Whether you fancy pairing performances with decadent meals or having a quiet night down the pub, our capital of Northern Ireland is always putting on a show. Boasting everything from live music to drag, cabaret and more, these are the top bars with entertainment in Belfast.
Last edited by Marcus Sanigar
Last updated on 27th October 2025
The moody lighting, classy red velvet seating and beautifully busy artworks on the walls of Rudi are entertainment enough. But as soon as you make your way down beneath the busy streets of Donegall Square, you'll see that it's got plenty more to offer.
As DJs bang out the best house mixes long into the early hours, you can sip your way through signature serves, share a selection of shot boards or order Grey Goose, Don Julio and plenty more top-class tipples straight to your table.
Entertainment bars in Belfast don't get much better than The Tipsy Bird, whose live music and drag brunches are sure to get you on your feet. Be wowed by performers and local talent across the quirky space.
With folk tunes every evening, Fibber Magee's is even bringing you live music in Belfast on a Monday. The traditional, laid-back boozer is perfect for a relaxing night of entertainment, all offered up across a den of fireplaces, Guinness and Titanic memorabilia.
After live music in the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast? The Spaniard is the ideal bar with entertainment, thanks to musicians and DJs taking to the stage. Admire quirky artwork, grab a premium drink of Bourbon, and kick back here.
Laverys has many things going for it: pool, cheap Guinness and gut-busting burgers are what spring to mind. But when you want to be entertained? This place turns into a 1200-capacity club on Saturday nights, while there's two comedy shows a week as well.
Thanks to something being on every evening of the week, The Dirty Onion And Yardbird can guarantee you live music in Belfast tonight. Better yet, it's free entry to this lively hotspot, so you won't burn a hole in your pocket either.
Live music and entertainment venues in Belfast are topped off by Bert's Jazz Bar. Hazard a guess at what this place has on offer. Expect 1930s New York glam from plush interiors, a calendar packed with performances, cool cocktails and a bistro menu.
A music and sports-mad destination, Maddens has entertainment on all fronts, whatever avenue you prefer. This classic Irish spot is a true old school gem, so you can settle down across its cosy nooks for a fun, yet relaxed, night out.
Speciality gin, seasonal cocktails and all your classic concoctions aren't the only things Rita's does well. This slick haunt is here to bring up and coming artists to your weekends, with live performances to get the party started.
A jack of all trades, Ulster Sports Club may have a different kind of entertainment in its name, but we can assure you that live music is very much on the cards here too. Get stuck into pool tables, game screenings and more, before finishing the night off with top musicians.
If you're hunting for live music in Belfast on a Sunday afternoon, then The John Hewitt is your best bet. It's bringing you traditional Irish tunes to end your weekend, as well as having similar performances on Thursday, DJs come Wednesdays and other one-off acts for Saturdays.
Regular listings at the Sunflower Public House include DJs and quirky bands, so you know that fun times are always on the horizon here. In addition, this cool Union Street hangout feels like a throwback to the 80s, while craft beer dominates the menus.
A long-time stalwart of the city's clubbing and music scene, Limelight has mega entertainment value that isn't to be missed. Everyone from Oasis to the Arctic Monkeys has played here, while there's also live DJs to dance the night away to.
One of the best bars with entertainment in Belfast city centre, Union Street is the place for cocktails, cabaret and other LBTQIA+ friendly antics. It also plays host to drag icons, alongside Ru Paul's quizzes and karaoke nights too.
Merging coffee shop, pub and restaurant to great effect, Town Square is a favourite for drinking or dining. But, it's also packed to the rafters on weekends, with crowds gathering for the lineup of live music and DJs.
In search of bars for entertainment in Belfast? To pair multi-course extravaganzas with stellar shows, look no further than Cabaret Supper Club. A champion of burlesque, comedy, live music, aerial acrobatics and more, this is where to find something a little different.
A traditional boozer pulling all the pints and serving any whiskies you could want, The Duke of York isn't to be passed up on. Find them down a cobbled alleyway in the city centre, fronting traditional features and live Irish music.
