Best Bars with Live Music in Brisbane
Brisbane's live music scene thrives in intimate bars scattered across the city. Whether you're after jazz in Kangaroo Point, rock in West End, or honky tonk in Fortitude Valley, these venues offer good beer, strong drinks, and the kind of live performances that make a night out memorable. Here are 12 Brisbane bars where music is part of the experience.
- 1Bars Chermside
1. Kingpin Chermside
Top-rated spot in Chermside that doubles as a gallery space, offering live music alongside visual art—a rare combination if you want entertainment beyond just a gig.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.8(7,820)· Google70Spot ScoreGreat 
2Bars Hamilton2. Miss Demeanour Laneway Bar
Hamilton's laneway bar provides an intimate setting for live performances, tucked away from the main street hustle.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.7(1,093)· Google$$$$67Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Bars West End3. Lefty's Music Hall
West End venue dedicated to live music, ideal if you want to catch local acts in a neighbourhood known for its creative energy.
Open late (after 10pm)View venue4.6(1,122)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Bars New Farm4. The Junk Bar
New Farm's casual spot where live music is a regular drawcard, fitting the suburb's laid-back vibe.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.7(511)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Bars Hamilton5. Brooklyn Standard
Hamilton bar offering live performances in a relaxed setting, good if you're in that part of town.
Open late (after 10pm)Open MondaysView venue4.5(1,565)· Google$$$$65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Bars Kangaroo Point6. Brisbane Jazz Club
Kangaroo Point venue specialising in jazz, the obvious choice if that's your preferred genre.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.6(693)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Bars Fortitude Valley7. The Wickham
Fortitude Valley institution with live music, anchoring the Valley's reputation as Brisbane's live entertainment hub.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.3(1,878)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Bars Fortitude Valley8. Chattahoochee Joes Honky Tonk
Fortitude Valley's honky tonk bar brings country and Americana to the heart of the city if that's your style.
Open late (after 10pm)View venue4.7(334)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Bars Fortitude Valley9. Greaser
Fortitude Valley bar with a rock edge, suited to those after edgier live acts.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.6(496)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Bars Fortitude Valley10. Tomcat
Fortitude Valley option for live music in the Valley's concentrated entertainment precinct.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.5(559)· Google$$$$62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Bars New Farm11. Felons Barrel Hall
New Farm's larger-format bar, potentially better if you're after bigger live lineups or events.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.3(1,411)· Google$$$$62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Bars South Bank12. The Plough Inn
South Bank venue bringing live music to the cultural precinct, convenient if you're already exploring the area.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.2(4,959)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingpin Chermside | 70/100 | 4.8(7,820) | — | Chermside | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Miss Demeanour Laneway Bar | 67/100 | 4.7(1,093) | $$ | Hamilton | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Lefty's Music Hall | 65/100 | 4.6(1,122) | $$ | West End | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Junk Bar | 65/100 | 4.7(511) | $$ | New Farm | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Brooklyn Standard | 65/100 | 4.5(1,565) | $$ | Hamilton | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Brisbane Jazz Club | 64/100 | 4.6(693) | $$ | Kangaroo Point | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Wickham | 63/100 | 4.3(1,878) | $$ | Fortitude Valley | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Chattahoochee Joes Honky Tonk | 63/100 | 4.7(334) | — | Fortitude Valley | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Greaser | 63/100 | 4.6(496) | $$ | Fortitude Valley | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Tomcat | 62/100 | 4.5(559) | $ | Fortitude Valley | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Felons Barrel Hall | 62/100 | 4.3(1,411) | $$ | New Farm | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Plough Inn | 61/100 | 4.2(4,959) | $$ | South Bank | Open late (after 10pm) |
Frequently asked questions
Which Brisbane bar is best for jazz?+
Brisbane Jazz Club in Kangaroo Point is the dedicated jazz venue in this list.
Where's the best area to bar-hop for live music?+
Fortitude Valley has the highest concentration, with five venues listed within the neighbourhood.
Are there live music bars outside the Valley?+
Yes. Lefty's Music Hall in West End, The Junk Bar and Felons Barrel Hall in New Farm, Miss Demeanour and Brooklyn Standard in Hamilton, Brisbane Jazz Club in Kangaroo Point, Kingpin in Chermside, and The Plough Inn in South Bank all offer live performances.
Do I need to book ahead for live music nights?+
This varies by venue and how busy they are. It's worth ringing ahead, especially for weekends or well-known acts.
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