From scuzzy basements to grand theatres, jazz cocktail bars, warehouse nightclubs, and more, Sydney/Eora's live music scene is diverse, vibrant, and dedicated to ensuring you make the most of your night.
Here are Urban List's picks for the best live music venues in Sydney right now.
Lady Hampshire
91 Parramatta Road, Camperdown
Image credit: Lady Hampshire | Instagram
Under the guidance of PUBLIC hospitality (The Strand Hotel, El Primo Sanchez, Oxford House), this iconic Inner West pub has entered a new era of grungy charm and next-level tunes. As they stepped up as owner-operators, PUBLIC was careful to maintain the pub's original live music roots—the sound quality and flow have been improved too, so you can make the most of band night, or just kick back in the beer garden in between sets. Expect to see gigs Wednesday through Sunday, featuring local talent as well as acts from all around the world.
Insider Intel:
- This may not be the fanciest spot, but they put on a mean pub grub—and we certainly aren't complaining. Check out their menu online.
Abercrombie
Level 2/100 Broadway, Chippendale
Image credit: Abercrombie | Instagram
Broadway has changed a lot since the days of Purple Sneakers parties at the Abercrombie. In 2022 the beloved Chippendale boozer reopened after a mega renovation, now sporting three venues in one. On the ground floor, there's a performance and club space, a public bar, and a refresher of the original beer garden. With a 24-hour license for special events (yes, you read that correctly), this is a the place to see Sydney's best underground DJs dial up the party vibes.
The Abercrombie's footprint has expanded into the surrounding terrace houses, and it's here you'll find the reimagined Bar Freda's—also taking over creative direction and music curation across the entire venue.
Insider Intel:
- Even with its newer "grown-up" elements, the Abercrombie stays true to its scuzzier past—as well as the 24-hour license for special events, the pub stays open until 5 am on weekends.
Liberty Hall By The Mary's Group
220 Errol Flynn Boulevard, Moore Park
Image credit: Liberty Hall | Instagram
Liberty Hall is a slightly unhinged art, music and performance space from the boys behind the Mary's group. The 1200-person multi-level venue at the Entertainment Quarter has led a few lives—as The Forum, Max Watts, and, most recently, The HiFi—but the newest tenant takes an anything-goes approach, aiming to elevate audience experience.
Liberty Hall is a space for local, domestic and international artists—in their words, a "shapeshifting cube that will take any form you can dream up". Just a short stroll from Sydney's most iconic venues, you can expect this spot to host everything from big-name performances to Taylor Swift countdowns—if you can dream it, they've got the space for it.
Insider Intel:
- Gone are the days of cramming toast before a gig—Mary's EQ is right next door, so you can fuel up, to dance the night away.
Mary’s Underground
29 Reiby Place, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Mary's Underground | Instagram
Formerly known as The Basement, Mary’s Underground is hidden away in Reiby Place, a mere minute’s walk away from Circular Quay. As part of the Mary’s Group, this spot is the proud home to the Mary's Burger, emulating the rock'n'roll vibe you'll come across at all of their Sydney venues. Why not grab one of the (self-proclaimed) “best fucking burgers in the world” from the restaurant upstairs, before heading down to catch killer tunes from some of Australia’s most exciting, emerging live acts, or the more sophisticated stylings of the in-house jazz band.
Insider Intel:
- Yes, this is the spot where Lorde famously showed up to her album-release fan event. Who's to say there won't be copycats...
Enmore Theatre
118-132 Enmore Road, Newtown
Image credit: Enmore Theatre | Instagram
With its art-deco façade and retro interior, the Enmore Theatre is a Sydney institution. Opened over a hundred years ago (originally as a photo-play theatre), classified by The National Trust and located in the heart of the vibrant Enmore Road, this spot is steeped in history, and has had a seriously cool artist roster. In its time, it’s hosted shows by international acts like (the one and only) Bob Dylan, The Ramones, Sonic Youth, and The Rolling Stones.
Insider Intel:
- There are heaps of bars and restaurants in the area for a post-concert feed or classy pregame—check out our picks for the best restaurants and best bars in Newtown.
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The Lansdowne
2-6 City Road, Chippendale
Image credit: The Lansdowne | Instagram
The outcry that resulted when it looked like The Lansdowne would be permanently closing its doors showed just how much this live music pub means to the people of Sydney. You might not get your household names, but Aussie artists have been launching albums and playing shows here for years. With The Lansdowne being a pub first and foremost, it’s a small venue, so you get the benefit of really getting amongst the mosh—even an occasional chat with the band. Hang around here enough, and you'll find yourself saying things like "I knew them before they blew up"—and entering your groupie era.
Insider Intel:
- If you sign up as a Landsdowne Legend, you can score a 10% discount on all food and bevs, as well as entry into their exclusive badge draw with a stack of prizes.
Phoenix Central Park
37-49 O'Connor Street, Chippendale
Image credit: Phoenix Central Park | Instagram
Founded amid the global pandemic in 2020, a show at the Phoenix keeps you on your toes—confrontational and thought-provoking. However, the most eye-catching part of this Chippendale venue (aside from the fact that it used to be a martial arts studio) is its ticketing system. This spot will have you in for an unparalleled listening room experience—if you want to see a show, you enter a ballot, and all attendees are allocated at random.
Insider intel:
- Tickets for shows are completely free and, with a capacity of only 120, you’re assured of an intimate and unique show every time you’re lucky enough to be selected.
Metro Theatre
G2/624 George Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Metro Theatre | Instagram
This former cinema turned live music venue, the Metro Theatre, is handily located on George Street between Town Hall and Central Station. Meaning? Not only is it great for commuting, it’s in one of the city’s most bustling areas, with plenty of options for pre-and post-show sustenance. Small enough to be intimate but large enough to be a draw for the big names, you can get right up close to the action (and get your mosh on), or watch it all go down from the safety of the upstairs balcony. Rock royalty like Muse, Foo Fighters, and ZZ Top have all graced its stage, but it’s also played host to acts like Salt-N-Pepa, The Prodigy, and Lorde in its storied past.
Insider intel:
- Every Wednesday, they host an event called Metro Air, with free entry to a show from their artists in residence.
Factory Theatre
105 Victoria Road, Marrickville
Image credit: Factory Theatre | Instagram
A quick squiz at the Factory Theatre’s list of upcoming gigs on their website gives a good indication of the diversity of this spot, committed to nurturing Sydney's emerging performers and acts. There's something for all audiences at this Marrickville venue—their upcoming shows include a selection of reggae sessions, improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy, line-dancing nights, burlesque and cabaret, as well as metal, alternative and indie live music. Food trucks are located downstairs, and a well-stocked bar is close enough to the stage—meaning you won't risk missing a second of music if you decide to make a beer run mid-gig.
Insider intel:
- Factory has prime real estate in Marrickville, just walking distance from all the best eats, drinks and things to do in this buzzing suburb.
Oxford Art Factory
3/46 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Image credit: Oxford Art Factory | Instagram
Oxford Street is known as the heart of Sydney’s LGBTQ+ social scene, and among the many vibrant bars and clubs, you’ll find Oxford Art Factory (OAF). Inspired by Factory, the New York club run by Andy Warhol in the 1960s, the spirit of OAF never wavered during Sydney's lockout years, and still houses over 5,000 music fans weekly. The list of bands who have played there reads like a who’s who of 21st-century music—think Lady Gaga (in her first Australian show), Courtney Barnett, Gang of Youths, and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard.
Insider Intel:
- You'll need to hold a ticket to get into most events at OAF, but they are easily purchased on their website.
Lazy Bones Lounge
294 Marrickville Road, Marrickville
Image credit: Lazy Bones Lounge | Instagram
The Factory might be the best-known venue in Marrickville, but Lazy Bones Lounge, a specialty jazz venue with an in-house kitchen (and an ever-evolving menu), brings the consistency—hosting live music seven days a week. Jazz and music from around the globe are on the agenda at Lazy Bones, with jazz jams, improvisation, soul grooves, Afro-Uruguayan candombe, reggae, and funk all featuring on upcoming line-ups.
Insider Intel:
- The food menu takes a look beyond Oz as well, with South African-inspired curries available for twenty bucks or less, which you can enjoy alongside local microbrews, a range of wines, or a selection from the extensive cocktail list.
The Vanguard
42 King Street, Newtown
Image credit: The Vanguard | Instagram
Part live music venue and part burlesque cabaret bar, The Vanguard is located just a ten-minute walk from Newtown Station. In its original iteration, The Vanguard hosted acts such as Elvis Costello and Diesel before closing its doors in 2016. However, it reopened in 2019 under new ownership, with an emphasis on community, contemporary music, and artistic expression. Inside, you'll find a heady mix of neon and stylish elegance with a well-stocked cocktail bar and a stage framed by velvet curtains.
Insider Intel:
- The Vanguard’s menu includes pizzas, bar snacks, and tacos—all the things you crave when you’re experiencing a night of top-quality live music.
Club 77
77 William Street, Darlinghurst
Image credit: Club 77 | Instagram
One of the most beloved clubs in Sydney, Club 77, led the charge to reinvigorate Sydney’s nightlife following the relaxation of the unpopular lock-out laws. Club 77 has been a favourite of the goth and fetish communities as well as one of the hottest late-night tickets in town—now, pitched somewhere between a dive bar and a throwback rave cave. Club 77 is open until 5am on Fridays and Saturdays, and a raft of top-quality DJs are on hand to spin the tunes into the early hours—you might even catch a pop-up from one of the biggest names on the decks (hello, Fred Again secret show).
Insider Intel:
- When a venue has a happy hour that runs 2.30—3.30am, you know they mean business.
Sydney Coliseum Theatre
33 Railway Street, Rooty Hill
Image credit: Coliseum Theatre | Instagram
Western Sydney often gets short shrift when it comes to the performing arts, but West HQ is doing its bit to change that reputation. It’s home to Sydney Coliseum, a 2,000-seater theatre in Rooty Hill that has seven bars and is easily accessible by road. As well as some of the biggest tribute bands in the game (think Bjorn Again), the venue has also hosted acts such as Tina Arena, Keith Urban and The Wiggles over the past three years—these are hallowed halls for Aussie music fans.
Insider intel:
- West HQ is packed with great eateries—CHU Restaurant is by China Doll, so you don't have to travel out of the Western Suburbs for an exceptional culinary experience.
Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point, Sydney CBD
Image credit: Sydney Opera House | Instagram
It’s an obvious choice for this list, but there’s a reason why the iconic Sydney Opera House is one of the most well-known buildings around the globe. The design of architect Jørn Utzon is instantly recognisable, and people travel from far and wide just to get a glimpse of those white sails. Although it is best known for (unsurprisingly) the opera, plenty of beloved rock and pop musicians have trodden the boards of this iconic landmark. From famous concerts, featuring household names like Crowded House, to afro-futurist explorations from emerging artists such as Sampa the Great—a night at our Opera House is bound to be unforgettable.
Insider Intel:
- The Opera House is also home to some of Sydney CBD's best watering holes and fine-dining restaurants—a visit to Opera Bar or Bennelong is sure to impress, with views spanning our gorgeous harbour.
Carriageworks
245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
Image credit: Carriageworks | Instagram
Once a railway workshop, now Australia’s largest contemporary multi-arts venue, Carriageworks is a place you can see just about anything. DJ pop-ups, dance recitals, and large-scale exhibitions are common here, but the real pièce de résistance is the opportunity to see a gig in the cavernous main hall. You can pick up a bite to eat beforehand from one of the food vans parked beyond the ticket office and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere outdoors before heading inside to catch the show. Carriageworks’ dedication to all forms of art means it’s often artists on the fringes of the mainstream who play here—recent years have seen performances from such artists as Björk, FKA twigs, Mallgrab, and St. Vincent.
Insider Intel:
- Not a gig-goer? The Carriageworks Farmers Markets are hands-down one of the best markets in Sydney, touting fresh produce and foodie bites on a Saturday morning.
Main image credit: Oxford Art Factory | Instagram
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