Although Harbour City is not deemed the country’s cultural and live music capital, it has produced incredible performers and acts like AC/DC, INXS, The Vines, Delta Goodrem, Midnight Oil, and the list goes on and on. So if you love music, don’t think you’re alone because there is always a fun-filled activity in town. From checking out the coolest live music bars to partying in buzzing clubs, there are plenty of things to do for music lovers in Sydney.
1. See the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at The Sydney Opera House
The world-renowned Sydney Symphony Orchestra performs up to 150 concerts a year, featuring some of the finest musicians in Australia and the world so seeing them in a live performance is an absolute must.
And where better to witness their virtuosity than at a UNESCO World Heritage site? Besides its charm, The Sydney Opera House boasts unparalleled acoustics, enhancing the sound quality. Watching a classical performance inside this architectural masterpiece adds an extra layer of magic to the experience.
2. Catch a concert at City Recital Hall
Situated in the CBD, City Recital Hall welcomes operatic pieces and classical performances by the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, as well as contemporary music by some of the world’s greatest artists. This year, you can look forward to seeing performers like Annie & The Caldwells, Tangerine Dream, and many more.
3. Enjoy a show with a drink in hand
The Vanguard offers a cosy experience with dinner and live music, from jazz to indie. Another Newtown gem is The Union Hotel, a classic pub renowned for gigs with beers. Additionally, for fans of all things retro, The Soda Factory in Surry Hills hosts themed music nights with live bands and DJ sets. If you’re pup parents, Vic on the Park in Marrickville is a dog-friendly bar that has its own basketball court, but also serves burgers and craft beer. You can also see local bands perform every week as you try the newest IPAs.
4. Dig through Sydney’s innumerable record shops
From rare finds to the latest releases, these stores fulfill every music lover’s taste. Egg Records in Newtown is a family-owned store, offering rock, blues, and jazz records of all sorts. In Surry Hills you’ll find The Record Store that specialises in electronic music, hip-hop, jazz, and rare grooves so it’s a haven for DJs and collectors.
Utopia Records on the other hand, is known as the “Home of Metal” and it is located in the CBD. If you’re in Annadale, pay a visit to The Vintage Record to extend your collection of classic rock, blues, soul, and funk from the last 60 years.
5. Visit the city’s hottest live music venues
There are legendary stages and warehouse-style venues, cultural landmarks and dingy spots—and Sydney has them all.
Think of the iconic Oxford Art Factory in Darlinghurst and Metro Theatre on George Street, or The Duke of Enmore that caters to your love of music and food. The Alley Band Room in the Agincourt Hotel that offers local live music every Friday and Saturday night, or The Landsdowne Hotel in Chippendale, which has hosted Amyl & The Sniffers, Powderfinger and Courtney Barnett. But honestly, the list is endless, with each place providing unique experiences for every music lover.
6. Ride the crowd at the hottest festivals in Sydney
Well, maybe riding the crowd is a bit much but going to Sydney’s many music festivals is definitely one of the best things to do for music lovers. From Sydney Festival that is held every January and the three-day Touch Base Sydney that celebrates bass-heavy electronic music to Byron Bay Bluesfest that is only a short drive away from Sydney, you can’t go wrong with any of them.
7. Dance the night away at a groovy nightclub
From discos like Carousel—one of the world’s best nightclubs, The Flinders or Goros to underground spots like Tokyo Sing Song and lively nightclubs, such as Home, Noir and Club 77, Sydney’s club scene is pretty diverse. Whether it’s in Darlinghurst or the CBD, you’re sure to find for every musical taste as these places offer an eclectic mix of techno, house, hip-hop, disco and R&B.
8. Go on a music-inspired walking tour
Explore the city’s rich musical heritage with a fascinating walking tour that blends history with exercise. For rock fans, the Private Rock and Roll Walking Tour in Bondi and the Rock and Roll Walks of Fame ‘n’ Shame offer insights about the celebrated artists that have called Bondi and Sydney home over the years, such as Beck, Nick Lowe and AC/DC’s Bon Scott. And if you’re not one to get easily embarrassed, you can join in the fun and listen to uplifting disco and dance music from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s at Guru Dudu Silent Disco Walking Tours.
9. Roam the city’s music shops
Sydney’s Central Business District is home to many fantastic music shops that cater to musicians and music enthusiasts alike, such as The Guitar Lounge and H Music Shop&Studio.
If you’re looking for a spot in Alexandria, Mannys is typically the go-to place, covering everything from electric guitars to DJ equipment and studio essentials. And the list wouldn’t be complete without Pete’s Musicians Market, a Newtown legend that sells a range of instruments and also offers guitar and amplifier repairs by experienced technicians.
10. Fall under the spell of a Candlelight concert
Certainly, one of the most popular things to do for music lovers in Sydney is attend a Candlelight concert. These classical tributes to music’s biggest stars light up iconic venues in the city that boast excellent acoustics, from the Sydney Masonic Centre to Stephen’s Uniting Church. Audiences are serenated with the melodies of beloved hits by the likes of Vivaldi, Taylor Swift and Queen, as they’re surrounded by thousands of flickering candles, making for a unique multi-sensory journey.
11. See a 1920s New Orleans-inspired jazz show
Lastly, We call it Jazz is an ode to Dixieland jazz, ragtime, blues and beyond, blending timeless classics by Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and more legends, with spontaneous improvisation. The stage is designed to resemble a street-style bar taking audiences on a journey to 1920s New Orleans.