The Palladium

If you like punk and metal, the Palladium is your perfect night out. Having hosted acts like Fall Out Boy, Blink-182, and My Chemical Romance, the Palladium continues to feature the best of the genre (as well as some others—Moby, Bob Dylan, and Kanye West, to name a few). Ticket prices vary by performer, and all shows are general admission unless otherwise noted.

261 Main St, Worcester. 508-797-9696. www.thepalladium.net

DCU Center

The DCU Center, home of the Worcester Sharks, also hosts many large-scale concerts—the standard set by its 1982 inaugural performance by Frank Sinatra. Ticket prices vary by performer and seat location.

50 Foster St, Worcester. 508-755-6800. www.dcucenter.com

Jillian’s

During the week, Jillian’s is the perfect place to chill—there’s a bar, pool tables, and a game room. On Fridays and Saturdays, it’s a cozy concert hall—beginning at 9:30, local bands from hard rock to reggae take the stage.

315 Grove St, Worcester. 508-793-0900. www.jilliansworcester.com/

Beatnik’s

Beatnik’s came into existence as a place to “be you”—an homage to the mid-20^th-century subculture from which it borrows its name. It has a unique but cozy atmosphere and great food as well as live music. If you’re over 21, check it out.

433 Park Ave, Worcester. 508-926-8877. www.beatniksbeyou.com

Lucky Dog Music Hall

If you’re over 21, come check out this longstanding and highly praised Worcester music hall. Catering to rock fans, Lucky Dog has live music almost every night of the week, with 80s tribute band Flock of Assholes appearing every Thursday.

89 Green St, Worcester. 508-363-1888. www.theluckydogmusichall.com

Ralph’s Rock Diner

Ralph’s has something for everybody—Cinemageddon on Sundays, poetry on Mondays, guest bands and DJs on Tuesdays, trivia and karaoke on Wednesdays, Metal Thursdays, and live music on Fridays. For Ralphs, too, though, make sure you’re over 21!

148 Grove St, Worcester. 508-753-9543. www.ralphsrockdiner.com

Nick’s Bar and Restaurant

Why should you have to wait for the weekend for a night out? Nick’s hosts acts every night. Kick back with a beer and a snack from the new menu and listen to the best of Worcester’s live music.

124 Millbury St, Worcester. 508-753-4030. http://www.nicksworcester.com/

The Hanover Theater

If you prefer a large and regal stage to a small lounge and Broadway tunes to rock, try the Hanover Theater. This venue hosts traveling shows as well as speakers—Rudy Giuliani, Tony Bennett, and Cirque Dreams Holidaze are all coming up in the next month.

2 Southbridge St, Worcester. 877-571-SHOW. www.thehanovertheatre.org

JJ Sports Bar and Grill

Just outside of Worcester in Northboro, JJ’s hosts live music every Friday and Saturday and trivia every Tuesday and Thursday! Now that the World Series is over, there might not be as much to see, but JJ’s is also equipped with many HD televisions and a state-of-the-art sound system, so you can watch the game while you wait for the bands to play. 380 Southwest Cutoff, Northboro. 508-842-8420. www.jbag.biz.