Brisbane Music and Venue Guide

The Brisbane music scene is firmly on the map as one of the most important breeding grounds for original music in Australia, a reputation well earned following the success of bands like Powderfinger, Regurgitator, Butterfingers, The Grates, George, The Black Market Rhythm Co., and even The Bee Gees — although the latter haven't played in town for a while...

Plenty of venues put the spotlight on local artists, and almost all major international tours make a stop in Brisbane.

Brisbane live music venue guide

We certainly haven't covered every venue here, but at least you'll get a rundown. For more details on the live music scene, and a good Brisbane gig guide check out the Brisbane Musos website.

If there's nothing on at the following venues, there's just nothing on

The Zoo — 711 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
An icon of the local indie music scene since 1992, The Zoo hosts live music from Thursdays to Saturdays and any indie Australian artist worth their salt has played here. Drop in if you're in town and you'll be at the coal face of good, brash Australian music.

The Troubadour — Brunswick Street Mall, Fortitude Valley
Host to the softer side of Australian indie music, the Troubadour is a small, long, iconic venue in the heart of Brunswick Street Mall - well worth a visit if you like things a little softer

The Globe — 220 Brunswick Street, Fortitue Valley
an old theatre which has been turned into a music venue, The Globe is one of the coolest looking live music venues anywhere, it hosts some of the best music in town.

Rics Cafe and Bar — Brunswick Street Mall, Fortitude Valley
This tiny cafe looks too small to have a dining table, let alone a stage, but it's one of the coolest hang-outs on the indie music scene in Brisbane. You're guaranteed to see the next big indie thing here, or at the very least, some worthy musical angst.