Shirley Bassey belted it out here first, and now it’s your turn to steal the spotlight. Cardiff knows a thing or two about putting on a great show. If you’re searching for the best gig venues in Cardiff, you’ve hit the right note. We’ve got spaces that can handle everything from headbangers to acoustic dreamers. You'll find spaces with moody lighting, killer sound systems, easy load-ins, and enough room to fit your crowd, no matter if it’s for a sweaty standing set or a small showcase. Wales Millennium Centre might be for the opera crowd, but if you’re more Sŵn Festival than symphony, there’s a venue here for you. Grab your mic, line up your amps, and keep scrolling, we’ve got your next gig spot waiting.
There are outdoor gig venues available, particularly in Butetown. Lo Lounge offers several spaces with outdoor access, including areas accommodating up to 450 guests. These are great for summer gigs or waterfront events near Cardiff Bay. For a larger-scale experience, Depot on the outskirts of Cardiff includes semi-outdoor, industrial-style event space often used for music festivals and live performances.
You can hire various venue types for gigs in Cardiff, from nightclubs and bars with dedicated performance areas to large-scale event halls and cultural institutions. Some venues have a traditional stage-and-seating format, while others are more open-plan for standing audiences.
Top picks in Cardiff city centre include Revolution Cardiff, which offers multiple rooms with capacities ranging from 200 to 1,400, suitable for both mid-sized and large gigs. Popworld Cardiff is another popular option, especially for themed music nights, with standing space for up to 240 guests. Mocka Lounge also has stylish, centrally located spaces for smaller, intimate gigs or showcases.