WHERE: The Rialto Theatre

318 E. Congress St.

(520) 740-1000

WHO: This venue draws in a very interesting demographic, depending on the show. Most shows are overcrowded with tweens, but the shows still prove to be worth the slight hassle.

WHY: The Rialto is not only a historic landmark for Tucson, but it’s also only a short car ride away from campus. It hosts most of the larger to slightly lesser known acts that tour through town such as All Time Low, Hellogoodbye, Matisyahu, 3Oh!3, and Snoop Dogg. It also hosts its share of comedy events.

WHERE: Centennial Hall

1020 E. University Blvd.

(520) 621-3341

WHO: All types of people are drawn to this on-campus venue. Tucson natives, senior citizens, college students and parents alike can enjoy what Centennial Hall has to offer.

WHY: Centennial Hall features dance and theatre productions from different departments on campus, touring Broadway musicals and even concerts. There’s always something going on for someone to enjoy. It recently hosted Katy Perry, the B-52s, and Wilco as well as numerous musicals including “”Hairspray.””

WHERE: The Rock

136 N. Park Ave.

(520) 629-9211

WHO: This place seems to attract the same crowds as the Rialto. Tweens and fraternity boys tend to show up at The Rock, depending on the show.

WHY: Not only is it a short walk or bike ride from campus, but it also is small and usually cozy. They specialize in rock concerts of all varieties. The venue is simple: a good-sized black box. It has catered such bands as Plain White T’s, The Maine, Cobra Starship, Jack’s Mannequin and The Hush Sound. It also hosts Tucson’s Battle of the Bands, and many local artists perform there. Most of the time The Rock is jam-packed full of people, which is all part of the experience.

WHERE: Club Congress

311 E. Congress St.

(520) 622-8848

WHO: Club Congress tends to draw in a more artsy, older crowd due to its many 21+ shows and bar.

WHY: Like the Rialto, it’s a historic (and supposedly haunted) hotel, bar, and venue directly across the street from the Rialto. Not only do they give out free water, which is definitely a plus, but shows there are very intimate – bands perform on smaller scale stage. Diplo, The Cab and RX Bandits have performed there this year.

WHERE: The Red Room (at The Grill)

100 E. Congress St.

(520) 623-7621

WHO: It’s downtown so you will probably run into students and other random, for lack of a better term, “”interesting”” characters.

WHY: The atmosphere is funky and eclectic. Not only do you get to stop in and see a show, but you also can sit yourself down in a booth or a chair and munch on a giant bowl of tater tots while you soak in the indie music. Don’t expect bands that play there to be famous. You probably haven’t heard of most of them before, but that’s what’s so great about the Red Room – it opens your eyes to new music.