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Looking for places to discover new music in Liverpool? Check out these venues!
It doesn't get much better than live music in Liverpool; whether you’re into rock, pop, jazz, acoustic or a bit of hip-hop, there is something for everyone in our musical city.
Home to The Beatles, the biggest band in the world, Liverpool is a city famous for producing top musical talent and we love nothing more than a bit of live music; but where do you go to find it? We’ve put together a list of some of the best venues in the city for discovering new music, from hidden gems to local favourites.
There’s something to suit all tastes behind these musical doors!
JIMMY’S LIVERPOOL
Head to Jimmy's at the top of Bold Street for drinks in their neon lit bar, food in their stunning dinning space and a gig down in the basement - what more could you ask for? With a gig on pretty much every day of the week, DJ nights and themed evenings, if it's music your after it's the perfect place to head.
THE JACARANDA
The Jacaranda, or ‘The Jac’, as it is more commonly referred to by locals, can be found on Slater Street and is a Liverpool institution when it comes to music. Famous for hosting gigs by The Beatles in their very early days, it is the perfect spot to uncover some local grassroots music. With events on all week showcasing the best in local DJs, gigs, acoustic sets and open mic nights, the basement is always booming with something new. You never know who you’ll run into down there.
There is also a record store and a coffee shop upstairs so you can browse through the recent vinyl releases with a cup of coffee whilst waiting for those gigs.
JACARANDA RECORDS: PHASE ONE
A second venue from the lovely people over at The Jac, Phase One is an event space like no other and hosts some of the best up and coming musicians from Liverpool and afar. Nestled into Seel Street, Phase One offers everything from album launches, signings, debut gigs, open mic nights to after parties. The huge leather couches get pushed aside in the evenings for nights of new music not to be missed, as favourites such as You Me at Six, Black Honey and local star, Zuzu, have all recently took to the stage.
Make sure you check out the record store whilst you're there and chill out in one of the sheds with a classic vinyl and a pint of their own Phase One Pilsner.
ARTS CLUB
Another Seel Street favourite, Arts Club is an arts and culture venue that has been converted from the Royal Institute of Arts and Science building from the 1800s and showcases some fantastic gigs, club nights and parties all year round. With a large gig space downstairs and a smaller room in the loft, it caters for all sorts of events to suit everyone's interests. With artists from all over the world gracing the stage, everyone from Superorganism to local favourites Clean Cut Kid have got the floor bouncing to excited crowds.
Arts Club is also home to some brilliant club nights popular amongst the student population, with Indie nights and a Black Parade rave celebrating all the noughties emo anthems.
SOUND
Find Sound Food and Drink on Duke Street in the Ropewalks district and head down into their basement to uncover some of the best local talent. Putting on events from gigs, comedy, themed nights and film showings, the cosy basement is being put to great use showcasing grassroots artists.
They also have a great food and drink menu so you can grab something to eat before you go down!
LEAF
Head down to Leaf on Bold street for some live music in a tea shop. You might ask, “Really? A Tea Shop?” but this isn't any old tea shop. Leaf is a quirky venue that serves countless types of tea during the day and a fine selection of gin in the evening, or the other way round if you fancy, alongside some fantastic music to boot. They host open mic nights, first listen friday’s and a range of chilled out gigs. It’s the perfect place to listen to new local music with your mates for a relaxed evening out.
24 KITCHEN STREET
Find 24 Kitchen Street in the trendy Baltic Triangle as the venue plays host to a range of gigs, events and club nights. Quickly becoming one of the leading spaces in Liverpool offering independent music and art events, there is something for everyone at this 400 capacity venue. Whether you are after an art exhibition showcasing local artists, a gig, Dj night or themed club night, you’ll find it at 24 Kitchen Street.
THE SHIPPING FORECAST
In the heart of Liverpool’s Ropewalks area, The Shipping Forecast is a local favourite, combining food, drink and live music in a beautiful setting. Grab something to eat and then head down into The Hold for one of their gigs, Dj nights or themed club nights. There is something for everyone at The Shipping Forecast and it will make for a great night out with your friends.
Fun Fact: It is also where Jonny Bongo of Bongo’s Bingo started out with his pub quiz on a Monday night!
INVISIBLE WIND FACTORY
Find the Invisible Wind Factory just outside the city centre on Regent Street as they play host to a range of events, gigs and art experiences all year round. Dj nights are in abundance at the Invisible Wind Factory as some of the most immersive club nights offer everything from House, Tech, Trance and Disco to keep you dancing till the early hours of the morning. Don't forget to keep checking what gigs they have coming up too though, with acts like Chase & Status and Lord Huron playing recently, you never know what might be happening down there.
MOUNTFORD HALL
Liverpool Guild of Students’ Mountford Hall is one of the biggest music venues in the city and for the last 50 years have been welcoming musical royalty like Queen, The Smiths and The Who to their stage. Perched at the top of Mount Pleasant, Mountford Hall has the likes of Miles Kane, Kaiser Chiefs and Anne-Marie on their upcoming events schedule after recently welcoming George Ezra and The Coral to the stage. It’s a venue steeped with musical history so keep an eye on what is coming up because they are sure to be big hitters!
O2 ACADEMY
The O2 Academy is tucked down a side street at the back of Lime Street Station and holds some of Liverpool’s biggest gigs in the city centre. The old converted warehouse played host to bands like Muse and Coldplay’s early gigs as well as the likes of The Killers, Arctic Monkeys and The Prodigy. Now, the venue welcomes local up and coming acts and chart topping touring bands, alongside club nights and tribute acts. Most of their gigs often sell out so make sure you are up to date with all their events, you don't want to miss out!
KAZIMIER STOCKROOM
Probably one of the smallest venues in Liverpool, you can find Kazimier Stockroom through a side door in Kazimier Garden on Seel Street. The venue was given its name due to it being previously used at the Kazimier's actual stockroom. You'll find some great little gigs in here and then be able to grab a drink in the garden afterwards.
BIRDIES LIVE
Birdies Live is one of the most exciting live music venues to hit The Baltic Triangle recently and you’ll see why when you go in. The space has been designed to look like a movie set, decorated floor to ceiling with buildings and flowers, you’ll feel like you’re the star of your own movie whilst you watch on from a balcony at the local musical talent gracing the stage. They host acts from a range of genres including, jazz, soul, hip-hop and rock so there is something for everyone at this star studded venue.
DISTRICT
Find District in a converted warehouse in the heart of the Baltic Triangle on Jordan Street, housing everything you could need for a night out. There is The Warehouse which is used for events, gigs and Dj nights, The Lab, a multimedia arts lab used for everything from photography to screen printing and The Loading Bay, a street bar complete with dance floor, Dj booth and fire pit, sounds amazing, right? Not only does District play host a range of gigs it's also a buzzing festival site.
THE ZANZIBAR
The Zanzibar is another one of Liverpool’s favourite music venues on the popular Seel Street. Famous for showcasing unsigned bands, the grassroots venue has been an important part of the city’s music scene offering rock and alternative bands the chance to share their music. Big Liverpudlian artists such as The Coral, The Zutons and Miles Kane have all graced the stage at The Zanzibar so it is a great venue to check out; you never know, the next big band might be playing there.
STUDIO 2
What was once a world class recording studio, Studio 2 in the Parr Street Studio building is now a unique live music space, still keeping all of its original features intact. The bar is housed in the old control room complete with a viewing window and the On Air sign still hangs on the walls as local and touring acts take to the stage. The venue hosts a range of musical events, from rock gigs to intimate acoustic shows with candle lit tables for two. It is an amazing space to check out some new music in Liverpool surrounded by so much history.
HANGAR 34
Another of The Baltic Triangle’s booming music venues, Hangar 34, promotes local talent through grassroots artists. It also turns itself into a club as it showcases international DJ’s and attracts various touring bands from around the world. It's a venue that does everything so whatever music you are into you’ll no doubt find it at Hangar 34.
81 RENSHAW
81 Renshaw is a venue steeped in history from the Liverpool music scene and was a favorite spot for The Beatles. The venue was first used as the office for the ‘Mersey Beat’ music magazine that helped to promote the Mesey Beat sound coming from Liverpool. Today it is a music venue, record store and bar, offering a space for touring bands and local artists to perform their music. They also have theatre productions and acoustic afternoon sessions so there is something to cater for everyone's interests on Renshaw Street.
M&S BANK ARENA
For the biggest gigs around town, head to the M&S Bank Arena on King’s Dock. The 11,000 capacity arena hosts all sorts of performances. From huge international bands like Paul McCartney, Elton John and Little Mix to massive sporting events like the 2019 Netball World Cup - it’s a venue not to miss.
CAMP AND FURNACE
Sitting right in the heart of the Baltic Triangle, the music from Camp and Furnace can often be heard from the other end of the road so you know you're in for a good night here. Home to the world famous Bongo’s Bingo and other themed nights like Gold Digger, Ya Nan’s Big Quiz and Piano Wars, it’s the place to go for a big night out. They also host some huge gigs from local acts to touring bands and even whole festivals. Camp and Furnace welcomes all kinds of genres to their warehouse so you never know who is going to turn up next. Eyes Down!
THE CAVERN
Known as the most famous club in the world, The Cavern was the original stomping ground of The Beatles and they went on to play the famous stage nearly 300 times. Now restored to its former glory, The Cavern plays host to a range of gigs, from Beatles tribute acts, to local up and coming musicians or bands who have traveled from afar to play in a part of music history. It’s always a magical place to visit regardless of who is playing, even Paul McCartney pops in for a surprise show on rare occasions.
THE EVENTIM OLYMPIA
Head slightly out of the city centre and you will find the Eventim Olympia, one of Liverpool’s key venues when it comes to celebrating music. Once used as an indoor circus and variety theatre, The Olympia now hosts everything from live music, comedy shows, boxing, and club nights. Some big acts in music have graced the stage at the venue over the years and they are due to welcome the likes of White Lies and The Zutons in the new year. It’s definitely a venue to keep an eye on so you don't miss out on some amazing gigs!
SOFAR SOUNDS LIVERPOOL
If you are after a gig with a difference, Sofar sounds offers a night of music in a different venue each time. The venues are not usually where you would expect to attend a gig and can range from shops, offices, bars to people's houses! What is exciting though is you don’t find out who is playing or where it is until the day of the event so you have no idea what to expect. It is a great way to discover new places in Liverpool and some local musical talent so make sure you sign up for ticket alerts!
LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC HALL
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra gives more than 60 concerts a year, with world-class artists, at its home, Philharmonic Hall and plays far and wide in venues and concert halls across the UK and abroad.
There you have it! Some of the best venues in Liverpool to check out for new music or to catch your favourite touring band! Let us know what gigs you're going to by tweeting @VisitLiverpool or tagging us in your Instagram posts.
To make travel to and from these venues easier you can use the Merseyrail Loop line to get you where you need to be!
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BLOG POST PROFILE
This blog post has been written by Sophie Shields, Digitial Marketing Assistant for Marketing Liverpool.
Sophie is from Liverpool, loves all things music, particularly the local music scene and Liverpool FC.
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