Top Venues for Live Music in Cape Town
When it comes to live music, Cape Town has no shortage of events. While some venues host seasonal performances – like the popular open-air Kirstenbosch venue – others provide entertainment all year round. From a beachfront café in Muizenberg’s iconic surf corner to the basement of a triple-storey social club, here’s a list of our favourite venues for live music in Cape Town.
Top venues for live music in the City Centre
KAYA Cafe
Located halfway down Loop Street, KAYA Café doubles as a cute coffee shop by day and an event space by night. By day you can enjoy good coffee, confectionery and sandwiches from their small, but sumptuous selection. In addition, they also sell artwork and vintage clothing. By night, the café is rearranged to face a small stage where various music events take place – from karaoke and open mic evenings, to Jazz trios entertaining the audience. It’s intimate, all-inclusive and a guaranteed great time.
Location: 35 Loop Street
Hours: Monday – Friday, 07:00 – 16:00
Social media: Follow them on Instagram for upcoming shows here.
Athletic Club & Social
An architectural masterpiece located on Buitengracht Street, Athletic Club & Social is a venue that does it all. And really well, we might add. Guests can enjoy cocktails on the street-facing terrace, or indulge in authentic Mediterranean meals inside. The walls are adorned with South Africa’s sporting history, with something to catch your eye literally all over. Hosted in a hidden basement bar, guests can expect live Jazz by some of Cape Town’s finest musicians every Thursday and Saturday.
Location: 35 Buitengracht Street, CBD
Hours: Monday – Wednesday, 12:00 – 23:00 | Thursday – Saturday, 12:00 – 02:00
Social media: Follow them on Instagram for upcoming shows here.
House of Machines
As far as sidewalk cafés go, the House of Machines contains multitudes. Located just off Shortmarket Street, the café sells coffee and easy food by day, with a custom bike and merchandise shop at the back. By afternoon, it turns into a bar, perfect for after-work drinks. It’s worth noting that they probably make the best Negroni in town. And, on select Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the House of Machines turns into a live music venue, hosting everything from solo acoustic musicians to electronic acts.
Location: 83 Shortmarket street
Hours: Monday – Friday, 07:00 – 14:00 | Saturday, 09:00 – 02:00
Social media: Check out their website for their dedicated gig calendar here.
The Blue Room
Forming part of the award-winning bistro, Grub & Vine, The Blue Room is a cocktail lounge and live music venue that pays homage to Jazz. Ultimately an extension of Grub & Vine, guests can enjoy amazing food and tipples from an exciting wine list, or hand-crafted cocktails. Live performances featuring some of the hottest Jazz musicians in Cape Town – both upcoming and established – take place weekly. While they’re rooted in Jazz and Blues, the Blue Room really does cater for anyone who loves live music.
Location: 103 Bree Street, City Centre
Hours: Performance-dependent
Social media: Check out their website for their dedicated gig calendar here.
P.S. Do you love Blues? Click here to check out our Easter Edition with famous South African Bluesman, Dan Patlansky on the cover.
Top venues for live music in the greater Cape Town
The Armchair Theatre
Located on Observatory’s iconic Lower Main road just six kilometres outside of the City centre, The Armchair Theatre is an important part of the live music culture in Cape Town. Since the venue’s much-needed renovation following the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s re-established itself as the go-to live music venue in Observatory. Also, it’s possibly the most rock ‘n roll on our list. In essence, the spacious venue makes for a great lunch spot and post-work bar. They also host regular events, with live comedy and open mic events, as well as established bands.
Location: 135 Lower Main Road, Observatory
Hours: Sunday – Saturday, 12:00 – 02:00
Social media: Follow them on Instagram for upcoming shows here.
The Commons
Located in the iconic Surfer’s Corner in Muizenberg, The Commons is surrounded by mountains and overlooks breath-taking views of Muizenberg beach. They’ve established themselves as the vibrant surfing and music-loving community’s go-to café and bar, as well as a popular vegan and vegetarian restaurant. Furthermore, it’s turned into quite the cultural hub, regularly hosting live music performances by all kinds of quality Cape Town musicians. While it’s become something of a Jazz lover’s venue, they feature many artists across all styles of music. Place this venue right at the top of your must-visit list.
Location: Surfer’s Corner, Beach Road, Muizenberg
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 08:00 – 23:00
Social media: Follow them on Instagram for upcoming shows here.
For more things to do, check out our constantly updated events calendar.
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