Guides
The Beirut Bucket List For Every Music Lover
Leave it to Beirut to surprise you culturally, artistically, and musically. In a city bursting with talent, there is always something to keep your ears delightfully busy, here is a little “bucket list” we’ve come up with for music lovers in Beirut who want to support local talents and expand their musical horizons.
1. Attend a secret Sofar gig
A Sofar gig is an intimate show held in a unique venue that is only revealed one day before the event, which you sign up to ahead of time. They typically feature three acts, with no opener or headliner, you can sign up here to learn about these secret concerts.
2. Spin your favorite vinyls at the Lick Records
Situated in Bloc Market , The Lick Records is heaven for people with a vinyl addiction. Just go in and listen to your favorite bands and discover new sounds with the help of the friendly staff.
3. Get crazy at a Beirut Groove Collective event
A decade-old music initiative, BCG curates to you the hippest selection of deep funk, soul, northern soul and African funk in the Middle East. This renowned collective usually hosts their acts at Ked (indoors in winter and on their poppin’ in summer). Here is when their next event is happening featuring the regular Jackson Allers, Ernesto Chahoud and Natalie Shooter.
4. Drag your friends to a Metro Al Madina concert
Metro is THE place to go when you want to listen to live music in Beirut, whether it is their notorious Distortion jamming events or their local acts. Here is the next one.
5. Listen to local band music on streaming services
Tune in to Kozo for post-rock, Postcards or Waynik for some indie time and The Bunny Tylers for an alternative mood.
6. Read the Ballroom Blitz music issue that you can grab on your way out of the club
Learn about featured artists and read some interviews!
7. Discover new acts at Radio Beirut
This iconic Beirut pub turned music hub hosts weekly emerging talents from different music genres. You can always stream new buzzing sounds from work or home on their website. Here is their next hip hop event.
8. Walk down Hamra street and support street musicians
9. Drink and dine at House Of Music
Every night of the week brings a fresh music genre at this bar. You can fight your Monday blues with soul night, celebrate midweek with their Wednesday “way back” music, channel your inner Freddie Mercury on Thursday and show off your 80s moves on Friday.
10. Listen to live jazz at Aaliya’s or Salon Beyrouth
Just make sure to call them about their music schedule and reserve because these places tend to fill up quick.
11. Sway your hips to reggaeton at Mikey’s Salsa night at Taqueria
Tuesdays are never boring at Taqueria with Mikey’s free salsa dancing class for all levels. The margs are waiting for you ;).
12. Attend a musical performance at Music Hall
1. Attend a secret Sofar gig
A Sofar gig is an intimate show held in a unique venue that is only revealed one day before the event, which you sign up to ahead of time. They typically feature three acts, with no opener or headliner, you can sign up here to learn about these secret concerts.
2. Spin your favorite vinyls at the Lick Records
Situated in Bloc Market , The Lick Records is heaven for people with a vinyl addiction. Just go in and listen to your favorite bands and discover new sounds with the help of the friendly staff.
3. Get crazy at a Beirut Groove Collective event
A decade-old music initiative, BCG curates to you the hippest selection of deep funk, soul, northern soul and African funk in the Middle East. This renowned collective usually hosts their acts at Ked (indoors in winter and on their poppin’ in summer). Here is when their next event is happening featuring the regular Jackson Allers, Ernesto Chahoud and Natalie Shooter.
4. Drag your friends to a Metro Al Madina concert
Metro is THE place to go when you want to listen to live music in Beirut, whether it is their notorious Distortion jamming events or their local acts. Here is the next one.
5. Listen to local band music on streaming services
Tune in to Kozo for post-rock, Postcards or Waynik for some indie time and The Bunny Tylers for an alternative mood.
6. Read the Ballroom Blitz music issue that you can grab on your way out of the club
Learn about featured artists and read some interviews!
7. Discover new acts at Radio Beirut
This iconic Beirut pub turned music hub hosts weekly emerging talents from different music genres. You can always stream new buzzing sounds from work or home on their website. Here is their next hip hop event.
8. Walk down Hamra street and support street musicians
9. Drink and dine at House Of Music
Every night of the week brings a fresh music genre at this bar. You can fight your Monday blues with soul night, celebrate midweek with their Wednesday “way back” music, channel your inner Freddie Mercury on Thursday and show off your 80s moves on Friday.
10. Listen to live jazz at Aaliya’s or Salon Beyrouth
Just make sure to call them about their music schedule and reserve because these places tend to fill up quick.
11. Sway your hips to reggaeton at Mikey’s Salsa night at Taqueria
Tuesdays are never boring at Taqueria with Mikey’s free salsa dancing class for all levels. The margs are waiting for you ;).
12. Attend a musical performance at Music Hall
