The Best Live Music Venues In Singapore

Singapore has a lively music scene, with its many local artists and bands covering numerous genres, from alternative to jazz. Here are some of the best places to listen to live music and discover the local music talent in this vibrant city.

Timbre @ The Substation

Music Venue

One of the most well-known live music bars in Singapore, Timbre indeed deserves its reputation. It is home to six resident bands, while also featuring other local talents from time to time. The décor is mostly made from wood, giving a warm, rustic feel, which is added to by the alfresco bar and performance area in the warm night air. The first of its three branches in Singapore, Timbre @ The Substation delivers exactly what this venue is known and loved for – good music, comfort food, and a chill, relaxed atmosphere.
Opening hours: 6pm – 1am (Sun – Thur), 6pm – 2am (Fri – Sat)

Hood Bar and Café

Bar, Pub Grub

True to its name, Hood Bar and Café aims to be a neighborhood for the local music community to gather, listen to music with drinks, and unwind from the stress of work and city life in general. It indeed lives up to its goal with its graffiti-covered walls, wide spacious area, and dynamic music scene. Conveniently located in Bugis, Hood has a number of resident artists, all local musicians and bands who are among the best in Singapore’s music scene.
Opening hours: 5pm – 1am (Sun – Wed), 5pm – 3am (Thur – Sat)

Wala Wala Café Bar

Cafe, Gastropub, Asian, Pub Grub, Tea

If you’re looking for live music venues in Singapore, you can’t miss out on the granddaddy of the island nation’s live music. One of the first pioneers into the world of Singaporean local bands and performance venues, Wala Wala Café Bar remains to this day one of the best place to go for live music. With a restaurant occupying the first floor and a bar and performance area on the second floor, Wala Wala Café Bar is a classic venue that draws both locals, expats and travelers.
Opening hours: 4pm – 1am (Mon – Thurs), 4pm – 2am (Fri), 3pm – 2am (Sat), 3pm – 1am (Sun)

Crazy Elephant

Music Venue

A must-visit place for rock n’ roll and blues lovers, Crazy Elephant is located at Clarke Quay, with a fantastic view of the river from its outdoor alfresco area. With its dynamic music, laid-back vibe and great food and drinks, this long-time favourite of locals and expats has a sense of classic authenticity that is slowly disappearing from the city. They also have an open-night jam session on Sunday nights, so aspiring musicians can have a chance to showcase their talents.
Opening hours: 5pm – 1am (Mon), 5pm – 2am (Tue – Thur, Sun), 5pm – 3am (Fri – Sat, eve of public holiday)

Blu Jaz Café

Bar, Cafe, Asian, Pub Grub, Fast Food

Located in the exotic and colourful Muslim district of Kampong Glam, Blu Jaz Café is one of the best places to go for alternative music. Both popular and unknown artists perform regularly at this venue, and an interesting and vibrant crowd turns up to listen with drinks and shisha. The upper floors of the venue also transform into a dance floor with a DJ later in the evening.
Opening hours: 12pm – 12:30am (Mon – Fri), 4pm – 1:30am (Sat), closed Sun

About the author

Elizabeth Lee

Elizabeth Lee was born in California and grew up in Hong Kong, the city where she has lived her whole life (so far!). She is currently studying at the University of Hong Kong, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English Studies and Linguistics. Rather than look for a place to call home, Elizabeth is a wanderer who wants to experience life on this earth to the fullest. Driven by her curiosity for the world and in particular other cultures, Elizabeth has travelled to various places in Asia, Britain, Australia and North America. Elizabeth is an aspiring writer who is inspired by literature, history, and foreign cultures, and her work features themes of freedom and feminism. She hopes to publish her fictional writing someday.