Perth has a dynamic, thriving live music scene, with plenty of gigs and concerts happening each week. Known for producing fine talents such as Tame Impala, Birds of Tokyo, San Cisco, Pond and Spacey Jane, Perth fully embraces the live music scene. There are many live music venues of all sizes scattered throughout the city, hosting weekday and weekend gigs.
As an international student living in Perth, watching live bands is a great way to support the city’s local music and arts scene, as well as an opportunity to meet like-minded people in the crowd.
If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to the best music venues and festivals in Perth.
The best live music venues in Perth
Freo.Social
One of Perth’s newer music venues, Freo.Social has quickly established itself as a leading venue for live music in Perth. Housed in a former nightclub in the city of Fremantle, Freo.Social showcases artists from near and far, even hosting mini music and comedy festivals.
Head to Freo.Social’s website for more information on upcoming concerts and gigs.
Indian Ocean Hotel
Not far from the turquoise waters and pumping waves of Perth’s Scarborough Beach is the well-loved Indian Ocean Hotel (also affectionately called the “Indi Bar”) and its constant rotation of live music. See indie, rock and folk bands take the stage, and in summer bring your swimsuit and make the most of the venue’s pool parties featuring DJs.
Check out the gig guide here.
Astor Theatre
The Astor Theatre is a beautiful art deco-style theatre in the buzzing suburb of Mount Lawley, showcasing world-class live music and comedy acts. Enjoy dinner or drinks on the Beaufort Street strip of restaurants before catching anything from classical music to rock and indie.
Discover upcoming music concerts and gigs on the Astor Theatre website.
Badlands Bar
Badlands Bar is the ideal venue if you’re after loud music, mosh pits and a whole lot of fun. With artificial stalactites hanging from the ceiling, the dance floor has an intimate cave-like feel to it, surrounded by a bar serving drinks until late. If you want to get some fresh air, there’s also a large outdoor beer garden.
Find out about upcoming gigs and live music here.
Mojos Bar
If you’re looking to discover up-and-coming artists or experience an intimate local gig, head straight to Mojos in North Fremantle. This beloved, grungy bar is open almost every night of the week, so you can catch Perth talent performing indie rock tunes at an open mic night, or see a Western Australian or interstate band rocking out on the weekend. Some of the state’s best musical exports, such as Tame Impala and John Butler, once performed gigs right here.
Keep up to date on upcoming gigs via the Mojos website.
The Bird
Popular small bar The Bird has a similar vibe to Mojos, being intimate, moody and full of amazing local talent. You’ll find The Bird in Perth’s nightlife district, Northbridge, close to numerous bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Pop in for a glass of wine or a cocktail and discover Perth’s homegrown talent.
Head here to see upcoming gigs at The Bird.
Rosemount Hotel
If you ask Perth locals about the best venue to catch live music, many will immediately think of the Rosemount Hotel. And for good reason: this hotel has hosted a lot of musical talent from interstate and overseas. Classifying itself as “Perth’s premiere mid-size live music venue”, the Rosemount is a safe bet if you’re after a weeknight or weekend night of live music in Perth. Plus, you can order a good-quality pub dinner before the show.
Check out the gig guide on the Rosemount Hotel website.
Fremantle Arts Centre
The historic Fremantle Arts Centre (FAC) hosts an array of live music, from free Sunday Music sessions between October and March to large homegrown talents such as Vance Joy and DMA’s. Gigs usually take place on the FAC’s sprawling lush lawns, with the 1860s gothic building (and ex-asylum) set in the background. They’re also often serviced by food trucks and pop-up bars.
Check out what’s coming up on the Fremantle Arts Centre’s website.
The Ellington Jazz Club
If jazz is more your style, pay a visit to The Ellington Jazz Club. You’ll discover all sorts of jazz music and its variations, from blues to jazz guitar, folk, soul and cabaret, all in a groovy, intimate venue. It’s a good idea to book a table in advance, especially if you have a larger group.
Upcoming shows can be found here.
Music festivals in Perth
Some of the country’s biggest music festivals head over the Nullarbor to Western Australia. We’ve put together a calendar of some of Perth’s best music festivals, so get out your diaries and start planning!
January
Falls Festival: A massive two-day festival in the heart of Fremantle with international and Australian headliners.
FRINGE WORLD: A month-long festival held from mid-January to mid-February showcasing live music, comedy, circus and much more.
February
St Jerome’s Laneway Festival: With humble beginnings in Melbourne almost 20 years ago, Laneway is a predominantly indie music event held over one day in Fremantle.
Perth Festival: Australia’s longest-running arts festival, Perth Festival, offers music, visual arts and live performances over three to four weeks in February and March.
March
Nannup Music Festival: A weekend folk festival held in the country town of Nannup, a three-hour drive south of Perth. You can also enjoy the artisan markets, food trucks, workshops and more.
April
Fairbridge Festival: Similar to Nannup Music Festival, Fairbridge offers a weekend of camping in the beautiful bush in Pinjarra, only an hour’s drive south of Perth. Watch folk, world and indie music.
September
Listen Out: The country’s largest dance music festival with hip-hop and electronic music.
Wave Rock Weekender: Australian and international music acts perform at this weekend-long camping festival by the iconic Wave Rock near Hyden, a 3.5-hour drive east of Perth.
October
Grapevine Gathering: A one-day festival among the vineyards of the Swan Valley.
November
Wine Machine: A music, wine and food festival in the heart of the Swan Valley.
Blues at Bridgetown: A weekend of blues music in the quaint country town of Bridgetown, a three-hour drive south of Perth.
Perth International Jazz Festival: A celebration of all things jazz, with two days held in Perth and two days held in Busselton and Yallingup (the latter a 2.5-hour drive south of Perth).
December
Castaway: A day of live music, DJs and electronic music on picturesque Rottnest Island.
Ice Cream Factory: A summer festival held over December (including New Year’s Eve) with DJs, live bands and pop-up bars.
Wildlands: A one-day electronic and hip-hop festival.
Festival X: A must-go one-day festival for electronic music fans.
SNACK: A pop-up summer festival known for DJs, silent discos, show rides, themed bars and more.
