Concerts & live music

From underground jazz joints to stadiums hosting tens of thousands of people, Sydney venues are not shy of making some noise when it comes to music. Whatever genre tickles your fancy, and whether you like venues big, iconic or small, the Harbour City has an act to entertain you.

What’s on & coming soon

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Plan ahead:

Opera House Symphony Performance 2013, Sydney Opera House, Sydney

A symphony performance at Sydney Opera House, Sydney

Music venues

Yes, we all know that the Sydney Opera House is front-and-centre when it comes to live music. Plus, it’s just so pretty to look at, and offers glimmering views over the water to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Where do you look?

But the city has a plethora of other legendary venues, including the Enmore Theatre in Newtown, which is the oldest-running music outlet in New South Wales, hosting both established and up-and-coming acts and events for decades. If these walls could talk. Added bonus: it’s intimate, and feels like you’re part of the show.

A Vivid Music 2018 event at the Enmore Theatre, Sydney

 Enmore Theatre during Vivid 2018, Sydney

For edgy performance art and live music, the Oxford Art Factory in Darlinghurst is a warehouse-like venue with multiple performance spaces. It’s inspired by Andy Warhol’s 1960's Factory, so prepare to get a bit groovy. Not far away, located in the old railway workshops in Redfern, Carriageworks hosts performances from local and international artists throughout the year. There are also fashion shows, art installations and markets to look forward to here.  

In the CBD, the Metro Theatre has been rocking the city centre with heavy-metal, indie and alternative bands for more than two decades. A short walk away is the beautiful State Theatre, where you can enjoy classic concerts as well as musicals, comedy and touring shows.

Patrons enjoying live music at The Vanguard, Newtown

Patrons enjoying drinks and live music at The Vanguard, Newtown 

For jazz, head to The Vanguard in Newtown and Foundry 616 in Ultimo. World music fans will love the Camelot Lounge in arty Marrickville, where you can also discover bands and other live performances at the Factory Theatre, Red Rattler and Lazybones Lounge.

When you start thinking global big names – like Adele and Radiohead – think Sydney’s Olympic Park, home to a number of large-scale venues including Qudos Bank Arena and the newly relauched Accor Stadium.

Live band performing at Camelot Lounge, Marrickville

Band performing at Camelot Lounge, Marrickville

Music nights

You don’t need an excuse or tickets to enjoy live music. Head to one of the city’s regular music nights to listen to local musicians and artists, like the Sounds on the Terrace at The Museum of Contemporary Art, which features a program of live music on a rooftop offering jaw-dropping views over the harbour.

For live music and soul-healing pies, head to Frankie’s Pizza in the city centre, with bands and DJs playing every night from Thursday to Sunday. You can expect a similar vibe at Soda Factory in Surry Hills on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Things kick on late into the night here.

Live music at the Beresford, Surry Hills, Sydney

Live music at The Beresford, Surry Hills

If you’re all about chilling with local bands, check out the line-up in upcoming months at Vic on the Park in Marrickville, The Beresford in Surry Hills, Kings Cross Hotel in Darlinghurst, Bank Hotel in Newtown and The Lansdowne in Chippendale.

 

Highlights

Find more music events in Sydney