The Tivoli

The Tivoli is a long-running live music venue in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, presenting local and international artists in a setting with a strong sense of history. Its own story places it among Brisbane’s original homes of live music, with a program that has supported emerging performers while hosting established names including Powderfinger, Nick Cave, Missy Higgins, Silverchair, Paul Kelly and The Go-Betweens. International artists who have appeared here include Bob Dylan, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, PJ Harvey and Slash.

The venue occupies a former bakery built in 1927, later used by the State Library before being transformed into The Tivoli Restaurant and Theatre around Expo ’88. It retains its art deco details and old-world character, and the building was purchased by brothers Steve and Dave Sleswick in 2016 after it had been earmarked for development. That independent, locally owned background remains central to its identity, alongside its role in Brisbane’s cultural life.

For gig-goers, The Tivoli offers a varied calendar covering rock, pop, hip hop, EDM, cabaret, burlesque, comedy, theatre, musicals and other live performances. The main venue includes a second, smaller stage, four bars, backstage areas, green rooms and wheelchair access. Its event capacities range from standing shows for up to 1,500 people to seated theatre and cabaret formats, making the space suitable for both large concerts and more structured performances.

The Tivoli also caters for private and corporate events, including galas, awards nights, fundraisers, product launches, conferences, cocktail parties, birthday celebrations and end-of-year functions. Venue hire includes performance stages, concert-grade lighting and sound, bars, furniture, a commercial kitchen and an events team; food is catered by Cuisine on Cue. With a 4.7 Google rating from more than 3,200 reviews, it is a natural choice for Brisbane music fans, groups attending a show and organisers looking for a distinctive event space rather than a conventional function room.