Experience the best Brisbane live music at these stellar venues
Brisbane’s music scene has long been lauded as one of the best in the country, with the city producing world-famous acts from Powderfinger, Regurgitator and The Go Betweens to Violent Soho and Ball Park Music. While Brisbane may be known for its musicians, it is also famous for its live music venues. From commercial hangars to historical pubs and large-scale music halls, this is our round-up of the best live music venues Brisbane has to offer.
Fortitude Music Hall
Located in Fortitude Valley—the cultural heart of Brisbane—Fortitude Music Hall opened its doors in 2019 and has since been a beacon for big acts, both local and international, including The Flaming Lips, Two Door Cinema Club, Dope Lemon and Leon Bridges. The sprawling music hall, with its art-deco style and glistening chandelier, is one of Australia’s largest ballroom/theatre-style venues, with a 3,000-person standing capacity and 1,100 seated capacity. Drinks are always flowing at Fortitude Music Hall, with five bars featuring an impressive range of tap beers and fine wines. The venue is also home to The Outpost, named after a 70s dive bar of the same name. This smaller multipurpose venue within the music hall is open late and features a diverse program of artists and a curated cocktail list that can’t be missed.
The Triffid
The Triffid opened its doors in 2014 and quickly established itself as one of the best Brisbane live music spots. Within walking distance of Fortitude Valley, tucked down a side street in trendy industrial suburb Newstead, The Triffid is both a music venue, beer garden and bar. Once a commercial hangar, the venue is owned by ex-Powderfinger bassist ‘JC’ John Collins, who has combined state-of-the-art sound, an epic beer garden and the venue’s WW2 heritage to create one of the most vibrant and diverse spaces in town.
The Prince Consort
The Prince Consort may be a heritage-listed pub that dates back to 1888, but this is not your average pub. The multi-level establishment invites guests to ‘choose your own adventure’ with an array of themed bars and spaces to party away the day (and night). On the ground floor is the classic English pub with a spacious Hampton-style Garden Bar, and tucked away is 400 Rabbits, a Mexican-style bar featuring a vast range of tequila, cocktails, and Aztec-inspired spirits. Upstairs is La La Land with a chandelier-lit dance floor, while downstairs is underground Greaser Bar— a rock-n-roll-inspired live music venue.
O’Skulligans
Another must-visit music venue is O’Skulligans in the heart of Fortitude Valley. The rock-n-roll dive bar and live music hotspot with a hint of Irish is the sister bar of The Brightside. Located on Warner Street, this charming yet grungy bar, best described as ‘dark, loud and loose,’ plays host to local and touring acts and is the perfect spot to sling back a beer or cocktail before or after a gig. If you are looking for something with a heavier sound, this spot is one of the best Brisbane music venues for it.
The Sound Garden
Located beside Fortitude Music Hall, The Sound Garden is an impressive two-storey space featuring a grand staircase, skylight ceiling and seven-metre-tall indoor tree, with multiple bars and alfresco options. The stylish venue hosts live music performances by local artists every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with DJ sets, battle of the bands and more. The menu boasts an array of tasty share plates, classic mains, burgers and pizzas with a selection of cocktails and wine to sip while enjoying the epic live music line-up.