Music Scene
Music has always been an important part of life in Manchester. Over the years, every genre imaginable has drawn a crowd: from classic performances of the Halle Orchestra to the 60’s ‘British Invasion Band’ Herman’s Hermit’s; Joy Divisions punk era; an 80’s ‘Madchester’ scene; mid-90’s Britpop from Oasis and even a viable attempt at hip-hop which carries on regardless from the ashes of a now deceased but never forgotten Grand Canal records. Today the city continues to build on its legacy with some world-class venues that play host to all kinds of musical styles.
Night & Day, Roadhouse and numerous bars in the city host up and coming artists, whilst the O2 Apollo, Manchester Academy and the Manchester Arena present more established acts.
If you’re more of a classical fan, head to the Bridgewater Hall, a regular host to the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and home of the Halle, or try and catch a free evening performance of Evensong at Manchester Cathedral.
Live Music Bars
The Deaf Institute
New talent showcased regularly at this trendy bar.
Dry Bar
A great venue to listen to good music. Here you can sample great tunes from top DJs and even live bands.
Matt and Phreds Jazz Club
This is a legendary Manchester jazz venue, showcasing new and established artists from across the board.
Night and Day Café Bar
A number of top acoustic, indie and folk acts scheduled regularly at Night and Day.
Odd Bar
Plenty of acoustic and live music nights at the eclectic Odd Bar.
Ruby Lounge
The Ruby Lounge is a bespoke 375 capacity live music venue that nods from the 21st century to all those perfect 1950’s Lounges.
The Castle Hotel
The pub’s now deeply cemented relationship with the city’s music scene probably began when it was a stopping off point for to people on their way to Band on the Wall... So come along, pull up a stool, and become a part of our story.
O'Sheas Irish Bar
At O'Sheas on Princess Street, they like to entertain the patrons with regular music nights ranging from Irish to swing.
The Sandbar
Weekly live jazz guaranteed at this hugely popular bar on Grosvenor Street.
Thirsty Scholar
The Thirsty Scholar deals in live music on Thursdays and Fridays with a healthy student following.
Trof
During the day it's a laid back restaurant-cum-cafe perfect for recovering from the night before, and by night it turns out fantastic music from a variety of DJs and live acts.
Music has always been an important part of life in Manchester. Over the years, every genre imaginable has drawn a crowd: from classic performances of the Halle Orchestra to the 60’s ‘British Invasion Band’ Herman’s Hermit’s; Joy Divisions punk era; an 80’s ‘Madchester’ scene; mid-90’s Britpop from Oasis and even a viable attempt at hip-hop which carries on regardless from the ashes of a now deceased but never forgotten Grand Canal records. Today the city continues to build on its legacy with some world-class venues that play host to all kinds of musical styles.
Night & Day, Roadhouse and numerous bars in the city host up and coming artists, whilst the O2 Apollo, Manchester Academy and the Manchester Arena present more established acts.
If you’re more of a classical fan, head to the Bridgewater Hall, a regular host to the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and home of the Halle, or try and catch a free evening performance of Evensong at Manchester Cathedral.
Live Music Bars
The Deaf Institute
![]() | 135 Grosvenor Street |
New talent showcased regularly at this trendy bar.
Dry Bar
![]() | 28-30 Oldham Street |
A great venue to listen to good music. Here you can sample great tunes from top DJs and even live bands.
Matt and Phreds Jazz Club
![]() | 64 Tib Street, Northern Quarter |
This is a legendary Manchester jazz venue, showcasing new and established artists from across the board.
Night and Day Café Bar
![]() | 26 Oldham Street, Northern Quarter |
A number of top acoustic, indie and folk acts scheduled regularly at Night and Day.
Odd Bar
![]() | 30-32 Thomas Street |
Plenty of acoustic and live music nights at the eclectic Odd Bar.
Ruby Lounge
![]() | 28-34 High St, Northern Quarter |
The Ruby Lounge is a bespoke 375 capacity live music venue that nods from the 21st century to all those perfect 1950’s Lounges.
The Castle Hotel
![]() | Oldham Street |
The pub’s now deeply cemented relationship with the city’s music scene probably began when it was a stopping off point for to people on their way to Band on the Wall... So come along, pull up a stool, and become a part of our story.
O'Sheas Irish Bar
![]() | 80 Princess Street |
At O'Sheas on Princess Street, they like to entertain the patrons with regular music nights ranging from Irish to swing.
The Sandbar
![]() | 120-122 Grosvenor Street |
Weekly live jazz guaranteed at this hugely popular bar on Grosvenor Street.
Thirsty Scholar
![]() | New Wakefield Street |
The Thirsty Scholar deals in live music on Thursdays and Fridays with a healthy student following.
Trof
![]() | 8 Thomas Street |
During the day it's a laid back restaurant-cum-cafe perfect for recovering from the night before, and by night it turns out fantastic music from a variety of DJs and live acts.