Live music in Newcastle

Live music is woven into Newcastle's DNA. From launching some of Australia's most iconic artists to nurturing the next generation of local talent, music has long been part of the city's identity. Today, pubs, bars, theatres and dedicated venues come alive with performances almost every night of the week.

Whether you're planning a trip around a headline act, discovering your next favourite local band, or simply chasing a great atmosphere, Newcastle's live music scene delivers long after the sun goes down.

Here are some of our favourite places to catch live music in Newcastle.

Part nightclub, part live music venue, King Street has become one of Newcastle's biggest homes for live music, proudly continuing the live music legacy of the much-loved Cambridge Hotel. The Band Room regularly hosts national touring artists, emerging local acts and high-energy gigs that keep Newcastle's live music culture thriving.

Ticketed tours are pumping nearly every Friday and Saturday night year-round. 

This Beaumont Street institution has cemented itself as one of Newcastle's great live music venues. From emerging local bands to nationally touring acts, the purpose-built Band Room hosts a packed calendar of gigs, while free live music and the iconic Live It Up Karaoke keep the front bar buzzing every weekend.

For fine food and a great live show, you can’t go past Live n Cookin' at Flamingos Live. This Newcastle icon, formerly known as Lizotte's, is in the old King’s Theatre, Lambton.

This unique venue attracts a wide range of local and international acts year-round – artists who have graced the stage include the likes of Richard Clapton, The Whitlams, Gina Jeffreys, and Josh Pyke. 

Descend beneath the historic Grand Hotel for one of Newcastle's most distinctive live music experiences. Regular jazz nights, touring artists and an intimate underground setting make The Underground a favourite among music lovers. 

The Grand upstairs serves delicious pub eats directly to your Underground table – very New York jazz bar energy. 

In prime position on Newcastle Harbour, the Queen's Wharf Hotel makes great use of its enviably large outdoor wharf to feature live music on the harbour every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

A popular place to relax the afternoons away means there is always a great atmosphere at Queens Wharf, especially on warm afternoons just as the sun sets. Pair the harbour views with classic pub meals and a vibey weekend soundtrack.

Take a stroll along the harbour to Honeysuckle Hotel, a waterfront entertainment hub of Newcastle. The team proudly supports weekly live music with bands and DJs every Friday and Saturday night, plus their infamous Harbour Sessions every Sunday.

With seating right over the water, plus cosy indoor spaces, it's a great venue for soaking up our iconic harbour views with a side of live music. 

Jams Karaoke & Bar is a Newcastle staple for a fun night out. A suite of fully serviced karaoke rooms of all different sizes are available, perfect for belting out your personal favourites amongst friends and travel buddies.

Live music fans, there's something extra special at Jams – fulfil your lead singer fantasies and join the bar's live band on stage for a live karaoke experience every Friday night! 

Affectionately known as the ABC by locals, Adamstown Bowling Club boasts two live music spaces, The Rinks Stage and The Locker Room. Offering free live music every weekend the ABC has it all – either afternoon sessions on the lawn or late-night tunes well into the evening. 

Start your Saturday in the courtyard with local acoustic sets before the DJ takes over and the dance floor kicks in after dark. Regular trivia, burger and schnitty nights, plus special events like 'Poppin Tags' all add to the festival atmosphere Greenroof brings to Hamilton. 

The Lucky Hotel pairs regular live music with one of Newcastle's best beer gardens.  

Friday nights feature local musicians, while DJs keep the energy going across the weekend, making it an easy place for an afternoon that turns into a night out. And the best part is that whenever you rock up, there are always great drinks and tasty pub meals ready to be enjoyed. 

The Art Deco front bar has plenty of old-school charm, but it's the beer garden out back where the music magic fills the night air. 

Boasting a bustling roster of musicians every Friday and Saturday, The Clarendon's beer garden is a centrally located live music hangout. Feast on pub grub, local wines, and craft beers, and enjoy the good tunes in this chilled-out space.  

Showcasing everything from indie bands and tribute acts to open mic nights, The Great Northern has long championed local live music. Fridays and Saturdays are when the venue really comes alive, with packed dance floors and a calendar that celebrates Newcastle's homegrown music scene 

The Rogue Scholar is a Newcastle West brewpub that pairs live music with a rotating lineup of local acts across the week. Thursdays bring open mic energy, while weekends ramp up into full-band sessions that keep the space moving late. The atmosphere is always buzzing, so be prepared to find the dance floor. 

Civic Theatre Newcastle is one of those rare venues that artists genuinely talk about after the show. 

Housed in a beautiful heritage building, it brings a sense of drama before the performance even begins – think ornate interiors, grand staircases and that feeling you’ve stepped into something truly special. Despite its scale, it still feels intimate, with audiences close enough to feel every moment on stage. 

It's a jewel in Newcastle's crown and a must-play stop for touring artists for good reason. Check out the diverse line-up of events coming up and make sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment. 

If you're keen to check out big brass bands, one-of-a-kind orchestral events, choral ensembles or even piano concertos, the Conservatorium of Music is where you should be heading.

Affectionately referred to as just 'The Con', this venue is undoubtedly the cultural heart of Newcastle's eclectic music scene with a full calendar of ticketed events celebrating musical prowess and well-honed skills. 

For big-name touring acts and arena-style events, Newcastle’s larger venues keep the city firmly on the national touring circuit. 

The Newcastle Entertainment Centre continues to host major concerts and touring productions, with a calendar that brings international and Australian acts to Newcastle year-round. It plays an important role in the city’s live entertainment scene.

For stadium-scale performances and headline tours, McDonald Jones Stadium also steps into the spotlight, hosting major music events alongside its sporting calendar for productions that need room to go big.

Best known for its award-winning spirits and cocktail experiences, Earp Distilling Co. also hosts a growing calendar of live music and special events. Keep an eye out for The Act, an intimate series that pairs talented musicians with Earp's signature hospitality, making it one of Newcastle's most unique places to enjoy live music.

From intimate acoustic sets and jazz sessions to touring artists and major festivals, there's always something happening in Newcastle. 

Check out our What's On guide before you visit to see who's taking the stage during your stay. 

What's on in Newcastle