Bali has no shortage of places to drink. Beach clubs, cocktail bars, rooftop lounges and late-night clubs can be found across the island.
But sometimes you don't want another DJ set.
You want a cold drink, a real band on stage and a bar where the music is part of the night rather than background noise.
Fortunately, Bali has a lively live-music scene stretching from Uluwatu and Canggu to Seminyak, Sanur and Ubud. Depending on where you go, you can find rock bands, acoustic sessions, blues, reggae, jazz and familiar songs everyone in the room knows.
If you're searching for a bar with live music in Bali, here are 10 places to put on your list.
Best Bars With Live Music in Bali at a Glance
Looking for a quick recommendation?
Best for live music every night: Gabet's Pub, Uluwatu
Best for rock and all-time hits: Gabet's Pub, Uluwatu
Best for combining live music and sports: Gabet's Pub, Uluwatu
Best for a classic Bali nightlife experience: Hard Rock Cafe Bali
Best for Ubud nightlife: Laughing Buddha Bar
Best for a casual live-music night: Choose a venue close to where you're staying rather than crossing Bali in evening traffic.
Live schedules can change, so always check the venue's current program before making a long trip specifically for a band.
1. Gabet's Pub — Uluwatu
Best for: Nightly live music, rock, sports and a proper pub night
If you're staying around Uluwatu, Pecatu or the Bukit Peninsula, Gabet's Pub is one of the easiest live-music choices because performances aren't limited to the weekend.
Live music is part of the venue's regular identity, with different bands performing throughout the week.
The music leans heavily toward live rock and all-time hits, creating the kind of atmosphere where people start the evening eating and drinking before gradually moving closer to the music as the night gets busier.
Gabet's is also more than a music venue.
The two-floor Uluwatu pub combines its live stage with a beer garden, sports on big screens, games and a private karaoke room. That makes it particularly useful for groups where not everyone wants exactly the same type of night.
One person can watch the football. Someone else can catch the band. The group can have dinner together and continue with games or karaoke later.
Live Music at Gabet's Pub
Gabet's currently promotes live music every night, with different bands appearing during the week.
Regular performers include acts such as:
- Chemmycalls
- The Glide
- Hipster
- Brocken Chord
- Unique Band
The exact lineup can change, so check the current schedule before visiting if there's a particular band you want to see.
What Kind of Music Can You Expect?
Expect a crowd-friendly mix centered around:
- Rock
- Classic hits
- Popular covers
- Sing-along favorites
- Blues-influenced sets
- Contemporary hits
This isn't the kind of venue where you sit silently through a concert.
It's a social pub atmosphere where the live band becomes part of the entire night.
More Than a Live Music Bar
Gabet's also works well if you're looking for a sports bar in Uluwatu.
Major football, Formula 1, UFC, rugby and other sporting events are shown on big screens, depending on the current schedule.
There are also games including darts, ping-pong, foosball and air hockey, plus a private karaoke room.
Food is another reason to arrive before the music begins rather than turning up late.
Gabet's operates as a European-style gastropub, with burgers, steaks, seafood and other substantial dishes designed for a full dinner rather than just bar snacks.
When to Visit
Arrive earlier if you want dinner and a good table before the live music gets going.
Come later if you're primarily interested in the band and nighttime atmosphere.
Gabet's is located on Jl. Labuansait No. 63 in Pecatu, Uluwatu, making it convenient if you're staying around the main Uluwatu and Pecatu area.
Good for: Groups, couples, solo travelers, sports fans and live-rock fans
Area: Uluwatu / Pecatu
Music: Rock, popular hits and covers
Why go: Live music every night plus food, sports, games and karaoke in one venue
2. Hard Rock Cafe Bali — Kuta
Hard Rock is one of the most recognizable names associated with rock music, and its Bali location gives visitors in Kuta an obvious option when they're looking for a music-focused night.
The venue's identity is built around rock memorabilia, food, drinks and music.
Its central Kuta location also makes it convenient for travelers staying around one of Bali's busiest tourism areas.
Rather than traveling from Kuta all the way to Uluwatu or Canggu solely for nightlife, visitors can check the current entertainment schedule here first.
Good for: Rock fans and first-time Bali visitors
Area: Kuta
Music: Rock and popular music
Why go: Recognizable music-focused atmosphere in central Kuta
3. Laughing Buddha Bar — Ubud
Ubud may be better known for yoga, rice fields and wellness retreats, but the town doesn't completely shut down after dinner.
Laughing Buddha Bar has long been associated with Ubud's evening entertainment scene and is a useful option for travelers who want music without heading south toward Bali's larger nightlife districts.
The atmosphere is considerably different from a large beach club.
Expect something smaller and more intimate, making it easier to combine dinner, drinks and music during an evening in central Ubud.
Because live programs can vary, check the current schedule to see what's happening during your visit.
Good for: Ubud visitors, couples and smaller groups
Area: Ubud
Why go: A convenient live-music option without leaving central Ubud
4. Old Man's — Canggu
Canggu has one of Bali's busiest nightlife scenes.
Old Man's became one of the area's recognizable social venues thanks to its location near Batu Bolong Beach and its casual atmosphere.
Depending on the event schedule, entertainment can range from DJs and parties to live performances and special events.
The main advantage is location.
You can surf or spend the afternoon at Batu Bolong, watch sunset, have dinner nearby and move into the area's nightlife without spending another hour in traffic.
If live music specifically is your priority, check what's scheduled before visiting because Canggu venues frequently rotate between bands, DJs and events.
Good for: Groups, surfers and social travelers
Area: Canggu / Batu Bolong
Why go: Easy to combine with a full afternoon and night in Canggu
5. Deus Ex Machina — Canggu
Deus Ex Machina's Bali venue has long been associated with the crossover between surf, motorcycles, art, food and music that helped shape Canggu's earlier identity.
For travelers looking beyond conventional clubs and cocktail bars, it's worth checking the venue's current event calendar.
Music programming can vary, so this isn't necessarily somewhere to assume you'll find a live band every night.
That's an important distinction when choosing a live music bar in Bali.
If hearing a band is the main reason you're going out, confirm the event first.
If you're simply looking for an interesting Canggu night with the possibility of live entertainment, Deus can fit naturally into the evening.
Good for: Surf culture, groups and alternative nightlife
Area: Canggu
Why go: Music mixed with Bali's surf and creative culture
6. The Orchard Bar & Restaurant — Seminyak
Seminyak offers almost every type of nightlife Bali is known for, from cocktail bars and restaurants to clubs.
For travelers specifically interested in live music rather than a large nightclub, smaller bar-and-restaurant venues can provide a more relaxed alternative.
The Orchard has been associated with live performances and offers the kind of setting where you can combine dinner, drinks and music rather than treating each as a separate stop.
As with other venues in this guide, verify the current entertainment schedule before visiting.
Good for: Dinner and live music
Area: Seminyak
Why go: An alternative to Seminyak's club-focused nightlife
7. Ryoshi House of Jazz — Seminyak
Not every live-music night needs to involve rock covers.
Travelers searching for jazz in Bali should look at the current programming around Seminyak, including venues historically associated with Bali's jazz scene such as Ryoshi.
This type of venue provides a completely different atmosphere from the high-energy pubs, clubs and beach bars found elsewhere on the island.
It can be a particularly good option for couples or travelers who prefer music they can sit down and listen to over dinner.
Always confirm whether live jazz is scheduled for the night you're considering.
Good for: Jazz listeners, couples and dinner
Area: Seminyak
Music: Jazz
Why go: A different side of Bali's live-music scene
8. Sand Bar — Canggu
If your idea of a Bali night involves being close to the beach rather than sitting inside a traditional pub, Canggu offers plenty of options.
Sand Bar is part of the Batu Bolong nightlife ecosystem, where the atmosphere can continue well after sunset.
Programming and entertainment styles change, so check what is happening on the night you're visiting.
This is particularly important in Canggu, where a venue might feature one type of entertainment one evening and something completely different the next.
Good for: Beach nightlife and younger crowds
Area: Canggu
Why go: Beachside atmosphere close to other Batu Bolong nightlife
9. Casablanca — Sanur
Sanur has a different nightlife personality from Canggu, Seminyak and Uluwatu.
The area generally attracts travelers looking for a more relaxed evening rather than huge clubs or all-night beach parties.
Casablanca has been associated with Sanur's live-music and nightlife scene and can be worth checking if you're staying on this side of Bali.
For Sanur visitors, that's an important advantage.
Traveling across southern Bali purely for a few drinks can turn a relaxed night into a long journey, especially when traffic is heavy.
Check the venue's latest entertainment program before visiting.
Good for: Sanur visitors and relaxed evenings
Area: Sanur
Why go: Live entertainment without traveling across the island
10. Gabet's Pub — Nusa Lembongan
Gabet's also has a location on Nusa Lembongan, bringing the pub concept beyond mainland Bali.
For travelers spending several nights on Lembongan, having somewhere that combines food, drinks and entertainment can be particularly useful once the day's beach and water activities finish.
Island nightlife has a different pace from Canggu or Seminyak, so don't expect the same experience.
That's part of the appeal.
If you're splitting your Bali trip between Uluwatu and Nusa Lembongan, Gabet's gives you a familiar live-entertainment option at both destinations.
Good for: Nusa Lembongan visitors, groups and live-music fans
Area: Nusa Lembongan
Why go: Gabet's pub atmosphere on the island
Where Is the Best Live Music in Bali?
There isn't one answer for every traveler.
The best place depends heavily on where you're staying and what type of music you want.
Best Live Music in Uluwatu
For live music in Uluwatu, Gabet's Pub is an easy option because live bands are part of its regular nightly entertainment rather than an occasional event.
It's particularly suitable if you want rock, familiar songs, food, drinks and other entertainment in the same place.
Best Live Music in Canggu
Canggu has plenty of nightlife, but schedules change constantly.
Some nights revolve around DJs and electronic music, while others feature live performers.
Check current event schedules rather than assuming a venue will have a band simply because it has hosted live music previously.
Best Live Music in Seminyak
Seminyak works well for people who want to combine dinner with entertainment.
You'll find everything from live bands to jazz and DJs around the area, making it one of the more varied nightlife districts in Bali.
Best Live Music in Ubud
Ubud's nightlife is smaller and more relaxed than southern Bali.
That's not necessarily a disadvantage.
If you're staying in Ubud, finding a good local live-music bar is often a better evening than spending hours traveling south and back.
Best Live Music in Sanur
Sanur is another good example of why location matters.
The area's nightlife is more relaxed, but there are bars and venues where you can catch live entertainment without making the journey to Canggu or Uluwatu.
What Makes a Good Live Music Bar in Bali?
Not every bar advertising "live music" offers the same experience.
If music is the main reason you're going out, look at a few things before choosing a venue.
How Often Is There Live Music?
Some Bali bars have bands every night.
Others might have live music only once or twice a week.
There's a big difference between a live music venue and a normal bar that occasionally books a musician.
Check the schedule.
What Type of Music Do They Play?
Bali's live-music scene isn't limited to one genre.
Depending on the venue, you may find:
- Rock
- Pop
- Acoustic music
- Blues
- Jazz
- Reggae
- Cover bands
- Original local music
Choose the venue based on what you actually want to hear.
Is the Music the Main Event?
At some bars, the band is the focus of the night.
At others, music is background entertainment while people eat and talk.
Neither is necessarily better.
It depends on the kind of evening you want.
Can You Eat There?
A bar with a proper kitchen makes planning the night much easier.
You can arrive for dinner, get a good table and stay for the band rather than moving between several venues.
This is one of the reasons gastropubs such as Gabet's work particularly well for groups.
What Happens Between Sets?
If you're planning to stay for several hours, look at what else the venue offers.
Sports, games, karaoke, food or a good social atmosphere can keep the night moving when the band isn't playing.
Live Music Bar or Bali Beach Club?
These are two very different nights out.
Bali's beach clubs are famous for pools, ocean views, DJs, cocktails and sunset.
A proper live music bar is more about the performance and interaction between the musicians and crowd.
Choose a beach club if you primarily want:
- Sunset
- DJs
- Poolside atmosphere
- Day-to-night partying
- Large-scale venues
Choose a live music bar if you primarily want:
- Real musicians
- Live bands
- Rock or acoustic music
- Sing-along songs
- A more social atmosphere
You don't necessarily have to choose one.
A good Bali itinerary can include a beach club one afternoon and a live band the following evening.
Why Uluwatu Is Becoming a Great Place for a Night Out
Uluwatu was once somewhere many visitors associated almost entirely with surfing, beaches and the famous temple.
That has changed.
The wider Pecatu and Uluwatu area now has restaurants, bars, beach clubs, nightlife and entertainment spread across the Bukit Peninsula.
The atmosphere also differs from Canggu and Seminyak.
You can spend the afternoon surfing or exploring beaches, watch sunset from the cliffs and then head out for dinner and live music without leaving the area.
For travelers who prefer live bands to nightclubs, venues such as Gabet's add another option to an Uluwatu night.
How to Plan a Live Music Night in Uluwatu
If you're staying around the Bukit Peninsula, don't overcomplicate the evening.
A simple plan works well.
Late Afternoon: Beach or Sunset
Spend the afternoon around one of Uluwatu's beaches or find a viewpoint for sunset.
7:00–8:00 PM: Dinner
Head toward Pecatu and have dinner before the main nightlife begins.
If you're going to Gabet's, eating at the pub itself means you won't need to change venues later.
Evening: Live Music
Settle in for the night's band and drinks.
Arriving before the performance gets underway usually gives you more choice over where to sit.
Later: Games, Karaoke or Sports
If your group wants to keep going, move into games, karaoke or whatever sporting event is being shown.
This is particularly useful when you're traveling with a group where people have different interests.
Live Music in Bali Tonight: How to Find What's On
Bali's entertainment scene changes quickly.
Bands rotate. Special events are added. Start times change. Venues occasionally adjust their weekly programs.
For that reason, an article like this should help you choose where to look, but it shouldn't replace checking what's actually happening tonight.
Before leaving your hotel or villa:
- Check the venue's latest website or social media update.
- Confirm the band or entertainment.
- Check the starting time.
- Reserve a table if you're visiting with a group.
- Check your travel time before leaving.
That final point matters more than many first-time visitors realize.
A venue that looks close on the map can take considerably longer to reach during busy periods.
Where to Hear Live Rock Music in Bali
If you're specifically searching for live rock music in Bali, narrow your search further than simply looking for "Bali nightlife."
Many of the island's biggest nightlife venues focus on DJs and electronic music.
Dedicated pubs and live-music venues are usually better options for people who want guitars, drums, vocals and familiar rock songs.
In Uluwatu, Gabet's Pub focuses heavily on live rock and all-time hits, with bands performing throughout the week.
It's a particularly straightforward choice if you don't want to plan your trip around a single weekly live-music night.
Best Bar With Live Music in Uluwatu
If your search is specifically for a bar with live music in Uluwatu, Gabet's Pub is worth putting near the top of your shortlist.
The reason isn't simply that it hosts bands.
It's the combination of regular live music, food, sports, drinks, games, karaoke and a pub atmosphere in one location.
That makes it possible to build an entire evening around one venue instead of moving from restaurant to sports bar to live-music venue.
For travelers staying in Pecatu and Uluwatu, that's particularly convenient.
Gabet's Pub Uluwatu
Jl. Labuansait No. 63, Pecatu, Uluwatu, Bali
Open daily from 12 PM until late
Check the current live-music schedule before visiting.
Final Thoughts: Choosing a Bar With Live Music in Bali
Bali nightlife isn't only about beach clubs and DJs.
Across the island, you'll find bars where real musicians take the stage and the music becomes the reason people stay for another drink.
The best venue depends on where you're staying.
If you're in Ubud, explore Ubud.
If you're in Sanur, don't automatically cross the island just because you've heard Canggu has more nightlife.
If you're in Canggu or Seminyak, check what's happening locally that night.
And if you're staying around Uluwatu or Pecatu and want live bands, rock, cold drinks, food and a proper pub atmosphere, Gabet's Pub gives you all of those in one place, with live music forming part of the venue's regular nightly entertainment.
Check the schedule, grab a table and let the band handle the rest of the night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a bar with live music in Bali?
Live-music bars can be found in Uluwatu, Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, Sanur, Kuta and other popular Bali destinations. Gabet's Pub in Uluwatu is particularly convenient for travelers who want regular live bands combined with food, sports and pub entertainment.
Where can I hear live music in Uluwatu?
Gabet's Pub on Jl. Labuansait in Pecatu hosts live music as part of its regular nightly entertainment, with different bands appearing throughout the week.
Does Gabet's Pub have live music every night?
Gabet's Pub currently promotes live music every night at its Uluwatu venue. Because entertainment schedules can change, check the latest schedule before visiting.
What kind of live music can I hear in Bali?
Bali's venues offer rock, pop, jazz, blues, reggae, acoustic performances, cover bands and other styles. The selection varies considerably between areas and venues.
What is the best live music bar in Uluwatu for rock?
Gabet's Pub is a strong option for live rock and popular hits in Uluwatu. The venue combines live bands with a European-style gastropub, sports screens, games and karaoke.
Are there live music bars in Bali with food?
Yes. Several Bali venues combine live entertainment with restaurants or pub menus. Gabet's Pub in Uluwatu operates as a gastropub, allowing visitors to have dinner before staying for the live music.