On weekends (Friday and Saturday), nightlife in Cagayan de Oro bustles. Bars usually open around 7 pm but the crowds usually comes in around 10 or 11 pm. Most bars close by 3 in the morning. During weekdays, most bars close by midnight. Not much people go out during weekdays.

A popular hang out for yuppies are The Site, Macumba and Ghana at Limketkai Center. Fu bar located in OIC, Corrales Street and Eleven 50 located along Gaerlan Street are the latest addition to Cagayan de Oro's club scene. In the downtown area, you can hang out at Picasso Bar with live bands, located at Dynasty Court Hotel. Just across the street are Pulse (formerly Xcite) and Club Mojo were you can dance the night away along with live bands.

Ralph’s Sports Bar (airconditioned) located above Club Mojo has several billiard pools and a bar where you can just hang-out. Diamond Tip (Open area) along Corrales Street is a popular place to play billiards among the locals.

Popular among businessmen are Mindys CDO (Yacapin corner Velez Street), Zax’s Retro-Bar (Macahambus corner Velez Street), Terrazzo (CM Recto Ave. near Coca-Cola Plant) and Leo’s Restaurant/Café (near Cugman Bridge).

Inilog Grill is popular for its folk acoustic songs, grilled food and unlimited rice servings. They have two restaurants located at A. Velez (airconditioned) and Tiano Street (open area). Want to travel around the world in 80 ways? Phileas Fogg Restaurant along A. Velez corner Fernandez Street is a good place to start. They offer dishes from all around the world. They also have ballad singers to serenade you while you dine.

One can sing his heart out at Jimjams Karaoke bar (Tiano Street), Dads Soundbox Karaoke (Chavez Street), M2 Family KTV Bar (Limketkai Center) and Loreto's (Tomas Saco Street) which offers private rooms. 

Thrives Comedy and Sing-a-long Bar is the first comedy bar in the city. It is located along N. Capistrano Street facing Golden Bell Store (Old Kairo Theater). This is not the place for people who are easily offended or has a short temper since jokes are usually made at your personal expense. People are also encouraged to request songs and to sing it along with the host on stage. 

Some gas stations in the city has provided out door seating for people to hang out. Caltex gas station in Gusa is popular among young locals who are fond of drag racing. If you are near downtown area, Caltex station along A. Velez (adjacent to Philtown Hotel) is a good place to hang out.