Valentine’s Under the Stars: The Best Rooftop Jazz Sessions in Hamra and Gemmayze This Weekend
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Khalid Al Mansoor
- . February 12, 2026
- . Update: February 14, 2026 1:02 pm
As Valentine’s Weekend 2026 approaches, Beirut’s nightlife is orchestrating a romantic revival. To couples who want more than a candlelit dinner, the skyline in the city provides them with a rhythmic getaway. In Beirut, the trend of this year is Rooftop Jazz which is a fusion of the soulful improvisation of saxophones and the glittering panorama of the Mediterranean coast. You are either an intellectual surrounded by the hustle and bustle of Hamra or a bohemian temptation of Gemmayze, but this weekend, the stars of winter are going to sing to you.
Hamra: Classic Blues and Skyline Views
The Blue Note Café is the sanctuary of the purists located in the heart of Hamra. At the underground, its Valentine program has the “Beirut Vibes Band,” which plays true blues that shake the area. For those strictly seeking the “under the stars” experience, the Smallville Hotel rooftop offers a jazz-infused evening with a heated glass enclosure, allowing you to enjoy the Hamra Gemmayze nightlife views without the February chill.
Gemmayze’s Bohemian Rhapsody
The transition to Gemmayze replaces the ambiance with the old-fashioned charm. Salon Beyrouth is organising a special Whisky and Jazz evening. Their winter-enclosed garden terrace is a small space that reminds of the Roaring Twenties. Nearby, Centrale, famous for its retractable roof, offers a modern twist on the Rooftop Jazz Beirut experience, pairing craft cocktails with acid jazz beats.
FAQs
1. Are rooftop bars in Beirut open during February?
Yes, many premium venues like Centrale and The Smallville Hotel feature heated glass enclosures or retractable roofs, making Valentine’s Weekend 2026 events weather-proof.
2. Do I need reservations for jazz venues in Hamra?
Absolutely. Institutions such as Blue Note Café are approached places; during the period of the valentine weekend, it is very advisable to make a reservation at least 48 hours beforehand.
3. What is the dress code for these jazz sessions?
Most of Hamra is smart-casual, whereas Gemmayze restaurants such as Salon Beyrouth are semi-formal or date night fashionable.
4. Is there an entry fee for these events?
The majority of the venues have a band fee or a fixed menu charge that they will charge during the night of Valentine, and it is between 30 and 100 dollars per person depending on the place.
