Having produced The Smiths, Oasis, The Stone Roses, Simply Red
and The Chemical Brothers, this city's got that entertainment lark
under wraps. Switch up your usual night out with relaxing beats and heart-racing tunes, all
while you dine or drink out. From DJs spinning late-night sets to talented local
acts with chilled out vibes and massive bands playing sell-out
shows, these are the best bars, pubs or clubs for live music in
Manchester.
A vibrant event space that features 11 food vendors and seven bars across its indoor and outdoor spaces, Freight Island has always got something fun going on. Expect regular DJ sets and indie nights, many of which are even free to attend.
There's plenty of space to party, and while you're here you can tuck into tasty street food from the likes of Burgerism, Mega Gyros and Oh My Cheesecake.
Moxy Manchester is the cool hotel bar fronting live DJs on weekends, bottomless brunches or beer pong to kick it off, and 24/7 pizzas for when you get peckish. Better yet, the lineup of unique cocktails includes the Manc-hatten of Makers Mark bourbon, merlot and vimto.
Climbing the ranks of the best Irish bars, it's no surprise that O'Neill's also has a fantastic lineup of live music on throughout the week. Head on over to this Printworks boozer for lively tunes, as well as tasty grub and top-notch boozy bevs.
Located in Albert Square, Dirty O'Sullivans is a lively Irish bar and live music venue. There's always a buzzing atmosphere going on here, as well as musical performances every single day of the week.
There's an excellent range of drinks behind the bar, as well as a hearty food menu to keep you fuelled. Think dry-aged short beef rib burgers, beer-battered haddock, Guinness onion soup and more.
Located in the heart of Manchester, BOX Deansgate is a premier sports bar offering delicious food and drink selections, as well as live band performances every Friday and Saturday, so you can dance the night away until 2am. Swing by for an all-American feast of pizza, piled-high nachos, and mouthwatering burgers, all while soaking up the live music and catching all the live-streaming excitement.
A buzzing Latin-themed music bar, Revolucion De Cuba Manchester is the go-to for eclectic tunes, salsa dancing and great cocktails. If the tasty menu of South American food and drinks isn't quite enough, then the infectious sounds should definitely do it for you.
One of the best restaurants with live music in Manchester, Blues Kitchen is the place for those who love the sounds of the American South. The Quay Street spot offers bands from Monday to Thursdays and club nights taking over on the weekend.
The Lawn Club are bringing you live music on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, with the former being a showcase of new, upcoming artists. Chow down on pizzas and sip through seasonal drinks while enjoying the performances here.
Spread over two floors of a Grade II listed building is The Whiskey Jar, a favourite out of all the bars with live music in Manchester. Head downstairs to enjoy local ales and cocktails as you take in a live band, open mic set or DJs in the basement space.
Looking for a unique pub experience in Manchester? Head to Stables Tavern in St John's near Aviva Studios, where the original Rovers Return set from Coronation Street has been transformed into a cosy, modern hangout.
Sip on locally brewed beers, snack on homemade sausage rolls, and savour pies from Great North Pie Co. With live music Thursday to Sunday and a friendly, dog-welcoming atmosphere, it's the ideal spot to relax and enjoy.
Gorilla is a hotspot under the railway tracks on Whitworth Street West, where the coolest tunes and delicious grub come together to rock your world. When it comes to drinks, they've got a whole lineup of cocktails and shakes, along with the finest bottled beers, top-notch wines, and fair-trade coffees, along with mouthwatering burgers and swanky sandwiches to keep you satisfied.
@ The Fitzgerald on Sun, 24th May 2026 @ 18:00 - 20:00
Step into the wonderful world of Almost Kate Bush at a captivating tribute show unlike any other. In the super stylish Fitzgerald in the Northern Quarter, you'll be transported back to '78 when the real Kate released Wuthering Heights.
With a focus on her early work, you'll hear plenty of songs from the '79 Tour of Life - and the hits you know and love, of course. Expect stunning piano and vocal performances along the way - all for just £16.
A reinvented classic from the 90s, Barca Bar serves up tasty pub grub, live music, and cocktails to boot. Want to soak up some rays? Check out their massive terrace with a cocktail in hand, or get your groove on to some of the best live bands in town.
Sporting one of the coolest looks in the city, the gig room at YES is entirely pink. Expect an inclusive and diverse line-up, with everything from EP launches to jazz trios in this totally Instagrammable space.
Live jazz, folk, gypsy, salsa, swing and ska make Matt and Phred's a top choice out of live music venues in Manchester. Whether you're out with mates or on a date, team your tunes with cocktails, beers or a bite to eat in this prohibition-style hotspot.
The oldest nightclub in the city, The Ritz dates back to the 1920s. Hosting legendary performers like The Beatles, it's now run by O2 and offers a wide variety of live acts, from world-famous punk acts to local indie acts, right around the corner from Oxford Road.
Soup is your one-stop-shop for seasonal food and music galore. Alongside snacks, sandwiches and one pots, you'll find a lineup of events in the basement. Think local bands or international acts, alongside DJs, producers and offbeat sessions.
@ Albert's Schloss on Every Sunday
Albert's Schloss is buzzing at Sunday lunchtime, offering a Bavarian beauty of a Cook Haus roasts, accompanied by a live jazz band. Get a wriggle on and stay as long as you please, as the bar keeps the party going 'til 2am with resident DJs.
Bunny Jackson's is the place to be if you're searching for free live music in Manchester. Hosting bands every Sunday, this Deansgate joint showcases the finest artists on a chain-link fenced off stage, all while offering bourbon and bites inspired by the Deep South.
From more intimate gigs at its bar to 500-people capacity shows in the main performance space, Band On The Wall's 2022 reopening saw the venue continue its international reputation. Once the epicentre of the city's 70s punk scene, this party palace is ideal for live music in Manchester come Saturday or any other time.
When in need of live music in Manchester tomorrow or this weekend, you'll find a varied mix of artists taking to the stage at The Night and Day Cafe; from disco to indie and rock 'n' roll. There really is something for everyone at this cosy Northern Quarter pick.
