The Stiefel Theatre originally opened in 1931, and was a popular venue for film as well as live events such as concerts, pageants and other live acts. The theatre closed in 1987 and was donated to the city of Salina to restore. In 1997, the Stiefel Theatre opened again, newly renovated and once again ready to host the wide variety of live acts that made it famous in the early and mid-20th century. Today, the Stiefel Theatre is not only an architectural jewel with its 1930s Art Deco style, but it is also the heart of the arts community in North-Central Kansas.
Lovers of the classic legends of country music haven't had to travel further than Salina to see their favorite country music acts on stage. Since 2003, most of the major names in country music have performed at the Stiefel Theatre in Salina. Prominent in this list are Bonnie Raitt, Charlie Daniels, Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, Merle Haggard, Ronnie Milsap, Sara Evans, Keith Anderson and Willie Nelson.
The Salina Bicentennial Center is another popular venue in Salina, with a seating capacity of 7,500. The center holds conventions, circuses, rodeos and sporting events such as the NJCAA Women's Basketball National Championship, as well as concerts and musical acts. The Bicentennial Center has been host to several regional country music concerts, such as the 2011 Jagermeister County Tour featuring bluegrass star Dierks Bentley, Nashville star Josh Thompson and the country duo Miss Willie Brown.
In addition to its renowned venues for national acts, Salina has a lively local music scene, many of which headline at the Blue Goat. The Blue Goat is a local club featuring country, rock and metal bands. The Blue Goat occasionally features nationally known bands, mostly in the hard rock genre, but has a mission focusing on promoting local and regional music.