Here's Where to Watch Live Music In Brisbane and Grab a Pint Beforehand
Enjoy a pint and a performance in the country's northern gig capital.
In partnership with 
Music is an integral part of Brisbane's identity, with many of the country's most beloved musicians getting their start in the Queensland capital. Powderfinger, Ball Park Music, Kate Miller-Heidke, Waax, The Go-Betweens and many more spent their formative years gigging around the city.
From the punk scene that emerged in the seventies and eighties to the thriving Fortitude Valley suburb and multiple music festivals held each year, Brisbane is also something of a cultural hub.
Whether you're a local wanting to support Australia's live music scene or are heading to the Sunshine State and need a steer for your itinerary, here's a curated list of live music venues to check out in Brisbane.
Supplied
LiveWire
Located in The Star Brisbane, LiveWire is your destination for headline entertainment and a vibrant mix of weekly events. Whether you're into live music, drag bingo, or music trivia, the variety on offer ensures there's always something exciting happening.
One act to watch out for is on Friday, October 24, when Brisbane musician Jarryd James will perform his hits, including his ARIA award-winning song "Do You Remember," at LiveWire. Several other singers, DJs and artists perform at LiveWire every week, so check out The Star Brisbane's schedule to see what's on.
Looking for a pre-gig tipple? Head to one of The Star Brisbane's cocktail bars, the panoramic Cicada Blu and 360º bar Cherry, before the performance and get into the party spirit.
If you'd prefer dinner before dancing the night away, Cucina Regina is The Star Brisbane's Italian eatery. It offers hand-stretched pizzas and delicious homemade pasta. Meanwhile, Aloria is a rooftop restaurant with a European-Australian menu and delicious cocktails. For those making a weekend of it, consider a stay at The Star Brisbane's five-star hotel.
If you're a music lover, The Star Brisbane is a one-stop shop for drinks with your mates, dinner with a view, and a free gig to top the night off.
Marlon Trottman
Fortitude Music Hall
The Fortitude Music Hall was built to offer the city of Brisbane a middle ground venue between its small dive bars and larger sports stadiums. Located in the city's CBD entertainment precinct, Fortitude Valley Music Hall is a 3000-person venue that hosts a number of international and local acts.
In 2025 and 2026, acts such as Royel Otis, Noah Cyrus, CMAT, Ben Folds, and Travis will take to the stage, making Fortitude Music Hall a venue to add to the top of your live music list. Fortitude Music Hall is located in the middle of the buzzing Brunswick Mall, giving you a number of options for a pre-gig beverage or takeaway on the way home.
The Triffid
The Triffid
If you're looking for live music and pints on tap, head to The Triffid. Located in Newstead, the venue is within walking distance of the buzzy Fortitude Valley area and has everything a music lover could want.
Housed in a converted World War II aircraft hangar, The Triffid has an indoor venue and a smaller stage outside in the beer garden, making it an excellent spot for a Sunday session.
The venue was created by Powderfinger bassist, John Collins, who knows the importance of fostering local acts and building a community around music. As a result, The Triffid is a hub for music fans—plus, their beer garden serves a mean hot chips if you're looking for a snack to pair with your pint.
The Tivoli
Originally built in 1927 as the Adams Bakery, today The Tivoli (or The Tiv, as locals call it) is one of the city's most beloved music venues.
The Tivoli has hosted some of the country's most prolific artists, such as Powderfinger, Silverchair, Missy Higgins, and Paul Kelly, as well as international acts including Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Bob Dylan. Housed in an art deco building, the Fortitude Valley venue combines heritage, charm, and a roster of iconic acts all in one place.
Head to the Jubilee Hotel for a pint and pub meal before the gig, or, if you're after something a little more elevated (literally), the Soko Rooftop Bar is a great shout.
Crowbar Brisbane
Crowbar
A favourite among punk, metal and rock fans, the Crowbar has endured a lot in recent years. After launching in 2012, the venue sadly closed during the pandemic. Thanks to the locals' efforts, Crowbar Brisbane has moved to Ann Street in the Valley and is once again a thriving music venue.
No need to make multiple bookings if you're heading to the Crowbar, as the venue offers burgers and barbecue at its bar and restaurant as well as a selection of local beers on tap, making it an easy stop on a night out.
This list scratches the surface of iconic venues in Brisbane, Australia's unofficial music capital. Be sure to check out each schedule and make a booking to support live and local music.
Explore more at The Star Brisbane.
Lead image: LiveWire at The Star Brisbane. Guests must be 18 years or over to enter LiveWire and the casino.
