While we like a quiet pint as much as the next person, now and again we fancy something a little more exciting. Step up the capital's watering holes; from live music and cabaret to social darts and comedy, these hangouts are keeping us on our toes throughout the week. Check out these top bars in Cardiff with entertainment and never have a boring night out.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 30th April 2025
From ten-pin bowling with AR to shuffleboard, air hockey, karaoke, retro arcade games and more, Play at Pins Cardiff has plenty of opportunity to get competitive or simply have a fun time. This one's ideal for both date nights and group outings galore.
If you're on the hunt for a watering hole touting live entertainment, The Live Lounge is just what you need. Open 7 days a week 'til 4am, this is the ideal venue to let loose to live DJ sets and acts, all while quaffing tasty bevvies. Hungry? There's food on offer too.
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Famous for its friendly atmosphere and flamboyant cabaret nights, Marys is one of the best bars with entertainment in Cardiff city centre. While you go wild at quirky bingo and evenings centred around drag-doused divas, get to know the lip-smacking selection of liquid libations.
For a night out like no other, step into the brand new venue The Piano Works on St Mary Street. This lively spot promises live music throughout the week, ranging from their signature singing waiters to pianists, vocalists and house bands, with DJ sets to end the night.
Their performers take requests, so you can slip them notes with your favourite songs on. There's all kinds of delicious food and drink to be enjoyed too, as well as musical bottomless brunches for something a little more boozy.
If you're on the hunt for live music in Cardiff tonight, there's no better place to go than Brewhouse. This sprawling spot knows how to throw quite the party, bringing in a top-notch lineup of local and famous talent every day of the week.
Inspired by the noughties film, Coyote Ugly is one of the wildest bars going, where both in-house dancers (and anybody else who would like to show off their best moves) hop onto the tables to strut their stuff. As you enjoy the show, fill your boots with US-style bites and cracking quaffs.
While you may know The Dead Canary for its illicit drinking vibes and quirky concoctions, did you know its also one of the best bars in Cardiff with live entertainment? Swing by on a weekend to click your fingers along to jazz, folk and 50s tunes.
O'Neill's St Mary Street is certainly one of the best live music bars in Cardiff city centre, hosting regular performances every weekend. Whether you fancy listening with a pint of Guinness to hand or shaking your tailfeather on the dancefloor, this joint will have you covered.
@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Cardiff on Various dates from Thursday 1st May 2025
It doesn't get more entertaining than at Alcotraz: Cell Block Nine-One. This immersive, theatrical bar puts you in a secret prison speakeasy, where you'll have to smuggle in your own liquor in order to enjoy a personalised cocktail.
From the Prohibition party-inspired live music to the pumping DJ sets, The Bootlegger definitely isn't short on entertainment. If that wasn't enough? The cocktails come boozy and there are masterclasses available if you fancy whipping up your own.
Traditional boozers rarely come as fun as Church Inn Llanishen. Found on the outskirts of the city, this old school watering hole is keeping us well and truly entertained with a regular roster of live music in Cardiff this weekend, paired with tasty pub grub and refreshing tipples.
Looking for top-notch entertainment in the heart of Cardiff? Boho Club is the go-to spot for a fantastic night out. They've got everything from lip-smacking cocktails to funky beats spun by the hottest DJs in town. And wait for it - they offer an array of cool events, including laugh-out-loud comedy shows, live music gigs, themed club nights and more.
Sample local craft beers and real ales at The Head of Steam in Cardiff. And while you're not at the bar, there's plenty more to keep you occupied; think pool tables, shuffleboard, DJ sets and live music. There's also a big vegan-friendly menu for when you've worked up an appetite from your winning streak.
Not only is NQ64 a totally unique venue with neon graffiti-splattered walls and themed cocktails, but it's also home to a fantastic selection of retro arcade and console games. We're talking Street Fighter, Guitar Hero and classics on PlayStation, MegaDrive and Super Nintendo.
Well if it isn't one of the best activity bars in Cardiff city centre: Flight Club. This unique drinking den boasts plenty of oches so you can try your hand at darts, with cocktails and pizza paddles to pair. Plus, it even has a pretty rooftop terrace for fun-filled brunch socials.
When it comes down to bars with entertainment, Boom Battle Bar in Cardiff is a real winner. Whether you're in the mood for live music sets, axe throwing, karaoke, augmented reality darts or crazier golf, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied right here.
Dark, moody and adorned with unusual graffiti, The Vulcan Lounge is ideal for those of you who fancy something a little different. It also puts on a huge roster of events, including comedy nights, live music and quizzes, with tipples going at wallet-friendly prices too.
It goes without saying that The Glee Club Cardiff is a top spot for entertainment in the city. The bar is all about comedy, enticing local talent and big-name stand-ups to show off their material, plus there's also a hot roster of live music on the cards.
Whether it's date night or an evening out with pals, head over to Revolucion de Cuba for a bit of moving and grooving. The renowned South American bar puts on regular salsa lessons so you can seriously up your dancefloor game, as well as a brilliant lineup of live music.
