Your Guide to Sydney’s Best Live Music Venues

From the creators of Hubert, Alberto's and Frankie's Pizza (R.I.P.) is The Caterpillar Club, marking one year in business with a very attractive happy hour offering. Last year, The Caterpillar Club emerged from the ashes of Frankie's Pizza in a new location on Pitt Street– and it's got more than just a groovy name. The…

Craving a night that breaks the mould? Pleasure Club transcends the boundaries of a typical bar, offering a multi-sensory experience that caters to the curious and the adventurous. Live music forms the lifeblood of the venue, pulsating through the evenings with a diverse range of performances. From intimate acoustic sets by local singer-songwriters to full-fledged…

This two room, multi-functional venue has played a key role in re-shaping Sydney's live music scene. The 500 person capacity makes this venue intimate, authentic, and a favourite among the muso's and up and coming artists alike!

Easy to miss, Lazy Bones Lounge is the Inner West's iconic music venue. This luxe jazz space has live music shows seven nights a week, generally for free; occasionally for a small cover charge. Don't think the low price is any indication of the level of talent.

Petersham Bowling Club has become a hub of activity and frivolity in recent years. This community centred venue not only offers top notch lawn bowls it also has a buzzing live music scene. From garage to cabaret, Petersham Bowling Club has a wide roster of talent on every week.

The Red Rattler, one of Sydney's best creative communities, is an entirely volunteer run venue showcasing Australian talent from the grassroots. This venue asks for a mere 50 cent donation from patrons in order to maintain their eco-plan and hosts a wide range of musical talents.

The bowling clubs are really having their day in the sun at the moment, particularly those who fall out of the lockout zone. Marrickville Bowlo puts on a great range of live music Friday through to Sunday. The Sunday gigs are at 4:30pm every week and are free.

Hidden behind a fifties coke machine is the secret entrance to this beautiful old venue. The Soda Factory offers regular live performances, from local bands to international DJ's. The music choice tends to begin chill in the early evening, then transition to some bangin' d-floor tunes later in the night.

The Metro Theatre is one of Sydney's better known live music venues. You can expect to catch some of the bigger names in music here as the Metro serves as an iconic venue for both international and local acts.

Located on Newtown's vibrant King St is The Enmore Theatre. This old-school venue features an array of live music, as well as other live performances from comedy to theatre-sports.

Situated on the University of Sydney campus, is this popular live music venue. Manning Bar has attracted many local and international acts, from Gotye, to Wolfmother. FYI, this is definitely not just a venue for uni students.

The infamous Lansdowne Hotel, which closed back in 2015, has been re-born and is better and bigger than ever. This three level venue hosts regular events such as Reggae Monday's, as well as one-off shows from local and international artists.

In this heritage-listed underground bar, you will find your dose of live music every Thursday through to Sunday from 7pm. Sink in to the plush leather chairs and enjoy a $15 cocktail between 6-8pm. Marble Bar enforces a strict dress code, so this venue is best saved for the classier occasions.

Behind an unmarked door on Bridge Lane, Merivale presents The Press — an opulent music bar born from our obsession with live music, sharp martinis, and nights that get a little loud. Strict Dress codes apply here so dress up.