Live Music in Belfast: A Local’s Guide to Entertainment

Updated on:March 29, 2026 by

Live music nights are essential to getting a true sense of Belfast’s history and culture. As a social hub with a never-ending buzz of life, the live music scene offers a different night out—from Irish traditional to new artists, you can have a bit of social craic with mates!

So, where exactly can you listen to live music in Belfast – and which nights are best for it? Belfast resident and ConnollyCove guest writer Caitlin Mussen lets you in on everything you need to know.

1, Ye Old Eglantine Inn

If you’re looking for live music, why not be the live music? Every Monday from 8 pm, the Eglantine Inn becomes home to open mic night. Offering a range of local talent, this is the perfect spot for aspiring musicians. But it doesn’t stop there. Known to locals as The Egg, there’s also live music every Saturday night from 9.30 pm. Not entirely sold yet? Then check out their 24/7 happy hour!

2, The Belfast Empire

Located on Botanic Avenue, this converted church is a popular spot for locals and a tourist attraction. At the heart of Belfast, The Empire offers a range of events across each night of the week. Since its opening in 1987, the music hall has seen a variety of artists, from locals striving to break into the music scene to bands such as Snow Patrol.

The music hall has been credited with giving many bands their beginnings, including Two Door Cinema Club. While concerts and gigs in the music hall have a ticketing fee, the Empire Bar offers many free weekly events, including Saturday Live Rock and Soul.

3, Limelight

Particularly popular with students, Limelight is known to be one of the best concert venues. The Limelight complex, which provides two concert venues, has hosted many legendary bands, such as Oasis and Arctic Monkeys. Limelight also welcomes upcoming bands and acts onto its stage. This isn’t all it has to offer either – with the traditional Irish feeling of Katy Daly’s joining Limelight One and Two and the rock beer garden on the roof, the complex caters to everyone. From live shows to club nights, it isn’t difficult to see why this is the place to be.

4, Dirty Onion

While the Dirty Onion’s building was constructed in 1680, this authentic Irish Bar still has a modern twist. With one of Belfast’s most extensive beer gardens, the rustic feel brings traditional Irish style to Belfast seven nights a week with free admission. With a strong focus on authentic Irish music, the Dirty Onion values its partnership with An Droichead to keep this alive.

Over the weekend, this spot offers contemporary live bands and acoustic shows. Although the beer garden is a shining feature, the Dirty Onion also houses a peat fire inside—so there’s no need to worry that the weather will impact your plans!

5, John Hewitt

This popular spot can be found in the Cathedral Quarter Writer’s Square. Named after Belfast-born poet and political activist John Hewitt, this bar is home to some of the best live music at least six nights a week. Ran by the Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre, the traditional Irish pub is a perfect place to immerse yourself in the culture.

6, Benedicts

Benedicts has long been a popular spot for visitors and locals. With its Gothic Neoclassical interior, you can see why the social spot on the Golden Mile is so attractive. This is the perfect place to stay for live music lovers visiting Belfast. Benedict’s offers live music seven nights a week until one a.m. in the hub of Belfast’s nightlife.

7, The Points

If you’re looking for traditional Irish vibes in live music, then The Points Belfast should be on your list! Every night of the week, The Points entertains artists all over Ireland. The weekend kicks off on a Friday night with Irish dancers accompanying traditional bands. But it doesn’t just stop there with live music; the Whiskey and Alehouse also serves Irish stew daily, adding to its homely sense!

8, McHughes

Another Irish-style bar that is sure to immerse you in a homely feel. The interior of the bar is eye-catching, with historical furniture and paintings. Here, you’ll find live folk music on a Friday night. In McHughes, you can see live sessions of traditional music every Saturday from 3 pm – 5 pm; they are welcoming and open to letting everyone partake in Irish Trad practice every Sunday.

If you’re visiting here, ensure you don’t miss out on their hidden treasure, The Basement. Keeping the same Irish vibe as The Old Bar, you can frequently find music gigs here. Artists over the years include Kodaline and Wild Youth.

9, The Harp Bar

The rich, luxurious interiors of Belfast’s Harp Bar have long attracted a widespread fan base. Lined with red velvet fabrics, The Harp Bar has a Victorian sense to it, with its antique furnishings inspired by the headquarters of The Old Bushmills Distillery Company. While being a proper public house, The Harp Bar is home to two floors of live music venues. Talents who have taken the stage here include Moon Dogs and Van Morrison. With live music every night, this is the perfect spot to head out.

10, Lavery’s

If you’re looking for local talent (or you want to be the talent), then Wednesday night open mic nights at Lavery’s Living Room are a must! Lavery’s Back Bar and Beer Garden have been a popular spot for a long time, and when you experience the bar’s atmosphere, it isn’t hard to see why.

This bar has become known for its focus on live music and entertainment. As a bonus, If you show your ID seven days on either side of your birthday, they’ll help you celebrate! Lavery’s offers something for everyone, including The Public Garden, The Pool Room and Roof Terraces- if live gigs aren’t quite your scene, they also provide free DJ entertainment six nights a week! And not that you need another reason to visit, but they also host a Pour Your Pint challenge – it’s all a bit of craic!

11, Blackbox

Since its opening in 2007, Blackbox has become a trendy spot for locals and tourists alike. With a range of events, including live music, comedy nights, visual art events, and more, you’re sure to find something you love here. Taking residency in a 19th-century Grade II listed building, you can feel a connection to the history of Belfast.

A highlighting feature of Blackbox is its charitable work, which provides services for those with learning difficulties. This is just one of the reasons that it’s a much-loved venue. From DJs to traditional folk and modern, you’ll find something to your taste here.

12, Robinsons

The ultimate place to be if you are the live music. With karaoke, every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday starting at 9 pm. Robinsons’ BT1 is also available for hire for events. Fibber Magee’s offers a range of live music entrainment every night. With five venues under one roof, this has been a standout spot in the heart of Belfast.

Pick the best one for you (or put them all on your list!), grab some mates, and immerse yourself in all Belfast offers. Don’t forget to let us know which is your favourite, too!

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Live Music in Belfast: A Local’s Guide to Entertainment