You can find a diverse range of alternative rock bands, indie musicians, jazz ensembles, techno, and deep house DJs at these live music venues.
There are tons of things to do in Hong Kong, especially at night – and one of our fave activities is to chill out to some nice music at a dive bar on a Friday eve. Whether you’re into jazz, alternative rock, or techno, there’ll be a place for you in the city to jam out to a live performance. For those of you who are craving underground gigs or wanting to discover different local bands, check out our list of the best live music venues in Hong Kong.
Rock out at the best live music venues in Hong Kong
Hidden gems
1. Mercury Recalls
Another venture by the team behind Lost Stars Livehouse Bar & Eatery is Mercury Recalls, a quaint and retro cafe and live music venue in Hong Kong. Located on the outskirts of Causeway Bay, Mercury Recalls is the ideal place to wind down with quality vinyl DJ music and soulful live performances after a day at work. The kitchen also serves quality mains and snacks, all pairing perfectly with craft drinks and cocktails from the bar.
Mercury Recalls, Shop A, G/F, Fairview Mansion, 52 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 2416 7503
2. Ella
You might be familiar with The Trilogy in LKF, but do you know its sister live music bar, Ella? Part of the iconic trio sitting atop H Code, Ella is a New Orleans-inspired live music venue that pays homage to Queen of Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald. Expect a line up of classy acts, from sultry jazz to nostalgic blues that creates the ideal atmosphere for clinking glasses.
Ella, 26/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong
3. Mihn Club
Cheers to Mihn Club, a super cool space for live music in Hong Kong where you can express yourself freely, while dancing to different types of late-night rave music and groovy electronic beats. All races, genders, and sexual identities are welcome in this community. Showcasing international acts as well as nurturing local talent, Mihn Club has a no-photo policy inside the club, so be sure to hang on to your memories!
Mihn Club, 4/F, Loon Kee Building, 279 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 5918 3870
4. Lost Stars Livehouse Bar & Eatery
We were bummed out when we heard Lost Stars Livehouse Bar & Eatery was closing down in Tai Kok Tsui – but turns out it was simply moving to the bigger and better K11 Art Mall! Having just reopened in July 2024, Lost Stars remains to be one of the cosiest live music venues in Hong Kong. Not only does it serve delicious tapas and drinks, ranging from tortillas to garlic and mushroom linguine, it also frequently features local bands and artists as musical guests. It’s definitely one of the best places to eat in Tsim Sha Tsui if you fancy an evening with great food and live music!
Lost Stars Livehouse Bar & Eatery, Shop 222A, Level 2, K11 Art Mall, 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2455 8593
5. Lau Bak Livehouse
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
6. 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
7. Mom Livehouse
Hidden in the basement of Seven Seas Shopping Centre in North Point, Mom Livehouse is an edgy space with plenty of buzz. Music fans of all genres congregate at Mom for great gigs, be it alternative rock, indie pop, shoegaze, or folk. The venue regularly invites both local and internationally renowned indie bands, singer-songwriters, and even a few DJs to perform.
Mom Livehouse, B39, Seven Seas Shopping Centre, 117-121 Kings Road, North Point, Hong Kong, p. 2578 9077
8. Bandstage
Frequented by local talents and celebrities alike, Bandstage is a prime live music venue in Hong Kong for a quality gig. Its underground venue accommodates all kinds of music. Whether you’re a Cantopop enthusiast, avid blues and soul listener, or aspiring DJ, you’ll find your place in Bandstage’s vibrant space.
Bandstage, Basement, 30 Sheung Fung Street, Wong Tai Sin, Hong Kong, p. 9789 3337
Classic venues
9. The Stage at Sophia Loren House
Since opening in April 2024, Sophia Loren House has injected vitality into the historical Woo Cheong Pawn Shop in Wan Chai. Adding to the neighbourhood’s myriad dining and drinking options, The Stage is the house’s crowning bar and live music venue. Accompanying its diverse cocktail and drinks menu is a programme of high energy performances taking place every weekend. Expect DJ sets, elegant jazz and blues sessions, and more from The Stage.
The Stage, 2/F, Sophia Loren House, 60A-66 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 3594 6302
10. Foxglove
Behind a hidden door of an “umbrella shop” of the same name is a snazzy and elegant establishment in Central. We’re absolute fans of Foxglove’s brunches, cocktails, as well as its wonderful live jazz evenings in this stylish lounge. One of our go-to watering holes and live music venues in Hong Kong, Foxglove serves elegant drinks, delicious dim sum, and even has its own speakeasy concealed inside its walls!
Foxglove, 2/F, Printing House, 6 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2116 8949
11. 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. Expect to see talented bands and musicians play within these walls and create a wonderful ambience in this hideaway. 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, 1-13 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 6202 0000
12. Social Room
Located in the heart of Central, Social Room is a creative and vibey space dedicated to enhancing the underground experience. With seating by the bar as well as a large dance floor, stage, and DJ booth, this is the place where you can let your hair down and dance to yourheart’s content. From techno to deep house to experimental music, you’ll be amazed by the underground artists and guest DJs at Social Room.
Social Room, 3/F, Won Hing Building, 74-78 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2915 0373
13. 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 orchestras to play in the house, Hong Kong Fringe Club is perfect for those who love an enticing performance of live music after a hectic day of work. Special events like the Fringe Music Festival and Rock Show 4 All also deliver electrifying performances from diverse musical acts.
Hong Kong Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2521 7251
14. Quality Goods Club
The one-stop shop for a night of revelry, Quality Goods Club supplies food, drinks, and live music for dedicated party-goers. The music programme rotates frequently, providing a stage for many genres of music including house, jazz, and funk. Live singers and DJs play almost every night, while a full live band comes to bring the house down every Thursday. Both international and local artists get a spotlight, making for an experience filled with quality entertainment as well as top-notch craft cocktails.
Quality Goods Club, Basement, On Lok House, 39-43 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 6029 1530
15. 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
16. The Aftermath
Not just a bar but a tight arts and culture community for many homegrown artists, The Aftermath showcases different forms of live entertainment almost every night. With stand-up comedy, live music, cabarets, and poetry performances, talent from all walks of life is nurtured here. Fuel your night with craft beer and signature cocktails at The Aftermath.
The Aftermath, LG/F, Sunny Building, 57-59 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong
17. Grappa’s Cellar
We were devastated when Grappa’s had to close its doors in Central back in 2019, so guess who’s excited when it made its comeback just the year after! 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
18. Ned Kelly’s Last Stand
Ahh, the good ol’ Ned Kelly’s. Established in 1972 by Tom Parker, this classic pub has now provided live music to Hong Kong for over 50 years – and its fanbase is standing as 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. On most nights, you’ll find the stage lit up by 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of live music?
Live music is synonymous with concerts and is basically a scaled-down version of them. Live music involves the performance of real music by musicians with or without the help of classical and electronic instruments.
What is the difference between karaoke and live music?
Live music involves a performance by a group of or a single musician performing in front of an audience. This is usually considered a public affair, while karaoke is typically a private event between a group of friends or acquaintances and involves singing within the group.
