I don't have much to add to what has already been shared here. This is the music venue of choice in the Triangle. Yes, there are bigger. Yes there are cheaper. Yes, there are others that accept cards for drinks. Here's what you don't get at the others: - Intimate setting for big and small acts - Not getting frisked (looking at you, Ritz) - Investment in local and up-and-coming artists - Above average sound and light system - Walking distance to great bars and restaurants (Milltown) I can't argue that there are many decent venues in the Triangle. However, Cat's Cradle stands above the crowd. It deftly navigates the live music scene with the right amenities, fair prices, excellent talent, tenured staff, and remarkable longevity which create an overwhelmingly positive experience. read more

Cat's Cradle is a well known music and performance space for many independent bands from around the country, as well as, well known acts in the music world. I've gone here to see some great local bands perform, like "The High and Mighties", in which case it's a big deal to perform here-- you're making a name for yourself when you've played at the Cradle on this level. They've also hosted parties for eighties night which is so much retro legging-- jelly shoe wearing & skin tight stretch jean fun! As you're walking down part of Franklin Street and into Carrboro on Main Street it's as if we've warped back into time. I love eighties music, it evokes feelings of the greatness of life and being on top of the world! read more

Cat's Cradle - Music Venues Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

Great location, easy parking, lots of bathrooms, good layout. Nice employees. There's also some good nearby places to eat at before and after a show. read more

I'm shocked that I haven't yet written a review of Cat's Cradle! It's easily one of my favorite North Carolina venues. My first few trips here in the mid-aughts were different; I remember lining up down the sidewalk out front and getting there super early in hopes of finding free street parking. In the years since, there's been a huge upgrade with the nearby parking deck and the well-lit alleyway leading you in through the back of the venue. As a non-drinker, I love that the bar sells glass bottled sodas. It's not at every venue that you can sip small batch root beer and watch your favorite bands. If you roll in early enough and you don't need to be in the front row, there's limited seating along one side of the space. It's slightly elevated to give you a better view. It's great to have the option to sit at these smaller shows. I'm not a sound snob, but I've always been happy with the audio quality at Cat's Cradle. Every employee I've encountered, from the dudes at the door, to the bar staff, to the rest of the crew has always been pleasant. Carrboro is a little over two hours from where I live, meaning that I have to be pretty enthusiastic about the artist to make that trip. If they're playing at Cat's Cradle, though, I know I'm in for a good show. read more

One person wrote "I remember past shows where it felt swelteringly hot. Well, that problem seems to be a thing of the past,.." No...it is not. Went for the Slowdive show, and was smashed into a full house and 200+ degrees of pure sweat. I gave two stars for the sound, as the acoustics were phenomenal...but, then for Slowdive's encore, power blew for sound (probably overheating). All sorts of people running around trying to fix it..and Rachel Goswell, one of the lead vocalists, even made a comment on how horribly hot it was. Would not return. read more

Funnest place in town -- very popular across the adults and teenagers. Perfect venue, great staff and great sets. Outdoor concerts are my personal favorite, but the small & welcoming space inside is wonderful too. I always feel safe coming here and I love how low key/and chill it is. read more

When I first heard Cat's was going to undergo a renovation I was skeptical. The barred-in raised area that ran along one side of the floor was my perch! The risers to the side of the sound booth were convenient and unique! So I had to ask myself: Will a new layout destroy my beloved Cat's? Short answer? Hell-to-the-NO! It may not be as cozy or intimate as it once was, but Cat's is now bigger and better! I'm really excited about it since, in my mind, larger layout = larger crowds = larger acts! There are still small wooden benches that line the walls, so if you get there for the opening acts you can score a pretty sweet perch! I saw Cut Copy last time I was there and while - THEY NEED TO FIX THE A/C -(seriously the pipes were dripping condensation and everyone had a layer of wet on them) I can't tell you how amazing it was to look out over all those sweaty, sweaty, happy people lit by strobes and twirling glowsticks...Cat's is always Good Times and I look forward to more! read more

Initially I drove right by the place as I didn't catch that it sits at the tail end of a shopping center, of sorts. Perhaps the highlight of my night was dropping in this reputable room for a celebration of the fortieth anniversary of George Harrison's seminal All Things Must Pass, and I found inside a collection of local graying impresarios, one of whom came dressed in a mop-top and suit. That lady was in it to win it. It's a somewhat unusual situation for me these days to be one of the younger fans in the room, but I certainly was on this night. A few notes: this place is cash only, they do have an ATM in the back, but the guy at the door was iffy on whether or not it worked. Does seem like something that they should keep track of if you can't run a tab. This is the bar that Superchunk tends to play out in most (which I know partly because they were on the schedule for an upcoming gig, and partly because Christina G hooked me up with a book on Merge Records back in the day...entertaining read). In all though, the room plays a little smaller than what I thought it would, and the stage is decent sized, so calling the experience intimate would not be far off. Just right for a sing-a-long. read more

It's really hard to comprehend how awesome Cat's Cradle is. You know Nirvana played here? The booking for Cat's Cradle is absolutely insane. They basically run the Triangle music scene, and will often push shows to bigger venues like Haw River Ballroom, The Ritz, DPAC, Memorial Hall, and The Carolina Theatre. The renovation of the Cradle a few years ago changed the atmosphere a little bit. I kind of enjoyed grabbing a seat in that shoddy wooden structure they had around the sound board. But, I understood that they had to increase the capacity. You can still grab a seat to the right of the stage if you're an old man, like me. And they haven't changed the grungy bathroom! In the back, you'll find the merch booth and the bar. The bar serves up Carolina Brewing on draft, beer, and maybe wine (idk, I certainly don't drink wine at shows). The bar is cash-only, but there's an ATM in there. On top of all that, Cat's Cradle added the Back Room. The Back Room is basically a totally different music venue next door! There almost needs to be a separate Yelp entry for the Back Room. A lot of the smaller tours go there, and I find myself there more often. The venue is pretty awesome, and I love hanging out on their balcony. A membership is technically required for the back room, which is why I think they are able to serve liquor in addition to beer and wine. Beer options are slightly better there - they have Bells Two Hearted Ale, PBR, Sierra Nevada, and some rotating taps. They also accept credit cards! The addition of the parking deck has made parking for Cat's Cradle A LOT easier. You may still have trouble finding a spot during sold out shows, but keep in mind that there are still some public lots down the street, and some parking around the building. read more

Ah, the Cradle. If you've been to more than five shows there, that's what you get to call it. If you live in this area and like music, then you know there are three or four places where you can see great shows without whoring yourself out to Ticketmaster. This is probably the best one. The venue itself is a dive. It's at the end of a strip mall. Parking is tough to come by, and if you think you can slip into one of the video store spots unnoticed and get away with it, then your night just cost you an extra hundred bucks, but you'll get to meet lots of interesting people at the towing yard, so it's not a complete loss. The stage and viewing areas are nothing special. If you're old like I am and too creaky to stand up for three hours, then get there early so you can get one of the small number of bench spots. The acoustics are decent and sight lines are fine unless someone tall perches in front of you. The bar is deceptively great. It's a pretty home-made affair, but they have a decent variety of beer, and they don't gouge you terribly. It's also at the back of the venue through a doorway, so you can take a break from the music and don't have to scream "TWO CANS OF TECATE!!!!!!!!" six times to get your order in. I'm constantly impressed by the bookings they get as well. It's a very eclectic schedule. There aren't many places that could get Arlo Guthrie on Tuesday, follow him with Ghostface Killah, and then Rilo Kiley on the weekend, but they seem to manage to keep the schedule interesting every year. They also host tons of benefit shows, so I think the owner's heart is in a good place. read more

I love small venue shows, so Cat's Cradle is high on my list of good places to see my favorite bands play. I've seen 5 or 6 different bands play here and always left happy. It's small so you're never really far from the stage, the sides have some stadium style benches which can raise up those who might not be as tall. It has a cash only bar all the way in the back of the place which carries a good variety of beers that are fairly priced. There is a smokers patio out back, too. Do keep in mind it's kinda a hole in the wall type of venue so the bathrooms are mess and you really wouldn't want to see the place with the lights on - but you're here to see a band rock so you don't care about that. It's in a strip mall, which caught me as odd the first time I went. You should show up a bit early if you want to park a car. Now, if I could just figure a way to not feel so old around the college students... read more

I will always love seeing shows at Cat's Cradle, and when I no longer love it, it will only be because I can no longer hear because I've been to too many shows! Cat's Cradle has definitely changed in the past three years, and I know there were many more changes prior to that. They now have their "back bar" serving up cocktails and liquor drinks (and $5 fireball shots--what, what!), as well as showing some smaller bands. The main venue next door serves up $5 Carolina Brewery drafts, the variety of bottled beers for a range of prices, $2 sodas and $1.50 bottled water. They have a main bar in the back, and installed a side bar more recently which is very convenient if you don't want to leave your spot to long. Cat's Cradle is a more intimate venue then some of our Raleigh music sites, but, I think that's why so many love it. It can definitely feel cramped and people aren't afraid to break it down and step on your toes (beer + hipsters + music). There's always a diverse crowd with lots of college students and the avid triangle music lovers. Pro tip: wear breezy clothes because it also tends to be warm, even with the AC blowing. Cat's Cradle does an awesome job with sound quality and lights, even for a small venue. They've put a lot of thought and money into making the space competitive and obviously it's working because they always bring in tons of great musicians (Haim, Toro Y Moi, Twin Shadow, Phantogram and so many more!). It's definitely worth it to come a little early and get a close spot to the stage. Since the stage isn't raised very much, it's hard to see the further back you get (at least for a female of 5'6''). They do have some seated spots on the sides you can snag if you get their early enough, and there's usually plenty of open space in the back if you get claustrophobic easily. Overall, definitely one of my favorite venues in the triangle. Plus, it's convenient to downtown, lots of restaurants and drink spots for pre and post concert activities! read more

I stopped in last night to catch a popular local band, the Cat's Cradle is by far my favorite venue to see a band at in the Triangle. I've been coming here since I was in high school I've seen numerous musical acts and have some great memories of this place. What's changed over the years a few interior renovations and of course it's nonsmoking now, I know nothing new here but to think about how smoky this place use to be is crazy. Everything else has pretty much remained the same. Cash only bar with beer and wine (there is an ATM next to the bar in case you forget). The sound is always incredible in this place I've never been disappointed. Being only 5' tall it's hard to find a place to stand and see a band in a lot of the other venues in town. At Cat's Cradle I never have a problem I can always find a space or if I'm lucky grab one of the benches against the wall. It's important to remember when you exit from this place you leave through a different door then when you entered. It gets a little confusing if you don't know. If your going to see a show try to get there early to snag a parking spot in the lot in front of the venue. I highly recommend checking the Cat's Cradle out you will not be disappointed. read more

It's THE venue in the Triangle that consistently books the music I love. I've seen dozens of my favorite bands here, including The Mountain Goats, Neko Case, Beirut, Wild Flag, The Fiery Furnaces...the list goes on and on and on. It's mostly a single open space, standing only, and as a short female who always forgets to wear her 5 inch platform shoes for concerts, I have to do a bit of shoving to get to the front, or position myself perfectly for a view through a crack between the shoulders of two tall people. The bar is separated by a wall in the back of the venue, and has very basic beer choices. Multiple lines form resulting in a very inefficient process for acquiring alcohol. I don't know if this is a temporary thing because of renovation, but currently instead of the front entrance, they use the side entrance which forces a line out the door. It's a bitch getting into or getting out of this place, with a squished-through-a-funnel-experience each way. When it's colder than a witch's teat outside, I don't want to be stuck behind the chick who is fishing around for her ID for five minutes at the door. I can't give it 5 stars because it has a big screen playing basketball games by the bar. I know all local businesses are clamoring for a 5 star review from me, so I'll give you a tip: if you have a TV showing a basketball game, and you're a MUSIC VENUE, I will automatically deduct a point. If people want to watch basketball, they should stay home or go to a sports bar. If they're desperate to know a score, they can look it up on their phone. At least, unlike a bar on Rosemary Street, they don't cut out the music to put the audio of the game on the speakers. Egads. read more

Living in the area for years and hearing amazing things about "Cat's Cradle," I'm so glad I finally found an excuse to drive to Chapel HIll to check it out. And it was certainly different than I expected. I'd always wondered how I'd never noticed it despite multiple trips around Main Street in Carrboro...and I discovered why--it's in the corner of a little strip mall that is super nondescript. You would never notice that there's an awesome concert hall in there. In sum, totally different from the likes of the Lincoln Theatre or Southland Ballroom in Raleigh--no signs, relatively little milling around outside (mainly because it's a parking lot and there's not much room). They get good acts. National bands. And it's a SMALL venue. I went to see a band on a Monday night and there were only maybe 200 folks in the place? I could get right up close for a very intimate experience. Speaking of the outside--as Lindsay S. pointed out, there is very little parking. I basically parked a half mile away and walked--which is surprising because it's in a strip mall with a parking lot in front. Other logistics notes--the bar is cash only (PBR cans are $2 or $3--they also have a decent craft beer selection for a music venue). Tickets are cheap, and it's easy to get them online--there is a processing fee, but the price increases at the door so it more-or-less evens out. read more

A lot of times it's the people at the show that ruin the ambiance of this place, but it's a rock club. Not much to say about it. The bathrooms are gross (typical), the backstage/green room area is tiny (again, typical). Plan on sweating, it's a concert you're at for pete's sake! Unless it's one of the few comedy shows they put on, then carry on. And if you get bored because your significant other dragged you to some lame show you don't give two craps about, enjoy a seat in the back and watch whatever they're projecting on their big screen. Or just get drunk. My only piece of serious advice: do not forget your beer cozy (coozie? koozie? kozy? I can't keep up with what southerners call it). And cash, since this joint is cash only. WHICH IS AWFUL since who carries cash nowadays anyway? read more

Cat's Cradle is an awesome venue for shows. I have been to a couple shows there and always have a blast. The crowd is laid back and easy going and ready to have a good time. The bar is cash only which can be a problem because I never carry cash. :( But other than that, it's awesome! read more

a good rock club should have: Black walls and an overall decore like a High School stoner's basement drug den Lots of rungs on the beer ladder--start the evening with a Stella in a bottle and as your money runs low, you can climb down to PBR in a can A pee trough for the boys (as the quick answer to the aforementioned beer ladder) and more than one seat for the girls. Hate it when my honey spends her favorite song in the bathroom line. Jaded (but friendly) local music fixtures working the door and the bar who look like they just got up even though it's 11:30 A booking policy that let's you see rock, bluegrass, reggae, punk, ska, folk, and every conceivable sub-genre ("they're really more of a new folk speed core band with heavy dub overtones") and supports local bands while bringing in the nationals, up and comers and "used-to-be's" (I've seen some great "used-to-be's" at the Cradle over the years) Good sound that doesn't leave your ears ringing-- I'm too young for a hearing aid Reasonable start times. When I was in my 20's it seemed like bands all started at 11:30 on a Tuesday night but I was young enough to go to work on 4 hours of sleep. Now I've got three kids and a job that requires me to be a little more, umm alert. Frank Heath's Cat's Cradle has all of these. Yeah, parking can be tough for sold-out shows, but it's a small price to pay. read more

I went here last night to see Jenny and Johnny (awesome show btw). The seating situation was awkwardly placed around the edges, but I'm not sure if a live music venue should really have much seating in the first place. If you're not standing/jumping/dancing then you've probably just wasted your ticket money. I really liked the beer selection there. I got to try a couple new beers I had never heard of before. The bathrooms are also better than expected for a club. I was surprised to see multiple stalls that were all fairly clean, and working sinks with paper towels stocked. For some reason a lot of bars and clubs tend to neglect their bathroom facilities. The only thing that really sucks about this place is the parking, but parking seems to be a big problem for the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area in general. The city planners really need to rethink the area and probably get some parking garages added along Franklin/Main. read more

Cat's Cradle is one of the best places to see bands in the Triangle if you're looking for a club atmosphere vs. an ampitheatre or arena. They attract a decent variety of acts, and most don't sell out immediately. Even when the show is sold out it never feels too too crowded. Subscribe to their mailing list to hear about shows before tickets go on sale. It's a standard music venue with little-to-no seating, although there are a few couches and booths in the back by the bar. They have a good, cheap selection of beers. They do not serve any food, but there is usually a food truck or two parked nearby. It's located in a strip mall, which is a bit odd, and there is almost never any parking available in the strip mall lot. There seems to be plenty of street parking within a few blocks. read more

Wonderful. If you're reading this after attending a show, well - you know what I'm talking about. If you're wondering if this venue is worth $15-$25 of your hard earned cash, I hope that one of these MANY favorable reviews convinces you that not only is it WORTH your money, but tickets for that price are a steal. It IS cash only, but an ATM in the back and a Bank of America ATM about a block away makes everything easy as pie. I've never had a problem really with parking, but that's because I make a night of it! Going to a show? Grab a meal at any of the great restaurants circling Cat's Cradle - Tyler's Tap Room, The Spotted Dog, Amante's - there's tons. Last show I went to was Rooney & Eisley and while the overwhelming amount of teenage girls that must have heard Rooney on the O.C. did take me aback at first, the venue is big enough to get far away from the ear-piercing squeals, yet small enough that I didn't get a nosebleed by sitting in the back. My opinion? If you're not in the mood to pack yourself in all sardine-like in the front, just make your way to the back of the venue, grab a $2.50 Blue Moon and perch yourself on the high benches that line the back wall and enjoy the show. Might not look like much from the outside, but the inside is a gem, trust me. read more

I've been going to Cat's Cradle as soon as they banned smoking indoors, which I think was in 2003. My first concert there was Brand New, and as a thirteen year-old at the time, it was the greatest thing ever. Now when I look back on it, I can't believe my parent's let me do that. Since that Brand New concert, Cat's Cradle has been a big part of my life. From Battle of the Bands in High School, to seeing Toro y Moi a few months ago, I've made an effort to see shows and enjoy everything that Cat's Cradle can offer. I've loved their renovations, and while it's not the same Cat's Cradle I grew up with, it's still a vital and important part of Carrboro, if not even better. Diversity of music is great, I haven't had any creepy or bad experiences, and that's pretty much what I care about in a music venue! I still haven't been to the back bar, but I'm looking forward to checking it out the next time I'm at a show (end of March, if not sooner!). read more

How have I gone this long without writing a review for Cat's Cradle??? I have so many great memories of time spent at this amazing concert venue nestled in Carrboro. The venue is the perfect size, in my opinion. It's small enough that there's not a bad "seat" in the house. It's large enough to get a really good crowd going. The layout of the club is great, with a merch area off to the side, seating around the perimeter and at the back, and the bar and restrooms in a separate room at the back of the club. There's plenty of standing room near the stage. Lighting and sound are great. Cat's Cradle hosts a great variety of good quality bands. They offer local and bottled brew at reasonable prices. I wish they accepted credit cards at the bar, but there is an atm available. Parking can be a bit sticky but is better now that Visart has closed. Keep an eye out for your favorite band and make sure to check it out!! read more

Cat's Cradle is a great place to see a live show. I've been here several times over the last few years and they've made a lot of positive changes (in my opinion), to the venue since I went to my first show there about eight years ago. They now have a back room, so two shows could be going on in the same night. You don't get into both for one price, but I think it's pretty awesome you can choose between two shows. You now go in the back entrance which I think is much better than lining up in front of that shopping center the venue is in. And there is a parking garage right next to the venue now, and I've never had trouble finding a spot. They schedule lots of great shows that includes a great mix of well-known national and international bands, as well as regional and local bands. I'm not going to lie and say it's the prettiest place in the world on the inside. It's your typical big room with a cement floor and peeling paint. But you're there for the awesome music! And it's a pretty intimate venue compared to some. The only thing that sort of stinks is that the bar is CASH ONLY. They do have an ATM but you're going to get hit with a charge so get cash before you go! If a band you love is coming to Cat's Cradle, don't miss it! In fact, just go and check out some live music and support! read more

I kind of want to cry into a $2 Tecate thinking back at all the time I've spent here and the associated memories. Even if I didn't see this place through such nostalgic eyes, I'd still really like it - it's just a great venue. It's a fantastic place to see music because it's decently sized but it's still a pretty intimate setting where you can get right up to the stage near the action. But if you're not looking to have a sweaty, gropey time, you can hang back in the seating area and chill or go into the back room and play some pool. The bar in the back is pretty bare bones, I don't think I ever got anything here that wasn't beer or water. But the bartenders are super quick so you can get some liquid energy and get right back to awkward dancing. They book a pretty good variety of acts, it's mostly US indie rock (dur, we're in a college town!) but I've also seen UK grime, electronica, hip hop, alt-country, cover bands, NME darlings, comedians, and film events here as well. Oh, can't forget the 80's dances! Cornerstone of the Chapel Hill/Carrboro experience. Keep on rockin' that Cradle of love. read more

The new interior is very efficient in using the maximum capacity of the space. there are limited seats on both sides, and the artist who performed last night made a joke about having a panel of judges on one side of the stage, just to give you an idea of what it look like, and I totally chuckled because I was "one of the panel." The thing about Cat's Cradle is that, there's a reverse order to things. Let me explain. The "front door" that you think it is, and therefore try to barge into This its an adult venue, and adult venue has adult beverages, although in bottles, which add to the sound effects during the show when people throwing them away. I supposed draft beer in glass cup + open pit concert = someone getting splashed in the face = fight broke out = someone getting thrown out and never to return. I do believe I Wil be visiting more often, if none other than just getting the cool cat stamps on my hands (i still have it 24 hours later.) read more

I've heard of Cat's Cradle for a long time prior to moving here and have to say it was a lot nicer and less dive-y than ever imagined. I'm looking forward to many return visits. I've read that others complained about sound issues but the Abbey Road Live show sounded perfect. read more

Cat's Cradle - Music Venues Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

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After living here a year, I finally got to go to the Cat's Cradle to see The Old Ceremony for a free show. This was the first night since the renovation started so I can't compare it to how "it used to be". I had heard they had bleachers in the past and those were missing. I think one wall should have some seating options. The set up was pretty nice. Gone are the big columns there used to obstruct the view (per my friend whom I went with) and there was more space overall. The acoustics were good though I stood right by the speaker in the front. It appeared to be an all ages show with high school freshman who were being picked up by mom and dad and those of us in the 30s-40s range. Notably absent, were popped collars, shorts with oxford shirts and backward ballcaps. Give me highschool kids anyday. It was a great show and performance. The band does live performance like nobody's business. Would see them again and will return to CC now that I know what I'm missing. On the night I went I noticed no problems with the AC and was actually surprised at how comfortable I was for a concert. Lines at the bar moved quickly. I got bought a Miller lite. :( read more

Saw my first Caribou show here and it was wonderful. The stage is set up nicely, but I've always wondered about the area in the far back. I was underage, so I couldn't go. You'll see a lot of different people here and talented acts. I enjoy how a local band opened for Caribou. I was here Halloween night so the affect of Cat's Cradle was heightened. Everyone was dressed up and having such a great time. I like the stair level standing area where they have a banister and benches for sitting. That eases the stress on your feet for having to stand for so long. It was pretty clean for a local music venue and was all-around great. read more

Cat's Cradle - Music Venues Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

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Excepting the time that my ID was misread at the door (he thought the expiration date was my date of birth, which would've made me about five years old), I've had nothing but good experiences at Cat's Cradle. The shows I've seen there have been good, and as far as atmosphere goes, the place is exactly what it claims to be: a good place to stand (or sit, but only if you're lucky) around and listen to music. The staff is appropriately aloof, I guess. I don't expect anything more from such a venue. I do agree that it's in a totally bizarre location--strip mall--but it's hardly a proglem. I've never had bad experiences with parking (I mean, even the parking at Harris Teeter can suck in Carrboro, so keep your standards low. Working from that, Cat's Cradle parking is fine with me). Anyway, if there's a show you want to see here, go ahead and go. I doubt you'll regret it. read more

Cat's Cradle books some excellent Indy bands (I saw The Antlers there last night), and the size is just right (not too small, but not so big you feel like you are in an empty warehouse). They have a limited amount of drinks, mostly in cans and bottles (you can get mixed drinks in the bar behind CC) and the prices are average. But here's what they need to work on fixing - the sound!! Seriously, for a place that's been around this long, I shouldn't hear a buzzing or humming sound the whole time a band is playing. Every time I've been here it's been an issue. Also I think they would benefit from some sound insulation on the metal roof. There is nothing more frustrating than hearing an awesome band, and the sound being crap. I used to think it was something the band was doing wrong, but after being here so often, and always hearing the same thing, I am pretty sure it's the venue screwing things up. read more

Cat's Cradle - Music Venues Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

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Cat's Cradle holds a lot of good memories for me, starting back with my first visit for the Drive Thru Invasion tour back in 2004. Since then, I have been tons of times. It's a good place to see bands play from a variety of different genres. We went earlier this week to see Josh Ritter and it was the first time I'd been there since Cat's Cradle has been remodeled. The new space looks really good and it seems to allow room for more people. The door to get in is now on the side of the building which was kind of strange, but it does lead you into the building right at the bar area. There is a lot of open space in front of the stage and most shows are standing only. However, there are seats along both sides of the space with a long table (which get taken quickly) if you want to sit. They also serve a lot of beer including several different Carolina Brewery beers on draft . The beer prices are pretty cheap. The only thing that slightly annoys me as far as drinks is that you have to pay for a cup if you want water out of one of their water coolers. Aside from that, I will come to Cat's Cradle again and again to see bands since they tend to be the place where most of my favorite bands come. It's my preferred venue for shows in the Triangle area. read more

Still on a high from watching Us the Duo perform tonight and had to sit down and share my amazing experience. Cat's Cradle has an interesting set-up where the entrance to the venues is actually located around the backside of the building so it does feel a little bit more magical than traipsing in next to Fleet Feet, I suppose. I was asked if I was 21 at the door, which made me do a double-take and a chortle, since 1) I forgot I'm in a college town and 2) I definitely have been past 21 for a while now. But, good to know that it can be a family-friendly affair, if you want? As others have mentioned, it is a small, intimate setting but it's a really nice space and fairly well-ventilated, which is super vital in the summer months. Sound-wise, I found it to be perfect. The music sounded great, the performers were well within view, and the lighting is right on cue, every set. Perhaps it was a combination of an incredible performance, great company, and a lovely space, but it was a winning combination, at that. read more

I've been to Cat's Cradle numerous times, but only to the larger room (the "front room"). It's a great space with plenty a room, very limited seating over to one side that is slightly raised to help you see over the crowd. The ticket prices are usually reasonable, as are the fees, and they have printed tickets or will call, as you'd expect of a venue this size. Last I checked, the bar in the front room was still cash-only; I don't usually have cash, so I've never investigated any further than that. There's plenty of free parking around. Some right in front of Cat's Cradle, on certain floors of the parking deck next door, in a small lot about 10 seconds down the road, and in a fenced-in lot on the road one block behind the venue (if you're driving with Cradle on your left, take a left at the light just over the tracks (you'll pass the entrance to the small lot I mentioned here), take a right at the stop sign and just drive till you see the lot on the left. It's unlikely you won't be able to find spots in at least one of those lots. read more

Visited here tonight to see my fiance's work friend perform. The venue has a neat, back alley feel. I say this because the only entrance was in the back. In the downstairs venue, there is a nice sized stage, plenty of space for mingling, and a little bar in the back. Overall, a chill, relaxed feel. What gives this venue 1-star is the people working here, or two in particular. Our show started at 7pm. It's our first time, and we arrive at 6:53. This was perfect because my fiance had to use the restroom, and had plenty of time beforehand to do so. However, upon asking the lady at the bar (short, blond/white haired lady) where the restroom was, we were quickly ushered away as nobody can use the restroom before the show starts. We were also told, that apparently a doorman should have shared this with us prior. She was very curt, and very rude. This was our first time coming to this venue, so we were unaware of any such protocon. Furthermore, we passed another worker that assured us we were walking in the right direction for the show (there are two halls within this venue), and he said nothing of waiting outside. Anyways, I asked, that being it was 40° out, and standing out in the cold while having to go to the bathroom is miserable, if she could simply use the restroom, after which we would go back out and wait until 7. Again, very rudely, we were told the same. Mind you, this was 6:55, only 5 minutes before opening the show. We were impolitely told that if she needed to use the restroom, the restaurant next door had a bathroom. Thanks. I understand rules, and I don't mind them. What I mind is people. There are zero signs telling patrons to wait outside of an unlocked door when they are within 7 minutes early, and there were ZERO others waiting. And considering this venue asked $12 cover (which doesn't bother me either), you think they could have been much more understanding of their customers, rather than making them walk all the way around the strip mall in 40° weather to use another business's restroom. Truly, a very, very sad showing of service to paying customers. We didn't know we had done anything wrong by walking in, it was considerably cold out, and all we had asked, after learning we couldn't be in there, was to use the restroom. We will simply have to find music elsewhere. Life's too short and money will always be too tight to fund a business that is too good for it's patrons. read more

Cat's Cradle chose to be a NON-SMOKING venue. Based solely on the fact, they deserve FIVE stars. They attract a great number of acts and pack the house. I have fun every time I go (people watching in Carrboro is SO much fun). read more

By far my favorite place to see live music, the venue is so small it's nearly impossible to have a bad view of the stage ... unless you're really short & there's a tall person in front of you. I've been a patron of the Cradle for years, and have seen some ridiculous talent at a good ticket price. The staff is always friendly, the beer is always cold & priced fairly reasonable. read more

Oh I would go back! We were there last night to see Matt Costa on his 2013 North American tour with the Blank Tapes & Vandaveer ..What a show !! for $15 tickets to me was a great deal, we drove from Charlotte and stay the night in town. Cat's Cradle is a perfect place to see some good bands at a low ticket price. Bring cash!! the bar was cash only, we didn't know, not sure if their website gives any info on this,but thank goodness there was a conveniently placed ATM machine next to the bar that will provide you the cash at a cool $4.35 fee.:) Yes, I would recommend the Cat's Cradle, we had a good time or maybe I just loved all 3 groups so much I could be standing under a cold rain and still be in cloud 9" read more

The greatest venue I have ever attended. This place is legendary in the community. I've attended multiple shows here, and it has a very intimate setting. Although it gets crowded, that's a small sacrifice for being so close to different bands. Some of my favorite performances were the EELS and Mike Doughty amongst smaller 80's cover bands. Everything is more or less fairly priced. Parking can be a little tricky, but generally going near Harris Teeter is the solution. Parking regulations seem to change all the time in this community, so I'll just say, be careful where you go to avoid getting ticketed. The effort is still worth it. Awesome date place. Cat's Cradle fits the definition of hole in the wall. I've attended shows here for 10 years and love it each time, regardless of the performance. read more

Smaller than expected and that's not a bad thing! I saw Cracker on 1-2-15 and loved the show and venue. Entrance was in back and a bit hidden. No parking fees, which was nice. The sound was good. There are some seats on the perimeter, but it's pretty much standing room. All the staff were friendly. Beer prices were nice: $3 for PBR and $5 for a pint of microbrew. That beats paying triple that at most arena venues. One drawback is bar is cash only, so plan in advance. I look forward to returning. read more

Cat's Cradle - Cracker at Cat's Cradle, 1-2-15 - Music Venues Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina