With big-name, expensive residencies getting all the headlines, many don’t realize there are plenty of bars in Las Vegas that offer free entertainment.
I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of Las Vegas bars with live music so you can stretch your budget while having a great time.
Many of the venues below host an assortment of artists on a schedule that isn’t set in stone. I linked to each person’s schedule so you can easily see who will be performing and when.
Bars On The Strip
Piano Bar at Harrah’s: A bastion for free live music on the Strip, Piano Bar offers a number of attractive free lounge acts.
Dueling pianos take the spotlight nightly from 9 pm to late (pictured below).
Rusty’s All-Star Karaoke takes the stage Monday-Thursday from 6-9pm.
The Saxman Duo plays “soothing sounds” Tuesday & Thursday from 3-6pm, Saturday from 6-9pm, and Sunday from 2-5pm.
Lastly, Big Elvis performs at 2pm, 3:30pm, and 5pm on Monday, Friday, and Saturday and he has a cult following (for good reason).
Carnaval Court at Harrah’s: Wedged between Harrah’s and LINQ, it features a stage that hosts popular bands like the District, Whip Its, and The Droids, among others.
Annoyingly, the show schedule isn’t posted anywhere, but live music is usually offered daily from 1pm onward, extending into the wee hours of the morning.
The weekly schedule is often posted in this Carnaval Court-focused Facebook group.
Le Cabaret at Paris: Offering a rotating assortment of cover bands, Le Cabaret is a great lounge to catch a show on Friday and Saturday from 8pm-late.
The Count Room at Flamingo: A prohibition-era speakeasy, The Count Room offers live music every Friday & Saturdays from 8-11 pm, when “The Moonshiners” take the stage.
I caught a show recently and was blown away by how The Moonshiners made modern hit songs sound like they were from the Prohibition era. Think Richard Cheese, but classier and more elegant.
This is a ca n’t-miss lounge act.
Aria’s Lobby Bar: Live entertainment kicks off at 9pm on Friday & Saturday, and at 8pm on Sunday.
The scenery will be great, given that Aria’s decorated hotel lobby will serve as the backdrop.
Havana 1957 at Flamingo: Live music goes live at 7:30pm on Friday & Saturday nights, ending at 10:30pm.
Gilley’s at TI: A western-themed bar complete with a mechanical bull, Gilley’s offers free live music nightly including line dancing lessons during the week and Bluegrass on the weekends.
Juliet Cocktail Room at The Venetian: Live music at the upscale cocktail lounge is offered several nights per week, featuring jazz and an all-request show.
Start times are variable, ranging from 6pm – 9pm, you’ll want to click through to check the schedule.
The Barbershop at Cosmopolitan: One of the more unique speakeasies in Las Vegas, The Barbershop appears to be a simple barbershop, but there’s an elegant lounge hidden behind the facade.
Live bands perform nightly.
Ole Red: Ole Red is positioned along the Strip in Horseshoe’s Grand Bazaar Shops and boasts country music star Blake Shelton as a co-owner and live country music nightly.
Bottled Blonde: Right next door to Ole Red, Bottled Blonde hosts free live music acts on most nights, with a full calendar posted.
Smelly Cat: Also in front of Horseshoe in the Grand Bazaar Shops, Smelly Cat hosts live bands and karaoke during operating hours.
We recently stopped in, and the venue is sweet (former Bourbon Street space), and the music was great.
Easy’s Cocktail Lounge at Aria: Another speakeasy experience, Easy’s is a throwback to the prohibition era and is concealed behind the facade of a donut shop in the Proper Eats Food Hall.
An “Uptempo Jazz” format is performed every night they’re open, Thursday – Saturday, from 8pm-late.
Caspian’s at Caesars Palace: Formerly Cleopatra’s Barge, Caspians features live music “with guitar riffs and powerhouse vocals” nightly.
Alexxa’s at Paris: A live DJ performs Saturday and Sunday nights from 11am-3pm.
Losers Bar at MGM Grand: A “no-frills” bar experience, Losers Bar offers free live music daily from 3pm – 1am.
Level Up at MGM Grand: A bar with an arcade & sportsbar vibe, Level Up offers live music nightly at 9 or 10pm and ranges from dance bands to 80’s nights. Check the linked calendar for more info.
Jason Aldean’s: Located just south of Cosmopolitan at 63 City Center, the country music bar features live music daily on both the dining room and rooftop stages, starting at 11am most days.
Hard Rock Cafe: Steps north of MGM Grand, Hard Rock Cafe offers an acoustic “Sonic Sunrise” performance at 9am daily.
They also commonly host evening acts, although some shows require a paid ticket.
Brooklyn Bowl: Located along LINQ’s Promenade, Brooklyn features several live music acts per week.
They also have 32 bowling lanes, the only option on the Strip.
Nine Fine Irishmen at NYNY: The Ri Ra house band performs live music nightly from 9 pm – close.
Rhythm & Riffs at Mandalay Bay: Located on the casino floor, Rhythm & Riffs is open 24-hours per day and offers free live music Thursday – Monday from 10pm – 2am.
1923 Prohibition Bar at Mandalay Bay: A speakeasy experience located in the walkway between Mandalay Bay and Luxor, 1923 Prohibition Bar hosts “Nola Nights” on Friday and Saturday at 9:45pm, which gives a realistic New Orleans speakeasy vibe.
House of Blues at Mandalay Bay: Offering live music from genres that span the spectrum from DJs to Hip Hop, Jazz, Country, and Rock, House of Blues is sure to have something that tickles your fancy.
Ri Ra at Mandalay Bay: Found in the shops in the hallway that connects Mandalay Bay to Luxor, Ri Ra is an Irish pub that offers free live music Tuesday-Sunday from 8pm-midnight.
Dawg House Saloon and Sportsbook at Resorts World: A pretty cool venue, Dawg House is a sportsbook, bar, restaurant, and live music hub, with a packed entertainment calendar on their website.
Nowhere at Fontainebleau: A speakeasy, Nowhere features live entertainment starting at 8pm Sunday-Thursday and at 9pm on Friday & Saturday.
Bars on Fremont Street
Fremont Street Experience: Free acts perform nightly on the 3 stages along the Fremont Street Experience.
While performers are scheduled nightly, Fremont Street also hosts bigger names as part of their summer concert series. Artists that have previously played under the canopy for free include Nelly, Good Charlotte, Sugar Ray, Fuel, and more.
Hennessey’s Tavern: Live music is offered almost nightly at Hennessey’s, and the schedule includes a diverse collection of musicians.
On nights live music is offered, the show usually fires up at 10pm.
Mickie Finnz: The Fremont Street bar frequently offers free live music. Most shows are on the weekend, but start times vary wildly – Check the linked calendar.
Parlour Bar at El Cortez: While there isn’t a set lounge act currently, there are a spattering of upcoming performances listed on the entertianment calendar.
Whiskey Licker Up at Binion’s: Whiskey Licker Up is perched just steps away from Fremont Street’s 1st Avenue Stage, and thus, the bar is a great spot to catch that live performance.
Rush Lounge at Golden Nugget: free live music is performed Friday and Saturday from 9pm-1am, with the musicians posted online.
Downtown Container Park: Free live music is frequently hosted on the entertainment stage in the back of the complex.
An anecdotal experience, I recently walked in while legit good singers were taking the stage to cover hit songs. Underrated scene, with plenty of bars scattered about.
Check The Container Park’s calendar of events here.
Fat Cat at Downtown Grand: Specializing in “Jazz, Booze, and Blues” Fat Cat offers live music almost daily, although most shows require you pay a $5 cover.
I recently stopped in for a beer and was impressed with the venue!
While not bands per se, Las Vegas is home to a number of free dueling piano shows and karaoke bars. Both can be great options for free entertainment both on the Strip and Downtown.
Las Vegas isn’t called the “City of Entertainment” for no reason – There are a ton of opportunities to catch a free live music show, no matter where you are in town. Hopefully, I helped you find one that works for you and the crew!
Related: Check out my guide to finding Happy Hours on the Strip and Cheap Drinks on Fremont Street!
Feature Image: ©kesu87/123RF.COM
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.
Rachel
Friday 31st of March 2023
loved this- exactly what I needed to find a good time
MaryAnn
Sunday 30th of January 2022
I'm looking for a romantic atmosphere that offers free music on 2/12/22 for my partner and I. Someplace that serves drinks is mandatory, Any Info. you can offer is greatly appreciated.