Home to some of the best bands in the world, from The Beatles to Frankie Goes To Hollywood and The Zutons, this cultural hotspot is no stranger to top-notch tunes. Whether you're on the lookout for the next big thing or simply after some lively sounds to accompany your pint, check out our guide to live music bars in Liverpool.
We've rounded up everything from Bavarian-style beer halls with a weekly lineup of events to cocktail bars with live jazz or buzzing pubs that host local bands. Discover your new favourites below.
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Looking for live music bars in Liverpool city centre? When you're not tucking into succulent burgers, be sure to stay for tunes at The Shipping Forecast. The Slater Street venue regularly hosts bands in its many spaces, and if one's not floating your boat, there are more rooms to explore.
Not only is Bierkeller home to authentic German beer and mouthwatering bratwurst, but this fabulous venue also touts a roster of entertainment from up-and-coming talent to live Oompah bans. From Oktoberfest events to its weekly music gigs, this spot is bound to impress.
Located in Liverpool's charming Georgian Quarter, Frederiks is a sophisticated bar and restaurant that blends contemporary style with timeless elegance. With its exposed brickwork, warm lighting, and stylish furnishings, it's the perfect spot for everything from a casual lunch to a dinner date. Indulge in a menu of wood-fired pizzas, small plates, and signature cocktails that never disappoint.
Nothing beats a bit of live music, so make your way to The Flanagan's Apple for a good ol' time. Boasting a middle floor space that hosts some of the finest live bands on Fridays and Saturdays, alongside a cool basement area for late-night dancing vibes.
If you're searching for a little slice of Paris with a side of soul, Petit Café on Lark Lane should be your next stop. From Thursday through Sunday, this charming spot comes alive with the smooth sounds of live jazz, filling the air with vintage romance and toe-tapping rhythm.
Sip on a crisp glass of wine, tuck into a cheese board that would make any Parisian proud, and let the melodies transport you straight to the Left Bank.
Albert's Schloss on Bold Street has some fantastic live entertainment lined up for you throughout the whole week, like Bertie's Bandstand on Tuesdays, Kunst Kabaret on Wednesdays, Baby Grand Slam on Thursdays, Friday Frölich on Fridays, Pleasure Palace on Saturdays, and Rise & Shine on Sundays along with delicious Alpine-style grub and quirky cocktails.
The largest Irish Pub in Liverpool located in Cains Brewery Village, Punch Tarmey's has gained quite a reputation. Decked out with artisan wells, a brewery pump and a secret entrance through a tunnel below ground, this is a quirky spot to dance along to live music.
You can always rely on O'Neill's Liverpool for top-notch live music and entertainment. Make your way inside on Friday or Saturday night, where live DJs take over the decks or some of the city's best entertainment will be on the stage 'til the early hours.
Searching for live music in Liverpool on a Wednesday night? Then Pins Social Club on Duke Street is a top choice. This fun-packed venue throws a party every night of the week 'til late. To top it off, it also offers bowling, shuffleboard and beer pong.
Searching for live music in Liverpool for 2022? Then check out The One O'Clock Gun located in the heart of the Royal Albert Dock. Touting an epic lineup from Thursday to Sunday, this boozer won't fail to impress. If you're hungry, it also has a crackin' menu to delve into.
Nowhere quite says live music in Liverpool like Cavern Pub on Mathew Street; a place that has seen some huge names perform on its glorious stage. It still has a stellar reputation, with bands on pretty much every night, and who knows? You might just catch the next big thing.
For late nights and dancing to the sweet sounds of someone's guitar, Arts Club has got you covered. This spot has been churning out some of Liverpool's best live music since 2014 and shows no sign of slowing down, with a regular roster of indie, DJs or singers.
If you're after live music in Liverpool on a Saturday afternoon, then community-run hotspot: The Caledonia offers plenty of live tunes to keep you occupied. Whatever your taste, you're sure to hear something you like, with everything from sultry jazz to string bands.
With the strap line 'tea, music, and good times', Leaf on Bold Street is committed to showing up-and-coming talent in its quirky space. Emulating a kitsch tearoom, this gorgeous venue is a relaxed setting for acoustic sets, all while you delve into pasta mains or wine.
The Ropewalks district — centred on Seel Street and Slater Street — is the go-to neighbourhood for live music bars, with venues like The Shipping Forecast and Pins Social Club within easy walking distance of each other. For a more heritage-focused night, Mathew Street (the Cavern Quarter) is packed with bars hosting live bands every evening. If you prefer a sophisticated setting, the Georgian Quarter is home to Frederiks, which pairs live jazz with cocktails and wood-fired food.
Several of the city's best live music bars charge nothing on the door. O'Neill's offers free entry for live performances, while Albert's Schloss on Bold Street hosts its full weekly entertainment programme — including live cabaret and Bertie's Band — completely free. Pins Social Club on Duke Street also runs live music every night of the week without a cover charge.
Yes — Liverpool's live music scene runs seven nights a week. Pins Social Club throws a party every night until late, and Albert's Schloss programmes entertainment across the whole week including a Wednesday cabaret night. Liverpool Bierkeller also runs weekly music gigs, making midweek nights just as lively as the weekend.
Liverpool's bar scene covers an impressive range of genres. You'll find live jazz at Frederiks in the Georgian Quarter, Oompah bands and German-style entertainment at Liverpool Bierkeller, live bands across multiple genres at The Shipping Forecast on Slater Street, and cabaret-style entertainment at Albert's Schloss. For something more eclectic, Pins Social Club mixes live music with bowling and shuffleboard for a full night-out experience.
