A local’s guide to hidden gigs and top music bars in Singapore

Think of Singapore’s music and nightlife scene, and the riverside bars at Clarke Quay will inevitably come to mind. But here’s a tip from savvy locals: the rest of the city’s jam-packed with live bands, disco bashes, and solo hangs for just about every mood, too. You just need to know where to look.

Lucky for you, we found 15 trending local music spots in Singapore with the best mix of live music, dance parties, and a shared love for soulful tunes.

Between the rip-roaring gastropubs and laid-back music bars, there are plenty of fine establishments in Singapore known for great food and live music. Our top hits, coming right up.

Known for: R&B, jazz, soul, classical music

Rooted in jazz and rhythmic blues, Cool Cats is a glitzy music lounge with a weekly roster of local artistes and international headline acts such as Singaporean singer-songwriter Syakirah Noble and Australian sextet Adam Hall & the Velvet Playboys. Don’t forget to try their signature craft cocktails inspired by key moments in jazz music history.

Known for: 80s rock, blues, jazz

Nestled in Gillman Barracks is The Blackbird, a buzzy music bar featuring groovy bands from Singapore and beyond. With local legends like Shirlyn & The UnXpected, Reverie, and Jack & Rai on their rotation, you’re in for a great time bopping to everything from rock to funk and blues. Go indoors for the full party experience, or dine alfresco for a more relaxed vibe.

Known for: disco, house, jazz, DJ parties

This music-centric bar is frequented by famous singer-songwriter Charlie Puth for a good reason. Here, you’ll find immersive acoustic experiences, along with a star-studded list of mainstay DJs like Dean Chew and Bongomann. Plus, signature Pan Asian eats and cocktails with a twist. Yum.

Known for: DJ parties, jazz, classical

Ask any local about Blu Jaz, and they’ll say it’s a decade-old institution that has long showcased musicians of all kinds. Set on Bali Lane, this iconic music bar has three floors. The first is for live shows, the second is dedicated entirely to DJ sets, and the third is for jam sessions and performances by local and international artistes.

Known for: improv jams, family-friendly raves, DJ parties

This graffiti-covered building in Pearl’s Hill Terrace houses creatives and crafters from all walks of life—with nighttime psychedelic jams that will have you grooving till late. Join a conga line of youngsters, uncles, and aunties at an improv jam every Wednesday. Or just catch the guest DJ on Fridays and Saturdays.

Known for: Mandopop

This one’s for the Mandopop lovers. Let loose at SimplyLive, a bustling venue for nightly live shows and C-pop covers performed by their beloved in-house band. Sing along to 2000s pop hits (Jay Chou and Stephanie Sun, anyone?) and lesser-known bops. This spot’s super popular, so reserve your spot at least a week in advance. Alternatively, check out other livehouses in Singapore that make up the growing Mandopop scene.

Known for: acoustic covers, rock, electronic, jams

For a fun, no-frills evening, Timbre+ at One North is your spot. Decorated with shipping containers and repurposed caravans, this pet-friendly urban food park is home to a live music courtyard where you can watch local musicians cover the classics. Kick back with a cold one and a plate of har cheong gai (shrimp paste chicken) as you sing the night away.

Concertgoers, unite. Nothing compares to the hush when the stage lights dim down, and everyone holds their breath for that opening note. Whether you’re headbanging to world-class superstars or searching for your next favourite indie artist, these venues are the coolest places to be.

Known for: music festivals, international concerts

Fun fact: The Singapore Sports Hub is home to the island’s largest concert venues—the National Stadium and the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Grab tickets to jaw-dropping live shows in the coming months with pop megastars like Dua Lipa and alt-indie bands like Cigarettes After Sex. Here’s another tip: keep an eye out for secret afterparties and colourful carnivals that keep the party going all night long.

Known for: free performances, music festivals, international concerts

Local singer-songwriter Sherman Zhuo calls Esplanade: Theatres on the Bay his go-to spot for live performances, thanks to their amazing curation of artists and gigs from a wide range of genres. Sure enough, there's something for everyone—don't miss annual festivals like Baybeats, as well as free cultural performances at the Concourse and Outdoor Theatre. Or book tickets and catch a classical concert at one of Esplanade’s many prestigious venues.

Known for: themed gigs, death metal, alt-indie, dance raves

Looking for anything indie or alternative? Phil’s Studio is a must-go. With themed events, DJ parties, and flashy concerts, this is one of the newest venues breathing life into Singapore’s hidden gig culture. You’ll probably find your next favourite local band at one of their events. And yes, there’s a bar inside too.

If what you need is a night of revelry, here’s a glimpse at some of the greatest in Singapore’s party scene. We’ve got everything from hidden speakeasies to glamorous discos—all with one thing in common: a killer dance floor. Psst...even DJ Chicane agrees that Singapore scores extra brownie points for its creative party spaces.

Known for: house, tech house, DJ parties

Behind a mysterious green door on Duxton Road is a famed speakeasy-cum-music emporium thrumming with partygoers around the globe. Set to the tune of house and tech house hits, this after-hours party concept from Bali has been rocking the shores of Singapore since its grand opening in 2024.

Known for: throwback parties, 80s disco, 90s hits, hip-hop

Younger clubbers will love Cherry Discotheque, a kitschy underground institution in the heart of the CBD that’s all about the 80s aesthetic. Think neon arcade machines, disco balls, retro sofas, and the like. Boogie your way to the good ol’ days with throwback classics and cult favourites blasting from the speakers. Fun fact: They even sell cai png (mixed rice) during the daytime.

Known for: EDM parties

Go big or go home in Marquee, the largest nightclub on the island. We’re talking sky-high ceilings, a giant Ferris wheel, and a three-storey slide. Break out your best moves to pulsing EDM stunners by resident DJs, with international guests like techno legend Maddix and the visionary electro-dance producer Steve Aoki.

Calling all audiophiles: If warm analog audio excites you more than bass-heavy dance parties, laze your day away at these alternative music spots. They’re perfect for a romantic date or a solo afternoon out.

Known for: Vinyl listening

Take a trip down to Slow Boat, Singapore’s first vinyl-listening cafe. With over 600 records to choose from, you’ll spend the entire afternoon rediscovering your favourite albums, analog-style. The peaceful ambience is modelled after Japanese jazz kissas (coffee shops), where people relax and listen to vinyl records all day.

Known for: Vinyl listening, DJ parties

Keep the love for vinyl culture going in Vertigo26, a daytime record store doubling as a basement hideout for those who love listening more than talking. Pick from a whopping catalogue of over 1,000 records (Björk, Talking Heads, and Bloc Party included) that’ll satisfy your inner audiophile. As night falls, watch the space turn into a sophisticated cocktail bar.

Known for: Vinyl listening, cocktails

Know what every dining spot needs? A state-of-the-art vintage sound system. That’s what you’ll find at Bar Bon Funk, an immersive living room bar concept serving rich, organic tunes. Vintage DJ mixers and custom-made speakers take centre stage in every private room. And with a menu of seasonal cocktails, you’re in for an unforgettable night.

There’s always something happening in Singapore’s music scene—you just need to know where to look. Most events are run by a handful of popular party collectives, so follow their official sites to find upcoming events. We’re dropping the list below:

If you want to learn more about the local music scene, check out dedicated music publications like hear65, Big Duck Music, and Life in Arpeggio. It’s a great introduction to Singapore’s best producers, bands, and songwriters.

With that, you’re all set. Here’s to finding your next favourite jam.