Where to see live music in Brisbane
Brisbane’s live music scene can be felt across the city, from dive bars providing intimate spaces for up-and-coming acts, to world-class venues and stadiums designed to host thousands.
Whether you're discovering emerging acts in intimate rooms, catching touring artists in purpose-built halls, or experiencing the sounds of massive names in major venues, Brisbane has countless music venues who serve up nights worth remembering. Here are some of the best places across the city to experience Brisbane’s incredible live music scene:
The Princess Theatre | Woolloongabba
At 137-years old The Princess Theatre reigns supreme as Queensland's oldest standing theatre. This heritage-listed building, which opened in 1888, has over the years housed a picture theatre, a rag merchant, a secondhand dealer, a paper wholesaler, an engineering firm, and most recently, a church. Now, following meticulous and faithful restorations, The Princess boasts a state-of-the-art performance auditorium which hosts both local and international talent, spanning a wide breadth of genres.
The Fortitude Music Hall | Fortitude Valley
Purpose-built for live music in 2019, the now iconic Fortitude Music Hall represents Brisbane's commitment to world-class performances. This contemporary venue, located smack bang in the middle of Brunswick Street Mall, has become the unofficial home of live music in Fortitude Valley. Heavily inspired by some of the world’s most beloved venues, from The Fillmore in Philadelphia to Festival Hall in Brisbane, the Fortitude Music Hall is one of the city’s key spaces for world-class live music where you’re just as likely to catch international acts like Phoebe Bridgers as you are to see the next big thing.
The Outpost | Fortitude Valley
For those looking for something a little more intimate than what The Fortitude Music Hall provides, why not head upstairs to their cosier sister venue ‘The Outpost’? As one of Brisbane’s newest live music venues, The Outpost offers a unique 300 capacity, multipurpose venue that features a diverse program of artists, an impressive drinks menu and a 3am license. Expect to get up close and personal with a mix of indie, punk and electronic acts here.
Black Bear Lodge | Fortitude Valley
Since throwing open its doors, Black Bear Lodge has earned its reputation as Fortitude Valley's definitive dive bar and live music institution. Tucked away in its top floor location on the Brunswick Street Mall, this intimate venue embraces everything a true live music space should, from great sound to even better vibes. The venues’ deliberately unpretentious atmosphere has made Black Bear Lodge essential for Brisbane's alternative music scenes, hosting everyone from punk and hardcore acts to indie rock and experimental performers who thrive on raw energy.
The Brightside | Fortitude Valley
Fortitude Valley has always been at the heart of Brisbane’s live music scene, and since 2014 The Brightside has been in the thick of it. Housed in a converted church on Warner Street, with an additional outdoor venue hidden behind, and a lush beer garden around its circumference, The Brightside has played host to memorable local and international acts, including IDLES, Amy Shark, G Flip, Lime Cordiale, Ocean Alley, The Jungle Giants and more.
The Brisbane Powerhouse | New Farm
In addition to hosting for the likes of MELT Festival, Brisbane Comedy Festival, The Design Conference and Vertigo Dining, the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse is also one of the city's most respected live music venues. Originally operating as a power station until the mid-70’s, the venue was given a new lease on life in 2000, with the inclusion of several event spaces that now showcase incredible acts, both nationally and internationally.
Riverstage | The City
There's something about live music under Brisbane's night sky that indoor venues can't capture; the warm air, the river breeze, the grass beneath you and the city lights twinkling in the background. Riverstage has been delivering this experience since the 1980s, establishing itself as Brisbane's premier outdoor concert venue where international tours, festivals, and special performances happen in one of The City’s most unique venues. Since opening, Riverstage has seen the likes of Daft Punk, Parklife Festival, Billie Eilish, Massive Attack and Powderfinger’s final ever performance together.
The Tivoli | Fortitude Valley
Having previously operated as a bakery, a storage facility for rare books and as both a restaurant and performance theater throughout its time on Costin Street, The Tivoli now stands proudly as one of Australia’s most respected live performance venues. Modelled after one of the world’s most prestigious theatres - the Paradis Latin in Paris - this stunning art-deco venue continues to host a decadent program of local and international work. With a performance history which includes everyone from Bob Dylan and Lily Allen to Taylor Swift and Nick Cave, The Tivoli should be on any music lovers itinerary when planning a trip to Brisbane.
Lefty’s Music Hall | Caxton Street
The heart and soul of Americana can be found, ironically, on Caxton Street in Brisbane. Heavily inspired by American honky-tonk bars, Lefty’s Music Hall (or, just Lefty’s to the locals) became a hub for live music in 2014 and has been hosting a combination of local acts and international headliners ever since. From rock and blues to country and soul, Lefty’s is home to Brisbanes exciting local talent, as well as some of the best cocktails in town.
Greaser | Fortitude Valley
Hidden beneath the city streets in the building’s original hotel cellars, Greaser is Fortitude Valley’s go-to dive venue for late-night gigs, cold beers, and bar food. With exposed brick, wall-to-wall graffiti, and a floor level stage, Greaser is all heart, soul, and head-banging good times. It’s a home for Brisbane’s emerging indie scene, and a loyal crowd that follows it.
Crowbar | Fortitude Valley
Crowbar doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is: Brisbane's definitive home for music that's loud, fast, heavy and uncompromising. Since taking over the former space of iconic music venue ‘The Zoo’ in 2024, Crowbar Brisbane has continued its commitment to championing punk, heavy, and alternative music within its raw, industrial home above Ann Street in Fortitude Valley. Kitted out with a state-of-the-art sound, killer food options, and a strong focus on supporting both local and touring talent, Crowbar has quickly become a staple of Brisbane’s live music scene.
The MET | Fortitude Valley
The MET delivers what Fortitude Valley's famous for: late-night energy, diverse crowds, and entertainment that continues all throughout the night. This multi-level complex combines live music, DJ-driven dance floors, bars, and spaces that shift purpose depending on the night. Despite placing its primary focus on house, EDM and techno, showcasing the likes of Skrillex, Diplo, Steve Aoki and Soulwax, The MET has also played host to the likes of Charli XCX, Crystal Castles, Cut Copy, Peaches and Twenty One Pilots.
Junk Bar | New Farm
Junk Bar is a Brisbane venue that truly lives up to its name, with vintage furniture, mismatched décor, and deliberately eclectic aesthetic, creating a unique atmosphere that feels like someone's creatively chaotic lounge. This intimate bar has become beloved for live music that prioritises intimacy over production scale: acoustic performances, indie acts, singer-songwriters, and artists who thrive when audiences truly listen. The small capacity creates connection impossible in larger venues, the vintage-shop aesthetic provides depth of character, and the commitment to supporting emerging artists alongside established acts has made Junk Bar essential for Brisbane's intimate music scene.
The Burrow | West End
A venue truly unlike any other in Brisbane, The Burrow is a place of optimism, warmth and inclusion. Tucked just of the main strip in West End, and housed in an old Queenslander, this is the kind of venue you come to, to eat, drink and experience something totally new. On any night of the week, you'll find amazing live music and events, covering the full spectrum of music and events; bluegrass, jazz, funk, art shows, jam nights, live comedy and more. For a truly inclusive, immersive and unique experience, pop The Burrow on your Brisbane music bucket list.
The Triffid | Newstead
Housed in a converted World War II hangar in Newstead, The Triffid has become one of Brisbane's most beloved music venues since re-opening in 2014. The industrial-chic space honors its heritage through exposed brick walls, high timber ceilings, and an atmosphere that balances intimacy with professionalism. Over the years, The Triffid has built its reputation championing Australia's independent music scene, while continuing to welcome international acts who appreciate the venue's authenticity and devoted audiences. Paired with an outdoor beer garden which houses some of the city’s best craft beer and late night food options, The Triffid is now part of Brisbane’s live music DNA.
Doo Bop Bar | The City
This isn’t your average live music venue. Nestled on Edward Street, in the heart of The City, Doo Bop Bar has been proudly locally owned and operated since its opening in 2017, and a champion of intimate gigs. With a passion for great music and a dedication to serving delicious drinks within a safe, friendly, and fun atmosphere this is the ideal location for when you’re craving live music, while also chasing a classic cocktail or two.
Eatons Hill Hotel | Eatons Hill
Eatons Hill Hotel has spent decades proving that great live music experiences in all corners of Brisbane. Its suburban location means accessible parking, a massive beer garden and outdoor entertainment spaces, and the venue's reputation attracts crowds that live and breathe live music. In addition to the venue’s main room, which has hosted The Smashing Pumpkins, Brad Cox, Aqua and even The Wiggles, Eaton’s Hill also boasts a major outdoor space which has featured music festivals such as I Love The 90’s, Strawberry Moon and Super Fun Day.
Brooklyn Standard | The City
Hidden underground, this intimate American dive-bar style venue has established itself as an essential fixture of Brisbane's after-hours scene, when live music is also a necessity. With a focus on up-and-coming acts, Brooklyn Standard is one where you can truly get up close and personal with the acts on stage. Expect to see an eclectic mix of jazz, indie and punk.
The Prince Consort | Fortitude Valley
Positioned inside a heritage listed old English-style pub, right in the heart of Brisbane’s entertainment precinct, The Prince Consort goes beyond being just a venue to see live music. Spread across five different spaces, each with their own identity, The Prince Consort is equal parts club, music venue, restaurant and bar. Wander upstairs into a late-night wonderland called ‘La La Land’ where rotating DJs keep the party going until long after the sun has set, or venture into the back beer garden, where live music thrives in this open air location.
Felons Barrel Hall | Howard Smith Wharves
Positioned at Howard Smith Wharves, overlooking the Brisbane River and Story Bridge, Felons Barrel Hall takes its aesthetic cues from the rowdy German beer halls of Europe, making it a music and event space like no other. Surrounded by a brewery, beer gardens and some of the best dining options in Brisbane, Felons Barrel Hall - which hosts a wide mix of local and national acts - is a destination venue worth your time both before and after the show.
Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) | South Bank
Whilst QPAC's reputation centres on theatrical blockbusters - from The Lion King and Wicked to The Book of Mormon and Hamilton - as well as internationally recognised stand-up comedy tours, the venue's Concert Hall has continuously delivered some of Brisbane's finest live music experiences since opening its doors over four decades ago. While its distinctive design has helped it stand out within Brisbane, so too has its live music programming which has featured everything from international acts like PJ Harvey, The Shins, Sufjan Stevens and Elvis Costello to homegrown talent like The Preatures, The Go-Betweens, Missy Higgins and Paul Kelly.
The Brisbane Entertainment Centre | Boondall
The Brisbane Entertainment Centre operates primarily in public consciousness as a sporting venue, hosting basketball, netball, UFC, and events where crowds measure in thousands, but the Boondall complex also serves as one of Brisbane's largest and most loved concert venues. Over the past few decades, this iconic building has hosted the likes of Snoop Dogg, Lorde, SZA, Drake and Tame Impala just to name a few, and continues to boast an incredible line up of headline worthy acts, year round.
Suncorp Stadium | Milton
Suncorp Stadium wears two identities equally well. One as Brisbane's premier sporting venue and two as the city's largest concert destination. Whilst rugby league, State of Origin, and football matches define the stadium's reputation, international music acts have proven that Suncorp Stadium does live music just as well. With an infrastructure built for sport, world-class sound systems, massive screens and ease of access, it’s easy to see why this iconic venue has hosted the likes of Ed Sheeran, Pink, Coldplay, Taylor Swift, Metallica and Paul McCartney.
More Live Music Events
Looking for live music festivals happening in Brisbane? Countless incredible events take place throughout the calendar year, including: BIGSOUND, where more than 150 artists from across Australia (and the world) perform over three nights and multiple venues (with previous alumni featuring Flume, Courtney Barnett, Gang of Youths and Amyl & The Sniffers).
Fans of country music can check out CMC Rocks, EDM and hip hop lovers should be aware of the annual NYE festival ‘Wildlands’ which has previously included Tyler, The Creator, Ice Spice and Dom Dolla. Each year the Valley Crawl draws thousands, as up and coming talent take over venues across Fortitude Valley, and major events like Good Things and Brisbane Festival draw in international heavyweights to Brisbane. The city also hosts incredible music and culture events like Melt, Open Season, Valley Fiesta, On The Banks and more.
