Belfast’s top live music venues

Described as one of Belfast’s finest live music venues, Pavilion has been showcasing live musical talents for decades. Located on the Ormeau Road, Pavilion is spread across several floors and three unique spaces, ensuring there is something for everyone including club nights, live gigs and everything in between. From its classic Victorian-style main bar, to its kitsch and alternative loft, visitors are guaranteed a lively night at this iconic venue. Nicknamed the “Big House”, Pavilion has been the leading light, not only for live entertainment but also food and drink. If visiting for a night of disco funk or a live gig, why not stop by early for some of the delicious pub grub. The menu, as well as including traditional favourites, also has more unique options as well as dishes suitable for vegetarians and vegans too. Most popular of all on the menu however, has to be Pavilion’s “Heap Burgers”, which are sure to hit the spot before enjoying a night of music and dancing.

Hidden down an old cobbled trading alley sits the charming and vintage three storey bar that is Whites Tavern. The first bar in the city to receive its tavern licence, this historic venue has been hydrating guests since as early as 1630. Although maintaining its original charm with original beams and visible brick work, Whites Tavern has ensured to keep up with the times, receiving a delightful makeover with refurbished interiors and refreshed façade. Authentically Irish in style, Whites Tavern has a jam-packed schedule of traditional music singers and bands every night of the week. Any day of the week you can pull up a chair in front of the bar’s authentic open fireplace and enjoy a delicious pint of Guinness, whilst listening to some of the best traditional music the city has to offer. The music at Whites Tavern isn’t the only thing worth stopping by for, with a side selection of Irish pub grub including all the classic favourites, such as fish and chips and stew. If traditional grub isn’t your thing, you can head out into the Whites Garden to enjoy one of the seasonal cocktails and woodfired pizzas. With enchanting music, an unparalleled location and a variety of food options, Whites Tavern is a must visit for anyone searching for traditional sessions in Belfast.

One of Belfast’s best event spaces, The Empire is an obvious spot to enjoy great food and drink offers whilst taking one of the many exciting live music sets. Rather than sticking to one music genre, this South Belfast space has something on offer for everyone, no matter the taste or mood. With three dedicated floors for every genre, from classic tribute nights and throwbacks to blues, rock, trad and jazz bands, there is always something exciting happening at The Empire. On top of the exciting live music, The Empire has an equally exciting food offering with a mixed menu of sharing and small plates, pizzas and burgers. Even better, this iconic events hall and bar runs various offers throughout the week, such as £5 pizza, making any visit even more pleasing. Although open seven days a week, inside and outside for food and drinks, Fridays and Saturdays are the dedicated live music nights.

If searching for a sophisticated evening on the town, why not pull up a seat at Belfast’s only dedicated live Jazz venue. Berts Jazz Bar is part of the iconic Merchant Hotel and offers up the same stylish ambience. With live melodies of cool and smooth jazz, performed in a dark and seductive lounge, it’s easy to get swept away in the reminiscent atmosphere of 1930s New York. Unlike many other venues across the city, Berts has music on offer every night of the week with its weekly lineup and timetable available on its website. Online you will also find the venue’s food and drinks menu, which is even more reason to visit with French bistro-style cuisine and an expertly crafted cocktail list. Although Berts has its classic style, this city centre venue is focused on quality as well as shaking things up, and therefore regularly updates its menus with items that best reflect the time of year and flavours of the season. A one of a kind experience, transport yourself into the Art Deco era with smooth jazz performances and classic cocktails creating a night on the town like no other.