Music scene · Emeryville

This compact Bay Area city sits between Oakland and Berkeley, so its residents often absorb the region's musical energy through nearby venues rather than local clubs. Small art spaces and studio buildings have hosted informal performances.

Local bars and small art galleries near the waterfront sometimes book acoustic acts and DJs. Most performers head to Oakland or Berkeley for established rooms and larger crowds.

Local and regional artists perform here, with musicians from the nearby Bay Area scene occasionally passing through.

Start at nearby open mics in Oakland, connect with artists working in Emeryville's creative spaces, and use regional transit to reach Berkeley and San Francisco gigs.