There’s nothing like the buzzing atmosphere of a live gig. In Sydney, you can see live music every night of the week, from local rock bands in a grungy pub to international DJs on a festival stage in front of thousands.
Experiencing the nightlife in Sydney is a great way to meet new people and make the most of living in this vibrant, energetic city. So, if you’re looking for live music in Sydney, we’ve rounded up a list of venues and events, giving you the ultimate Sydney gig guide!
Music Venues in Sydney
Enmore Theatre – The pre-art-deco style Enmore showcases a myriad of live music gigs, theatrical shows and world-class comedy. From Rock to Classical, and everything in between, chances are your favourite band has played here.
The Vanguard – The hippest hangout in Newtown featuring gigs most nights of the week. Specialising in jazz and blues, patrons can expect to see some of the best burlesque and cabaret acts the country has on offer.
Oxford Art Factory – One of Sydney’s favourite venues comprising 3 separate venues offering a diverse range of big-name and local Electronic, Dance, Folk, Indie, Rock and Hip Hop acts as well as visual and performance art.
Chinese Laundry – With a cool, underground vibe and an enviable location next to Darling Harbour, Chinese Laundry has featured in DJ Mag’s Top 100 Clubs multiple times over the years. Awesome guest DJ’s in every genre from Electro to Hip Hop, House and Drum’n’Bass.
Manning Bar – This is not your average university bar, hosting national and international Electronic, Rock, and Hip Hop acts on a regular basis.
Freda’s – Cocktail bar, live music venue and neighbourhood party bar. It’s a licensed lucky dip where you will hear House, Techno, Synthpop, 90’s themes night, RnB and Indie rock.
Ching-a-lings – Underground Oxford St favourite – always someone working the turntables with a rotation of Funk, Soul and Hip Hop. Otherwise, it’s all about chilling out on the deck with a cold drink.
Marquee Sydney – About as Vegas as Sydney gets, Marquee hosts all the biggest international Trance heroes as well as the usual local suspects.
Home – Based in Darling Harbour, Home is a super club with amazing views that features some of the best underground and commercial Dance music artists in the world.
Civic Underground – With one of the city’s best sound systems, this small, boutique club attracts highly respected underground international headliners and locals for super fun Techno, Deep House and Electro parties.
Ivy – A sophisticated urban playground home to award-winning restaurants, Sydney’s only rooftop pool bar hosting glamorous summer dance parties, as well as numerous clubs and leading fashion and lifestyle retailers.
ARQ – This iconic LQBTQI hotspot is reopening its doors this summer with a super-charged atmosphere, world-class production equipment and an incredible lineup of DJs and drag shows.
Mary’s Underground – Sydney’s 45-year-old live music venue, The Basement, has been reborn as Mary’s Underground. Nightly jazzy gigs (except Sundays) paired with a fancy French bistro make for a perfect date before hitting the town.
Roundhouse – Carefully crafted to maximise the spectator experience, Roundhouse is a mammoth entertainment precinct featuring a main concert hall, directly connected to a full-service bar and food outlet, flowing out to a landscaped beer garden.
Festivals in Sydney
January
So Frenchy So Chic – A Summer French escape of music, food and friends. A party and a picnic in the park celebrating life and culture on the beautiful grounds of Werribee Mansion. Get lost in the Joie de vivre!
Field Day – Celebrate the New Year at this popular boutique music festival. It’s known for its super-friendly atmosphere and quality line-ups mixing Hip Hop, House, Indie and Electronic artists from around the world.
Vida Latin Festival – One of the biggest gatherings of Latin & Brazilian dancers in the world. 3 days and nights of non-stop fun at ‘The Friendliest Place on Earth’. Countless hours of Salsa, Zouk, Bachata, Samba and more.
Electric Gardens – Celebrated across the Australia Day Long Weekend, Electric Gardens is a boutique event showcasing the very best House and Electronic music.
February
Laneway Festival – National touring festival featuring a bold selection of contemporary icons and emerging game-changers of independent music in Electronic, Pop and Rock.
March
Return to Rio Summer – Hear the best in underground House music in a 3-day long weekend filled with music, fun, too much dancing, pool parties, cocktails, laughter and sunshine by the beautiful Hawkesbury River.
April
The Byron Bay Bluesfest – Australia’s largest festival of Blues and Roots music held over 5 days in beautiful Byron Bay. Boasts an awe-inspiring lineup of musical legends as well as an eclectic array of big international names and talented locals.
Groovin the Moo – Maitland hosts Groovin the Moo with two outdoor stages, a big top tent, bands and performers from across the world, and honest country hospitality.
May
Vivid Sydney – an annual festival of light, music and ideas. Festival-goers can enjoy mesmerising outdoor immersive light installations and performances by local and international musicians.
July
Splendour in the Grass – Australia’s largest winter music festival based in Byron Bay. Splendour creates its own community for a weekend that is a heady mix of contemporary performing arts and quality and innovative lineups of the best in Indie, Alt-rock, Electronic and Dance.
November
Harbourlife – The amazing location, stellar lineups, and the best of House and Electronic artists are among the many reasons why Sydney’s annual Harbourlife is one of Australia’s flagship music festivals.
December
Festival X – Brought to you by the world’s leading live entertainment company Live Nation, Festival X boasts a sizzling selection of EDM that will have you dancing from day to night.
Falls Festival Byron – Catch the explosive line-up of Indie, Rock, Hip Hop, Rap, Dance and Electronica from Australia and around the world for an epic New Year’s Eve celebration in the coastal town of Byron Bay.
Lost Paradise – A 3-day festival of Techno and House music, camping, food, art and yoga, lovingly wrapped in community. The top-notch line-up and amazing set-up make this one of the best New Years’ Eve music festivals in Australia!
