Additional reporting by Razinah Anwarali
We know we’re already blessed with a great variety of delectable grub and potent tipples in Singapore, but that doesn’t mean we’re not open to jamming along to a top-notch live band during dinner and drinks.
Luckily, we’re home to a ton of undiscovered talent playing live at some of the best bars and cafes in town! If you’re looking for a rollicking night of live tunes, booze, and opportunities to rub shoulders with talented musicians, you’ve come to the right city.
Singapore is home to a community of budding and veteran musicians, many of whom showcase their talents at various live music bars and venues. Here are some recommendations of places that offer great music, decadent meals and a guaranteed unforgettable night out.
1. Acid Bar
Shooting to fame as the place that first saw Jack & Rai perform over a decade ago, this place is no stranger to the local music scene. A go-to location for budding singer-songwriters and bands to perform at, Acid Bar provides an intimate ambience for performers and patrons alike.
Aside from the live music on from 5pm till late everyday, you’ll also find a tantalising menu and daily drink promotions – an ideal place for you to let your hair down!
Address: 180 Orchard Road, Singapore 238846
Opening hours: 5pm to 2am (Sun-Thur), 5pm to 3am (Fri-Sat & Eve of PH)
Happy Hour: 5-9pm
More details at Acid Bar online
2. Crazy Elephant
Good music doesn’t necessarily need to be expensive and fancy. Unpretentious and authentic, Crazy Elephant is home to some serious Rock ‘n’ Roll Blues, seven nights a week. Aside from resident US bands Bob Sauler and The Blues Machine, many well-known performers like Robbie Williams, and even Ronan Keating have performed at Crazy Elephant!
To chase away the Sunday night blues, a special jam session is usually organised on Sunday nights where customers can perform on stage. Crazy Elephant welcomes everyone to perform on stage – if you think this is your time to shine, simply tell the bar staff and you could be well on your way to becoming the next hottest thing in the live music scene!
Address: 3E River Valley Road, #01-03/04 Clarke Quay Block E, Singapore 179024
Opening hours: 5pm to 1am (Mon), 5pm to 2am (Tue-Thu & Sun), 5pm to 3am (Fri, Sat & Eve of PH)
More details at Crazy Elephant online
3. Going Om
Into a more soft vibe when it comes to live music? Inspired by the spirit of the Himalaya mountains, Going Om might be your next sanctuary.
Located at the uber-hip Haji Lane, this vibrant cafe is tucked away in one of the many refurbished shophouses along the street. Here you can truly kick back and relax by the streets, to the live acoustic renditions by the extremely talented local bands or singer-songwriters playing outside to a chilled out crowd, busking style. You’re sure to feel more peaceful and blissful after your trip to this alfresco cafe!
Address: 63 Haji Lane, Singapore 189256
Opening hours: 12pm to 12am (Tue-Thu & Sun), 12pm to 1am (Fri-Sat)
More details at Going Om online
4. Hard Rock Cafe
You probably already know why they’re on the list, but we’re just here to remind you that this American franchise still hasn’t lost their charm. After undergoing a facelift, this classic watering hole is now sporting a sleek and contemporary look that still retains its iconic rock vibes (and fantastic burgers)!
Their stage is regularly graced by high energy acts like the talented reggae band Bushmen and local rock/alternative band The Marisol. Fridays also see veteran band Jive Talkin’ for a major throwback to a grand display of rock and roll oldies. Besides these, Hard Rock Cafe also features stripped down acoustic performances —so grab a seat and start loading up on some nachos.
Address: 50 Cuscaden Rd, #02/03-01, HPL House, Singapore 249724
Opening hours: 11.30am to 11pm (Sun-Thu),11.30am to 1am (Fri), 11.30am to 12am (Sat)
More details at HardRock Cafe online
5. Le Noir
Showing no signs of slowing down, Le Noir has opened its second doors at the Marina Bay Sands. This live music venue shines its spotlight on an array of local talents alongside signature bands, taking you from chill acoustic sets to hand-clapping singalongs from 6.15pm daily.
A truly versatile venue, you can enjoy the all-day and all-night dining menu here, groove along to old school R&B and house music on the dance floor, or catch the latest football match with ice cold beers on tap. Here, you’ll get more than just live music!
Address: Clarke Quay (3C River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, #01-01 Block C, Singapore 179022), Marina Bay Sands (2 Bayfront Ave, #01-84, Singapore 018972)
Opening hours: Varies
More details at Le Noir online
6. Timbre @ the Substation
What’s a live music venue list without the likes of Timbre in it? Our favourite Timbre for live music has to be Timbre @ The Substation, the flagship music venue of the Timbre Group which is widely recognised as the home for local musicians.
This open-air venue provides a casual, laid-back space for those looking to enjoy live music, indulge in an ice-cold beer or to get some delicious bar nosh. Drop by for an enhanced live music experience with its recent upgrade which now boasts an upgraded stage and sound systems. Feel free to text your song requests to Timbre’s number (or do it old-school by scribbling it on a napkin!)
Address: 45 Armenian Street, Singapore 179936
Opening hours: 6pm-1am (Mon-Thu & PH), 6pm-2am (Fri); 6pm-3am (Sat)
More details at Timbre online
7. Cool Cats
A swanky and stimulating concept, this chic speakeasy bar has made its way into the hearts of dedicated jazz musicians and avid listeners with their world-class international acts, including soul singer Anita Spring, Brazilian saxophonist Leo Gandelman, and unique French-Caribbean singer Tricia Evy.
Spearheading another dimension in Singapore’s cocktail scene, you can also discover craft cocktails inspired by key moments in jazz music history. Swing by Cool Cats for an immersive experience where you can enjoy live entertainment. There’s nothing like some fine drinks and jazz music!
Address: 32 Beach Road, Singapore 189764
Opening hours: 8.30pm-1am (Wed-Sat)
More details at Cool Cats online
8. Theatres on the Bay, Esplanade
With over 3000 performances, workshops and other activities taking place annually, ranging from dance and music to theatre and visual arts, it’s no surprise there’s always a crowd at Theatres on the Bay at Esplanade.
Almost every weekend brings a different type of performance, from local live music to rock bands and more – there’s one for every type of music-lover! Simply check their performance schedule online to see what’s on which week and you can go jam out to your favourite music. The best part? It’s completely free!
Free live music against the city skyline at The Esplanade? Count us in.
Address: 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Opening hours: Varies according to performance schedules
More details at Theatres on the Bay online
9. Rookery
Nestled in the heart of the CBD is Rookery, a place that serves delicious brunch in the day and drinks at night.
The cafe-cum-restaurant bar is popular among the working crowd who want a place with good food, good drinks, and of course good music to chill at.
Live music is promised every Thursday and Friday, so as the week draws to a close, remember to grab a few friends to enjoy a couple of chilled beers as you groove to the soothing tunes that live musicians belt out.
Address: Hong Leong Building (16 Raffles Quay, #01-02A, Hong Leong Building, Singapore 048581), Capital Tower (168 Robinson Road, #01-08, Capital Tower, Singapore 068912)
Opening hours: Varies
More details at Rookery online
10. Maduro
For some, live music is a good-to-have in the background as you sip on your wine and chat with your mates. But for those who frequent Maduro, the live music is the highlight of what they are there for.
Opened by former jazz pianist Peter Ng, Maduro describes itself as a listening lounge and bar “devoted to preserving the virtuosity of the classics – both genres and libations alike”, perfect for those who revere the musical classics. If you are lucky, you may be able to catch famous jazz musicians such as Jeremy Monteiro, Joanna Dong, and Alemay Fernandez performing at this high-end jazz bar.
Although alcohol takes a backseat here, you’ll still be satisfied with the bar stocked with Scotland’s finest malts and rare bottlings of worldly persuasion, wine vintages few and far between, and the occasional creative concoction that you can’t find anywhere else.
Address: 40C Harding Rd, Level 3, Singapore 249548
Opening hours: 2pm-1am (Mon-Thu), 2pm-2am (Fri & Sat), closed on Sun
More details at Maduro online
11. Monti
Located at the Fullerton Pavilion, Monti is the go-to that all jazz lovers must know of.
Live jazz music is provided to diners every night of the week, and takes inspiration from iconic jazz venues such as Birdland or Village Vanguard in New York City and Blue Note in Tokyo. The music line-up includes classic jazz, and also blues, soul and even skunk jive.
Singapore jazz musician Jeremy Monteiro is also said to make regular performances at this particular lounge, so you know where to head to if you are up for a soulful rendition of your favourite songs that will set the backdrop for the most romantic dinner with your loved one.
Address: 82 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049327
Opening hours: 11am-10.30pm daily
More details at Monti online
12. Hero’s
For a slice of the yesteryears in Old West Saloon fashion, head straight to Hero’s on Circular Road.
The concept of Hero’s came about as the group’s directors felt there was a gap in the market for a live-music establishment with a strong identifying theme, so they made sure to make the Wild West theme stand out.
For starters, Hero’s current resident band, Joined Tracks, from the Philippines, usually performs a mix of rock and pop numbers from the 1970s and beyond every night from 10pm. Pair the live music experience with the bar’s quality draft beers, bourbons, and whiskeys, and you’re all ready to live your cowboy dreams.
Address: 69 Circular Road, #01-01, Singapore 049423
Opening hours: 11am-3am (Mon-Fri), 3pm-4am (Sat)
More details at Hero’s online
13. LuLu’s Lounge
On Wednesday nights, expect nothing but the best of nightlife, unlimited canapes, and dynamic live music at Lulu’s Lounge, a quirky and outlandish hideout that has all the characteristics of a 1960’s New York backstreet club.
Inspired by fictional character LuLu (who grew up in the Bronx, New York in the 1960s), you are encouraged to be a rule-breaker and give yourself a midweek celebration with popular spirits and one of the best live music you can find in Singapore.
Whether you enjoy classic and upbeat jazz tunes by LuLu’s resident jazz duo, Noelle and Josephine, lounge music by Hammond Organ Trio Aynsley Green Organ Transplant, or live sax by Kaye of Darker Than Wax, we are sure you will stay through the night to soak in the music while sipping on cocktails.
Address: 7 Raffles Boulevard, Pan Pacific Hotel, Singapore 039595
Opening hours: 8pm-3am (Wed), 9pm-2am (Thu), 9pm-5am (Fri & Sat)
More details at Lulu’s Lounge online
14. Astor Bar
Named after the founder of the St. Regis, John Jacob Astor IV, Astor Bar is a luxurious and elegant establishment for the ones who have a penchant for the finer things in life.
Besides its cocktail concoctions, this bar is most famous for its live jazz music – in fact, it has even been described as the closest thing you’ll get to a New York jazz club here in Singapore!
Every day from 6pm ’til late, rhythm and blues extraordinaire Ron Sinclair enchants guests with his soulful crooning and bewitching piano skills, and you really don’t want to miss out on that.
Address: 29 Tanglin Road, The St. Regis Singapore, Lobby Level, Singapore 247911
Opening hours: 12pm-1am (Sun-Thu), 12pm-2am (Fri & Sat)
More details at Astor Bar online
15. McGettigan’s
Chic decor, Guinness on tap, comforting Irish food, and tunes that you can bop along to – it’s easy to see why this jolly Irish pub in Clarke Quay is so easy to fall in love with.
Party it up with the live bands playing energetic songs every Wednesday to Sunday for you to dance until dawn, and don’t forget to get yourself their signature chicken wings while you’re immersed in the addictive music!
Address: 3A River Valley Rd, Merchant’s Court, #01-01C to 01D, Blk A Clarke Quay, Singapore 179020
Opening hours: 12pm-1am (Mon & Tue), 12pm-3am (Wed-Fri), 10am-3am (Sat), 10am-1am (Sun)
More details at McGettigan’s online
16. Wala Wala Cafe & Bar
Proudly serving excellent live music for over 20 years, Wala Wala Cafe Bar is definitely a name that comes to mind when you ask any Singaporean about the best live music venues in Singapore.
The iconic bar offers up live music every night, with a different style of music and bands every day. The music ranges from acoustic to pop, rock, soul and even heavy metal! With different styles every day, you even have the perfect excuse to visit this bar everyday (if your wallet permits!) just to catch all your favourite singers while chilling with your friends.
Address: 31 Lor Mambong, Holland Village, Singapore 277689
Opening hours: 4pm-1am (Mon-Thu), 4pm-2am (Fri), 3pm-2am (Sat), 3am-1am (Sun)
More details at Wala Wala Cafe & Bar online
17. Switch by Timbre X
Mandopop lovers may feel like they are being overlooked by all the English live gigs in other places, but you can always count on Switch if you are up for live Mandarin music.
The bilingual Mandarin and English live music venue and restaurant-bar by Timbre Group is a favourite stage for up-and-coming Singaporean musicians proficient in Mandarin and English pop-rock, so you can look forward to live performances nightly; from an intimate 3-piece duo to a full 7-piece band rocking out on stage on weekend nights.
Address: 73 Bras Basah Rd, #01-01/02, Singapore 189556
Opening hours: 11pm-1am (Mon-Thu), 11am-2am (Fri), 6pm-2am (Sat), closed on Sun
More details at Switch by Timbre X online
18. Shuffle Bistro Bar
Shuffle Bistro Bar is an unpretentious pub in Clarke Quay that offers addictive grub, affordable drinks, and of course live acoustic music in both Chinese and English for you to enjoy.
They feature live acoustic sets from a line-up of eight local bands playing a mix of mainly Chinese pop and a sprinkling of current English top hits that you can sing along to. If you have a song that you want to dedicate to a special someone or sing along with your buddies, you are also welcome to request for it.
Address: 3D River Valley Road, #02-03, Clarke Quay, Singapore 179023
Opening hours: 6pm-12am (Mon & Tue), 6pm-1am (Wed & Thu), 6pm-3am (Sat), closed on Sun
More details at Shuffle Bistro Bar online
19. Bob’s Bar
Nothing is better than a weekend spent relaxing with an aromatic Cuban grill-out, refreshing mojitos, and easy jazz music, which is why Bob’s Bar is a hotspot even among those who are not staying at the Capella Singapore.
A latin jazz band invigorates the night on Wednesdays to Fridays from 7pm onwards. The music is Cuban-inspired and transports you back to the days of 1950s Havana. It has previously hosted live performances by the likes of Jeremy Monteiro and his Latin Jazz Trio, so if you are lucky enough you may be able to catch a glimpse of his soulful performance here.
Address: 1 The Knolls, Capella Singapore, Singapore 098297
Opening hours: 12pm-12am daily
More details at Bob’s Bar online
20. Cuba Libre Cafe & Bar
As one customer aptly puts it, “there really isn’t a better place in Singapore that you could just enjoy Latino music with your friends and chill out with pretty good food and affordable drinks”. In fact, the lively nightspot is well regarded within Singapore’s Latin American community as the happening place for Latino.
For seven days a week, Adrenalina, the resident six-piece band, lights up the evenings with a stunning array of live performances that are sure to get you excited and maybe even dancing on the dance floor late into the wee hours, so be sure to fuel your night with a hearty meal and some drinks first!
Address: 3B River Valley Rd, Clarke Quay Blk B, #01-13, Singapore 179021
Opening hours: 5pm-2am (Sun-Tue), 5am-3am (Wed & Thu), 5pm-4am (Fri & Sat)
More details at Cuba Libre Cafe & Bar online
21. Level Up
We are guessing that most Singaporean youths are no stranger to this retro-arcade bar in Clarke Quay. Most of them hang out there for the colourful neon lights, nostalgic arcade games, and good ol’ bar games, but here’s something that you may not have taken notice of while you are busy playing beer pong: their fantastic live music performances.
From Tuesdays to Saturdays, local bands like Wayne & Wayne and Anastasia Francis are in the house to help you wind down when you need a break from the intense competition at the arcade games. It may be a little difficult to hear the live music over the boisterous laughter, but if you take a seat and really focus on the performances, you’ll enjoy it a lot more than you expected.
Address: 3A River Valley Rd, #02-04, Clarke Quay Block A, Singapore 179020
Opening hours: 5pm-2am (Mon-Thu), 5pm-3am (Fri & Sat), 4pm-1am (Sun)
More details at Level Up online
22. The Beast
This rustic Southern-style bar is about more than just beers, bourbons or American comfort food.
The fact that it offers over 30 types of bourbon whiskies is probably more than enough to get you excited, but here’s something for the ones who want to have their own stage: open mic nights on Thursdays! If you are confident of your singing abilities, you can provide live music to other guests and truly immerse yourself in your favourite music.
Of course, if you are shy or don’t have the singing skills to boot, you can still kick back and enjoy your fellow guests’ performances, or else drop by on Fridays for live folk, pop, and country music.
Address: 17 Jln Klapa, Singapore 199329
Opening hours: 5pm-12am (Mon-Wed), 5pm-1am (Thu & Fri), 11am-12am (Sat & Sun)
More details at The Beast online
23. OSG Bar
OSG is a music restaurant bar with a corporate mission of “spreading love through Our Simple act of Goodness – one dish, one glass and one song at a time”.
You’ll get to enjoy multi-lingual live music from some of the most popular acts in Singapore such as Silver Ang, as well as the opportunity to create your own spectacular performance on open mic nights.
Their food has also been frequently praised for its high quality and wide variety, something that not many other bars can boast of.
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #01-510/511, Suntec City Tower 1, Singapore 038983
Opening hours: 7am-1am (Mon), 7am-3am (Tue-Thu), 7am-3am (Fri), 6pm-3am (Sat), closed on Sun
More details at OSG Bar online
24. *SCAPE
More than just a lifestyle hub for Singapore’s youths, *SCAPE is also a popular spot for budding musicians in Singapore to hone their skills and flex their chops, so you can look forward to all sorts of live music performances here.
Here’s a fun fact: indie darling Linying is a graduate of *SCAPE’s music programme and have performed at *SCAPE before – so who knows if the kid you see belting jazzy tunes on stage at *SCAPE could be a superstar in the future?
Address: 2 Orchard Link, Singapore 237978
Opening hours: 12pm-10pm daily
More details at *SCAPE online
25. Singapore Botanic Gardens
If music by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and other established music ensembles in Singapore are right up your alley, you’ll be happy to know that you can catch all of them for free (no strings attached!) at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage in Singapore Botanic Gardens!
Just remember to bring your own picnic mat and food if you want to revel in the music while having a picnic on the grass patch with your loved ones!
Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
Opening hours: Timing varies depending on performance scheduled
More details at Singapore Botanic Gardens online
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