• Home
  • /
  • Food
  • /
  • Bars
  • /
  • Music of the Night: Cebu Nightlife Spots with Live Acts

Music of the Night: Cebu Nightlife Spots with Live Acts

Share this: 

The Cebu nightlife scene is quite diverse and distinguished, much like the city. Wherever you end up in the city at night, you would surely find a place to hang out. But what draws patrons, tourists, or basically just nocturnal people out of the woodwork is how entertaining Cebu can be at night. From movie discos, movie houses, or just plain food trips, you won’t run out of things to do.

Cebu Nightlife Music Scene

But by far one of the most quintessential things to do would be to witness some Cebu bands perform. Most of the famous Cebuano bands all got their start performing for the local crowd. What makes performing in the local music scene more daunting is the fact that Cebuanos are notoriously hard to please. In fact, some of the major acts in Manila find performing in front of a Cebuano crowd intimidating. But this just means that Cebuanos are more discerning than your usual crowd. This also means that they expect more out of Cebu performers. As a result, the starting Cebu indie bands step up the quality of their performance. There are even foreigners that can attest how some cover bands perform better than the original.

Cebu Hot Spots for Live Acts

If you want to experience the party scene in Cebu nightlife scene to a whole other level, here are the top places to witness Cebu’s finest performers:

Marshall’s Irish Pub

Located along General Maxilom Avenue (right next to National Bookstore), this pub/restaurant has become known as a haven for expats. But from 9:00 p.m. onwards, expect to hear some acoustic tunes flow out from this establishment. But more than the live acts, the pub is known as the establishment in Cebu with a mostly Irish theme. That’s largely thanks to its executive chef, Larry Marshall, who himself hails from Ireland. The reason the pub was opened so Cebuanos can experience an authentic Irish pub experience.

Cubana

Any Cebuano musician worth his salt knows that, in order to make a mark, they’d have to perform at Cubana. Every night, a different band performs on stage from 9:00 p.m. until the wee hours of the morning. Some of the premier acts include Smokin Pistols, Big Fat Divas, Roots, Leviathan, and Pandora. And while you’re enjoying the performance, you can sample the house specialty of pizza and beer. They also serve some local fare, such as lechon kawali and pancit canton. However, you can also enjoy a plate of fried chicken wings or fresh shrimp. Here you can witness some of the city’s finest talents while enjoying a slice of pizza at the same time.

KOA Tree House

If you are a big fan of seafood, then this establishment is perfect for you. Offering the best of Filipino and Chinese cuisine, KOA Tree House is widely recognized for its savory meals and soups. But come at night and you’ll be treated to performances from some of the newest bands on the scene. The crowd in this establishment is younger compared to the other bars on this list, but the quality of music is just as entertaining. KOA Tree House hosted Summer Jam Fest where the freshest and hottest bands performed for the first time. You won’t be disappointed by the acts here regardless of their age.

Kazmik Club (formerly Liv Super Club)

The techno scene in Cebu is slowly gaining prominence. It’s no wonder clubs like Complex Bar & Lounge, ICON, and Rumour Gastropub are popping up. But out of all of them, the city’s best DJs often perform at Kazmik, such as Poly Yu and NIshhh. Because of the heavy party atmosphere (the slogan of the club is, “Where the party never ends”), club-goers can quench their thirst through the bevy of cocktails and drinks at the bar.

Handuraw

Part of Handuraw’s legendary status is attributed to some of the biggest acts that performed on its hallowed stage, these include Urbandub, The Ambassadors, and Faspitch. For a time, it was also the stomping ground of the local reggae community. Today, Handuraw is still widely regarded as one of the coveted venues for bands and even music festivals.

The best part is this restaurant chain has three branches, one in General Maxilom Avenue, the second in JY Square IT Building, and the oldest located in North Mandaue. Through the years, Handuraw has also housed the works of several esteemed artists and even organized exhibitions for the newcomers. But even with all its storied history in the local arts scene, critical to the success of Handuraw would be its legendary pizzas. So come to Handuraw for the pizza, and stay for the music and artwork.

There are plenty of other establishments that feature local talent if you want to experience the Cebu nightlife scene.You can find them along General Maxilom Avenue, Lahug, and even as far as Banilad.

International Reputation

Because Cebuanos are known music junkies, more and more foreign acts are stopping over to interact with Cebuano fans. A lot of the time, they perform at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Hotels & Casinos. A few examples include Boyce Avenue, Lauv, and even Bruno Mars. So not only is this hotel one of the best Cebu accommodation establishments but also a premier concert ground.

Without a doubt, the Cebu nightlife scene is thriving (and it will continue considering the talent it produced). So if you want to know how good Cebuano music sounds, hop on board in any Cebu transportation vehicles and head to any of these bars or clubs.

Share this: 

Other posts

Man carrying a backpack of travel essentials waiting to cross the street in Cebu City

10 Convenient Travel Essentials to Bring When Going to Cebu

Your travel essentials are there to ensure a safe and convenient trip. Everyone loves a quick getaway, but visiting another country can be daunting. But with the right preparation, the whole experience can be a breeze. Having the right travel essentials at your disposal can give you the peace of mind you need. Knowing what

Read More
Two men riding a habal-habal in Cebu

How Regulating Habal-Habal Drivers Can Help Cebuanos

The Cebu City government may finally regulate the habal-habal transportation service. In Cebu, you MUST know about the local motorcycle taxis called habal-habal. This informal form of public transportation in the Philippines is commonly used in rural towns and far-flung areas with few public transport options. This consists of riders carrying passengers on the back

Read More
Collage of famous Cebuano dishes

Irresistible Cebuano Dishes You Should Try at Least Once

Of all the scrumptious Filipino dishes in the Philippines, which ones scream Cebuano? The Queen City of the South is a haven for Filipino restaurants, but it may be difficult to distinguish which dish or delicacy is originally from Cebu. The island is one of the oldest settlements in the country and was the birthplace

Read More
Dancers and participants performing at the Bon Odori Festival

The Return of Bon Odori: Exploring Rich Japanese Culture

The Bon Odori Festival is a cultural exchange between Cebu and Japan. As we all know, Japan has a rich history and culture. This Asian powerhouse is filled with iconic dishes, world-renowned tourist spots, and art forms that have taken over pop culture. The Land of the Rising Sun also has one of the oldest

Read More
A spacious public parking lot

Why More Public Parking Spaces are Essential in Cebu City

Cebu City will soon have better venues for public parking. For many Cebuanos, it’s about time that more public parking spaces were made available in the different areas of Cebu City.  Cebu City officials have plans to set up public parking buildings in urbanized areas like downtown Cebu, as the city council amended its zoning

Read More
Wide shot of the MCIA, Asia's best airport

Routes 2023 Award: MCIA is Asia’s Best Airport

Mactan Cebu International Airport garnered another design award in 2023. CEBU, Philippines – The Mactan-Cebu International Airport was hailed Asia’s best under the “5 Million-Passenger Category” during the Routes Asia Award. MCIA and GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) representatives received the award during the awarding ceremony held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on February 15, 2023. 

Read More

Best of Cebu Videos

Cebu Insights Logo

Seeking to learn more about Cebuano culture, or wanting to know what to do once you arrive, Cebu Insights is the travel guide for you in Cebu!

Contact Us

How to be Featured

Do you want to be featured on our blogs and social media platforms? Cebu Insights is open to writing insightful articles and videos about your business FOR FREE!

Visit the Cenix Web Development Office on the 3rd Floor of the 82 Vibo Center, North Escario Street, Cebu City, and tell us about your newly opened attraction!

You can also leave us an email at cebutravelinsights@gmail.com or message us on any of our social media platforms.

Salamat!

Scroll to Top
×
Weather Forecast
Exchange Currency
Cebu City
84°
Mostly Cloudy
5:22 am6:04 pm PST
Feels like: 93°F
Wind: 7mph W
Humidity: 79%
Pressure: 29.8"Hg
UV index: 0

Exchange Rate USD: Wed, 7 Jun.