6 Bars with Live Music in Cairns
Looking for a night out with live tunes in Cairns? Most of these spots are clustered in Cairns City, with one option up the coast in Palm Cove. Whether you want dinner alongside your drinks or a dedicated bar experience, there's something here for a weeknight or weekend session.
- 1Restaurants Cairns City
1. The Pier Bar
Located in Cairns City, this venue doubles as both restaurant and bar, making it a good choice if you want to eat before or during drinks.
scenic viewLive musicopen lateopen monday+2 moreView venue4.2(1,946)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look 
2Restaurants Cairns City2. Rattle n Hum Cairns
Another Cairns City spot combining restaurant and bar functions, offering food and drinks in one location.
Outdoor seatingFamily friendlyTakeawayLive music+4 moreView venue4.1(2,982)· Google$$$$60Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Bars Cairns City3. The Downunder Bar
A bar-focused venue in Cairns City for those prioritizing drinks and atmosphere over a full meal.
Live musicopen lateView venue4.2(415)· Google$$$$58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Bars Cairns City4. BAR36
A dedicated bar in Cairns City if you're after a straightforward drinking environment in the city centre.
Live musicopen lateopen mondayopen sunday+1 moreView venue4.3(232)· Google$$$$57Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Restaurants Palm Cove5. Rattle n Hum Palm Cove
Located in Palm Cove north of Cairns, this venue offers a similar restaurant-bar setup but in a different coastal setting if you're heading that direction.
Family friendlyLive musicopen lateopen monday+2 moreView venue4.0(1,067)· Google$$$$57Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Bars Cairns City6. The Woolshed
Tagged specifically for live music, this Cairns City bar is worth considering if live entertainment is your main priority.
Outdoor seatingLive musicopen lateopen sundayView venue4.0(425)· Google$$$$55Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Pier Bar | 61/100 | 4.2(1,946) | $$ | Cairns City | scenic view |
| Rattle n Hum Cairns | 60/100 | 4.1(2,982) | $$ | Cairns City | Outdoor seating |
| The Downunder Bar | 58/100 | 4.2(415) | $$ | Cairns City | Live music |
| BAR36 | 57/100 | 4.3(232) | $$ | Cairns City | Live music |
| Rattle n Hum Palm Cove | 57/100 | 4.0(1,067) | $$ | Palm Cove | Family friendly |
| The Woolshed | 55/100 | 4.0(425) | $$ | Cairns City | Outdoor seating |
Frequently asked questions
Which of these bars is most focused on live music?+
The Woolshed is the only venue explicitly tagged for live music in our data. However, we don't have detailed schedules for other venues, so it's worth checking directly with The Pier Bar, Rattle n Hum, or others about their live music programming.
Can I get food at these bars?+
The Pier Bar, Rattle n Hum (both locations), are tagged as restaurants and bars, so they serve food. The Downunder Bar, BAR36, and The Woolshed are bars only—check their websites or call ahead to confirm current food options.
Are these venues only in Cairns City?+
Five venues are in Cairns City. Rattle n Hum also has a location in Palm Cove, a coastal suburb north of Cairns.
What are the opening hours?+
We don't have opening hours for these venues. Contact them directly or check their websites before heading out.
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