TUNE IN, JAM OUT

Beyond dazzling white beaches, the lure of deep-blue lagoons, and pastoral wonderlands, lies a rhythmic beat as local musicians frequently take the stage in Vero Beach, Fellsmere, and Sebastian. This list of top venues is the perfect place to start planning a vacation of rubbing elbows with the locals at their favorite eateries while listening to local and regional musicians under the sun and stars in charming cafes of historic venues.

A SLICE OF THE CARIBBEAN

Capt. Hiram’s slice of the Caribbean is found at the Sandbar, home to three riverfront bars surrounded by sand, tiki lights, and two live music stages. So, settle in and sip a tropical cocktail, grab a bite, and enjoy national artists like ‘Toots’ and ‘Maytals.’ You can get your weekend started with a few rousing tunes, while weeknights provide solo musical acts.

1580 U.S. 1, Sebastian

SEASIDE SIPS & SNACKS

@heatonsverobeach

Against the backdrop of the Atlantic, Heaton's, the oceanfront bar and grill at the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, brings the best of the coast right to your table. Sea breezes waft through their outdoor dining areas, where the chef crafts his seafood-focused menu of coastal fare, and the bartender soothes and revives you with inventive cocktails and a curated selection of beers, wines, and spirits. Grab lunch in the sun. Savor snacks by the pool. Linger over cocktails beside the crackling light of the firepit. Or sit down to views of the gorgeous Florida coastline and a full-service meal.

3500 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach

Waldo’s, at the historic Driftwood Hotel, is a lively beachfront venue and a local hangout. Dance the night away Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday on the oceanfront deck, while local bands play classic rock and foot-tapping bluegrass music to help you get your southern groove on. Sunday afternoons are also an excellent time to drop by for live music. Enjoy American fare, brews on tap, cocktails, and wine by the glass. 3150 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach

FULL CIRCLE

Live in the Loop is a popular, free, outside music venue. Rock out to island music, folk-rock, blues, country, rockabilly, and more. Every Friday and Saturday, rain or shine, bring your own chair, friends, and set up on the driveway at Riverside Theatre. A venue not to be missed.

3250 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach

SIGNATURE VERO BEACH

Riverside Café is nestled along the Indian River Lagoon in Vero Beach; this historic eatery helped launch the career of country music superstar Jake Owen. A top sports bar, Riverside is also a popular spot for those seeking live music. Wednesdays and Sundays, hear the latest and greatest live music and DJs. Boaters are welcome to pull up to the dock.

3341 Bridge Plaza Drive, Vero Beach

@feateu IT’S A SOUTHERN THING

Marsh Landing is one of the best places in Fellsmere to hear a live five-piece acoustic band complete with banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, and standup bass. This combination will have your feet tapping in no time. While there, enjoy a southern-style menu and signature cocktails in a renowned landmark setting.

44 North Broadway Street, Fellsmere

WEEKEND WIND DOWN

Post & Vine Stroll on in, Friday or Saturday, and listen to the sounds of local soloists, jazz, or musicians from as far away as New York and Michigan. A long bar opens up to a large covered deck - the perfect place to sip, dine, and wind down after a long week or the ideal place to cheer the start of your vacation.

1919 14th Avenue, Vero Beach

@321happyhour

A LOCAL FAVORITE

Kilted Mermaid is a fun, funky, and eclectic neighborhood bar featuring local bands and, of course, plenty of Irish covers. Sit back and relax in a casual environment and choose among 25 local and global wines by the glass or 80+ craft and import brews. Wednesdays are open-mic night. Sign up and try out; allow your hidden talents to shine!

1937 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach

TAKE ME TO THE RIVER

The Tiki Bar & Grill sits on the banks of the Indian River in Sebastian. This waterfront bar is a fun place to hear 80s rock’n’roll every Monday night or sing your heart out Thursdays on karaoke night. Local musicians perform Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Count on fresh seafood plates, craft cocktails, and fabulous river views.

1109 Indian River Drive, Vero Beach

BIKERS WELCOME

Snowbirds and locals have been favoring Earl's Hideaway Lounge since the 1950s. Snowbirds and locals have been favoring Earl's Hideaway Lounge since the 1950s. It's one of those iconic, "hole-inthe-wall" type places with a great vibe and great food. According to reviews, the Stromboli and the pizza are the best next to New York's, and both TripAdvisor and Yelp give this place 4.5 stars. The drinks are cold, and the music is always live - lots of blues, southern rock, soloists, trios, and full bands. Can't get enough? Buy a tee and wear it proudly.

1405 Indian River Drive, Sebastian

@walkingtreebrewery

If you’re in the mood for local craft brews with a side of live music, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few places not to miss:

MONKEY BUSINESS

A new addition to Sebastian's brewhouse scene, Mash Monkeys, recently celebrated its second anniversary. This hip brewhouse has more than 10 beers on tap; try the Pelican Island Pilsner or a variety of other German-style pilsners. Order a bite from local vendors (menus available at the bar) and then sit back and relax with local musicians. Country, rock, and 90's-themed live music sizzles this little brewhouse with a big musical flavor.

920 U.S. 1, Sebastian

ON TAP

American Iconic Brewery (AIB) is the exciting gastropub that emerged from the transformed historic diesel power plant in downtown Vero Beach. It has more than seven beers on tap daily, with seasonal and specialty beers offered throughout the year. AIB offers patrons a hip industrial setting that suits Sunday Brunches, daily lunches, happy hour devotees, and the dinner crowd. The menu complements the pours, offering a variety of sumptuous bites. So, get ready to settle in as AIB is gearing up for a refresh on their live music events.

1133 19th Place, Vero Beach

HOPPY YOU'RE HEAR

Sebastian’s first craft brewery, Pareidolia Brewing, is located in the old post office. It has become a local staple. The funky vibe is carried through such pours as “Rapture Cherry Chocolate.” You’ll thoroughly enjoy their outside deck with views of the Indian River. Sip on “Rye Me a River,” “Red Ale,” “UKE Can Do It,” and “Coffee Porter,” to name a few. This is an award-winning pub house with a serious commitment to the community, a place where locals happily welcome visitors from around the world. They offer an extensive menu featuring American fare. Don’t miss Crab-E-Bill’s Smoked Fish, a local purveyor of the freshest Florida seafood on the east coast. Sit back and enjoy local live music like blues and rock, plus an entertaining open-mic night.

712 Cleveland Street, Sebastian

A VERO BEACH FIRST

Walking Tree Brewery was the first craft brewhouse to open in Vero Beach. It offers patrons a hip, rustic, and industrial setting. Like the indigenous mangrove trees, it also has deep roots in the community. This award-winning brewhouse provides guests and visitors alike some of the area’s best pale ales, stouts, and IPA’s along with live music. It’s a family and pet-friendly establishment. Drop by on Saturdays for the farmer’s market and a soloist act or give a listen to classic American rock’n’roll every other Friday evening and Saturday nights.

3209 Dodger Road, Vero Beach