Cain's Ballroom

Planning Your Night at Cain's Ballroom

Part of what makes Cain's special is how close everything feels. It is a mid-sized room, so even from the back you are never far from the stage, and the crowd tends to become part of the show. Most rock and alternative concerts here are general admission, which means the floor fills up from the front. If you want a spot near the rail, arrive before the doors open rather than when the headliner is due on.

Look up when you get inside. The walls are lined with photographs of the musicians who have played the room over the decades, and the history is a big part of the atmosphere. The famous sprung wood dance floor flexes slightly underfoot, and it was built for dancing. You will feel it when a packed crowd starts moving to a loud set.

Practical tips

• Buy tickets through official channels. Popular shows at a room this size can sell out quickly. Check the venue's own site or authorised ticket sellers, and be wary of resale listings at inflated prices.
• Check the event details. Age restrictions, door times and bag policies can change from one show to the next, so read the listing for your specific concert.
• Plan your ride. Cain's sits in the Tulsa Arts District on the north edge of downtown. Street and lot parking fill up on busy nights, so it helps to arrive early, carpool or use a rideshare.
• Bring ear protection. Rock shows in a room with this much character get loud, and a pair of earplugs won't take anything away from the experience.
• Make a night of it. The surrounding Arts District has places to eat and drink within walking distance, which is handy before doors or after the encore.

Want to know who is coming through town? Keep an eye on our Concert Calendar for upcoming rock dates. Watch the Contests page too, because ticket giveaways for shows at venues like Cain's turn up there from time to time. You can also browse other Tulsa stages in our Venues section.