6 of the Best Live Music Venues in Brisbane
Brisbane—Australia's sun-drenched paradise by the sea—is home to an enviable selection of live music venues, from outdoor festivals and sprawling music halls to edgy inner-city rock clubs and cosy neighbourhood pubs.
Whether you want to dance the night away or take in some soulful tunes at a more intimate venue, there's something for everyone. Warm up the pipes and get your dancing shoes on as we uncover some of the best live music venues in Brisbane.
Kick-off your Brisbane live music journey at The Triffid
Brisbane has no shortage of music venues, but The Triffid is a must-visit for anyone making their foray onto the live music scene. Located at Newstead in the inner-city, The Triffid offers an unbeatable venue in a former commercial hangar, with a festive beer garden and bar to boot. Opening its doors in 2014—the space has played host to international and local talents, the likes of which include Mallrat, Sarah Blasko and Stiff Little Fingers. Whether a rocker, hip-hopper or pop lover, The Triffid rarely disappoints.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/thetriffid/
Catch the ultimate live gig at The Zoo
Located at the epicentre of Brisbane’s live music scene, The Zoo in Fortitude Valley has become one of the most-loved venues for live music in Brisbane. Since opening in 1992 with two female founders at the helm, The Zoo has helped nurture Brisbane’s live music landscape with local and international acts, up-and-comers and big-name acts, including Lorde, Ben Harper, Powderfinger, The Pixies and The Black Keys, gracing the venue’s stage.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/thezoo.bne/
Rock Out at The Sound Garden
The Sound Garden in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley is a spacious two-storey venue with a seven-metre-tall indoor tree as its centrepiece. Located on bustling Brunswick Street, the venue is the perfect gathering place for live-music lovers and foodies, with a menu featuring music-inspired cocktails, wine on tap and a range of gourmet burgers, pizzas and tasty share plates. The Sound Garden comes alive Friday to Sunday with RnB Fridays, Salsa Sundays and an epic line-up of DJ sets and live music performances.
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Find you favourite headliners at Fortitude Music Hall
Located next door to The Sound Garden in Brisbane’s entertainment hub, Fortitude Music Hall has become an icon of the city’s live music scene. A destination for local and international artists alike, Fortitude Music Hall is one of the largest live music venues Brisbane has to offer, with a 3000-person standing capacity. From international superstars such as Leon Bridges, The Flaming Lips and Armin Van Buuren to local legends like Empire of the Sun and The Veronicas, Fortitude Music Hall has something for every music lover.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/thefortitudemusichall/
Groove to the Blues at Black Bear Lodge
For those who like a more intimate setting to soak up some Brisbane live music, Black Bar Lodge in Fortitude Valley is the place to be. The bar is located up an unassuming staircase on Brunswick Street Mall, with exposed brick walls, vintage lighting and an unpretentious atmosphere. Black Bar Lodge is a favourite amongst late-night revellers, with resident DJs, local musicians, and touring bands taking to the small stage.
Image Credit: :https://www.instagram.com/theblackbearlodge/
The Prince Consort Hotel
The Prince Consort Hotel is another beloved live music venue in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. Dating back to 1888, the heritage-listed gastro pub features multiple levels with unique dining spots and small music venues to satisfy an eclectic crowd of music lovers. Enjoy a pint in the Hamptons-style Garden Bar, margaritas at Mexico-inspired 400 Rabbits, or an evening of music and dancing at upstairs La La Land or the pub’s rock-n-roll-inspired Greaser Bar, located in an underground cellar.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/theprincebris/