From intimate Jazz performances to R&B setlists and bombastic rock bands, here are some of Dubai’s best places for live music.
Q’s Bar & Lounge
Known for its intimate ambience, innovative cocktails and a delicious a la carte menu, Q’s Bar and Lounge at Palazzo Versace Dubai offers a late-night venue that showcases performances from emerging artists handpicked by Quincy Jones himself. The singer in residence usually presents a soul-infused set that ranges from neo-soul to modern R&B. With its intimate living room space, Versace designed lush leather couches, mahogany tables and unmatched acoustics, there is no better place for live music in Dubai.
Indochine
Indochine is best for its innovative culinary offering of French-Vietnamese cuisine and a vibe of unadulterated fun. Savour the restaurant’s signature dishes, including the pomelo salad, Vietnamese ravioli and shaking beef, while sipping on creative concoctions in the atmospheric lounge. Better yet, Saturday afternoons play host to the Bistrotheque Brunch, an atmospheric afternoon of live music and good food. So come for the drinks and stay for the music.
Jass Lounge
The latest addition to Dubai’s live music scene is Jass Lounge. Billed as the only authentic jazz lounge in DIFC, Jass features international live jazz performances and signature cocktails. Expect live performances using a variety of instruments (including piano, double bass, guitar, trumpets and drums) covering a variety of musical genres, including Brazilian and Cuban Jazz. Reservations are essential at this intimate but lively spot with a limited capacity.
Sola Jazz Lounge
Livening up the jazz scene in the city, SOLA Jazz Lounge is the latest addition to Raffles The Palm Dubai. The chic venue presents a variety of genres ranging from soulful Jazz to funk and Latin music, ideal for listening to while enjoying a delicious selection of finger foods and cocktails. SOLA offers a rotation of talented musical artists from Thursday to Saturday, captivating guests with music-filled evenings. These duos and trios perform everything from Soul to Latin, Jazz and Blues.
Flashback Speakeasy Bar & Lounge
Paramount Hotel Dubai is a property where entertainment is part of the very fabric of the brand. The movie-themed hotel takes inspiration from the golden age of Hollywood, serving up sheer spectacle like few other places in the city. Tucked behind a discrete bookcase just off the lobby lies the Flashback Speakeasy Bar & Lounge, where beguiling drinks and a sultry atmosphere await those in the know. Inside the intimate venue, you can indulge in a selection of light bites or sink into a comfy chesterfield and enjoy the smooth sounds from an eclectic range of live performers. This surreptitious bar offers a range of diverse music genres such as tribute nights, Motown, acoustics, and Jazz. The secret space is also home to Paramount Hotel Dubai’s renowned Murder Mystery dinner on Thursday evenings.
Bull & Bear
Chic steakhouse Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria DIFC has curated a selection of bespoke musical experiences for guests to enjoy with their meals. The series of live music events take place five nights a week, including the best of the blues on Tuesdays, Jazz and grape pairings on Wednesdays, the rhythmic tunes of 1930s swing on Thursdays, a night dedicated to cabaret on Fridays and a live vocalist on Saturdays. Take in the Burj Khalifa views while dining on signature prime cuts paired with a grape selection and exhilarating musical performances.
Bagatelle
As well as serving up sumptuous Mediterranean food and French classics, this bistro comes alive every Monday evening with Bagatelle Unplugged sessions. Harmonious duo Heart & Soul entertain diners with their vocals and up-tempo tunes as they play their trademark blend of blues and Jazz. In between the entertainment, try the array of refined French dishes such as creamy burrata, roasted scallop and prawns or crispy octopus with black lemon aioli.
Jazz@PizzaExpress
One of Dubai’s longest-standing institutions for live music, Jazz@PizzaExpress delivers a fun vibe backed by live music in the hear of Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Vibe along to live music from Tuesday to Sunday evenings, with highlights being the Thursday Ladies Night’ where American vocalist Sean Lipsey will be serenading the crowd, and Sunday Jam Nights with pj4themusic.
Bla Bla Dubai
About Last Night, Bla Bla Dubai’s resident five-piece band can be found in The Tent on Monday, Tuesday and Friday evenings. Drawing influence from a wide range of artists, including 30 seconds to Mars, Dua Lipa, Fall Out Boy, One Republic, U2 and Lady Gaga, the eclectic band are known for their incredible covers. In addition to the music, guests can expect extravagant lighting, a top-notch sound system, fantastic food and drinks in abundance.
Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe in Dubai Festival City has a live band every night, mostly playing covers. Sing along to your favourite hits, with a wide variety of historic rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, from vintage instruments to iconic stage attire. Enjoy front-seat entertainment inside, or head to the quieter outdoor terrace for laidback conversations under the stars.
Lock, Stock & Barrel
With locations in Barsha, Business Bay and JBR, Lock, Stock & Barrel have gained a reputation for live music, bangin’ vibes and finger-licking food. Visit on the weekend for Live & Loud Saturdays at the JBR branch, where a live music brunch with a wild atmosphere, excellent pub grub and a soundtrack of alternative rock awaits.
McGettigans
The Irish-themed venue McGettigan’s has venues all over Dubai, with the JLT and Souk Madinat Jumeirah branches offering live performances every night of the week. Head to the popular Irish pub to catch Dubai-based artists, including Chad Sycamore, Kara Grey, Leanna Kerry, and Johnny Hammond.
