Live Music in Manchester

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.   

Over two floors of a Grade II listed building is The Whiskey Jar in the Northern Quarter. Head downstairs to enjoy your favourite premium whiskey, a local ale or even a cocktail and take in a live band, acoustic set or a live DJ in this charming gem in Manchester.

You say live music in Manchester, we say Deaf Institute. While known for their late night romps, floral interiors and delectable food, it's really made a name for itself by putting on some of the best concerts this fair city has ever seen. Intrinsically indie with a smattering of electro-pop thrown in for good measure, the sound system and impressive history will keep you coming back for more. Where better to see one of your favourite bands than at this well-established, late night haven?  

Get down to The Pen and Pencil for live music every Wednesday in the Northern Quarter. Expect amazing artists lined up from the world of Blues, Jazz, Folk, Indie & Funk

As a former theatre, and run by the Trof family of bars and restaurants, Gorilla definitely knows how to put on live music in Manchester. Located on Whitworth Street underneath the city's railway arches, this trendy little spot has a minimal sixties feel to it. Behind the main dining room and bar sits a 600 capacity live music hall, decked out with an impressive lighting and sound system. 

Revolucion De Cuba is a cool and buzzing Latin-themed music bar in Manchester. Ignore this quirky venue at your peril as it serves up some of the best cocktails in town and some delicious food too. There's also live Latin Music playing into the evening, making it a unique evening with friends or even a date.

The oldest nightclub in the city, The O2 Ritz is also a live music venue dating back to the 1920's. Hosting legendary acts such as The Beatles, it's now run by O2 and offers a wide variety of live bands from world famous punk acts to local indie acts. So don't miss out on your favourite bands playing right round the corner from Oxford Road.

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

Band On the Wall wears its intentions on its sleeve really, but this quirky live music venue in Manchester has a bit of a history behind it. Originally open in the 1930s, they relaunched in 2009 and have re-achieved a world famous reputation for hosting up-and-coming stars and cult classic masters.

Live Jazz, folk, gypsy, salsa, swing and ska at Matt and Phred's make this one of Manchester's best live music venues. Enjoy one of their great cocktails, beers or even a bite to eat with friends while taking in a great eclectic mix of music 6 nights a week from 9pm in this prohibition style Jazz oasis.

Known as one of the city's most loved institutions, The Thirsty Scholar is also a place to catch some unique live music in Manchester. They host everything from bands to comedy and poetry, as well as an occasional open mic night for those up-and-comers. A truly bohemian paradise.

An electic mix of artists play 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 little venue in the Northern Quarter.

When it comes to live swing and vintage music in Manchester, there's only the one name that can fit the bill just right, and that's Fitzgerald. One of the most noted speakeasy themed bars in the city, head on down for jazz bands and retro live music aplenty on a selection of weeknights.

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, come for the finest bands playing in their chain-link fenced off stage, all while sipping bourbon and eating Deep South food.

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.  

The Ruby Lounge is your stop for rock music in Manchester. In true rock and roll spirit, expect to find cheap drinks, cheap entry and a long, 4am license, making it an ideal place to see the best, loudest and weirdest bands around.

Sporting one of the coolest spaces in the city, YES' gig room is entirely pink. Expect an inclusive and eclectic line-up, with everything from EP launches to jazz trios.