A&R Music Bar

To ensure a smoother experience at the event, familiarize yourself with A&R Music Bar’s policies in advance. Knowing this information beforehand can help you prepare for your visit.

Some guidelines to be aware of include:

• Re-Entry & Smoking: Smoking is prohibited at all indoor shows. ²
• Payment Options: Contactless payment is preferred. A&R Music Bar accepts all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. ²
• Prohibited Items: The venue prohibits outside food/drinks, weapons, illegal items, professional cameras, noise-makers, and oversized bags. Management can prohibit other items as well. ²
• Age Restrictions: Unless specified on the event page for a specific show or artist, A&R Music Bar shows are all-ages.

For the most up-to-date guidance and information on regulations (including bag policies), check the official A&R Music Bar policy page.

Columbus has been named a Top 10 Best Big City, One of the Best Food Cities, and One of the Friendliest Cities in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. ⁷

While you’re in the area, see what other events are happening at nearby venues:

• The Basement: Nestled in downtown Columbus's Arena District, this venue offers an intimate setting for up to 350 patrons, with standing-room seating.
• KEMBA Live!: This is a versatile indoor/outdoor venue with a 2,200-person capacity for indoor concerts and a 5,200-person capacity for its outdoor amphitheater. ⁹
• Newport Music Hall: This dynamic venue in Columbus, with a capacity of 1,700 guests, is a historic landmark nestled near Ohio State University. ¹⁰

The venue is located in the Arena District next to KEMBA Live!, and is across the street from the McConnell Garage. ⁴

Public Transportation: Nearby transportation options include Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) buses, rideshare via Lyft or Uber, or scooter rental via Veo or Spin. ⁵

Driving: If driving to the Venue at 391 Neil Ave. Columbus, Ohio, you can park at one of several nearby lots. A few of the nearby parking options are:

• LAZ Parking’s Broadbelt Lot: 405 Neil Ave
• McConnell Garage: 355 John H. McConnell Blvd

With a complete selection of beer, liquor, mixed drinks, wine, and hard seltzers, A&R Music Bar is your destination for full-service entertainment.¹ Concert-goers are sure to have access to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks alongside delicious food to fuel the night's entertainment.

Beyond the extensive beverage menu, the venue proudly partners with Mikey's Late Night Slice, a local favorite pizza brand.^1,6 Mikey's Late Night Slice is only open during concert show times.¹

A&R Music Bar has been a cornerstone of Columbus's live music scene since PromoWest Productions assumed management of the building, previously called “The House of Crave,” in 2003.^11,12 They officially changed the name and hosted their earliest show in 2009.^12,13 Situated next door to KEMBA Live!, the venue shares its footprint with The Basement, which opened in 2005.¹¹

Together, the two stages give A&R its distinctive dual-room character. Over the years, the venue has served as a proving ground for artists on the rise, hosting acts like Greta Van Fleet, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, and Twenty One Pilots before many reached arena status.¹¹ That track record of catching talent early has cemented A&R's reputation as an established venue in Columbus's live music scene.