Whether you’re playing your first live set, releasing an EP, or touring Australia – we have compiled the most up-to-date archive of the Gold Coast’s best live music venues, for both musicians and lovers of music alike.

From intimate dive bars to a recording studio with its own restaurant and bar, the Coast has always been an incubator for creativity and utilises a diverse range of spaces for local and touring acts.

(*Adds to Bookmarks)

1. Vinnies Dive Bar, Southport

It’s dark, dingy and the floors are sticky. There’s even the occasional broken toilet.

The good news is the beers are cold and the people are insanely nice.

If you love smaller gigs, packed to the rafters with excitable, tattooed punks, this is your hang out.

Major supporters of the local music scene, these guys would give you the shirts off their backs. Where: 44A Nerang Street, Southport.

2. Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Burleigh Heads

Taking inspiration from a psychedelic Californian desert, this industrial estate oasis absolutely pops as a live music venue, and is a budding musos dream.

Snapping up best Gold Coast Music Venue 2021 and 2022 gongs, Mo’s is a hive for creatives and good times.

This year, a Mexican/feminine-inspired margarita and taco garden bar was added, complete with sun-filled deck.

Mo’s has become a circuit staple for touring acts, and boasts podcast and vodcast studios, recording and rehearsing rooms, hot desk spaces, and a car park with a 400 person capacity. Where: 6/36 Central Dr, Burleigh Heads.

3. Miami Marketta, Miami

This vibrant night market is a converted mechanics warehouse turned open-air music hub, offering a treasure trove of culture, art, global street food, and boutique bars, with the addition of ticketed acts.

A pioneer in the nighttime market sector, Miami Market comes alive Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights, and offers undercover seating to over 500 people.

Played here: Canadian indi-psych band, TOPS (pictured). Where: Hillcrest Parade, Miami.

4. Asylum, Surfers Paradise

This uber lush downtown nightclub attracts world-class DJs such as Will Sparks (pictured) and will have you dancing till dawn like no one’s watching.

Asylum wants you to leave your preconceived notions of normal at the door, free from expectations, judgement or persecution. There’s bougie cocktails, custom lounge seating and VIP booths.

Where: 15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise.

5. Last Night On Earth, Southport

A poster-lined dive bar with neon lights, Last Night On Earth offers back-alley entertainment with a serving of tasty tunes, spiked punch, and finger-licking-good burgers, dripping with good vibes.

With live music Thursday to Sunday, this place is a social hub for after surf beers, cracking good meals, and bonza times. Where: 50B Nerang St, Southport.

6. Soundlounge, Currumbin

This adaptable space at the picturesque waterfront Currumbin RSL is the host of popular mini fests, Creekfest and Dream Sound.

With a strong focus on transforming the music scene, Soundlounge offers a diverse selection of original local, national, and international musicians. 

Played there: The Terrys, The Black Sorrows, Sarah Blasko, Angus & Julie Stone and Tijuana Cartel. Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin RSL, Currumbin.

7. Nightjar, Burleigh Heads

Let your sun-drenched hair free in the sea breeze with a margarita in hand, while you soak up the sounds of a sweet showcase of Gold Coast talent.

Nightjar is a local’s fave dive bar down Justin Laneway, with live music six nights a week.

There is no dress code and no rules at this surfer’s den just good old-fashioned fun.

These guys walk the talk when it comes to supporting local live music, and they celebrate six laps around the sun on November 16 with “Jarchella” featuring the Drunk Skellys. Where: 7a/1730 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads. 

8. Den Devine Restaurant and Music Hall, Broadbeach

This uber stylish, award-winning live music venue is the home of jazz and blues music on the Gold Coast.

Relax and enjoy an eclectic mix of delicious, homely foods, while sipping signature cocktails or sampling an extensive range of craft beers, wines and spirits.

You will instantly feel safe away from the trappings of busy Broadbeach, as soulful sounds comfort you and quality chefs dish out sensational offerings. Where: 15 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach.

9. The Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta

The Cooly Hotel prides itself on pulling kick-ass acts such iconic blues legend Ash Grunwald (pictured), who is bringing his latest album to the venue with reggae/roots act The Lyrical on November 17.

But also: The Cooly Recording Sessions.

This niche event is tailored towards supporting local songwriters, making The Cooly one of the best places for live music on the Gold Coast.

An in-house sound engineer will record your instruments and vocals to later be mixed and mastered by the producer of your choice. How cool is that?

With big acts hailing from across Australia and overseas, check this joint out if you’re serious about quality sound. Where: Cnr Warner Street and Marine Parade, Coolangatta.

10. Elsewhere, Surfers Paradise

There’s a flashing dancefloor housed in retro-industrial detailing.

Serving locals since 2003, Elsewhere has the lights, the drinks, the vibe, and most importantly: the live music.

From Thursday to Sunday, this super fun venue will take you from Cavill Avenue to a universe far beyond the famous glitter strip.

A mesmerising nightclub-meets-bar establishment, this family-owned joint is a cultural institution that prides itself on delivering an unrivalled platform, presenting acts of international infamy and being a springboard for those of tomorrow. Where: 23 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise.

11. Eddie’s Grub House, Coolangatta 

Uderneath the beachside suburb’s famous The Pink Hotel, Eddie’s hosts gnarly jam nights and starry-eyed open mics with music from flaming good up-and-comings.

With phat fries and fatter beats, there’s always something going on here with locals farewelling the day over American-style fried chicken burgers and a few cheap laughs.

This rock n roll dive bar, live music venue and burger joint loves kooky, quintessentially Gold Coast offerings such as Disgraceland, where Elvis meets punk rock.

Saturday night is Grub Nights and it’s free entry meaning no one misses out on music therapy here. Where: 171 Griffith Street , Coolangatta.

12. Waxy’s Irish Pub and Skyline Roof Top Bar, Surfers Paradise

Set in the heart of Surfer’s Paradise, Waxy’s Irish Pub is the go-to jovial Irish watering hole for music fans.

Set over two levels of entertainment, including a stunning Skyline Rooftop Bar, Waxy’s serves up meals that make you feel like you’ve had a hug and tall cheery froths.

Loaded with charm, it’s the perfect spot for a casual drink, some old-fashioned nosh and pub rock. Where: 3206 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise.

13. Finn McCool’s, Surfers Paradise

Another Irish pub-turned performance arena, Finn McCool’s is a solid live music venue supporting local musicians from Thursday to Sunday.

A bustling pub which fills up with a cool crew of feel-good revellers, this inner-city, beachside pub heavily promotes local talent.

If you’re seeking good conversation, hearty fare, a pint (or three) of Guinness, and dancing, put Finn McCool’s on the local music hub hit-list. Where: 39 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise.

14. Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingcliff

Just south of the border, this absolute beachfront institution is known fondly by locals as “The Kingy”, with the famous pub recently celebrating 90 years.

Waltz from the ocean to the bar at this iconic beach hotel that is much-loved by holidaymakers.

Played there: San Cisco, The Angels. Coming up: Mr Brightside, The Beautiful Girls and Ruby Fields. Where: 102 Marine Parade, Kingscliff.

15. HOTA, Surfers Paradise

Home of the Arts, AKA HOTA, is a major performing arts centre – funded by Gold Coast City Council – and hosts open-air concerts, comedy festivals, award ceremonies and community events.

Vibrant and family-friendly, HOTA attracts world-renowned artists and local budding talent, and is a platform for creativity, inspiration, and pure artistic expression.

Big names such as Nick Cave and Amy Shark have all been here. Whether it’s an EP launch, mini festival or boutique space you need, these guys can handle it. Where: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise.

16. Surfers Pavilion, Surfers Paradise

Whether you arrive by tinny or taxi, it doesn’t matter. 

This light-filled, waterfront tavern is where you’ll find the after-work bougie brigade sipping mimosas, before throwing caution to the wind and dancing the night away.

The decks spin all weekend with a resident DJ, as sunny afternoons turn into lively evenings.

Played there: Basement Jaxx, The Stafford Brothers and Peking Duk. Where: 30/34 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise.

17. The Lawn,  Garden Kitchen & Bar, The Star Gold Coast

If frocking up and and having a cheeky bet is your thing, The Lawn at Gold Coast’s Star casino is the perf place to relax away from the inn-city riff raff.

A sprawling open-air space, it’s a garden-party with live music every weekend from 5.30pm.

It goes off for events such as the Melbourne Cup, and you can always catch popular touring acoustic musicians and DJs.

Played there: Kyle Lionhart (pictured), Rogue Traders, Savage. Where: Level 1, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach.

18. The Avenue, Surfers Paradise 

There’s live music flowing all weekend at The Avenue, from Friday to Sunday.

Friday and Saturday nights are solely reserved for the late night groovers, with the venue morphing into one of the Gold Coast’s best nightclubs into the wee hours, with resident and featured DJs.

There’s a constant glow of greatness here across both the decks and stage, and an eager fun-seeking crowd.

Where: 3-15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise.

Main feature image: Nightjar.