Beyond the Beatles: 9 of Liverpool’s Best Live Music Venues

Located on Seel Street, Zanzibar is a historic grassroots music venue that has been around for over 30 years. With a focus on rock and alternative music, Zanzibar is known for showcasing emerging performers and unsigned bands. Liverpudlian bands like The Coral, The Zutons, and Miles Kane have all played here, as well as high-profile artists like Kate Nash, The 1975, and Noel Gallagher. With room for 300 people plus a dance floor, you’re in for a good time.

It wouldn’t be a list of music venues in Liverpool without The Cavern Club. This legendary venue on Mathew Street was once the center of Liverpool’s rock and roll scene and is best known for being the original stomping ground of The Beatles who played here almost 300 times. The Cavern Club is open every day with live music available from morning until late at night, and you can listen to everything from esteemed musicians to tribute bands and up-and-coming performers.

Also on Mathew Street is Eric’s Club, another celebrated venue that was instrumental in the rise of Merseybeat during the 1960s. Many notable bands started their careers at Eric’s, including Buzzcocks, The Clash, Joy Division, Ramones, Sex Pistols, and Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Visit on any night of the week and you’ll find an act on stage until at least 2am. Not to mention entry is always free—what more could you ask for?

A Liverpool institution, Slater Street’s The Jacaranda has been around since Allan Williams, the first manager of The Beatles, opened it in the late 1950s. The Jacaranda has seen all sorts of genres grace the stage and is still going strong today, offering a space for new performers, open-mic nights, and live bands most evenings. Spread across three floors with a bar, café, record store, and gig room, “The Jac” is a fantastic place for a taste of Liverpool’s nightlife.

From The Jacaranda, head next door to The Shipping Forecast. A favorite haunt with locals, here you can find good food, cheap drinks, and live music all in one place. From Liverpudlian artists to DJs and noteworthy bands, there is something to suit every taste within The Shipping Forecast’s edgy, industrial interiors. You can also take part in the venue’s themed club nights, quiz nights, or even karaoke sessions if you’re feeling confident enough to take on the Scousers.

Home of the critically-acclaimed Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, this concert hall (alongside its smaller venue the Music Room) showcases almost 400 concerts and events a year. It’s not just classical music here—you’ll find a range of shows, including contemporary, rock, pop, folk, roots, and jazz, as well as comedy, film, and spoken word. If you’re visiting with little ones, there’s even a fun-filled calendar of interactive family concerts where the kids can sing, dance, and let off some steam.

Located in the trendy Baltic Triangle area, the independent 24 Kitchen Street boasts cool interiors and an even cooler atmosphere. At a capacity of 400 people, it’s one of the more spacious venues on this list, and you can expect to find a whole host of genres, from hip-hop and jazz to afro-beats and house music. As well as live music, there is also a large variety of club nights, poetry workshops, and art exhibitions from local creators.

Wander over to Bold Street, one of Liverpool’s best shopping streets filled with independent shops and eateries. At first glance, you may think you’ve stepped into the wrong shop with its rows of tables, potted plants, and shelves of tea. But, come evening, this stylish tea shop and café turns into a unique live music venue. With open mic nights, live bands, and resident DJs, it’s a great place to enjoy a chilled night out discovering new music.

For the most popular events in town, the M&S Bank Arena is the place to be. Set along Liverpool’s renowned waterfront, this multi-purpose venue has hosted everyone from homegrown bands like The Farm to international superstars like Justin Bieber and Beyoncé. As well as live music, you can also catch comedy and sporting shows, as well as notable events including Eurovision. Feeling fancy? Treat yourself to a drink or two at the VIP gin lounge before your show.