One of the most underrated things about living in Orlando is how many really cool music and entertainment acts come through town. Because after all, we’re a vacation destination for them too!

Aside from our attractions, entertainment acts take advantage of the variety of venues we have in town to get exactly the type of show they want. Doing a giant stadium tour? Come to Camping World. An arena tour? Come to Amway Center or UCF’s CFE Arena. Want a smaller show that still rocks? Come to the House of Blues or Hard Rock Live.

Hard Rock Live’s acts run the gamut and include comedians, music acts and even magicians! We have seen a few bands perform there and saw Penn & Teller!

Getting to the Hard Rock Live

Hard Rock Live is located in Universal’s CityWalk, meaning your best bet is to stay on Universal property and walk over. However, if you are not staying on Universal property, you will need some type of transportation. Parking probably won’t be a problem because most shows are at night and the parking is free after 6. But if you want to get there early and grab a bite to eat, you might have to contend with a parking fee.

Watch out what you take with you because you still have to go through a security check as if you were going to one of the theme parks as well as additional security in the Hard Rock Live itself.

Dining

There are so many dining options at CityWalk it’s almost a guarantee you’ll find something to love. Some of our personal favorites are NBC Sports Grill & Brew and Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen. You can also eat at the Hard Rock itself. The restaurant side is open from breakfast to dinner and there are food options available in the venue side. It’s worth noting there aren’t any discounts or VIP packages for eating at the Hard Rock like there are for the House of Blues.  

If you are short on time, there are a good number of quick service restaurants. We like Red Brick Pizza Oven for, you guessed it, pizza or going upstairs to Breadbox for a quick sandwich.

Inside Hard Rock Live

It’s worth getting to your show a little bit early if you can to check out all of the awesome memorabilia throughout the Hard Rock Live. Similar to the restaurant next door and the on-property hotel, the Hard Rock Live boasts quite the collection of music history including instruments and costumes worn by some of the biggest names in music.

There is a wall on the first floor with photos of all of the different acts who have performed at the Hard Rock Live. It’s a fun trip down memory lane to see all of the famous faces that have played the venue.

There is a rather large bar on the first floor and there is another bar in the balcony area. This is where the in-house food options are, however it’s more of the concession snack variety versus a full on meal.

Seating

We’ve gone to the Hard Rock Live for events with assigned seating and general admission. Either way, be prepared for another quick security screening on your way in. If your show has assigned seating you won’t have to worry about getting to your seat as early because it’s not like someone is going to steal your seat. Use the time to go to the bathroom, get a drink or buy some merch.

If your show is general admission (usually a concert) then how early you get to the show depends on what you’re looking to get out of it. The Hard Rock Live’s general admission area is larger than the House of Blues’ so there is more opportunity to get close and be right near the action. On the other hand, because the venue is larger, there’s more opportunity to hide in the back and stay away from some of the mosh-pit craziness (if your show has that type of thing).

Tips

• Stop by the Hard Rock Restaurant and ask if they are doing tours. Depending on staffing and how busy they are, a team member will take you on a walk around the restaurant and some behind-the-scenes areas to point out some memorabilia unique to Orlando’s location. This tour is an absolute must for Beatles fans and great for any music fan. And the best part? It’s completely FREE!
• Need to really get away from the music? The Hard Rock Live venue has a separate lobby area where bathrooms and a bar are. The venue doors will be open, so it’s not completely separated, but it’s isolated enough to catch your breath or to get away from annoying strobe lights.
• If you enjoyed your show and don’t want the party to stop, your show’s ticket doubles as a pass for CtyWalk’s bars/clubs. You won’t have to pay a cover to visit bars like Rising Star and Bob Marley’s or to dance at the clubs located inside The Groove.

Whether you are an Orlando local or a visitor staying at Universal Orlando Resort, be sure to regularly check out the lineup at Hard Rock Live because you never know who’ll be in town!