The best and top-rated local clubs in Provo

TL;DR:

• Provo’s scene is small, but it is lively and local.
• Velour anchors live music with all-ages shows.
• ABG’s is the classic late-night bar with bands and pub games.
• ComedySportz/Comedy Box Utah delivers clean improv on weekends.
• Use our checklist to pick the right spot for your night.

Provo leans local. The city favors live bands, improv shows, and social dancing over big nightclubs. You will still find a line out the door on weekends. This guide highlights three dependable spots. Each one is easy to plan around, whether you want guitars, laughs, or a classic bar feel.

Dates in this guide are current as of 2026-01-12.

How we picked

We focused on places with steady calendars, strong word-of-mouth, and a track record of good nights. We checked official calendars for current schedules and offerings. We also favored venues near Center Street and University Avenue, since most nights start there.

Velour Live Music Gallery

Velour is Provo’s indie heartbeat. The venue hosts local and touring acts, album release nights, and themed showcases. The room is intimate, the sound is clear, and the crowd shows up to listen. Velour’s calendar lists frequent two to three night runs for headliners, plus community showcases that sell out fast, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. The venue operates as an all-ages space, so it is an easy pick for mixed groups and students. Check the calendar before you go, since show nights vary by week. Velour posts set times, ticket links, and any age notes on its site.

Why go: You want a true Provo music night, close to the stage, with a crowd that cares about the band.

Tips:

• Buy tickets online when a showcase is announced. Popular bills post limited door sales.
• Arrive early for floor space near the stage. The room fills by the opener on weekends.
• Expect a listening crowd. Chat outside between sets to keep the vibe right.

[Related: How to plan an all-ages concert night → /guides/all-ages-concert-planning]

ABG’s Libation Emporium

ABG’s is Provo’s classic late-night bar. It offers a full bar, a simple food menu, and a steady rotation of live music and pub-friendly events. You will find pool tables, pinball, and TVs for game nights. The draw is variety. One weekend might feature a rock trio, the next a blues act. ABG’s posts address, phone, and a “find us” block on its site, so it is easy to navigate if you are new in town. Expect a casual, dive-leaning room with friendly regulars and visiting students. It is a reliable stop if your group wants drinks, conversation, and a band without a formal concert setup.

Why go: You want a classic bar night with music, games, and food under one roof.

Tips:

• Bring a valid ID. Utah law requires it, and staff check at the door.
• Call ahead for band start times. Sets often begin later on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Pool tables go fast after 9 p.m. Put your name up early.

ComedySportz at Comedy Box Utah

If music is not your thing tonight, go laugh. ComedySportz in Provo runs clean, fast improv “matches.” Two teams face off in games, and the ref keeps the show moving. The format makes it easy for first-timers. It is also friendly for families, dates, and groups with mixed ages. The event page lists recurring Friday and Saturday shows, with doors typically opening 30 minutes before the start. Seats are first come, first served, so arrive when doors open if you want the center section. Tickets are sold per show date on the same site.

Why go: You want a high-energy show with audience voting, easy to enjoy, and done by 9 p.m.

Tips:

• Buy tickets online for weekend shows. They can sell out in the final hour.
• Sit mid-house if you are shy. Front rows draw more crowd work.
• Plan dessert or a walk on Center Street after. Shows end early enough for a second stop.

[Related: Best late desserts near Center Street → /eat/center-street-desserts]

Quick comparison

Planning your night in Provo

Check the calendar first. Provo venues run event-based schedules. Your perfect night might be Thursday at one place and Saturday at another.

Mind Utah’s rules. Bars require ID, even for out-of-state visitors. All-ages venues keep food and drink simple.

Park once, walk more. Center Street and University Avenue are compact. You can park, see a show, then grab dessert or a late bite.

Group tip. Split your group if tastes differ. Some head to Velour, others to ComedySportz. Meet up for dessert after.

Sample itineraries

Live music date night

• 6:30 p.m. casual dinner nearby.
• 7:30 p.m. line up for doors at Velour.
• After the show, dessert on Center Street.

Bar band with friends

• 8:00 p.m. grab a table at ABG’s.
• 9:00 p.m. first set, rotate on pool tables.
• Close with a pinball run before last call.

Laughs before dessert

• 7:00 p.m. doors at ComedySportz.
• 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. show.
• Walk to a late dessert spot.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming nightly schedules. Many venues skip Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Waiting on door tickets. Showcase nights sell out online first.
• Forgetting ID. You will be turned away at bars without it.

Why it matters

Visitors often think Provo has no nightlife. It does, just with a local feel and a focus on events. Knowing the right doors to try, and when to arrive, turns a quiet evening into a great night out.

Sources:

• Velour Live Music Gallery, Event calendar and venue details, https://www.velourlive.com/, accessed 2026-01-12
• ABG’s Bar, Venue info, address, and contact, https://abgsbar.com/, accessed 2026-01-12
• Comedy Box Utah, ComedySportz Provo show listings and tickets, https://www.comedyboxutah.com/event-list, accessed 2026-01-12