Bars in Glasgow with free live music
Traditional Scottish bars
The Ben Nevis Bar
One of the city's best-known Scottish bars is The Ben Nevis Bar with its Highland Bothy feel. Traditional music sessions run each Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday (8pm–11ish), with a few core musicians and guests each week. Visit The Ben Nevis Bar to find out more.
Dram
Just a stone's throw from the University of Glasgow, Dram is a relaxed place to mix with locals and students. Join them on Mondays to enjoy the ‘Celtic Sessions’, run by the University of Glasgow Trad Folk Society, or on Sundays for Dram’s Folk Sessions. Follow Dram on Instagram to keep up to date.
The Islay Inn
With music events happening throughout the week, you won’t be short of entertainment. On Mondays, they host trad music, and on Fridays and Saturdays, there's a live band. Visit The Islay Inn for more information.
The Park Bar
The Park Bar has been on the go since 1895. Expect an impressive selection of Scottish drinks and the chance to hear traditional musicians each Wednesday to Sunday. Visit The Park Bar to learn more.
The Old Toll Bar
One of Glasgow’s oldest pubs, The Old Toll Bar, is a true hidden gem. With fortnightly open-mic nights, resident DJs, and performances from a variety of singer/songwriters, there’s plenty to enjoy. Visit The Old Toll Bar for the full line-up.
Òran Mór
Meaning ‘big song’ in Gaelic, Òran Mór is a beautiful dining and arts venue in an old church in Glasgow’s west end. Enjoy lively trad sessions in their main bar every Wednesday (11pm–1am), Saturday (1.45pm–4.45pm), and Sunday (5pm–8pm). They also have an acoustic session every Tuesday and Thursday (10pm–1am). Visit Òran Mór to see what other events are happening throughout the year.
Historic city bars
The Clutha
Named after the Gaelic word for the River Clyde, The Clutha is a Glasgow institution with over 200 years of history. Famous fans include the likes of Billy Connolly, Jimmy Reid, Spike Milligan, and Frank Zappa, some of whom feature on a gigantic mural outside the bar. Follow The Clutha on Facebook to find out about their live music, which is on every evening.
The Scotia
Across the road from The Clutha is The Scotia. Founded in 1792, The Scotia has a history of radical politics and has attracted performers such as Billy Connolly and Gerry Rafferty. Enjoy live music every night from Thursday to Sunday, or borrow the instruments to make your own! Visit The Scotia for more information.
The Tolbooth Bar
Located in the historic Saltmarket, The Tolbooth Bar is Glasgow’s oldest Irish bar. Enjoy live music 7 days a week from a variety of singer/songwriters. Follow The Tolbooth Bar on Instagram to keep up to date.
The State Bar
After 25 years, the State Bar Blues Night is the UK's longest continuously running weekly blues jam at the same venue, and with the same house band. Follow The State Bar on Facebook to find out when to see them.
MacSorley's
Just a 2-minute walk from Central Station, MacSorley’s has been a local favourite for over 100 years. Enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with free live music 6 nights a week. Visit Macsorley’s for a full line up.
Well-known restaurants and bars
The Butterfly and the Pig
This shabby chic city centre restaurant and bar runs a range of weekly free music evenings. They include open mic, jazz night, trad sessions, a DJ, and live bands. Visit The Butterfly and the Pig to keep up to date.
The Machair Bar
Sister restaurant to The Ben Nevis Bar is The Machair Bar. This modern Scottish whisky bar attracts talented musicians to perform in lively sessions every Tuesday and Friday. On the last Friday of the month, you can enjoy blues music from a variety of musicians. Check out The Machair Bar for more information.
Waxy O'Connor's
With 6 bars over 3 levels, Waxy O’Connor’s is a labyrinth of staircases and passages. You can enjoy live music every night of the week, from traditional acts to cover bands and everything in between. Visit Waxy O’Connor's for more information.
The Lismore Bar
This beautiful west end pub with its stained glass windows and old-worldy feel is a lovely spot to relax to live music. Follow The Lismore Bar on Instagram to stay up to date.
The Howlin' Wolf
Live blues take place in the award-winning Howlin' Wolf 7 days a week. Expect everything from solo sets to full electrified blues bands. You can also play alongside their house band in the ‘Killing Floor jam’ every Sunday. Visit The Howlin’ Wolf for more information.
Avant Garde
The Merchant City live music bar and restaurant has a range of music on offer from Thursday to Sunday. This includes jazz, swing, blues, and country. There’s also a ceilidh with a live band every Saturday from 8pm. Visit Avant Garde for more information.
Sweeney's on the Park
This southside neighbourhood bar has live music to accommodate all tastes, with the likes of informal jam sessions, Rat Pack swing bands and folk and blues. The full schedule is available to view at Sweeney's on the Park.
Maggie's Rock n Rodeo
Enjoy live music 5 nights a week, as well as a Bucking Bronco and a weekly cowboy ceilidh in this old-fashioned Honky Tonk bar. Visit Maggie’s Rock n Rodeo for more details.
Slouch
A popular destination with locals and visitors, at Slouch, there is something to suit every music lover. Enjoy live music from a range of artists, 7 nights a week from 9pm. Visit Slouch to keep up to date.
The Duke's Umbrella
Cosy gastropub The Duke's Umbrella hosts a weekly trad session every Friday from 6pm. It also has a lively acoustic lunchtime session every Saturday from 2pm–5pm. Check out The Duke's Umbrella for more details.
Stravaigin
Stravaigin is an old Scots word meaning ‘to wander aimlessly with intent’. Enjoy a drink and a sharing platter while you soak up the music of their weekly Stravaigin sessions every second Tuesday. Visit Stravaigin for more information.
Jinty McGuinty's
Located in Ashton Lane, Jinty McGuinty’s has been named as one of the best Irish bars in Glasgow. Live music can be heard daily, from traditional folk to cover bands and local singer/songwriters. Visit Jinty McGuinty’s for more information.
Blue Dog
This New York-style piano and cocktail bar offers live music every night from Tuesday to Sunday. Sip award-winning cocktails in a timeless setting until late — open until 3am. Check out Blue Dog to see what's on.
City hotel bars
Red Sky Bar at Radisson Red
Going to a gig at the OVO Hydro? Start and end the evening at Radisson Red with live music in the Oui Bar. You can also enjoy riverside views and a variety of DJs in the Red Sky Bar every weekend. Check out Red Sky Bar to see which artists are performing next.
Sauchiehall Street
Nice N Sleazy
Nice N Sleazys is home to Glasgow's longest-running open mic acoustic night, which runs on Mondays (8pm–late). On Thursdays, you can enjoy the music of resident trad band Falasgair and join in. Check out Nice N Sleazy for a full list of events.
Box
Box on Sauchiehall Street has live music 7 nights a week. They run a range of nights, including Big Box Jam with their house band on Sundays (11am–2pm) and an open mic night every Tuesday. Plus, there are regular nights with their resident DJs. Visit Box for the full line-up.
Berlinkys
Berlinkys is a live entertainment bar serving up a variety of acts every night of the week. From open-mic and karaoke with the house band, to acoustic sets with local artists. The venue also has cosy seating areas, a roaring fire, a dancefloor, and a selection of delicious food and drink. Visit Berlinkys for more information.
Did you know that Glasgow's status as a UNESCO City of Music makes it one of 13 UNESCO sites in Scotland? In a world first, Scotland's UNESCO sites have been brought together to form a trail. Discover more about each of these 13 wonders and the UNESCO trail at Visit Scotland.
Article last updated: October 2025
