Hobart’s live music scene is as eclectic and edgy as the city itself. From talented indie acts performing in hole-in-the-wall venues to international electronic DJs playing at cool winter music festivals, Hobart really has it all.
Whether you’ve been hitting up the local venues for a while now or you’re yet to catch your first live performance, you will find all of the best festivals and venues for live music in Hobart in this ultimate city music guide.
The best live music venues in Hobart
The Grand Poobah
This iconic Liverpool Street venue hosts everything from live bands to comedy and cabaret shows in its velvet-clad, Twin Peaks-inspired space. With a main bar and dancefloor that’s perfect for a late-night boogie, The Grand Poobah also offers a more intimate Kissing Room area that’s well-suited to smaller acoustic acts.
The Grand Poobah is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night until late, with information about upcoming gigs listed on their website.
The Republic Bar
Alongside their craft beers and tasty pub meals, The Republic Bar serves up live music every night of the week. This spacious venue is housed inside an old art deco building in North Hobart, with stone walls, cosy log fireplaces and a busy beer garden. The Republic Bar hosts a diverse range of acts, with everyone from classic rock bands to indie acts and acoustic vocalists taking to the stage.
You can find more information about upcoming gigs on their Facebook page.
Alter
This cool two-story venue is part of Hobart’s The Hanging Garden complex on Murray Street. At Alter, you can listen to a range of bands in the dedicated bandroom or head upstairs to High Alter for late-night DJs and electronic dance music. Alter is open every Friday and Saturday night from 7 pm until late. Check out their upcoming gigs.
Odeon Theatre
The Odeon Theatre hasn’t just hosted some of the world’s biggest bands and performers, but the venue itself has an interesting history as well. The Odeon Theatre was built in 1916 and it was originally used as a cinema. Since then, the venue has been converted into one of the main venues for the Dark MOFO and Mona Foma music festival performances and hosts major acts from around the country throughout the year.
The Odeon Theatre opening times vary depending on live performance times, and you can see all of the upcoming gigs on their website.
The Telegraph Hotel
If you love to discover new local music then The Telegraph Hotel is going to be your weekend hang-out. Every Friday and Saturday night, the venue hosts a mix of local acoustic vocalists, Lo-Fi and electronic DJs in their regular Tele Sessions event. Make a note of their latest session times and make sure you add this local secret to your list of things to do in Hobart.
Hobart Brewing Company
Hobart Brewing Company is housed in the rustic Red Shed building on the Hobart Waterfront. The relaxed venue offers a large beer garden with fire pits in the winter, ticketed events and live music every Friday night. Check out their upcoming gigs, where you will be sure to find a mix of laid-back acoustic acts and some of the best bands in Hobart.
The Uni Bar
If you happen to be a UTAS student then you don’t have to venture far to hear live music. The Uni Bar is not only the university’s watering hole, but it has been a host to some of Australia’s favourite bands, including Powderfinger, The Cat Empire and Ball Park Music.
You can keep up to date on Uni Bar’s upcoming gigs on the website.
Music Festivals in Hobart
Let’s take you through all of the best music festivals in Hobart and those a little further afield.
January
Cygnet Folk Festival (Folk)
A folk music festival held 45 minutes away from Hobart, in the small town of Cygnet.
Good Gumnuts Festival (Mix)
A camping music festival with a secret location on Tasmania’s northwest coast.
February
Summer Salt (Mix)
This summer festival brings some of Australia’s favourite artists to Hobart’s Royal Botanical Gardens.
Party in the Paddock (Mix)
Travel into the north of the state for Tasmania’s locally grown indie music and arts festival.
MONA FOMA (Mix)
Tasmania’s biggest contemporary music festival which celebrates sound, noise, performance and theatre.
March
Great Escape Camping Music Festival (Mix)
A multi-day camping music festival in the scenic Derwent Valley.
Ten Days on the Island (Mix)
The statewide arts festival brings music events to Hobart and all across the state.
Forth Valley Blues Festival (Blues and roots)
A blues and roots music festival in the north of Tasmania.
June
Dark Mofo (Mix)
Tasmania’s famous midwinter festival presents an exciting selection of live music events across the city.
Festival of Voices (Choral, contemporary and cabaret)
A bonfire-themed winter festival with a focus on choral, contemporary and cabaret across Tasmania.
November
Verandah Music Festival (Folk, blues, jazz and funk)
A quirky community festival that sees folk, blues, jazz, funk and choral played on verandahs around the village of Evandale in northern Tasmania.
