You can find a diverse range of alternative rock bands, indie musicians, jazz ensembles, techno, and deep house DJs at these live music venues.
What’s one thing we’ve missed during the pandemic? We’d say: live music, baby! For those of you who are craving underground gigs, or wanting to discover different local bands – whether it be alternative rock, psychedelic, techno, or hardcore music – here’s a list of our favourite live music venues in Hong Kong (and those that have survived the lockdown), so you know where to go for a great night of rock ‘n’ roll or a soothing live jazz sesh.
Best live music venues in Hong Kong that have survived the pandemic
1. Lost Stars Livehouse Bar & Eatery
One of the cosiest live music venues in Hong Kong, Lost Stars Livehouse Bar & Eatery not only serves delicious tapas and drinks, ranging from tortillas to garlic and mushroom linguine, it also has different local bands and artists as frequent musical guests, including Hong Kong band Lil’ Ashes who are big fans of the space. It’s definitely one of the best places to eat if you fancy an evening with great food and live music!
Lost Stars Livehouse Bar & Eatery, G/F, Shop 506, Phase 1, Square Mile, 11 Li Tak Street, Tai Kok Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2337 6728, 大角咀利得街11號利奥坊一期地下506號舖
2. The Wanch
Reopened after a relocation and expansion in May 2022, we’re thrilled to have The Wanch back on the live music scene! The unofficial home of live music in Hong Kong since 1987, The Wanch has been an integral part of the city’s history. It’s given a platform to homegrown talents and hosted numerous international acts – even renowned musicians like Slash (lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses) have visited this place! What’s more, The Wanch now has a dedicated kitchen, serving gastropub-inspired fare for lunch and dinner, so feel free to enjoy a pint and steak while tuning in to the live performances on stage.
The Wanch, 1/F, Henan Building, 90 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 3692 5933, 灣仔謝斐道90號豫港大廈1樓
3. Mihn Club
Cheers to Mihn, a super cool live music spot in Hong Kong for people to express themselves freely while dancing along to different types of late-night rave music and groovy electronic beats. All races, genders, and sexual identities are welcome in this community. Now that it’s reopened after renovation (just in time for the relaxing of social distancing regulations), be sure to pop by and show your support, stat!
Mihn Club, 279 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong, 中環德輔道中279號宀
4. Hidden Agenda: This Town Needs
Hidden Agenda, formerly known as the most prominent underground live music venues in Hong Kong, was forced to shut down due to legal disputes with the government. Now rebranded as This Town Needs, the space hosts a myriad of events, such as film screenings, workshops, art exhibitions, handicraft markets, and more. But, of course, its main focus remains to be showcasing the very best of indie music in Hong Kong. You can expect anything from punk to heavy metal, to post-rock gigs at this amazing venue. Our town certainly needs more places like This Town Needs!
Hidden Agenda: This Town Needs, 1/F, Ocean One, 6 Shung Shun Street, Yau Tong, Hong Kong, 油塘崇信街6號 Ocean One 1樓
5. Ned Kelly’s Last Stand
Ahh, the good ol’ Ned Kelly’s. Established in 1972 by Tom Parker, this classic pub and livehouse is about to celebrate its 50th anniversary – and its fanbase is standing strong as ever. Many famous musicians have performed at Ned’s over the years, including Sergio Mendez Band, Jimmy Rogers, Kenny Ball & His Jazzband, Winifred Atwell, Rosemary Clooney, and more. There were also visiting cruise ships and military musicians, as well as resident bands like Dennis James & The Jamestown Five, Ken Bennett & The Kowloon Honkers, and Colin Aitchison & The China Coast Jazzmen. If you’re down for a pint and friendly vibes, Ned’s is the place to be.
Ned Kelly’s Last Stand, 11A Ashley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2376 0562, 尖沙咀亞士厘道11號A
6. Social Room
Located in the heart of Central, Social Room is a creative and vibey space dedicated to enhancing the underground experience. They have a relaxed bar area with seating, as well as a large dance floor with a raised stage and DJ boot for audience of all kinds. From techno and deep house to experimental music, you will be amazed by the underground artists and DJs that they invite.
Social Room, 3/F, Won Hing Building, 74-78 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong, 中環士丹利街74-78號旺興大廈3樓
7. Grappa’s Cellar
We were devastated when Grappa’s has had to close its doors in Central, so guess who’s excited when it made a comeback in Causeway Bay! This new location offers dining services and a performance space on the lower floor, whereas the upper floor acts as the bar area. From internationally renowned rock bands to pop acts to local comedians, Grappa’s has hosted countless live music sessions and comedy nights over the past three decades. So, don’t miss out on one of the coolest live music venues in Hong Kong while enjoying the best of Italian dining.
Grappa’s Cellar, Shop LG08, LG/F, Lee Gardens, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 3529 1871, 銅鑼灣恩平道28號利園二期LG樓LG08號舖
8. Hong Kong Fringe Club
Hong Kong Fringe Club is a modern cultural space for theatre performances, live music events, and art exhibitions. Frequently inviting jazz ensembles and classical orchestra to play in the house, Hong Kong Fringe Club is perfect for those who would love an enticing performance of live jazz music after a hectic day of work, such as their well-received Big Band Night series.
Hong Kong Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2521 7251, 中環下亞厘畢道2號藝穗會
9. MOM Livehouse
Hidden in the basement of Seven Seas Shopping Centre in North Point, MOM Livehouse is an edgy space that can hold up to 200 people standing. If you’re into alternative rock, indie pop, shoegaze, or folk music, you will find great gigs here featuring a large number of both local and internationally renowned indie bands and singer-songwriters.
MOM Livehouse, B39, Seven Seas Shopping Centre, 117-121 Kings Road, North Point, Hong Kong, 炮台山七海商業中心地庫B39號鋪
10. Salon 10
Not only is Salon 10 a cosy restaurant and bar, it’s also a beloved social club for frequent gig goers. There are often live music events happening late at night, featuring techno, house, underground EDM, and jazz music. It definitely qualifies as one of the coolest, most secretive live music venues in Central!
Salon 10, 10 Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2801 6768, 中環亞畢諾道10號
11. Lau Bak Livehouse, West Kowloon Freespace
West Kowloon is full of gems – and we’re not just talking about the picnics over in Art Park. Also near the waterfront is Lau Bak Livehouse, located in Freespace. In addition to the array of contemporary music, dance, and theatre performances being held at Freespace, the bar and restaurant also hosts weekly gigs and live music sessions every Friday to Sunday. Moreover, Lau Bak Livehouse is operated by Mak’s Brewery, so you know that it’s serious about its craft beer!
Lau Bak Livehouse, G/F, Freespace, Art Park, West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong, p. 2868 4333, 西九文化區藝術公園自由空間地舖留白 Livehouse
12. Foxglove
A snazzy and elegant establishment in Central, we are absolute fans of Foxglove’s brunches, cocktails, as well as its wonderful live jazz evenings, which start from around 9pm several nights a week. This is one of our go-to live music venues in Hong Kong!
Foxglove, 2/F, Printing House, 18 Ice House Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2116 8949, 中環雪廠街18號印刷行2樓
13. Lobster Bar & Grill, Island Shangri-La
Located inside the swanky Island Shangri-La, Lobster Bar & Grill is a classy place to unwind after a long day at work. Enjoy a bespoke cocktail and one of their signature seafood platters as you take in the sweet stylings of the house band from 9pm every evening.
Lobster Bar & Grill, Level 6, Island Shangri-La, Supreme Court Road, Admiralty, Hong Kong, p. 2820 8560, 金鐘法院道港島香格里拉酒店6樓龍蝦吧餐廳
14. The Murray, Hong Kong
While you’re at The Murray for a fancy staycay, don’t miss out its new series of live music sessions at the Cotton Tree Terrace and Popinjays. From al fresco jazzy brunches to hip hop nights with live DJs on the deck, the hotel offers no less than top-notch entertainment, stellar food and drinks, plus five-star services to match.
The Murray, Hong Kong, 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Admiralty, Hong Kong, p. 3141 8888, 中環紅棉路22號香港美利酒店
15. The Iron Fairies
Think The Iron Fairies is only about sweaty crowds and head-banging music? Think again. This trendy bar and lounge also has a good range of cocktails, a stunning butterfly ceiling, and wonderful live music sessions. Bob along to some live jazz and blues here as you warm up to a crazy night out in Lan Kwai Fong.
The Iron Fairies, LG/F, Chinachem Hollywood Centre, 1-13 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2603 6992, 中環荷李活道1-13號華懋荷里活中心LG樓
16. Bar Q88, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong
In search of a more sophisticated spot to relax to live music in Hong Kong? Head to Bar Q88 for a cocktail or two, accompanied by live band entertainment. The cosy bar also offers over 40 kinds of wine by the glass, as well as champagne, craft beer, premium liqueurs, and bar bites.
Bar Q88, Lobby level, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong, p. 2810 8366, 金鐘金鐘道88號太古廣場香港JW萬豪酒店大堂
17. Darkside, Rosewood Hong Kong
For those looking for date night ideas, a romantic evening with live jazz at Darkside will not disappoint. Newly ranked #13 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022 list – an impressive jump from #49 last year – the cocktail parlour showcases an equally impressive line-up of beverages on its Modern Forgotten Classic Menu, launched only in May 2022. The drinks, paired by sultry live music, make an immaculate experience.
Darkside, Level Two, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 3891 8732, 尖沙咀梳士巴利道18號香港瑰麗酒店2樓
Mudita (now closed)
Looking for a comfortable lounge and club for your late-night outings? Mudita is a concept lounge that offers live jazz and funk music, along with a selection of international and local music acts. Have a tasty cocktail and enjoy the eve!
Read more about Mudita.
Mudita, G/F, 24-30 Ice House Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2810 9902, 中環雪廠街24-30號順豪商業大廈地舖
Peel Fresco Music Lounge (now closed)
At Peel Fresco in SoHo, you’ll be able to catch a range of local and international acts from every genre. From Cantopop to poetry, jazz to indie rock, be sure to follow along on Facebook to see what’s happening here every week.
Peel Fresco Music Lounge, 49 Peel Street, SoHo, Hong Kong
SAAL (now closed)
Most known for their Friday Escape! Live and Kill Jazz series, SAAL is a multi-purpose event space in Kwun Tong that holds underground gigs, workshops, and poetry nights. Having invited a diverse range of up-and-coming experimental artists and bands to perform, it’s becomes a hotspot for people to discover new music, especially noise music.
SAAL, Room D, 3/F, King Wan Industrial Building, 54 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong, 觀塘區鴻圖道景雲工廠大廈3樓D室
Sai Coeng (now closed)
Opened in November 2018, Sai Coeng (meaning “tiny venue” (細場) in Cantonese) is one of the latest live music venues in Hong Kong. It’s a joy to find an array of local underground bands playing at Sai Coeng, making it one of the loveliest places to discover talented local acts in the city.
Sai Coeng, Unit 10, 7/F, Block B, Wah Tat Industrial Centre, 8 Wah Sing Street, Kwai Hing, Hong Kong, 葵興華星街8號華達工業中心B座7樓10室細場
Studio (now closed)
As a welcoming jazz bar and lounge in Central, Studio is ideal for fans of jazz, R&B, and neo-soul music to have an after-work gathering while enjoying some soothing jazz tunes. Live music usually runs from 9pm until midnight, and resident and international DJs will continue entertaining you for the rest of night.
Studio, On Hing Building, 1 On Hing Terrace, Central, Hong Kong, 中環安慶台1號安慶大廈
The 50s Bar & Restaurant (now closed)
Hidden away in the heart of Wan Chai, this is one of our fave places to enjoy a night of sing-along classics with a great crowd. Go for dinner and drinks, and stay for the band that plays classics from the 50s, 60, 70s and beyond. They even take requests, and you can guarantee you won’t leave without hitting the dance floor.
The 50s Bar & Restaurant, 9/F, QRE Plaza, 202 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 灣仔皇后大道東202號 QRE Plaza 9樓
Volar (now closed)
Being one of the hottest nightclubs in Central, Volar often presents an array of famous techno DJs and pioneers of electronic dance music to perform in the house. Visitors are guaranteed a great time dancing and sweating on the dancefloor.
Volar, B/F, Ho Lee Commerical Building, 38-44 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2810 1510, 中環蘭桂坊德己立街38-44號好利商業大廈地庫
