Sydney is a vibrant city full of music venues, each with their own unique charm. Institutions like the iconic Sydney Opera House make the city a world-class destination but this metropolis also boasts more intimate spaces. From Liberty Hall to Sydney Spiegeltent, Lazybones Lounge and The Duke of Enmore, there’s something to suit every ear. Sydney’s venues are so diverse that some spots entertain in various ways – take Sydney Masonic Centre, for example – a cultural hotspot!
1. Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point
You can’t talk about live music venues in Sydney without beginning with the Sydney Opera House. It’s not only a global architectural icon and UNESCO World Heritage Site but it hosts over 300 performances every year! It’s home to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and has hosted countless stars, from Ella Fitzgerald to Solange.
From house music to soul and classical to hip-hop, the Opera House is more than just opera, hosting international acts and Australian bands in multiple venue spaces.
Bennelong Point
2. Liberty Hall, Moore Park
Liberty Hall is a vibrant live music and entertainment venue – a true behemoth with a capacity for 1,200 people. It used to be the Hi-Fi/Max Watt’s House of Music and has retained the raised stage and the incredible lighting system. A whopping 500sqm spans across two floors with performances from Australian and international artists, as well as themed club nights to burlesque and even pro wrestling. It’s a super diverse space offering heaps of experiences, but we do love it most with a bumping crowd listening to their favourite music.
Entertainment Quarter, Building 220, The, Lang Road
3. Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst
Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory, a warehouse-style venue, has played a key role in keeping the city’s live music scene vibrant, regularly hosting international acts and parties. Equally committed to supporting local talent, its Gallery Bar has been a launching pad for rising artists and bands like Jezebels, Chet Faker, the Rubens, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, and even Tame Impala, who once performed there for just 25 people.
38-46 Oxford Street
4. The Landsdowne Hotel, Chippendale
This iconic venue, known for its cultural significance, has hosted legendary bands like Powderfinger, You Am I, and The Living End, as well as more recent acts like Amyl & The Sniffers, Courtney Barnett, and DZ Deathrays. With a history of unforgettable performances and parties, including A Club Called Rhonda, there’s much more to come for this beloved Sydney institution.
2-6 City Road
5. St. Stephen’s Uniting Church
St. Stephen’s Uniting Church is an iconic landmark known for its impeccable Gothic architecture, crafted with Australian materials and adorned with intricate wood panelling. Beyond its architectural charm, the church hosts a wide range of musical performances, including lunchtime concerts and the Friday Music series showcasing its impressive organ. It also serves as a venue for weddings, Vivid Sydney, and the Sydney Festival, making it a vibrant cultural hub.
197 Macquarie Street
6. The Alley, Ultimo
Upstairs in the Agincourt Hotel, you’ll find a public bar, with all the drink, food and sport you can ask for. But downstairs, it’s The Alley serving up local live music every Friday and Saturday night. Expect any and all variations of rock to be performed on stage.
871 George Street
7. Lazybones Lounge, Marrickville
How many days a week do you need live music? Well, if you’re Lazybones Lounge, the answer is seven. And since they opened doors, they have been helping local acts to gain experience and a following, which is why you’ll most likely be paying a modest cover charge to get in. But hey, it goes towards the music so that’s fine by us. Although there is a jazz focus to the music playing over the speakers, expect to hear anything from folk to reggae on stage.
Level 2, 294 Marrickville Road
8. Camelot Lounge, Marrickville
For over ten years, the Camelot Lounge has been providing Sydney with a boutique live music venue, which has seen a range of local and international soul, funk, jazz, blues, folk and cabaret acts perform on either of its two stages. The best part about this space is that it is artist-curated. And we also like their friendly nature that helps bring music and people together.
Marrickville Road & Railway Parade
9. The Chippo Hotel, Chippendale
Get down to the basement and enjoy live music every weekend, with a mix of local Sydney bands and bands from around the country on their national tour. Don’t expect any one genre to dominate the soundwaves, as you’re just as likely to hear house and techno as you are thrash metal on the same stage.
87-91 Abercrombie Street
10. City Recital Hall, Sydney CBD
City Recital Hall in Sydney’s Angel Place is a music venue specifically crafted for outstanding acoustics. Since its opening in 1999, it has become a key cultural landmark where you’ll find an intimate space perfect for both classical and more modern performances. Tiered seating makes for unobstructed views and it hosts a variety of events, from classical concerts by the Australian Chamber Orchestra to contemporary music performances, feeding Sydney’s music scene.
2 Angel Place
11. The Duke of Enmore, Enmore
Things we love about the Duke of Enmore include its awesome kitchen (and subsequent food menu), its no pokie policy, that it is a dog friendly bar, and it has live music gigs every day of the week. In short, good times are always alive and kicking at the Duke.
148 Enmore Road
12. The Vanguard, Newtown
To find out how seriously The Vanguard takes live music, just check out the specs page on their website, listing the all essential information that bands and artists need to know. That’s saying something. The stage plays host to jazz, blues, rock, and country, as well as seeing some plenty of other genres come through. But our favourite part of The Vanguard is the aesthetic — a grungy elegance, or so they call it. And, if you’re in the mood for burlesque, The Vanguard’s got you covered.
42 King Street
13. The MoshPit, Erskineville
A local bar run by locals showcasing local talent with no cover charge. This is what dreams are made of if you’re a rock’n’roll fan. And to prove it as well, just look to the walls and explore the history of who has passed through MoshPit Bar.
642A King Street
14. St. James’ Church, Sydney CBD
St. James’ Church, the oldest Anglican church in Sydney still in use, was consecrated in 1824 and designed by English convict architect Francis Greenway, often referred to as ‘the father of Australian architecture.’
However, it’s also renowned for its rich musical program, offering a diverse range of classical, choral works, Baroque performances, and orchestral masses. It collaborates with prestigious international ensembles, making it a key cultural hub in Sydney.
173 King St
15. Butcher’s Brew, Dulwich Hill
Established by live-music junkie Caroline Buckingham, this small 50-seat bar in Dulwich Hill has been putting on live music most nights of the week since it opened. It’s become a firm favourite with musicians, not only because the old butchers saw a $30,000 soundproofing, but all of the cover charge goes to the performers. Music tends to be on the jazz tip, with blues, funk and world music also being played. However, the venue does open itself up to other genres quite often.
499 Marrickville Road
16. Sydney Masonic Centre, CBD
The Sydney Masonic Centre, a striking example of Brutalist architecture from the 1970s, is known for its bold curves and distinctive raw concrete design that leaves a lasting impression. Beyond its architectural appeal, the venue doubles as a live music venue, hosting a variety of events including Candlelight, one-off concerts and DJ sets on its elevated stage. The Sydney Masonic Centre also hosts cabaret shows, gala dinners, and comedy performances.
66 Goulburn St
17. The Concourse, Chatswood
The Concourse in Chatswood is a bustling cultural hub celebrating a variety of live music performances across genres including classical, jazz, rock, and pop. It features a 1,000-seat concert hall with excellent acoustics and a 500-seat theater for smaller productions, hosting events from orchestral concerts to musical theater and jazz performances.
409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood
18. Golden Age Cinema & Bar, Surry Hills
From an uber-cool underground movie theatre to a live music venue on Friday and Saturday nights, the Golden Age Cinema & Bar is a fabulous space. The original home of Paramount Pictures in Sydney, this art-deco venue recalls vintage Hollywood glam but welcomes everyone onto the stage, from singer-songwriters to DJs to rock bands and more.
80 Commonwealth Street
19. UNSW Sir John Clancy Auditorium
The Sir John Clancy Auditorium at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney is a 945-seat facility that’s full of life. There you’ll find orchestra performances, guest artist appearances and much more. Outfitted with modern audiovisual technology, the auditorium is super futuristic.
20. Mary’s Underground, Sydney
Formerly The Basement but now Mary’s Underground (part of the Mary’s Group famed for their burgers), this live music joint is pretty much smack-bang in the middle of Sydney, just a couple minutes from Circular Quay. There’s good grub to eat, plenty of drinks behind the bar and the stage is host to a heap of local and national acts every week, plus some pretty great international guests every so often. It’s a splattering of club culture, hip-hop, funk, jazz and everything in between.
29 Reiby Place
21. Enmore Theatre, Newtown
The Enmore Theatre is a Sydney live music institution. It’s the oldest and the longest-running live theatre in the city and it is home to some of the biggest acts and best nights of live music anywhere in the country. We could go on about the Enmore, but we’re sure you already know everything there is to know about the theatre and what international acts are coming up.
118-132 Enmore Rd
22. Phoenix Central Park, Chippendale
To enter the Nest at Phoenix you’re going to need to enter the ballot and receive a ticket because there’s no other way to get in. There’s no buying tickets, no sneaking in, and no dickhead policy that ensures the intimate venue continues to put on some of the most astounding live performances Sydney has seen in recent years.
37-49 O’Connor Street
23. Sydney Spiegeltent, Entertainment Quarter
The Sydney Spiegeltent is a super energetic spot, making it one of the city’s top spots for an incredible night out. Its lively atmosphere is enhanced by dazzling performances, and the outdoor Parlour Bar offers a perfect summer hangout. The venue’s intimate spaces allow for up-close, personal experiences, adding to its charm. Hosting a wide variety of events, from musical theatre with full live bands to circus acts, comedy and Candlelight concerts, the Spiegeltent’s versatility shines.
122 Lang Road
24. Club 77, Darlinghurst
There are not that many places in Sydney open till the early morning, but Club 77 puts on a party till 4am every night it’s open and we’re extremely thankful. Home to some of Sydney’s best dance nights including Tempo Comodo, beats under 120bpm. Club 77 is a haven for everyone who wants to get down and boogie to all things electronic music.
77 William Street
25. Paddington Uniting Church
Paddington Uniting Church is all about contemporary worship songs, traditional hymns, and sometimes occasional choral performances. It’s an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes participation from people of all backgrounds. The church also hosts special musical events, such as guest performances and themed concerts – it’s a truly creative space.
395 Oxford Street