually reasonably priced, especially compared to other bigger venues like the Verizon Center. I prefer the 9:30 Club over the Verizon Center because tickets are better priced and like I said before, no matter where you are in the crowd, you can always see the stage. I prefer to be engulfed in the concert experience, preferably front row, so if you're like me, head to the show before the doors open and wait in line. It is very much worth the wait to get a good spot. Not to mention, the bar is a perfect place to go before the show starts to kill time and mingle with others who came early like yourself. If you aren't the type who likes to be straight in the action at the show, there is also an upper level where you can have a more relaxed experience. As for transportation, I would recommend taking the Metro if it is an option so you won't have to worry about parking. The Metro is easy to take, relatively cheap, and is just a short walk away from 9:30 Club. Make it a full night out in DC and go to the restaurants around the venue or the metro station before the show. Plan your night early and the 9:30 Club is a fool-proof ticket to a unforgettable music experience!
ChristinaW Dec 11, 2012 4.0 stars Great venue, great concerts I grew up in DC but have since moved away, so unfortunately I haven't had the pleasure of attending a show at the 9:30 Club since I was 18 years old. But I have to say, as an 18 year-old, it was really really awesome to be in a legit music venue with legit acoustics and sound system listening to awesome music (I saw MGMT there right after they had released their first album!) and still be allowed to actually see what was going on. The acoustics were great, the view from the balcony was stellar, and all of the people there clearly were in it to have just as good of a time as I aimed to have. And that was totally wonderful. I look forward to coming back here someday. (And I think all of the 4-star reviews below mine are proof that this place totally rocks.)
Hannah Rubin Dec 3, 2012 4.0 stars A live-music venue in DC which hosts a variety of musicians such as Major Lazer, Dark Star Orchestra and GROUPLOVE Looking for a fun night out with friends where you can listen to your favorite artists, drink craft beers and watch a mind blowing light show? The 9:30 Club is located near U Street, where the chic city inhabitants and hipster college students come to enjoy their weekends. The 9:30 Club hosts hundreds of shows throughout each season, offering different music genres and decently priced tickets, usually $10-50. For the avid concert goers, their sound system is state-of-the-art and their light shows are unforgettable. The 9:30 Club is a medium size venue, whether you want to rock out in the front, hear the base by the sound system in the back or stand up high in the balcony, you can always find a place to enjoy the show.
Jody Pollara Nov 30, 2012 4.0 stars I LOVE 9:30 club I have been going to the 9:30 club since before the days when indoor smoking was banned and I could hardly see the stage because of all the smoke. This venue looks like a warehouse which means a lot of open space and really nice acoustics. You can see popular groups here as well as lesser-known cult favorites. It is a standing-room only venue so if you don't like tight spaces, its probably not for you. For me, part of a great concert experience is pushing through a crowd to get to the front and get a glimpse of whoever is rocking out on stage. I try to get to shows here as often as I can! Parking isn't great, but I don't care!
rgemilangsari Oct 18, 2012 4.0 stars Definitely a Must-Go! When out-of-towners ask DC locals the best place to watch concerts where they don't have to scuffle their way in and out with hundreds of thousands of people in large concert halls or stadiums, 9:30 Club is always the first venue that DCers recommend. Whether you’re in to headbang the night away with hardcore melody or you just want to get the hip and feet moving to DJ pumping beats, 9:30 Club definitely doesn’t disappoint. You will be surprised at how frequently a venue as small as 9:30 scores big name artists, from Arctic Monkeys, The Smashing Pumpkins, Bone Thugs N Harmony, to Katy Perry, to have their performances there. But, this is what makes it unique and interesting. Music enthusiasts feel a closer connection, quite literally, to the performers in a pretty tight space as if they’re watching a show in a friend’s basement…but with impeccable sound system quality. The venue is furnished with two bars on both sides of the wall, so getting a drink will not be much of a challenge. On top of it, the bar offers a mix of delish menu, ranging from Mini Pita Pizza, Hummus, Quesadilla, to Chili & Brown Rice. 9:30 also provides a second floor for additional space where people get a great view of the stage and the energetically moving crowd. Furthermore, 9:30 club offers a dynamic variety of line-up from established musicians, local bands, to up-and-coming DJs. Another plus side is the venue is within walking distance to U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial Metro station. Overall, 9:30 is a great asset to DC’s hip and vibrant music and nightlife scene and one of the reasons why living in the nation’s capital is fun and enjoyable!
Helena B Oct 16, 2012 3.0 stars Wunderbar I live (and love) about three blocks away from 9:30 club; needless to say, I hound their website almost daily for new shows. Thus far, I've been there three times: Imogen Heap, The Cranberries, and Die Antwoord. I've never had to drive here, but I always hear complaints about parking when I'm in line. If you're driving, you should get there about an hour early to make sure you don't have to park too far away. The other thing is, this is located right by U st. area of DC, which up until three years ago was considered to be quite dangerous. That said, it still is pretty dangerous, in spite of heavy police presence. You don't want to leave 9:30 and stumble about in search of your car in this neighborhood. Other brief tips: 1. Bring your ID and credit card of purchase when picking up tickets at will call. I've never had to show credit card, but better safe... 2. You can't bring in any sort of bottle with you. In fact, brief personal story: I was standing outside of 9:30 waiting for Die Antwoord to go on, and sipping casually on my delicious water, when a staffer came out and asked to check my water bottle. As the line was already moving and I didn't want to lose my place, I handed it over. The moral of the story is that they can deny entrance if you were drinking outside and they deem you to be rowdy/intoxicated, etc. 3. Doors usually open around 7. BUT, it's called the 9:30 club because all bands actually go on at...you guessed it, 9:30. Have fun!
jsunmatthews Sep 11, 2012 4.0 stars Hands-Down Best Music Venue in DC I love the intimacy of 9:30. It’s definitely small, so you can expect a long line and standing-room only most nights, but the sound-system here is amazing and I can safely say I have never seen a bad show. Sets can be on the short-side, for sure (like a couple hours sometimes). However, since you are never shelling out bib box prices, who really cares? Big acts, small acts, random bands, they are come through here. Believe it or not, the food is pretty darn good. I probably took down seven of their ridiculous cupcakes the last time I was here. Pick a night with a performer who piques your interest, grab a beer, and rock it from the lil’ balcony with your lighter in the air.
Jimmy D Sep 5, 2012 4.0 stars No Bad Seats in the House A small, cozy venue that attracts high quality acts. There really is no bad seat in the house given the size of the venue. It does heat up inside so no need to over dress if your are going to see a show.
Sherry Aug 24, 2012 4.0 stars Great Place to See a Show! This is truly a unique spot. If an artist you like is playing at the 9:30 club, you've got to get in. you'll be up close wherever you are, and you'll be swept away by the vibe.
Danny Milner Aug 16, 2012 4.0 stars Best Concert Venue in DC! The 9:30 Club in DC is a special place to see any concert and probably the best concert venue in the entire DC area. For a place that only holds over 1,000 people they manage to consistently bring in A-list talent while still showcasing up-and-coming acts as well. It’s basically one big open room with general admission but also has a nice balcony for those who want a view from above and don’t want to be too cramped with the crowd down below. I’ve seen some great shows here over the years and will even go here to see someone I may not know that well…simply because the small setting is a great place to see a show. The area surrounding the venue used to be a little sketchy but over the last 10 years has gotten a little nicer…which makes it a little more comfortable when looking for street parking near the venue. While the club has a couple chill bars inside…including the one downstairs…you might also want to pre-game (or post-game) at the Velvet Lounge right nearby…it’s a tiny dive bar that also serves up live music on most nights.

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