21 Killer Brisbane live music venues

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21 Killer Brisbane live music venues

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21 Killer Brisbane live music venues

November 26, 202318 min read

From punk-rock dive bars to heritage-listed theatres – charm and character drips from the corners of these Brisbane live music venues.

Brisbane is the birthplace of Powderfinger, The Saints, Violent Soho, Ball Park Music, Regurgitator and the Go-Betweens. It stands proud with these big-time music names, and so too has some of the best live music venues. The city is also host to BigSOUND, a major countrywide industry event, showcasing its rising talent.

Seeking more than a feed and drink-fix? Be sure to put these killer Brisbane live music venues on your hit-list:

The Brightside, Fortitude Valley

Cloaked in black paint with a smattering of punk rock symbology, Brightside is the Valley’s favourite alternative venue.

A former Presbyterian church on Warner Street, this iconic venue has changed its spots over the years. Formerly it has stood as Electric Playground, Planet Nightclub and Mystique. But as Brightside it serves as a thriving night hangout for both big-ticket touring acts. And also local bands giving it a crack. They recently held a comp to play at Good Things Festival, which has seen acts like The Offspring and Deftones.

Played here: Fat Dog and the Tits. Coming up: Sons of the East.

Website: https://www.thebrightsidebrisbane.com.au/

Greaser, Fortitude Valley

Down an alley and deep in the cracks of the Valley, Greaser is a subterranean bar with retro-American cool. In the underbelly of The Prince Consort, Greaser’s heritage brick archways and graffiti-covered walls makes it one of the best. This is one of Brisbane’s original underground cellars, and has cheeseburgers to rival California’s best. Livc music ranges from rockabilly to blues and rock’n’roll. It’s whiskey-soaked and cheeky-fun, and the musos on stage which will have you grinning and woo-ing all night.

Played here: Waxflower, Harry J Hart, Buttermello and Loose Goose. Coming up: Aurora.

Website: https://theprinceconsort.com.au/greaser/

Tomcat, Fortitude Valley

This poster-lined dive bar will play under-18 shows, which is rare in this money-driven concrete playground. And they also look after local bands by letting them play late shows.

Taking up the top floor of a graffiti-covered historic building, Tomcat was once an illegal Chinese gambling house. It has all the hallmarks of a bootlegger’s paradise, tucked away from the busy inner-city trappings. And it offers up loads of cosy corners, plush seating, a vintage-style cocktail bar, pool room, and hidden entrance.

Played here: The Splints. Coming up: Loose Ends.

Website: https://www.tomcatbris.com.au/

The Outpost, Fortitude Valley

Inside The Fortitude Music Hall, is the city’s newest 300-capacity multipurpose venue. It has an impressive program of artists, carefully-curated drinks menu, and a 3am licence. The Outpost’s legacy stems from a Brisbane dive bar of the same name. It was an integral part of the vibrant underworld and celebrates its rich musical history, from the late-70s post-punk era. With its own private stage and AV system, you can relax with a whiskey sour in a luxurious booth. And while away the hours watching a sensational live show.

Played here: Gretta Ray and The Lemon Twigs. Coming up: The Weeknd and Wallis Bird.

Website: https://theoutpostbar.com.au/

Black Bear Lodge, Fortitude Valley

If you’re a music hunter of Brisbane, there’s a good chance you’ve seen plenty of acts here. This dimly-lit, intimate space atop a coffee shop institution, Cosmopolitan Cafe, is on Brunswick Street Mall. This music destination is renowned for letting indie bands sink their teeth into the live music scene. And have a crack on the big stage in front of a happy crowd.

Played here: The Preatures and Courtney Barnett. Coming up: Salt Tree.

Website: https://blackbearlodge.bar/

The Prince Consort, Fortitude Valley

If only the walls could talk at this heritage-listed landmark, which has seen its fair share of patrons since 1888. Now reinvigorated to its former glory, this impeccable English pub oozes sophistication and opulence. And does a fabulous job entertaining the Valley’s bourgeoisie.

There’s Cluedo-board layout of nooks for hire, such as The Bowie Rooms, The Back Room, and The Pool Room. This place features gloriously-restored expansive bay windows, and an open-air oasis brimming with botanicals. Perfect for sun-soaked afternoon live music sessions.

Played here: Ryan Nak. Coming up: Aurora.

Website: https://theprinceconsort.com.au/

The Sound Garden, Fortitude Valley

This giant indoor beer garden with sky-high ceilings has an impressive seven-metre-tall tree at its core. Sitting directly next door to The Fortitude Music Hall, this two-story atrium bar is magnificent. It features a grand staircase, skylight ceiling, multiple bars, and alfresco eating options. There’s cosy booths and couches on each level. And live bands play music of all genres from jazz and blues to rock’n’roll. Often with touring artists from across Australia, The Sound Garden makes for the perfect spot to unwind.

Played here: Daryl James and Afroboy.

Website: https://thesoundgarden.com.au/

Suzie Wong’s Good Time Bar, Fortitude Valley

Do you like Pina coladas, and getting caught in the rain? This tiki-inspired, New Yorker-style bar serves up tropical cocktails, cracking live music and legendary good times. Through a retro fridge door directly off Ann Street this place entertains Sailor Jerry-soaked punters with music from a vast range of artists, including blues, funk and rock’n’roll to country and funk. Suzie’s will have you feeling like you’ve just meandered off a Waikiki beach and into a temple of grungy, surf rock grooves.

Played here: West Texas Crude and Phat Sauce.

Website: https://www.suziewongs.com.au/

Brooklyn Standard, Brisbane City

This dim-lit brick cellar bar is accessed by a secret laneway door located on Eagle Lane. Here’s you’ll find musicians playing nightly to an eclectic crowd. And while it touts itself as a “party bar”, this College-style, inner-city crowd pleaser is no cheesy has-been. It snapped up an Australian Bar Awards for Best Live Music Venue in 2015, 2019 and 2021. Wow!

Bands of all genres rock the house down here from funk, soul and rock bands to mariachi, rockabilly and RnB. There’s American food and beverages to keep you energised as you get loose with your besties. Take your pick from the low-set tables and wooden booths. Or leave one hand leaning on the bar as you soak up some great home-grown talent.

Played here: The Drunken Midnight Choir.

Website: https://www.brooklynstandard.com.au/

Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Petrie Terrace

This charming, open-air, Americana-style hall is filled to the brim with old-timey decor, tucked away on Caxton Street. Within the historic Baroona Labor Hall, the vintage, saloon-style bar, is enveloped by a sea of vibrant scarlet hues. There’s fabric-draped ceilings, mounted deer heads and a mezzanine.

Dance under the crimson lights and let the city’s best live bands serenade you. With an incredible selection of hand-picked acts, there’s music from folk, blues and alternative styles. You’ll even find memories of the former strip club etched in the walk way.

But racing hearts and tapping toes need fuel too: the country-style dishes here are a must. Look out for the secret, maritime-themed drinking den, The Mermaid Lounge.

Played here: Petric. Coming up: Tim Freedman & Ollie Thorpe.

Website: https://leftysmusichall.com.au/

The Triffid, Newstead

The Triffid is owned and operated by Powderfinger bassist John Collins, and is an iconic live music venue in Brisbane. It offers state-of-the-art sound and an epic beer garden for that pre-gig drink. This Newstead gig space is a modified former WWII aircraft hangar, and has become a prime entertainment venue. And it has the best possible audio experience for its 800-strong audience. There’s plenty of free gigs thanks to the ongoing Sunday Sessions. Catch a glimpse of Brisbane’s seriously impressive live music scene here.

Played here: Anthony Brand, Beddy Rays, The Whitlams and Butterfingers. Coming up: You Am I and Josh Pike.

Website: https://thetriffid.com.au/

O’Skulligans, Fortitude Valley

It’s the Halloween version of an Irish bar and it’s dark, loud and loose. A sister bar to The Brightside, this rock’n’roll lounge bar offers pre-parties to major touring live music acts. And is an excellent place to meet your friend before losing yourself to the night.

Played here: The Grogans. Coming up: The Valery Trails.

Website: https://www.oskulligans.com.au/

Crowbar (formerly The Zoo), Fortitude Valley

As of 2024: The Zoo became Crowbar!

The home of live music since 1992, The Zoo was a female-run venue built from the ground up and nurtured by Brisbane’s solid music base. Built in the 1920s, it was originally designed with four, first-floor residential apartments in mind. Except, they were never built, and instead a large warehouse space opened up opportunities for touring and local acts, and became a much-needed, independently-owned venue. Grab a tasty Zoo-preme pizza (if Crowbar is still doing them!), and catch one of the hottest new acts in town by default, here.

Played here: The Pixies, The Black Keys, Paul Kelly, Nick Cave, and Lorde. Coming up: Sea Girls and Kit Alexander.

The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley

This art-deco accented music institution has long been considered one of the best Brisbane live music venues. Playing host to both major and up-and-coming acts, it has a purpose-built performance stage. It also boasts integrated lighting, excellent sound systems, multiple bars, and a commercial kitchen. Anyone who has been to see a band at The Tivoli, will have memories carving up the plush carpet (which was recently updated). And of course, enjoying epic singalongs in the glorious powder rooms.

Played here: Katy Perry, Bob Dylan, Xavier Rudd and The Cat Empire. Coming up: Pennywise, Milky Chance and The Chats.

Website: https://thetivoli.com.au/

The Princess Theatre, Woolloongabba

This gorgeous heritage-listed beauty reigns as Queensland’s oldest standing theatre, originally opening for flicks in 1888.

It’s shapeshifted through business owners, even acting as a church. But not before transforming into the impeccable live music venue it is today. All thanks to the team behind The Tivoli in 2021.

Following meticulous and faithful restorations, The Princess Theatre boasts a state-of-the-art performance auditorium. It was designed for a standing capacity of 900 and a seated theatre capacity of 500. It also features four bars, a public cafe, private event spaces, a rehearsal room and an outdoor courtyard.

Bands tell us they love playing gigs here, especially because the green room is as exquisite as the rest. With the friendliest staff to boot.

Played here: Cosmic Pyschos. Coming up: Sepultura and Wilco.

Website: https://theprincesstheatre.com.au/

It’s Still A Secret, South Brisbane

This retro-inspired, disco-drinking den is complete with conversation pit and cosy lounge room. It offers pops of garish colours and all the gorgeous vintage finds you’d find in a 70s rumpus room. Perched facing the iconic Paul’s Milk Factory, there’s macrame, striped furniture and astro turf. There’s even uber cute patio furniture, and an outdoor beer garden which welcomes pooches. These guys take local bands under their wings.

Played here: Jack Raymond, Andrea Kirwin and The Vampires.

Website: https://www.itsstillasecret.com.au/

The Bearded Lady, West End

Known fondly to the locals as “The Beardo”, this independent bar and live music venue is all about the family. Providing a safe space for creatives of all mediums to explore their talents, it’s open five days a week. And it’s considered the epitome of the bearded-hipster’s hangout joint. Oozing vintage charm and offering an array of live music, there’s yummy food and beer flowing from pipes. It’s also BYO food here, so pack a picnic!

Played here: The Fortitudes. Coming up: Pretty Moi and Sylvie.

Website: https://www.thebeardedlady.com.au/gigs

Doo-Bop Bar, Brisbane City

This multi-level music house comes alive Tuesday to Saturday. And with it brings world-class jazz, blues, funk and soul to the Brisbane underground. Inside this historic character-filled building, the fabulous Piano Bar is on the ground level. And comes complete with its own 1955 refurbished grand piano. It’s where you’ll find internationally-acclaimed pianists performing from 6pm.

There’s jazz focused, art-deco adorning the walls and coloured lighting. The cocktails are superb and the sing-a-long vibe is awesome. In the Basement Bar you’ll find big wooden beams and exposed brick walls from the original Youngs Building warehouse precinct. Downstairs is where the party erupts, and the music magic gets punters off the lounges, and onto the dance floor.

Played here: Mental As Anything, Clare Cowley and The SunBears. Coming up: Spencer Chester.

Website: https://doo-bop.com.au/

Riverstage, Brisbane City

It wouldn’t be a best-of list without Brisbane’s best outdoor live music asset. Riverstage hosts major artists and some of Brisbane’s biggest festivals, in the heart of the Botanical Garden. This place can fit 10,000 punters on two hectares of open space. And is popular for major events such as the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols.

Played here: Ed Sheeran, Florence and the Machine, Chemical Brothers and Ziggy Alberts. Coming up: The Teskey Brothers and Jack Johnson.

Website: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au.

Brisbane Jazz Club, Kangaroo Point

Upstream from the Story Bridge Hotel, and perched on the Brisbane River, sits this 50-year-old riverside icon. The Brisbane Jazz Club boasts picturesque views across to the city and is devoted to the city’s jazzophiles. The club itself is a not-for-profit enterprise run by a self-described “fanatically dedicated” committee group. There is also a free ferry next to the club which operates every 15 minutes.

Played here: Melissa Western. Coming up: Dami Im.

Website: https://brisbanejazzclub.com.au/