As the summer heat begins to ease over the coming weeks in Dubai, the city’s nightlife is waking up to its glory, and there's no better moment to rediscover the magic of live music. From intimate jazz lounges to roaring pubs and rooftop lounges, Dubai unfolds a soundscape of lively venues where everyone can strike the right chord.
While the city is also home to major stages like Coca-Cola Arena and Dubai Opera, let's explore some places that bring frequent live music shows and community-driven nights to life.
Lock, Stock And Barrel
This gritty, high-energy venue is Dubai’s unofficial rock ‘n’ roll headquarters. With three branches across Dubai in JBR, Barsha and Business Bay, it hosts in-house bands every Monday, Wednesday and Friday night. Expect acoustic covers and rock-driven originals in a raw, urban atmosphere that feels like a night out in New York.The music cranks up late into the night, until 3am, with live performances starting at 10pm on Mondays and Wednesdays and at 11pm on Fridays.
www.lockstockandbarrelglobal.com
Mimi Kakushi
Mimi Kakushi, a Japanese-inspired restaurant at Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah, hosts 'Minami Jazz Nights' every Wednesday starting at 8pm. Expect a refined fusion of live music, exquisite cuisine and tranquil ambience, perfect for a cultured night out, elevated by soft lighting, minimal décor, and thoughtful attention to detail. These elegant jazz nights were inspired by the vibrant jazz culture of Osaka’s Minami district in the 1920s. Perfect spot for fans of smooth jazz and high culture.
www.mimikakushi.ae
Hard Rock Cafe
A global icon with a Dubai twist, Hard Rock Cafe at Festival Centre in Dubai Festival City is a guaranteed hotspot for anyone who loves their nights loud and lively. With live music filling the stage every single day and international acts dropping by throughout the year, the vibe is always electric. Expect classic rock anthems, punchy covers, and plenty of sing-along moments, all set against walls lined with legendary music memorabilia. Performances start at 7.30pm on weekdays and 8.30pm on weekends.
www.cafe.hardrock.com
Jass Lounge
For those who prefer their evenings smooth and soulful, Jass Lounge in DIFC’s Gate Village 2 offers a sultry escape into the world of jazz, soul, and blues. Open every night until the early hours, it pairs first-class live performances with a chic, dimly lit ambience perfect for late-night unwinding. Start with happy hour, then let the rich sounds of world-class musicians carry you through the evening. Open Sundays through Wednesdays from 8pm until 2am, and from 6pm to 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, this is one of the best jazz retreats in Dubai.
www.jasslounge.ae
Irish Village
Bringing a touch of Ireland to Dubai, The Irish Village in Al Garhoud has become a timeless favourite for both locals and visitors to watch live bands. With its wooden decks, traditional pub-style décor, and sprawling outdoor seating, it’s the go-to spot for families and friends to gather. Over the years, it has welcomed music legends including UB40, Billy Ocean, Mary Black, Boyzone, Sinead O’Connor and others, while still keeping things casual with live tunes, covers, and the occasional rock edge. Open daily from 11am to 1am and until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
www.theirishvillage.com
The Fridge
Tucked away in Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, The Fridge is Dubai’s creative pulse for all things alternative. More than just a venue, it’s a cultural incubator where indie, jazz, electronic and experimental sounds thrive within its industrial-chic warehouse setting. Known for its acclaimed Fridge Concert Series, the space regularly showcases emerging talent alongside unique collaborations you won’t hear elsewhere. Open Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 6pm, it’s the perfect spot for discovering fresh music and connecting with the city’s ever-evolving arts scene.
www.alserkal.online
Club Seven
For sheer talent and high-energy performances, Club Seven at Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel in Bur Dubai is hard to beat. This Filipino hotspot showcases a dynamic troupe of singers and dancers every night, with powerhouse vocals and electrifying stage presence that never fail to impress. The atmosphere is fun and unpretentious, with crowds often joining the dance floor mid-show, creating a party that feels both spontaneous and infectious. Open daily from 7.30pm to 3am, it’s a guaranteed great night out.
www.clubsevendubai.com
Q’s Bar And Lounge
At Palazzo Versace Dubai in Al Jaddaf, Q’s Bar and Lounge has earned its reputation as one of the city’s most desirable live music venues. The brainchild of music legend Quincy Jones, winner of 28 Grammys and collaborator with some of the world’s greatest artists, this intimate space offers performances by emerging talents. By spotlighting the most promising stars in music, defying genres and pushing boundaries, the venue pays tribute to the maestro. With plush Versace-designed couches, mahogany tables, and world-class acoustics, the setting is as impressive as the performances. Perfect venue for those seeking sophistication with a soulful soundtrack.
www.palazzoversace.ae
McCafferty’s JVC
If it’s the true Irish pub experience you’re after, McCafferty’s at Circle Mall, Jumeirah Village Circle, delivers it in style. This rooftop venue combines hearty Irish hospitality with a steady stream of live music, offering everything from lively modern bands to toe-tapping traditional Irish tunes. Wednesdays are a special nod to authentic Irish music, while the rest of the week keeps the energy buzzing with talented local acts. Open daily from 10am to 2am, it’s the perfect blend of craic, culture, and community.
www.mccaffertysjvc.com
Oak Live Bar
Tucked inside Courtyard by Marriott in Al Barsha, Oak Live Bar is one of Dubai’s best-kept secrets for live music lovers. The venue offers an eclectic programme that shifts from karaoke and open-mic jam nights to themed evenings covering house beats, techno sessions, and throwback hits from the ‘80s and ‘90s. The setting is intimate yet lively, making it a great spot to let loose with friends. Open daily from 1.30pm to 3am, it’s the kind of place you’ll be glad you stumbled upon.
@oaklivebar