Sol
An institution in Kazan’s nightlife scene, Sol has music on almost every day of the week, including a regular Thursday jazz jam session for local musicians. This also is a great place to catch national electronica DJs when they pass through town too. Located in the heart of the city and a short stroll from Kazan’s main drag, Sol’s friendly laid back atmosphere will keep you propped up at the bar, long after the band has finished.
Ulitsa Profsoyuznaya 22, Kazan, Russia, +7 843 258 62 82
What To Do?!
A small pub set away from Bauman Street’s bustle, What To Do?! is a friendly local establishment with an intimate band room. Gigs are anything from electro to jazz, through to acoustic sets by singer songwriters. Many of the acts are local bands and they even do an open mic night, so you can catch up-and-coming stars. This friendly little pub also does decent pub grub and has board games to use, so it’s good place to come before the gig too.
Ulitsa Chernyshevskogo 3, Kazan, Russia, +7 843 292 03 58
Smena
As the leading contemporary arts centre in the city, Smena has as a broad programme, which mainly focuses on the visual arts. However, it also strives to foster the best local talent, and so there are plenty of opportunities to showcase local musical endeavours, especially when they intersect with visual arts. Catch Tatar showcases, orchestral music by graduates and students from the local conservatory, as well as electronic and hip hop acts.
Ulitsa Burkhana Shakhidi 7, Kazan, Russia, +7 843 249 50 23
The Woods Craft Bar
This spot isn’t just for craft beer aficionados and dudes who like to play beer pong – the Woods Craft Bar also hosts bands. The small and cosy space ensures a reasonably intimate gig, and it’s a front bar kind of setup, so enjoy the music while you sit at the bar, bench or booth and eat a burger. Enjoy acoustic sets, singer-song writers, and even African percussion bands while you sample some of the most creative beer flavours in Russia.
Ulitsa Bolshaya Krasnaya 34/16, Kazan, Russia, +7 843 258 09 49
Kazan Kremlin
Every Thursday from July to August a programme of jazz is held inside the Kremlin’s historic walls. Curated by local talent Olga Skepner, Jazz in the Kremlin brings musicians and bands across jazz styles, including ethnically specific music, to the the splendid Kremlin surrounds. The Kremlin also hosts other concerts and events, including the Music of Faith Festival, which celebrates religious music from around the world. Sit back and savour national and international talents in the open air, against the backdrop of the azure topped domes of the Kul-Sharif Mosque and the ancient Volga River.
Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia, +7 843 567 80 73
Pyramid
As the state’s culture and entertainment establishment, Pyramid‘s concerts are varied. Right near the Kremlin’s white walls, the programme includes touring national gigs and concerts, such as a night of musical interpretations of Yekaterinburg‘s reputed poet Vladimir Vysotsky and rock operas, as well as Turkish choirs. As the name suggests, the venue is shaped like a pyramid, and worth a look just for that. It also has a restaurant on site, so you can grab a meal before the show starts.
Ulitsa Moskovskaya 3, Kazan, Russia, +7 843 570 07 00
Rockstar
As the name would suggest, this sticky carpet pub is rock and roll, and glamour. This is the place to catch tribute bands to rock legends like AC DC, punk kings Green Day, as well as local rockers belting out their own songs. Even though this place is definitely all about the rock, acoustic sets are played here as well. When musicians aren’t on stage, you can be guaranteed iconic rock tunes will be blaring out through the speakers.
Ulitsa Pushkina 29А, Kazan, Russia, +7 966 260 99 66