The Top 10 Live Music Venues In Liverpool
Liverpool has a buzzing music scene, having produced some of the biggest names in music like The Beatles, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Echo and The Bunnymen, Gerry and the Pacemakers and The La’s to name a few.
Plus, the city has been selected as the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.
There’s certainly no doubt that this North-West City has some amazing live music venues for those living in student accommodation to visit.
No matter what your taste in music is whether you’re into rock, indie, pop, jazz, hip-hop or heavy metal, there’s a place for everyone to love.
If you’re not sure where to start, that’s where we come in handy. We’ve curated this list of the top 10 venues in the city for discovering new music – yes, la!
1. The Cavern Club
If you’re a student searching for a place to discover live music in the city, you have to start off at none other than the iconic Cavern Club.
Often labelled as the ‘birthplace of The Beatles’ this music venue needs no introduction, it’s where the legends first played a lot of their gigs during the 1960s.
Since then, seven decades later, it has become the most famous club which people across the world come to visit.
Open 6 days a week with live music on from the early afternoon until late at night on both the stages, you can experience tunes from established artists to tribute bands to up-and-coming artists from a variety of genres.
The interior is kitted out with 1960s memorabilia along the walls and the intimate brick archers make for a great gig setting.
Although you do have to a general admission on the door, it’s only £5 and you can enjoy as much music as you want, as well as buying some food and drink if you fancy it.
You can find out who’s playing on The Cavern Club website, or just turn up and get a surprise!
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Address: 10 Mathew St, Liverpool L2 6RE
2. The Jacaranda Club
Next within our guide is The Jacaranda, another legendary live music venue in Liverpool which was opened by The Beatles manager Allan Williams, and closely associated with the rise of the Merseybeat genre in the 1960s.
Across its 60 years span the venue situated on Slater Street has provided a place for artists from a wide variety of genres and gig lovers to come together under one roof.
On Thursdays and Sundays, the venue offers open mic nights, whilst Friday and Saturdays are evenings for live music.
Spread across three floors with a bar area, café, record store, and gig room this place makes for a great place to watch a concert with friends.
There are even vinyl record players sunk into the tables – how cool, eh?
The entry to this place is free, so you can enjoy a gig without having to pay a penny – unless you want to try some of their classic cocktails that is!
Check out the gig programme on the official Jacaranda Club website.
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Address: 21-23 Slater St, Liverpool L1 4BW
3. The Shipping Forecast
Situated in the heart of Liverpool’s Ropewalks on Slater Street is The Shipping Forecast.
If you’re searching for an alternative venue to listen to some live music in the city then we cannot recommend this place enough, there’s tons of artists taking to stage weekly from local artists to DJs to big name bands.
Open 7 days a week from 12pm until late and not only does this place offer some boss live music, but they have a delicious food menu inspired by American diners to enjoy.
Plus, they offer a 2 pound pint deal – don’t mind if we do!
So, if you’re looking for a spot to listen to some brilliant music and enjoy a bite to eat and drink with friends, give this ambitious venue a try.
You can find out about concerts taking place at The Shipping Forecast on Skiddle.
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Address: 15 Slater St, Liverpool L1 4BW
4. 24 Kitchen Street
24 Kitchen Street is an independent venue, bar and nightclub located in The Baltic area of the city.
Despite being smaller than other live music venues with a capacity of 400, this local favourite is like none you will have experienced before.
There’s a huge array of gigs and events taking place here, with genres such as hip hop to jazz to soul to afro-beats to famous DJs spinning the tunes.
Famous for it’s edgy interior and atmospheric stage, you can dance away on the dance floor under the disco ball – the vibe of this place really is unmatched.
It’s definitely one of the most unique venues within the Liverpool music scene.
It isn’t usually the type of place you just stumble into to watch a gig, as tickets normal sell out in advance.
So, it’s worth taking a scope of the events programme and grabbing a ticket before you go.
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Address: 4 Kitchen St, Liverpool L1 0AN
5. LEAF
Next within our guide to live music venues in Liverpool, is LEAF – who else loves this name?!
This unassuming venue is a vibrant bar and restaurant situated on Bold Street, which also plays host to some great concerts by night.
Artists from a variety of genres including urban, hip hop, house and electronic play within the events space on the top floor.
Whilst the quirky ground floor space regularly hosts live music and resident DJ nights most of which are free entry.
If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy some nice food and drinks, whilst also offering some great music to sing along to, then this the place for you.
Although LEAF doesn’t have the largest gig programme, it’s certainly a place to check out for a concert at least once whilst living and studying in the city.
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Address: 65-67 Bold St, Liverpool L1 4EZ
6. Arts Club
For students after a place for watching live music, you’ve got to add the East Village Arts Club to your must-visit list.
Located on the nightlife favourite Seel Street, this long-standing venue was built in the 18th century and now not only provides locals and students with club nights, but brilliant gigs too.
Amongst their previous concerts, the venue has featured big names within the indie scene such as The Hunna, The Sherlocks and Superorganism to name a few.
Whatever music floats your boat, we’re sure there will be a gig to suit you to get those late-night dancing vibes flowing.
To top it off, they have a large concert space downstairs as well as a great gig room within their loft so you can experience a gig in each space.
Want to find out what’s on at the Arts Club? Take a look at their gig listings on the official website.
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Address: 90 Seel St, Liverpool L1 4BH
7. Jimmy’s
Jimmy’s is a three-story venue situated in an ideal location on Bold Street, opposite the Bombed-Out Church.
This venue is the sister site to Jimmy’s in Manchester and is the old site of The Cabin Club.
Now, it’s modern interior furnished with neon lighting and an edgy vibe is a firm favourite for gig goers looking to experience live music in the city.
There’s something to suit all with a mixture of music genres playing throughout the week in their basement area, from rock to alternative to indie artists – we’re sure you’ll find some sounds you like!
They even have an open mic night every Thursday if you want to show off your singing skills, or just have a laugh with your pals.
To find out about upcoming events taking place and secure your ticket in advance, head over to the Jimmy’s website.
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Address: 130 Bold St, Liverpool L1 4JA
8. O2 Academy
You’ll find the O2 Academy Liverpool on Hotham Street, just a few minutes’ walk from St George’s Hall and Lime Street station.
Boasting a capacity of 1200 across its two rooms, this buzzing event space, which was once a 19th century warehouse building, is one of the most popular spots for concerts.
This venue is a favourite for gig lovers and artists alike, as not they don’t just host big name artists from a wide range of genres such as Aitch, Sigrid, Sugababes and Blossoms but they also provide unsigned bands, local talent and tribute acts a platform to showcase their music.
Why not go along and see what a gig here is like for yourself? To see what’s taking place soon head over to the o2 Academy Liverpool website.
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Address: 11-13 Hotham St, Liverpool L3 5UF
9. Zanzibar
Another favourite on Seel Street, Zanzibar is a historic grassroots music venue in Liverpool City Centre.
The iconic Zanzibar has been back open and buzzing since 2021 after closing down during the pandemic, after 30 years in business.
Famous artists such as Kate Nash, The 1975, Noel Gallagher and The Coral are amongst the huge list of artists that have played here – we’re sure there will be more to come too!
The 300 capacity venue is back to its former glory, providing local and emerging artists a platform to play their tunes and music fans a great atmosphere to sing along and make great memories.
There’s a range of rock and alternative music events taking place throughout the week offering gig goers a place to enjoy some great tunes, and of course, make great memories.
You usually don’t have to buy tickets to the events taking place here beforehand, so most of the time you can show up to buy on the door.
Take a view of the upcoming events programme on the Zanzibar website.
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Address: 43 Seel St, Liverpool L1 4AZ
10. Meraki
Meraki is an independent music venue on Dickson Street in North Liverpool Docks, which is hugely popular for students in Liverpool.
If you like electronic music, then this laid-back place is for you.
Situated in an old industrial building, the venue hosts a collection of music events from dance to techno to house to dubstep to hip-hop which will leave you grooving until the early hours.
Not only do they have a state-of-the-art sound system and garden space, but the atmosphere here and the friendly vibes are a staple to why this place is quickly becoming one of the most popular places for DJ nights in the city.
We’re certain that this venue is bound to impress if you enjoy live music, but we’ll let you be the judge of that.
Find out what gigs and events you can attend on the Meraki Website.
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Address: 3 Dickson St, Liverpool L3 7EB
Now now guys, we hope we haven’t got you too excited about your next gig!
Although, there are some stellar recommendations within our guide to the 10 best live music venues in Liverpool which you absolutely have to visit.
We certainly haven’t mentioned all of the live music spots in the city, as we’d be here forever with the sheer amount that there is, but you can find them out for yourself!
Now you know what the best live music venues in Liverpool are, have a read of our blog on 8 Best Student Bars In Liverpool For A Boozy One.