Live Music in Eindhoven

When thoughts of Eindhoven come to mind many visitors think of the industry and technology centres like DAF, Philips and ASML that have made this city so popular with Dutch citizens and expats alike. However, behind this science exterior lies a love for music and culture!

Live music in the city is a great way to spend an evening with good family and friends or enjoy a bigger concert in one of the larger concert venues within the city. The nightlife of Eindhoven has always been a fun and interesting aspect of the city with many different genres to suit every person, even the hard to please people! Local bands are playing in some of the many pubs along the Stratumseind, Market Square, or Wilhelmina plein. Many of the smaller venues within the city do not require patrons to pay to see live bands playing, which is great if you do not want an extremely expensive night out on the town. There are sometimes small fees for some of the performances, but it is worth the little bit of money to experience some of the local talent!

If you are looking for a more hip and happening place to go then Stratumseind is the place for you! This is the main street within Eindhoven for many of the pubs and nightclubs in the city. When visiting this unique street you will see a younger crowd who regularly enjoy the venues of Stratumseind. Many of the nightclubs and bars do not close until 3 or 4 am so it's a good place to enjoy touring around many of the different places with your mates! The biggest and therefore best days out are on: Thursday 20:00 to 02:00, Friday 22:00 to 04:00 and Saterday 22:00 tot 04:00.

If the bustling nightlife of clubs and pubs are not up your alley then try the live music scenes in Market Square or Wilhelminaplein. These areas provide a more relaxed and quiet atmosphere where you can enjoy the open air, a nice Dutch beer and the music of some local performers.

Many of the bigger music events happen in the larger concert venues within Eindhoven. The Effenaar is one of the most popular venues for famous artists who are touring around Europe. Even though the Effenaar hosts many large concerts and performances there are many other sizable venues that hold regular concerts. These larger venues boast many different genres such as jazz, family concerts, choirs, classical music, salsa and everything in between! So there is bound to be something for everyone! The live music and nightlife in Eindhoven make the city a perfect place for everyone to visit, whether you are a music enthusiast or the casual listener. This is the perfect city for anyone who wants to have a good time, enjoy great live music and experience the wonderful city of Eindhoven! So when in Rome (rather Eindhoven) do as the locals do - enjoy the music!

Eindhoven Live Music Venues

Altstadt
Open for the past 25 years this alternative bar supports the live music scene in the city. The main genres that are held here are tribute bands and of course rock 'n roll! For up to date performances and gigs visit their website.
Stratumseind 71

De Oude Sint Joris / 'Blue Border Folk Club'
Every Tuesday there's free live music (voluntary donation is welcome) in this nice pub. The focus is on singer-songwriter, blues and folk, but you can expect much more, with music from the Netherlands, Europe and also America. The pub has English speaking staff and serves some good beers too. The music starts around 9pm. Take a look at their Facebook page for more information. 
Pastoor Dijkmansstraat 25

Dynamo
This unique venue provides young and inspired artists a place to perform & practice, and workshops to help tune their talent! There are various stages for all different kinds of music such as hip-hop, electro/house music, and popular rock/metal music. Visit their website for workshops and concerts!
Catharinaplein 21

Effenaar
From 1975-1995 the Effenaar was a linen factory but now it is a 650 seat (or standing) concert hall where many popular artists come to perform. This venue has had many different artists perform here such as R.E.M., Ice Cube, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many others. The Effenaar provides a wide variety of music genre for all kinds of people to enjoy. The full list of concerts can be found on the website.
Dommelstraat 2

Kraaij & Balder
This cozy bar has a wide variation of live music genres and other performances to appeal to many people. There are jazz performances, pop, blues, comedy and even cabaret! It's a great place for a quiet night or a good laugh! Visit the website for an overview of their programme. 
Strijpsestraat 79

Muziekgebouw
Like the Effenaar, the Muziekgebouw is a larger music venue where many different artists come to perform. This venue is a contemporary music hall where performances such as jazz, blues, classical and other kinds of music occur. They have a full listing of their 2012/2013 schedule on the website.
Jan van Lieshoutstraat 3

O'Sheas
For over 15 years the Irish pub O'Sheas has been a second home for many Irish and English expats and a popular hangout spot for many Dutch residents. It has a warm atmosphere where traditional Irish food is served on the weekends. On most weekends and sometimes during the week the pub is full of live music, sports, and good drinking! For information on live shows go to their website or stop by the pub!
Jan van Lieshoutstraat 9

PopEi
PopEi is a great place for renting a rehearsal room, trying out recording studios, or seeing a concert. It's a good place for the alternative scene with rap battles, dance troupes, theatre performances and rock concerts. They also offer a variety of educational courses to help with dancing, singing, and playing instruments. Check out their website for more information!
Klokgebouw 300

't Rozenknopje / 'Live in de Knop'
Every Wednesday from 9pm there's live music in the authentic upstairs room of this pub. Expect Americana, Blues and Roots music, with artists from all over the world. It's mostly duo/solo acts and the music isn't too loud, so you can still enjoy a little chat with your friends or newly met people. Entrance is free, voluntary donations are appreciated. The staff of the pub speaks English. This is another great opportunity to enjoy a relaxing night out with live music in the right atmosphere. Take a look at their Facebook page for more information and see which artists will be performing during your stay.  
Hoogstraat 59

Wilhelmina
Cafe Wilhelmina is a nice quiet place for live music and is just off of the Kleine Berg not far from the city centre. If you are looking for a tasty beer and some good jazz, folk or country music then the Wilhelmina is definitely a place to visit. Even if there is no music playing there is also a pool table and darts to keep you entertained. For more updates on schedules visit their website.
Wilhelminaplein 6