Empire Rochdale
ENTRY
Free
WHERE
Rochdale
What it’s like
Live bands, Sunday karaoke and free entry events at a Rochdale venue that stays open past 4am on weekends.
This is a live music spot rather than a kids' attraction, but the all ages events with free entry are the bit that makes it worth a family look, especially if you've got a teenager keen on gigs. Bands and performances run throughout the year, and Sundays bring karaoke, which is a different kind of night out than your usual soft play or farm trip.
The hours are the thing to plan around. It opens at 11am most days, but Friday and Saturday it stays open until 4am, so if you're bringing a younger crowd you'll want the earlier part of the evening, well before things properly get going. Entry after 8:30pm costs £4, which is fair enough for a late show, though anything before that seems to be free from what they list.
It's a short walk from Rochdale's bus, tram and train stops, so you can skip the parking faff altogether if you're coming from nearby. There's an accessible toilet on site and food available, though what's on the menu isn't something they spell out.
Given the late hours and the gig-venue feel, this suits older kids and teenagers more than toddlers or young children. Check what event is actually on before you commit an evening, since a Sunday karaoke night is a very different vibe to a live band on a Friday.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Leans towards older kids and teenagers rather than toddlers
- Getting there by bus or train
- Short walk from Rochdale's bus, tram and train stops
- Entry is £4 after 8:30pm, seemingly free before that
- Sundays are karaoke nights, a different vibe to the live band evenings
- Friday and Saturday it stays open until 4am, so pick your slot with younger ones in mind
- There's an accessible toilet on site
Plan your visit
How much does it cost to get in?
Entry after 8:30pm is £4. Events before that appear to be free.
Do we need to book ahead?
There's a booking option available, which is worth using if you want to guarantee a spot for a specific event.
What are the opening hours?
It opens at 11am every day. Friday and Saturday it runs until 4am, while weeknights close earlier, around 10pm to 2am depending on the day.
Is this suitable for young kids?
The ages aren't spelled out, but with the late hours and gig atmosphere, it leans more towards older kids and teenagers than toddlers.
How do we get there?
It's a short walk from Rochdale's bus, tram and train stops.
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