Live Music in Manchester

Looking for live music in Manchester this summer? Get ready for the highlight of your August calendar as Wing Fest returns for 2021 with a bigger, better lineup of delicious chicken, bars serving craft beers and bourbon, and a whole load of great live bands.

Sporting one of the coolest rooms 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.

Spread over two floors of a Grade II listed building is The Whiskey Jar in the Northern Quarter. Head downstairs to enjoy local ales and whiskey cocktails as you take in a live band, open mic set or even DJs in the basement space.

One of the best live music venues in Manchester, Blues Kitchen is the place for those who love the sounds of the American South. The Quay Street spot offers bands and DJs every night of the week, with a focus on, you guessed it, the blues.

Hidden below a barbershop in Deansgate, ONE EIGHT SIX isn't your usual live music spot. Alongside slick bartenders shaking up photogenic cocktails, there's a programme that includes everything from Motown Mondays and The Sublime Seven to soul and more.

Without a doubt one of the best live music events in Manchester, ALICIA Rock Opera is serving up a night of hits in an iconic setting. Expect bangers such as Paint It Black and Whiter Shade during this immersive play at Manchester Cathedral.

The oldest nightclub in the city, The O2 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.

One of the best open mic music events in Manchester, the Pen & Pencil's showcase of unsigned local talent is an excellent way to enjoy a night of low-key tunes and good beer. Head down every Wednesday where they'll be rolling out some stunning acts across the realms of blues, funk, folk and indie.

Live Jazz, folk, gypsy, salsa, swing and ska make Matt and Phred's one of Manchester's best live music venues. Whether you're out with mates or on a date, team your tunes with cocktails, beers and a bite to eat in this prohibition-style hotspot.

Warm up those vocal cords and prepare yourself for a night of fanatic new music from the city's most promising young artists, as The Mash Tun is an essential destination for open mic nights. There's even free hotdogs if you're feeling peckish. 

This live music venue in Manchester has a bit of history behind it... Originally opened in the 1930s, Band On The Wall relaunched in 2009 and has re-achieved a world-famous reputation for hosting up-and-coming stars and cult classic masters.

A varied mix of artists have taken to the stage at The Night and Day Cafe; from Jessie J to The Manic Street Preachers. It's a unique venue, reopening its doors in the evening and licensed till 2am from Monday until Saturday for live events. There really is something for everyone in this cosy NQ pick.

Albert's Schloss is the place to be come 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 till 2am with resident DJs.  

Bunny Jackson's is the place to be if you're after the best blues music in Manchester. Hosting live music at the beginning of the week, this Deansgate joint showcases the finest bands in a chain-link fenced off stage, all while offering bourbon and a list of bites inspired by the Deep South.

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 food and drinks isn't quite enough, then the Latin sounds should definitely do it for you.

Located on the first floor of Cane & Grain, the Science and Industry sessions have become an essential excursion for Manchester's music lovers. Stop by and you can catch fresh talent with a menu of jaw-dropping cocktails.

Soup Kitchen us your one-stop-shop for seasonal food and live music in Manchester. Alongside soups, sandwiches and one pots, you'll find a lineup of events in the basement. Think local bands and international acts alongside DJs, producers and offbeat sessions.