About Us - Harlow's

Live and Independent Since 1982

The doors at 2708 J Street opened as Harlow’s 40 years ago and became a hotspot in Sacramento almost immediately. Starting as a cafe, Harlow’s grew into a restaurant and eventually began hosting live music. It was when musicians and artists were brought to the venue that Harlow’s found its soul – this place was always meant to be alive with the energy that only live music can bring.

Ever since, Harlow’s has been a mainstay in Sacramento’s music community, having hosted national acts like Phoebe Bridgers, Big Freedia, PUP, Chris Robinson, Mazzy Star, Jack Harlow, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Mya, and so many more. That same stage has been a stepping stone for many local musicians as they advance and rise in their careers. Hobo Johnson & the Lovemakers, Dog Party, and Tycho are just a few of the Sacramento natives who performed at Harlow’s early in their careers.

Whether you’re here to check out an old favorite or you’re discovering someone new, you know that it’s going to be something special. This is a building that has put its heart and soul into the community and the community has returned that love from its passionate showgoers and staff to its beloved artists. You’ll know exactly what we mean next time you’re here.

The Starlet Room

Just above Harlow’s is The Starlet Room – the little room that could. What was once a set of apartments became a cigar bar, then a nightclub, and finally a music venue. Today, The Starlet Room is the place to be if you’re looking for music that’s a little more underground. The artists upstairs at The Starlet Room may not be on the radio – yet – but they are a glimpse into where music is headed. Shows here are the perfect place to stay up-to-date on all the up-and-comers and discover your new favorite artist.

NIVA & CCVC

National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) was created in response to the pandemic when all the independent entertainment venues faced almost certain permanent closures. Harlow’s immediately joined the association, but wanted to have more of an impact locally. So California Capitol Venue Coalition (CCVC) was created to unify and advocate for Sacramento’s independent entertainment venues. It is CCVC’s mission to give a larger voice to these spaces and to get our city to pay attention to the effect that the absence of live entertainment venues would have on Sacramento.