Fall Concert Guide: Our 22 top picks for autumn’s best live music in Orlando

Wednesday, Sept. 27: TV Girl

Indie rockers TV Girl perform in Orlando for the first time since 2021. The California-native pop band are touring on their seventh and latest album, Grapes Upon the Vine. TV Girl (three men: Brad Petering, Jason Wyman, and Wyatt Harmon) began almost a decade ago, with the 2013 release of their debut album, but the evolution of the internet gave the band's old music new life. Their 2014 song "Lover's Rock" gained popularity through social sharing platforms in 2021, leading to over 526 million streams to date on Spotify.

House of Blues, Disney Springs, houseofblues.com, $27.50-$70.

Thursday, Sept. 28: Death Grips

Experimental, gritty hip-hop trio Death Grips are mind-bogglingly in the midst of a U.S. tour that will take in an Orlando date at dance bastion Vanguard. Expect maximum volume, aggression and kinetic energy from both performers and audience members at these shows, with the band playing sprawling 30-song sets that aren't afraid to go deep into the B-side waters.

The Vanguard, 578 N. Orange Ave., thevanguard.live, $35.

Sept. 28-30: Lydia Lunch, Shyster, Hatebombs

Figurehead madness spreads beyond the History Center! For three nights in late September, Jim Faherty takes over Will's Pub and Conduit with a trio of throwback (and in one case, shove-forward) shows. The Tremolords reassume their original Hatebombs moniker; OG Orlando punks Shyster reconvene for (maybe) one night only; and then the Black Widow of no wave, Lydia Lunch, blesses Orlando for a second time this year. Lunch will roll through with her Retrovirus crew for what is sure to be a volcanic and confrontational evening.

Will's Pub, 1042 N. Mills Ave., willspub.org; Conduit, 6700 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, conduitfl.com; $20.

Sept. 29-30: NOFX, Melvinator

This double-header is a can't-miss for '90s punk fans. The main event is, of course, NOFX's big show at Orlando Amphitheater. It's part of the band's final tour and they're going out in a Butch and Sundance blaze of glory, aided and abetted by all-star comrades Pennywise, Circle Jerks, Less Than Jake, Sick of It All, Codefendants, and the Last Gang. Then, on a more localized tip, NOFX guitarist Eric Melvin does a weekend residency at Conduit. On Friday, Melvin will headline an intimate show under his solo electro-punk guise of Melvinator, and on Saturday he plays DJ after the Orlando Amphitheater show for the official afterparty.

Orlando Amphitheater, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, orlandoamphitheater.com; Conduit, 6700 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, conduitfl.com; $10-$999.

Sunday, Oct. 1: Kim Petras

Pop sensation Petras' promo people (we love alliteration) have boldly declared 2023 "the year of Kim Petras" ... and y'know what? It ain't hyperbole for the first time in human history. Her smash hit "Unholy" with Sam Smith cleaned up on the charts and at the MTV VMAs. She played the Grammys and SNL and even posed for the cover of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue. Petras is a thoroughly modern pop-culture phenomenon, yes, but she has the songs to back it up. Newest album Feed the Beast offers up anthems like "King of Hearts" and "Claws." Expect to hear all of that and more.

Addition Financial Arena, 12777 N. Gemini Blvd., additionfiarena.com, $46-$66.

Oct. 3-8: Residency Festival

Imagine iconic performers like Beck and Diana playing alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of London. Now imagine that happening in Orlando (checks notes) next month?! For six days in October, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts hosts the Residency Festival at Steinmetz Hall, and the festival promises unique, collaborative performances that are flipping our collective wigs. Beck, Diana Ross, Harry Connick Jr., Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, the Birmingham Royal Ballet, and Broadway stars Sutton Foster and Brian Stokes Mitchell will all be accompanied by the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of London. Fingers crossed for an orchestral version of "Asshole."

Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., drphillipscenter.org, various prices.

Monday, Oct. 9: Nessa Barrett

TikTok star turned singer-songwriter Nessa Barrett is embarking on her first-ever headlining tour, and the 15-date "Young Forever" jaunt includes a stop at Disney Springs. Barrett rose to fame in 2019 after sharing her life on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, but recently transitioned from social media star to proper pop star. She released her debut album young forever last October and was promptly named one of Billboard's "21 Under 21" superstars on the rise.

House of Blues, Disney Springs, houseofblues.com, $35-$100.

Tuesday, Oct. 10: Depeche Mode

A reconvened Depeche Mode, now sadly down to a duo of Martin Gore and Dave Gahan after the passing of founding member Andrew Fletcher, are touring the U.S., hitting the City Beautiful for the first time in many years. The British synth-pop godheads are touring behind affecting and emotionally heavy comeback album Memento Mori, but not to worry: Their sets are career-spanning emotional rollercoasters, from the anthemic headrush of "I Feel You" to the fizzy pop of "Everything Counts" and back to the gothic entreaties of "Stripped." One for all ages.

Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., amwaycenter.com, $75-$250.

Tuesday, Oct. 10: Todrick Hall

Todrick Hall is a jack of all trades, having excelled as a composer, Broadway star, rapper, dancer, producer and influencer since he got his first break on American Idol in 2009. The multitalented internet personality is partnering with Come Out With Pride Orlando to bring "The Velvet Rage: North America Tour" to House of Blues. Hall has racked up almost a billion views on YouTube and has appeared on hit television shows like RuPaul's Drag Race, Bob's Burgers, The Masked Singer and more — he even co-executive produced the VMA-winning Taylor Swift music video for "You Need to Calm Down."

House of Blues, Disney Springs, houseofblues.com, $29.50-$75.

Wednesday, Oct. 11: Suki Waterhouse

Suki Waterhouse is like a draft of cool air after spending a little too much time in the Florida sun. You may have heard her viral song "Good Looking" while scrolling through aesthetic compilations on TikTok, but the breakout English actress and singer is best known for her lead role as "Karen Sirko" in Amazon Prime's original show Daisy Jones & the Six. Waterhouse brings her sultry and angelic sound to the Beacham.

The Beacham, 46 N. Orange Ave., foundation-presents.com, $25-$50.

Friday, Oct. 13: Cupcakke

Rapper Cupcakke is coming to play Sanford on a not-so unlucky Friday the 13th. And it's a welcome surprise. See, one of the last times Cupcakke was in Orlando back in 2019, she announced her retirement from live performance in a series of emotional social media posts. Thankfully, that retirement didn't stick. In 2023, Cupcakke has headlined a number of Pride events with raucous sets, and celebrated a year of monster streaming numbers on Spotify.

Tuffy's Music Box, 200 Myrtle Ave., Sanford, tuffyscider.com, $27.50.

Friday, Oct. 20: Bob Log III

Bob Log III is that rarest of phenomenon in 21st-century pop culture — and yes, that includes the underground: a total enigma. What does the third scion of the Log family look like under that reflective motorcycle helmet clamped to his head? Who cares! Log's been doing it for decades and it's a rare treat that he's returning to a familiar local stage. What, exactly, does he do? He puts on a glittery jumpsuit and the aforementioned helmet and romps through a set of outer-space blues, shouting through a telephone mic and conjuring up a glorious racket with only a blown-out slide guitar. Will he be transported on an inflatable ramp around the club by you, the paying audience member? (Don't ask, just go.)

Will's Pub, 1042 N. Mills Ave, willspub.org, $15-$20.

Friday, Oct. 20: Kesha

It's been a couple of years since Kesha last graced Orlando with her presence, but the hour is nigh. The pop star only just last week changed the name of her tour from "The Gag Order" to the "Love Only" tour. "This has been a truly transformative year," said Kesha, explaining the change. "Life is too short, and I want to celebrate the freedom and love in my life with all of you." Despite the name change, the tour setlist will still center around Kesha's adventurous new Gag Order album — though past hits are promised. The Rick Rubin-assisted Gag Order follows Kesha on her road to healing after a lengthy battle with depression, and that's something worth a listen.

Hard Rock Live, 6050 Universal Blvd., hardrock.com/live, $55.50-$100.50.

Tuesday, Oct. 24: Speedy Ortiz

Nineties indie-rock revivalists Speedy Ortiz are very familiar with Orlando stages, and this time around they christen Conduit with their fizzy but jagged pop music. The band just released Rabbit Rabbit earlier this month, hailed for its "crazy, wiry guitar parts" and "playfulness" by the nerds at NPR Music. They've been charming audiences for about a decade now, so go see what the critical fuss is all about for yourself.

Conduit, 6700 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, conduitfl.com, $16-$18.

Tuesday, Oct. 31: Amyl and the Sniffers, Twin Tribes

Halloween night is shaping up to be unhinged for live music fanatics in Orlando, and these two shows are definitely the eyes in the metaphorical jack-o'-lantern. In this corner you have young post-punk duo Twin Tribes, holding fell court at the Abbey with propulsive-but-dour grooves and gothic vibes to spare. But if you're more "toilet paper the neighborhood" than "dress up like a vampire and hold a seance," may we recommend Amyl and the Sniffers' show at the Beacham? The Australian punk riot squad live up to all of the sleazy, unpredictable chaos that their name hints at. True ghouls will try to rampage back and forth betwixt the two shows. Trick and treat!

The Beacham, 46 N. Orange Ave., foundation-presents.com; $20-$30.

Tuesday, Oct. 31: Amyl and the Sniffers, Twin Tribes

The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive, abbeyorlando.com; $20-$30.

Friday, Nov. 3: Maluma

Latin pop megastar and Madame Tussauds mainstay Maluma will soon be romancing Orlando when his "Don Juan" tour comes to town. The singer's 30-date U.S. trek kicked off on the West Coast in late August and reaches Orlando soon. This show is the penultimate date of the tour and marks the first time Maluma has played the City Beautiful since his "Papi Juancho" tour rolled through town in 2021. "I can't wait to perform the new songs from the album for my fans for the very first time alongside my greatest hits in what I consider to be my most ambitious concert production yet," gushed Maluma when announcing the tour.

Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., amwaycenter.com, $61-$171.

Wednesday, Nov. 8: Graham Nash

Similar to Depeche Mode (odd comparison but bear with us), the passing of David Crosby has left CSN without the C and Graham Nash without his telepathic harmony brother. But Nash is still with us, and has a rich catalog of songs (solo work, The Hollies, CSN, CSNY) and, as it turns out, stories to tell. This solo turn at Steinmetz — which might suit his still-pristine voice very well — is billed as "60 Years of Songs and Stories." And considering Nash lived through the British Invasion, Woodstock, Altamont and the high drama that was CSNY ... the story possibilities seem endless.

Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave, drphillipscenter.org, $46-$350.

Wednesday, Nov. 8: Joji

Multitalented entertainer Joji is taking Orlando by storm in November. Joji is a self-taught entertainer, gaining his fame on YouTube and Jackass. The Australian-Japanese singer-songwriter scrapped his YouTube stardom in 2017, hanging up characters Filthy Frank and "the Pink Guy" to fully pursue music after becoming a GarageBand geek. To date, Joji's 2022 album Smithereens has yielded several moody singles, including "Slow Dancing in the Dark," "Die for You" and "Glimpse of Us."

Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., amwaycenter.com, $45.50-$349.

Thursday, Nov. 9: Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Pitbull

A triple threat of Latin music royalty! Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin are teaming up to give a once-in-a-lifetime performance to fans across North America. The three multigenerational artists bring their fusion of sounds to the Amway Center, where each artist will perform a full set, providing the crowd with three entirely unique performances in one night. Iglesias has been particularly vocal in expressing his excitement for the tour, as he is touring and performing with two of his best friends,

Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., amwaycenter.com, $56-$595.