Nevada County’s Best Live Music Pub + Bar Spots for Summer

If you’re craving live music, elbow-room chats, and a great local vibe, Nevada County’s pubs are delivering—big time. I tracked down the top upcoming gigs, jam sessions, and all-around good-time sounds happening in towns across Grass Valley and Nevada City.

Golden Era Lounge

(Nevada City)

Check their full Live Music Calendar for ongoing acts, but here are the headliners:

Jim Bratt – Thursdays & June 26
6:30–9:30 PM

Las Noches Project – Fri, June 20
9 PM–midnight

Iona Swift – Sat, June 21
8–11 PM

Dream & The Dreamer Duo – Fri, June 27
8–11PM

AC McKinney Band – Sat, June 28
8–11 PM

Stop by for jazz, blues, funk, soul—and splashy cocktails to match. Tables fill fast, so show up early (or feel free to snag a map link from their calendar).


Wild Eye Pub

(Grass Valley)

Yacht Rock Cabaret – Sat, June 21
6:30–8:30 PM

The Litch Brothers – Mon, June 23
6:30–8:30 PM

4th Sunday Stringband Jam – Sun, June 22
2–4 PM
(bring your instrument or just listen)

Pub’s creekside seating is cozy, the menu’s fresh, and reservations are recommended for bigger shows.


Crazy Horse Saloon & Grill

(Nevada City)

Moxie Barker – Fri, Jun 20
9:45 PM–12:30 AM
($10)

Late for the Train – Sat, Jun 21
9:30 PM–12:30 AM
($15)

Get tickets and see their full calendar, HERE


Friar Tuck’s Restaurant & Bar

(Nevada City)

Fri, Jun 20 – Annie McCann
4:30–6:30 PM

Danny Hogan
7–10 PM

Sat, Jun 21 – Artemis & The Unravelling
7–10 PM

Sun, Jun 22 – Watson & Garfunkel
5–8 PM

Plus nightly acts through Jun 30 (Kyle Green, Michael Padilla & more!)

See all their music events, HERE


Pro Tips

Golden Era & Crazy Horse
Will often sell out—get on their calendar or grab tickets early.

Wild Eye Pub
Call for creekside tables—worth it for the charm.

Friar Tuck’s
Drop-ins welcome almost any night; check their site if you’d prefer quieter evenings

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