You can listen to live music in Cardiff tonight! Every day in Cardiff, you can experience live bands, acoustic acts, big bands or even smooth jazz. Sometimes you just have to let your hair down. Sing and dance the night away with this Cardiff gig guide.
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I say it so often, but there’s always something exciting to do in Cardiff – day or night. Cardiff music venues can be enjoyed daily. You can expect line-ups throughout the day and evening or one-off events. I’ve seen everything from rock, pop, reggae, acoustic, instrumental, jazz, country, big band and blues.
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Bars with live music Cardiff
These bars will keep you entertained throughout the week, from live music to comedy. You never have to have a boring night in the city again.
The Live Lounge Cardiff
Do you want a bar with live music all day? Live Lounge on The Friary is well known for being a live music venue, with live music seven days a week from midday until midnight and DJs until 4am. You can expect the best cover bands, duos and singers. Food and drink here is also incredibly affordable, with happy hour drinks and apres starting with 50% off on Friday.
Brewhouse
With bands taking to the stage every night of the week, Brewhouse is a great spot to see live music in Cardiff. There’s even live sport on the big screens, including football, rugby and cricket. Sunday to Friday live music starts at 5pm, and from 1pm on Saturday. Find it on St Mary’s Street.
O’Neill’s
If you’re looking for a pub with live music in Cardiff, O’Neill’s is the city centre boozer that boasts its own stage. Found on St Mary’s Street, you can watch a range of local talent, from rocking bands to solo singers. Before COVID, there were bands on every evening, but it isn’t as consistent at the moment. Typically, it is from Thursday to Sunday. So, check before you go.
Owain Glyndwr
At the Owain Glyndwr, you can hear traditional Welsh music played live every Monday night. Before COVID, there was live music every Friday and Saturday night. However, I’m not sure if this has resumed.
The Moon Club
The Cardiff bar, club and live music venue has been saved from closure and runs as a not-for-profit. Money goes back into improving the venue and music community events. The Full Moon Club is a small venue with a diverse line-up on Womanby Street.
The Bootlegger
One of my favourite cocktail bars in Cardiff is Bootlegger, also on Womanby Street. It has a Prohibition vibe, with graffiti murals and rustic décor. The menu has over 90 cocktails to choose from, and happy hour is until 7pm daily. Jazz Club runs on Thursday nights from 9pm with DJ Hywel afterwards playing the best of the best Jazz, Swing, Rock n Roll and more. There’s also live music on Fridays.
Porter’s Cardiff
With a weekly open mic night, Tuesday showcase and Friday nights dedicated to jazz, Porter’s is a top choice for live music in Cardiff. Grab some mates or bring a date and impress away with an evening of smooth sounds and classy musicians. Find it at Harlech Court on Bute Terrace.
Buffalo
Buffalo, the live music bar, is returning to Cardiff three years after it closed. The bar on Windsor Place will be on the first level and a Japanese-style restaurant on the ground floor. But there will be separate entrances. The opening is planned for September 2022.
Club 29
* CLOSED * The newest venue on the live music scene is Club 29 on Park Place, with local bands and national artists. Every night there is live entertainment followed by DJs to carry the party on until late. There are even disco bottomless brunches on the weekend.
Getting around Cardiff has never been easier
You don’t have to take the car when seeing live music in Cardiff. With stops in Taffs Well, Radyr, Whitchurch, Llandaff North, Cathays, two in the city centre – Queen Street and Cardiff Central – plus Cardiff Bay. Getting around Cardiff has never been easier.
Transport for Wales now offers Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. And, who doesn’t want to save money?
Live music venues Cardiff
Whatever gets your musical pulse racing, your feet tapping or head nodding in arty agreement to what your ears are hearing; there’s music to be heard and discovered in these venues in Cardiff.
Clwb Ifor Bach
Over three floors on Womanby Street, Clwb Ifor Bach is an integral part of Cardiff’s live music scene, with bands and alternative nights taking centre stage. Named after the famous Welsh leader who fought against the English, this venue is rooted firmly in rebellion. Tickets are individually priced and start from £5 per person.
It’s also one of the venues that host the annual Swn Festival. (A multi-venue music festival based in Cardiff city centre with a focus on new music, emerging artists and homegrown acts.)
Fuel Rock Club
Cardiff’s only dedicated rock and metal club is Fuel, found on Womanby Street – one of the oldest streets in Cardiff. With a mixture of club nights, live music and other events, Fuel has something for every rock fan. Even the lead singer of Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson, has pulled pints behind the bar.
Royal College of Music and Drama
With over 600 students annually, The Royal College of Music and Drama has a packed programme of live music and performing arts. There are many free and ticketed events, including the Welsh National Opera, touring artists, previous alumni and choirs.
New Theatre
On the corner of Park Place and Wood Street is The New Theatre. It hosts touring productions, musicals, children’s shows and the annual Christmas pantomime. The Circle Bar is an intimate area away from the main auditorium, ideal for acoustic music and stand-up comedy.
Sherman Theatre
The Sherman stage is used for touring shows, comedy, drama, dance, musical theatre and live music. The venue is in Cathays on Senghennydd Road near the students’ union.
Globe Cardiff
On Albany Road in Roath is The Globe – a hub of live music in Cardiff. The venue is popular for tribute bands and has been able to showcase bands and singers as they are breaking through, including Royal Blood, Jess Glynne, Catfish and the Bottlemen and hundreds more.
The Gate Arts Centre
The Gate is on Keppoch Street, a short walk from Albany Road and City Road in Roath. Various concerts and live music events take place here. The former church and school hall opened in 2004 after receiving a Heritage Lottery Fund.
Portland House
In Cardiff Bay is Portland House. The space was originally a banking hall designed to show off wealth with marble walls and pillars, a glass atrium and detailed ceiling art. It is a superb live music venue.
The Glee Club Cardiff
The quirky spot in Mermaid Quay is a haven for comedy acts, drag and cabaret shows and live music. The Glee Club opened in Cardiff in 2001. Acts who have appeared here include Adele and Mumford and Sons.
DEPOT Cardiff
DEPOT is a warehouse used for exciting events such as Bingo Lingo, By Order Of, Hip Hop Karaoke, Pizza and Prosecco and Ginstock. It is also a live music venue, with lots of gigs on the what’s on list. They also plan larger outdoor events, including DEPOT in the Castle.
Wales Millennium Centre
If you love musicals, then look no further. The Wales Millennium Centre has huge shows from Broadway and the West End. It also hosts the Festival of Voice, where you can see live music, and there are often free performances and singers in the foyer.
Chapter Arts Centre
Chapter Arts Centre in Canton is a community hub for the bohemian arts crowd who love the latest art house movies and exhibitions. Their semi-irregular gigs in the centre’s theatre and foyer space are always well received, as are the occasional one-off events they stage, such as the critically-acclaimed From Now On festival. It’s a short walk from Corp Yard if you’re looking for street food in Cardiff.
Acapela Studio
Acapela Studios is a unique music venue and recording studio in the Pentyrch area of Cardiff. It is in a converted Welsh chapel. There are tribute bands, singers, bands, music festivals and choirs. Some incredible wood-fired pizzas can be enjoyed beforehand.
Concerts in Cardiff
Wales is known as the land of song, so with a passion for music running deep in the city, there are some fantastic concert venues in Cardiff where you can see live music.
Cardiff University Students’ Union
Everyone is welcome at Cardiff Students’ Union, on Park Place. The gigs are not limited to students. There are three venues – The Great Hall, Y Plas, and The Taf (however, these events are usually for students only). Typically, multiple events happen each week. Previous acts have included Ed Sheeran, Rita Ora, Jake Bugg and Bastille.
Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle hosts several exciting events throughout the year and summer concerts for up to 10,000 people. Recent names that have performed under the stars include Michael Bublé, Diana Ross, Madness, Tom Jones and Rag n Bone Man. Have you visited all of the castles in Cardiff?
Principality Stadium
Concerts have been held at the Principality Stadium, previously The Millennium Stadium, since it opened in 1999. Hosting up to 74,500 gig-goers. Musicians who have graced the stage include Beyonce, Spice Girls, Madonna, Paul McCarney, Take That and Ed Sheeran. The first concert I saw here was Bon Jovi in 2001 and a few weeks later Robbie Williams.
St David’s Hall
St David’s Hall is the National Concert Hall of Wales, found on The Hayes in the city centre. The venue’s programme has a wide range of live music, including the annual Welsh Proms. The foyers in the centre are open and have regular free performances from music groups. As well as ticketed events for pop bands, jazz, soul and musicals.
Motorpoint Arena Cardiff
Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena, also known as the Cardiff International Arena (CIA), is a popular stop for artists to make when on their national or world tours. Since being opened by Shirley Bassey in 1993, hundreds of global stars and legendary gigs have taken place here.
Tramshed
The historical building used to be a tram depot on Clare Road. A short walk from the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Central. Tramshed opened in October 2015 and now hosts live music, club nights, festivals, and foodie events. One of my favourite gigs here was the Ultimate Pop Reunion.
Cardiff City Stadium
The Cardiff City Football Club Stadium hosts concerts outside of the sporting calendar. In fact, I saw the Stereophonics here a few years ago. Other acts have included Elton John, Rod Stewart and Bon Jovi. Little Mix and Westlife were also supposed to perform here but were cancelled because of COVID-19.
Alexandra Head
The new outdoor event space is unique and has incredible views over Cardiff Bay. Due to its location on Cardiff Bay Barrage, it is a 20–30-minute walk from the nearest car parks and public transport routes. However, don’t let that put you off. Performers on the line-up have included Lewis Capaldi, Liam Gallagher and the Titan Festival.
Stay the night
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance, and as soon as possible. Prices tend to rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
The Copthorne
The Copthorne, part of Millennium Hotels and Resorts, is a traditional 4-star hotel in Cardiff that is ideally located between the city centre and the coast of Barry Island. Ideal for business travellers, couples or families, it is a perfect base. You can expect free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and modern in-room amenities. Book early and save:
Plan a Trip with Expedia
Booking a hotel via Expedia is a seamless experience that offers convenience and choice at your fingertips. With just a few clicks, you can browse through a wide array of cosy boutique hotels to luxurious resorts, tailored to your preferences and budget. Compare prices, read reviews from fellow travellers, and explore amenities, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay for your trip.
Create your Itinerary
Using TripAdvisor when booking a hotel allows you to access a wealth of reviews and ratings from fellow travellers, helping you make an informed decision on where to stay, while also providing recommendations and insights on planning things to do during your trip.
The surrounding areas
Don’t be afraid of staying out of central Cardiff either. Penarth, Barry, Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil are the surrounding areas connected by regular buses and trains. You can also plan with LastMinute.com. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price.
The award-winning business, Sykes Cottages, has properties across the UK, and the ones near Cardiff are beautiful. From cosy lodges with traditional woodburning stoves to contemporary accommodation with a hot tub. With all the amenities you could need, including parking, WiFi and many dog-friendly places, check out Sykes Holiday Cottages.
Live music venue pubs in Cardiff
This list is not extensive, but many pubs in Cardiff have live music events and live bands Cardiff. If you want to visit, check out their social media or call them to see what’s on. If I’ve missed a pub off the list, please get in touch?
Revolucion De Cuba
Put on your dancing shoes and head to this Cardiff events bar for a night of moving and grooving. Renowned South American bar Revolucion De Cuba on The Friary puts on regular Salsa lessons so you can seriously up your dance floor game, as well as a brilliant line-up of live music.
Mary’s
Mary’s is the premium gay cabaret bar on St Mary’s Street, Cardiff. Famous for its friendly atmosphere, fabulous cocktails, extensive range of premium gins and outrageous live cabaret, karaoke, live music and themed events – open seven days a week.
Mad Dog Brewery Co
The independent Welsh craft brewery on Castle Street hosts live music events. Check out Mad Dog Brewery Co’s social media to see when the next one is.
Head of Steam
Every Thursday from 8pm watch live music at Head of Steam, on Church Street in the city centre. Each week the best local bands will be on stage for your entertainment.
🐾 Dog friendly
The Vulcan Lounge
Dark, moody and serving seriously delicious pizza, The Vulcan Lounge just off Salisbury Road in Cathays puts on a huge roster of events, from comedy nights, live music and quizzes – all at wallet-friendly prices.
Gassy’s
Another pub on Salisbury Road, Gassy’s, is a lively venue for students or professionals. With live music, sports on the screens, pub quizzes, open mic nights, karaoke, retro gaming and pool.
The Claude
On Albany Road, you’ll find The Claude. Just before lockdown, it had a six-figure refurbishment, including a brand new bar and dining areas, full decorations throughout and new areas dedicated to dining and sports viewing. It is open mic night on Thursday and Sunday, and there are live bands on Friday and Saturday.
The Cricketers
In Pontcanna, alongside Welsh ales, mouth-watering wines, seasonal dishes and two beer gardens, The Cricketers on Cathedral Road host the occasional live music events.
🐾 Dog friendly
The Plough
One of the places to eat in Whitchurch is at The Plough. They also have live music on Fridays from 9pm. Eat, drink and dance the night away.
🐾 Dog friendly
Taffs Well Inn
Friday night is live music night at the Taffs Well Inn from 8pm. It has a fantastic beer garden with incredible views of the Garth Mountain and great staff and drinks. Just a short walk from Taffs Well train station.
🐾 Dog friendly
Gwaloed y Garth
The friendly pub serves incredible food. The pub is also known for its outstanding service. On the last Sunday of every month is the Sunday Session at Gwaelod y Garth from 5pm.
🐾 Dog friendly
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