Brisbane’s vibrant music scene is famous throughout Australia. The city is home to some of Australia’s most beloved bands, including The Veronicas, Violent Soho, Powderfinger and a whole lot more. Whether you’re into hip-hop, EDM or indie rock, you’ll be able to find something that caters to your tastes.
Music in Brisbane is truly a way of life, so it’s hardly surprising that the city also houses several of Australia’s best live music venues. If you’re looking for things to do in Brisbane this weekend, pay a visit to some of these incredible venues and dance the night away.
The best places to catch Brisbane gigs
The Tivoli
The Tivoli is one of Queensland’s premiere live music venues with a rich history of hosting exciting up-and-coming acts like Tame Impala, The Rubens and DMA’s, as well as international acts like Lily Allen, Taylor Swift and Portugal. The Man.
Check out what’s coming up at The Tivoli this month.
The Junk Bar
The sleepy inner-city suburb of Ashgrove is home to one of Brisbane’s best-kept secrets – The Junk Bar. The venue offers a menu of beautifully crafted cocktails for you to sip on while you listen to tunes at the Open Mic Night, which runs every Thursday from 7 pm.
There’s always something happening at The Junk Bar, so check out what’s on this week here.
The Triffid
A converted WWII commercial aircraft hangar doesn’t sound like the kind of place you’d find stellar live music, but The Triffid has been one of Brisbane’s best-loved music venues since 2014. The Triffid is great for intimate to mid-sized gigs, and the venue’s interesting design makes for an incredibly unique concert experience.
Have a look at what’s on at The Triffid here.
The Zoo
If you enjoy discovering budding new artists, then you’ll absolutely love The Zoo. Local bands tend to play here to gain experience, and the venue has developed a bit of a cult following after showcasing fresh talent for over 30 years.
Check out what’s happening at The Zoo this month.
Black Bear Lodge
Venture into Fortitude Valley and you’ll find Black Bear Lodge, a trendy nightspot with distressed brick walls and vintage furniture, a fully stocked bar and a dance floor where you can groove to live music and soul DJs.
Fluffy
Fluffy is Brisbane’s biggest gay-friendly party. It’s host to numerous famous drag queens and some of the biggest events on the city’s social calendar. If you’ve managed to get Monday off work, Fluffy is the place to be.
Superfly Disco
Superfly Disco lets you take a trip back to the 80s and embrace disco fever. Dance the night away on Superfly Disco’s entrancing light-up dance floor and boogie till the sun comes up.
Laruche
Laruche is a Brisbane nightlife institution. You’ll feel right at home here if you’re looking to dance your heart out to resident and guest techno and house DJs in a splashy club with psychedelic decor, quirky chandeliers and delicious cocktails.
Music festivals in Brisbane
If you’re after more than just the occasional Brisbane gig, festivals are a great way to get outside and enjoy some live music. There’s an abundance of festivals in Brisbane, with a variety of genres to choose from.
Here are some incredible music festivals in Brisbane that you definitely need to fit into your social calendar.
January
Wildlands – For all electronic and hip-hop enthusiasts.
February
Laneway Festival – A boutique indie, hip hop and electronic music festival.
March
Earth Frequency Festival – An environmentally focused electronic music festival.
April
Groovin the Moo – Townsville hosts Groovin the Moo with two outdoor stages, a big top tent, and bands and performers from across the world.
September
Caloundra Music Festival – A celebration of world-class music, food, arts and local culture on the Sunshine Coast.
Big Sound – A unique gathering for the music industry, taking place in the heart of Fortitude Valley across a number of venues.
Mushroom Valley – A super friendly psytrance festival set in the sub-tropical forest, where you can be your creative self.
October
Listen Out – One of Australia’s most beloved festivals, with a killer lineup of dance and hip hop.
Promiseland – Australia’s premier Afrobeats, reggae and R&B festival.
November
Festival X – The ultimate summer festival, packed with internationally renowned headliners from all over the world playing hip-hop and electronic music.
Fridayz Live – A massive R&B and hip-hop party, taking place at the Brisbane Showgrounds.
December
Woodford Folk Festival – The largest gathering of artists and musicians in Australia, the festival showcases music, dance, cabaret, circus, comedy, workshops, debate, street theatre, films, forums and visual arts.
Good Things – A festival full of alternative music and pop-punk throwbacks.
