Whether you’re a Brisbane local or a tourist, there’s no doubt that a perfect way to explore the city is by navigating its vibrant streets at night! 

We recommend a crawl through the different music venues to watch and listen to live music. Who knows? You might even discover a new favorite band to follow or add to your Spotify playlist! 

Lefty’s Music Hall

Lefty’s Music Hall transports you back to the 1950’s honky-tonk era where you can enjoy American food and experience Americana revival through the music and atmosphere. 

While enjoying live music, you can chomp down a burger or munch on some of their bar snacks which also come with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. 

You can even take your party to Lefty’s as they’re open for venue reservations! The main bar can accommodate up to 350 people, while other areas in the bar can also accommodate smaller gatherings. 

Booking their venue also comes with a complete package of food and beverage and music and entertainment (including your personal host!). They’ll also take care of the theme and decor!

But if you just want a fun night out with a wild west flair, you can book a table or check out their gig guide to see their upcoming shows.

Brisbane Jazz Club

How about jazz night by the Brisbane River? You can head on to the Brisbane Jazz Club to catch a live jazz performance or even a blues and soul session!

Established in the 60’s, this venue became the home of live jazz in Brisbane which is even well-known in the international jazz community for its quality music. That’s why they also hold annual festivals to gather jazz enthusiasts from all over the world! 

The Brisbane Jazz Club is a not-for-profit organization which aims to keep jazz music alive by sharing the love for jazz and supporting musicians for generations to come. 

With a view of the Brisbane River, you can soak up the sights of the city lights at night while taking in the soulful jazz sounds, with a glass of wine or whiskey to top it off. 

Their resident band is also a force to be reckoned with on its own. With 18 musicians plus a guest performer, they beautifully blend the sound of saxophones, trombones, trumpets, piano, guitar, bass, drums, and of course, powerful vocals!

Check out their gig guide here and book your tickets. You can also sign up for membership to get access to their shows. 

The Triffid

Now this would easily become a favorite! The Triffid is the perfect place to hang out with friends and family and even your dog while listening to live music which mostly features local indie and up-and-coming artists. 

The venue was a former commercial hangar with a sprawling garden which now makes for an ideal hangout spot day or night. The Triffid Burger is a must-try paired with a drink of your choice.

They hold all sorts of events from big concerts at the Live Room to family-friendly events at the Triffid garden or deck. 

You can also rent the whole venue for a private event. They can provide a tailored function package for you, a band or DJ, lights, sounds, and AV – the whole shebang!

You might even get to catch some popular local and international artists live! Just check out their gig sched here to grab your tickets. 

The Bearded Lady

The Bearded Lady is the ideal spot if you like a unique, artsy atmosphere that’s pretty intimate and laid back. You might discover new music you’d love as they showcase a diverse selection of genres. 

This quaint little bar, fondly called “Beardo” by regulars, is filled with graffiti and artwork on its walls with cozy timber furniture and fittings. And this just might be the coolest place you’d walk into in Brisbane’s West End!

They have great craft beers and cocktails if you want to just sit back and enjoy a drink and listen to awesome live music while you’re at it. 

They have a small food selection but it’s vegan and vegetarian friendly so it’s not a problem for those who have diet restrictions. 

If you’re looking for an intimate music night at one of the best West End bars, give them a call or book a seat at The Bearded Lady here. You can also check out their upcoming gigs. 

Brooklyn Standard

Located right at the Brisbane CBD, Brooklyn Standard offers live music six nights a week for free! 

The entrance can be accessed via a secret laneway door on Eagle Lane which leads to a brick cellar with live music and an eclectic crowd. You’d instantly know you came to the right place! 

If you want to have some drinks and dance the night away, then this is the perfect place! They have a wide selection of cocktails, tap beer, wine, and more, not to mention awesome live music to get you in the groove! 

It’s also a cool venue for corporate gatherings or private events. They offer food and drink packages along with your own live band good for 130 people. 

Browse through their Facebook page to see their weekly lineup. 

Concert Venues in Brisbane

Looking to get a taste of the concert scene in Brisbane? If you want big live music venues where you can feel the energy of a huge crowd, then check these out! 

Brisbane Entertainment Center

Big concerts featuring top artists are usually held at the Brisbane Entertainment Center. This venue has a capacity of 13,500 and you’d usually find the biggest international acts of any genre on the live stage here.  

The venue was built in 1986 to serve as a world-class multi-purpose facility. It was also a part of Brisbane’s 1992 Olympics bid. 

Now it accommodates concerts of top local and international bands, as well as various sports activities. It also features a Tapas lounge and bar, food and beverage outlets, function areas for hire, and an American Express Lounge. 

For upcoming concerts and events at the Brisbane Entertainment Center, check out their events schedule. 

The Fortitude Music Hall

The Fortitude Music Hall is the biggest theater-style space in Australia. Fun fact, this venue was built to keep the spirit of the old Festival Hall alive – the stage that brought Brisbane the most iconic acts such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Nirvana. 

Today, the venue maintains its classic atmosphere and remains to be a world-class stage for world-class performers. They have 5 bars within the theater, so getting a drink in a rather huge space won’t be a problem. 

It would also make an amazing setting for your private event. You can rent the main auditorium which seats 1,100 people, the foyer or the outpost bar which accommodates 300 people each for cocktail parties, or the entire venue with a capacity of 2,200.  

For the latest events at the Fortitude Music Hall, you can check out what’s on, here. 

The Zoo

If you want to check out some of the finest local acts, then they’re probably playing at The Zoo! This venue can hold 800 people and it even has a pizzeria so you can enjoy a pizza slice or two while enjoying live music. 

The Zoo opened in 1992 and is proud to be independently owned and operated by women for three decades. 

Some of the most popular artists that took the Zoo stage are The Pixies, Lorde, Silverchair, Black Keys, Ben Harper, Powderfinger, and Mogwai, among others. 

See what’s hoppin’ at The Zoo, here. 

Riverstage

Lastly, Riverstage is an outdoor entertainment spot by the Brisbane River which is home to the Brisbane Festival held every September. 

With a capacity of 9,500, big local and international acts also performed here such as Powderfinger, The Chemical Brothers, Florence and the Machine, and Ed Sheeran. 

The Riverstage offers an amazing day and night view of the city while enjoying live music or an outdoor event. It’s also situated within the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens so you can also savor the lush surrounds. 

Check out upcoming concerts, events, and festivals at Riverstage here. 

Doo-Bop Bar

Doo-Bop Bar impresses with its commitment to live music, hosting over 50 live music gigs per month. The frequency of performances showcases the venue’s dedication to providing a continuous flow of entertainment, contributing to its status as one of the most prolific live music venues in Queensland.

We like that Doo-Bop Bar caters to music enthusiasts with a penchant for blues, funk, soul, and jazz. The variety of genres presented on the stage adds to the richness of the musical offerings, ensuring there’s something for every taste among the live performances.

Aside from this, The Piano Bar on the Ground Level is a standout feature, offering free entertainment into the night with internationally-acclaimed pianists and singers. The superb cocktails and sing-along vibe create an enjoyable atmosphere for patrons seeking a more relaxed and interactive musical experience.

Note though that Doo-Bop Bar lacks an on-site car park, which may be inconvenient for patrons relying on personal vehicles. While nearby parking options are available, it could pose a challenge during peak times or for those seeking more convenient parking solutions.

Overall, Doo-Bop Bar emerges as a vibrant hub for live music in Brisbane, offering a unique blend of historical ambiance, diverse music genres, and exceptional live performances. The multifaceted nature of the venue, with distinct experiences in the Basement Bar and the Piano Bar, contributes to its appeal among music enthusiasts.