Singapore is a flourishing industry for live music considering the pulsating nightlife with bars, clubs, pubs and restaurants opening up every other day. With lots of places accommodating hordes of new artists and indie bands, you will never fall short of live music gigs to attend. Almost every pub, restaurant, lounge and hotel offers such services at no extra cost. So you can have a good time!
Here is a list of top places for live music in Singapore:
1. Timbre @ The Substation
This place is easily one of the most interesting places to visit when hunting for live music in Singapore. It is well renowned for its food, drinks and most importantly, jazz music. If you’re an admirer of the blues or jazz, you’re in luck, because apart from other music genres that performed here, jazz is favoured more! Jazz artists from all around Singapore play here on Monday, Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 11 Bali Lane, Historic Kampong Glam, Singapore 189848
Timings:
Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Friday: 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Saturday: 3:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Contact: (65) 6292 3800
3. Hood Bar and Cafe
You cannot possibly have a list of the best places for live music in Singapore, and not mention the crazy elephant where the music is the one thing which matters the most. This club has an almost legendary status, which the most sought after place to go to for rock fans who want some live music. It is one of the best places to be in Singapore. It may not be as polished as the rest of the clubs in the area, but it’s ruggedness and crazy graffiti on the walls is what makes it stand out from the rest. The music starts at 10 PM, and believe me, you will not want to miss it.
Address: 3E River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, Singapore
Timings:
All days of the week: 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Contact: (65) 6337 7859
6. Wala Wala Cafe Bar
If you’re in Singapore, you must go to one of the pioneers of live music of Singapore. Wala Wala till today remains one of the best places to be in Singapore if you're on the hunt for a good time. Not just music, but the food here is also fantastic, with the first floor dedicated to a restaurant and the second floor for the bar and the performance area, this place packs all the ingredients needed for some fun with music!
Address: 31 Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277689
Timings:
Monday to Thursday: 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Friday: 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Saturday: 3:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Sunday: 3:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Contact: (65) 6462 4288
7. The Acid Bar
A place dedicated to the rhythms of the acoustic sounds, the acid bar offers an ambience like no other. This place not just has good food and drinks, but it also offers a platform for the up and coming new artists to test their talents in front of a live audience. Because of this, every day is a new day, which brings with it new talent and something fresh.
Address: 180 Orchard Road, Peranakan Place, Singapore 238846
Timings:
Sunday to Thursday: 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Contact: (65) 6738 8828
8. Rookery
This charming restaurant-bar is perfect for a relaxing drink after a long day. Unwind and kick back with a range of affordable cocktails and craft beers while being serenaded by local jazz and pop musicians, including Sandz & Gideon. The star attraction of the menu at Rookery is the crispy pork belly and chicken wings – ideal for a quick snack in the heart of Singapore’s sightseeing hotspot.
Address: 16 Raffles Quay, #01-02A Hong Leong Building
Timings:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: Closed
Ambience: Cozy chic
Genre: Pop, rock
Live Music: Every Thursday and Friday at 7:00 PM
9. Le Noir
While the outdoor seating at this restaurant-bar is charming enough, the real fun happens indoors – step into the ultra-chic, sleek black-and-gold lined interiors of Le Noir and get transported into an elegant world with chandeliers, rich lights, and flowing champagne. At this live music venue in Singapore, the lineup includes both international and regional artists like Randolf, Camille & Mox, Syltra, MMLD, and Abby & Vish. As the talented musicians croon their tunes, dig into their delicious wagyu burgers and sip on fine wines.
Address: L1, Bay Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Timings:
Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 1:30 AM (next day)
Friday, Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM (next day)
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 AM (next day)
Ambience: Sophisticated contemporary
Genre: Soul, jazz, R&B
Live Music: Every evening at 6:15 PM, 7:15 PM, 8:15 PM, 9:15 PM, 10:15 PM, 11:15 PM
10. Maduro
Designed to look like an eccentric Victorian noble’s lounge room, this live music venue in Singapore is a favourite for eclectic lovers of jazz. The cozy interiors complement the experimental vibes perfectly, and the acoustics are ideal for a rousing performance of Latin jazz and classical music. The fine liquor menu here includes a range of rich scotch and whiskeys too. With the likes of Melissa Tham, Kanji Nakano, and Aaron James Lee gracing their lineup, Maduro makes for a fine evening with melodies and memories.
Address: 3/F 40C Harding Road, Dempsey, Tanglin
Timings:
Monday - Thursday: 2:00 PM – 1:00 AM (next day)
Friday, Saturday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM (next day)
Sunday: closed
Ambience: Listening lounge
Genre: Jazz, experimental classical
Live Music: Every Tuesday and Friday at 7:00 PM
11. Cool Cats
This exclusive jazz bar features regular performances by local and international bands that pay homage to the classics. With bands performing original tracks and covers of the greats like Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong, this live music venue has an impressive array of performers like Anita Spring and Tricia Evy. With 14 signature cocktails inspired by the history of jazz and the golden age of music to go with the live music, Cool Cats guarantees a night of fun and grooving beats.
Address: 32 Beach Road
Timings:
Wednesday – Saturday: 8:30 PM – 1:00 AM (next day)
Sunday – Tuesday: closed
Ambience: Chic speakeasy
Genre: Jazz
Live Music: Every night
12. Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay
One of the most popular live music venues in Singapore, Esplanade hosts award-winning artists in its many performance halls. While shows in the indoor theatre are usually paid, events held in the Annex Theatre are mostly free for the general public – patrons can choose to witness the stalwarts in actions from the Merlion Park as well. The famous Baybeats festival is also hosted here. Esplanade welcomes artists from a range of genres including western and eastern classical, indie, pop, jazz, blues, hip hop, rock-n-roll, and many more. From Mozart to Madonna and Amit Trivedi to Akon, the Durian building has it all!
Address: 1 Esplanade Drive, Central Area
Timings: 6:00 AM – 2:00 AM (next day)
Ambience: Performance theatre venue
Genre: Variable
Live Music: Variable schedule, check website for details
13. Monti
This upscale Italian restaurant transforms into a lively venue every evening with live jazz artists belting out some scintillating tunes. With Jeremy Monteiro, Melissa Tham, and Stephan Francis gracing the stage frequently, patrons are bound to lose themselves in the lip-smacking food, feisty cocktails, breathtaking views of Marina Bay, and soulful music. Don’t miss the antipasti platter here; the seafood specials go perfectly with the live music here.
Address: 82 Collyer Quay, The Fullerton Pavilion
Timings:
Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Ambience: Rooftop chic
Genre: Jazz, blues
Live Music: Every night at 7:30 PM
14. Singapore Botanic Gardens
A must-watch for live music in Singapore, the Singapore Botanic Gardens sets the stage for power-packed performances almost every night at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, set against the peaceful backdrop of the stunning Symphony Lake. Visitors can relax and picnic on the lush lawn and enjoy performances by internationally acclaimed orchestras, musicians, and bands. The NPark Concert series and Garden Sounds bring performers like the Russian Youth Orchestra, Singapore Symphonic Band, Francis Tan, the Astronauts, the Royal Estate, and many more, entertaining revellers with hip hop, classical, R&B, pop, disco, jazz, and even film OSTs!
Address: 1 Cluny Road
Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Ambience: Open lawn
Genre: Variable
Live Music: Variable, check website for more details
15. *SCAPE
A haven for the bougie youth of Singapore, *SCAPE is a grassroots movement that was created by the young, for the young. With its own recording and rehearsal studio, the *SCAPE Underground project features budding indie and hip hop artists. This unique live music venue in Singapore is the best place to discover new talent and enjoy the local music scene – Linying, YAO, Cashew Chemists, and Stopgap have performed here!
Address: 2 Orchard Link, Scape Mall
Timings: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Ambience: Lifestyle hub
Genre: Indie
Live Music: Every evening at 7:00 PM
16. Hard Rock Café
No list of live music venues in Singapore is complete without Hard Rock Café, the iconic place that is world-famous today. With an impressive lineup that has included Bushmen, The Marisol, and Jive Talkin’ in the past, Hard Rock Café aims to please with performances and delicious bar snacks – let the beer flow and hamburgers cook as patrons dance along to classics!
Address: 50 Cuscaden Road
Timings:
Sunday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday, Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Ambience: All-American pub
Genre: Rock-n-roll
Live Music: Every night
17. Hero's
Step back in time to the Wild Wild West and walk into Hero’s, a saloon bar that takes southern hospitality to a whole new level. With foot-tapping live music every night, Hero’s entertains bands like The Souls, About Tomorrow, and Indy Laville. Besides guest shows, the resident band Joined Tracks performs hit numbers from the golden age of rock and pop, setting the scene for great conversation and dance. The special VIP zone has draft beer taps too, while the well-stocked bar boasts of a wide variety of tequila, whiskeys, and bourbon.
Address: 69 Circular Road
Timings:
Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM (next day)
Saturday: 3:00 PM – 4:00 AM (next day)
Sunday: closed
Ambience: Western saloon
Genre: Rock-n-roll, pop
Live Music: Every night at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM
18. Astor Bar
Elegance and comfort come alive at Astor Bar, the bar at St Regis Hotek. With plush leather seats, teak furniture, and original Picasso works adorning the curtained walls, this live music venue in Singapore paints a picture of luxury and grace. This is perfectly complemented by the crooning voice of Ron Sinclair, Astor’s resident pianist-singer. Don’t miss the cocktail menu here – the masterful concoctions are a delight to savour while soulful jazz plays in the background.
Address: St Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Road
Timings: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM (next day)
Ambience: Sophisticated lounge
Genre: Jazz
Live Music: Every night at 6:00 PM
19. LuLu's Lounge
This mysterious dark tavern is reminiscent of a back alley speakeasy bar, with its bare brick walls laced with graffiti and UV scribbles on one end. On the other side, the bar boasts of a sleek, futuristic look with LED lights and a chic, metallic couch – LuLu’s Lounge has it both ways! The retro venue boasts of jazz and R&B performances, DJs, burlesque, and dancehall nights. With a wide menu offering a quirky twist on classic bar snacks, LuLu’s Lounge is a must-visit for live music in Singapore.
Address: Pan Pacific Hotel, 7 Raffles Boulevard
Timings:
Wednesday: 8:00 PM – 3:00 AM (next day)
Thursday: 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM (next day)
Friday, Saturday: 9:00 PM – 5:00 AM (next day)
Sunday – Tuesday: closed
Ambience: Backstreet club/retro
Genre: Disco, burlesque, jazz
Live Music: Every Wednesday at 8:00 PM
20. Going Om
Inspired by the aura of the Himalayan Mountains, Going Om is a surreal concept café that aims to be a sanctuary of peace and harmony. With an aim to “find h(Om)e,” this live music café is set inside a refurbished shophouse. The café also hosts regular yoga and art workshops. With indie artists like The Lost Hat and Fairuz regularly performing at this hip venue, Going Om is a local favourite to meet like-minded people, unwind, and kick back with a mug of beer.
Address: 63 Haji Lane, Rochor
Timings:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday: noon – midnight
Thursday, Friday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM (next day)
Ambience: Hippie
Genre: Trance/indie
Live Music: Every night at 9:00 PM
21. McGettigan's
Sip some fine Guinness and enjoy some foot-tapping guitar solos at McGettigan’s, Singapore’s most famous Irish pub and a favourite live music venue. While the sports screenings at this bar are iconic, the live entertainment scene is no less – the lineup includes local talents who play the best of American, European, and Singaporean tracks. The great deals and promotions on drinks are a bonus!
Address: #01-01, 3A River Valley Road
Timings:
Monday – Tuesday: noon – 1:00 AM (next day)
Wednesday – Friday: noon – 3:00 AM (next day)
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM (next day)
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM (next day)
Ambience: Irish pub
Genre: Acoustic
Live Music: Wednesday - Sunday at 4:30 PM
22. The Mad Men Attic Bar
This chic, suave bar inspired from the iconic Don Draper show Mad Men is a famous venue for live music in Singapore, with artists like Charlene & Cheng, Shirlyn, The Mad Trio, and Sanz & Gideon. The signature cocktails and scrumptious bar snacks are an added bonus, while the impressive scotch collection is Draper-approved!
Address: #03-02, 11 North Canal Road
Timings:
Monday – Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM (next day)
Thursday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM (next day)
Friday: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM (next day)
Saturday: 6:00 PM – 3:00 AM (next day)
Sunday: closed
Ambience: Industrial pub
Genre: Jazz, rock-n-roll
Live Music: Every evening at 7:30 PM
23. Switch by Timbre
Switch it up at this concept bar where three resident musicians – The Switch Gang, Tay Kexin Bryan & Serena, and Too Much Drama perform every day besides guest performances by the likes of Mint Leong, and Pei Lun. A bilingual live music venue in Singapore, this Timbre X bar brilliantly juxtaposes the best of Mandarin and English pop, making it an ideal stop for lovers of Mando-pop and music enthusiasts looking for something new. Sing along to evergreen 70’s pop songs and the latest numbers here!
Address: 73 Bras Basah Road, #01-01/02
Timings:
Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM (next day)
Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM (next day)
Saturday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM (next day)
Sunday: closed
Ambience: Casual
Genre: Mando-pop, rock
Live Music: Every night at 8:00 PM
24. Shuffle Bistro Bar
Shuffle aims for a quirky juxtaposition of the East and the West, with its Asian-American cuisine and intriguing menu. Featuring a mix of cocktails, pasta, pizzas, and Peranakan food to go with its Chinese-inspired interiors, Shuffle is one of the most progressive live music venues in Singapore for Mandarin pop music. Popular bands here include The Codeword, Jumpstart, The Strangers, and Musicstream SG.
Address: #02-03 Clarke Quay, 3D River Valley Road
Timings:
Monday – Thursday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM (next day)
Friday, Saturday: 6:00 PM – 3:00 AM (next day)
Sunday: closed
Ambience: Cozy fine dining
Genre: Mando-pop, English pop
Live Music: Every night at 8:00 PM
25. VLV
Set up in the Teochew conservation building, VLV is a contemporary Chinese restaurant and bar that oozes luxury and élan. The tasteful interiors done up in blue and red set the perfect ambience for the live pop performance that are reminiscent of old school Hong Kong. VLV also prides itself on its alcohol menu – each dish is brilliantly paired up with sparkling beverages to elevate the live music experience.
Address: 3A Merchant’s Court, River Valley Road
Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 3:00 AM (next day)
Ambience: Riverside alfresco courtyard bar and club
Genre: Mando-pop, Canto-pop
Live Music: Every night at 7:00 PM
Singapore is a wonderful place to be if you’re a music lover, with there being tons of places to visit for some live music. The above mentioned are just a few outstanding places for live music in Singapore which we highly recommend. There are many more places to go to, where you can find a melody of music, food and drinks. So don’t you dare stay in your hotel room when the sun sets, because that is when Singapore’s heart starts beating!
~This article is written by Shivang Uniyal and Nivedha Narayanaswamy~
