Our guide to venues with live music in Newcastle
Newcastle may be a regional city, but it’s always been known to punch well above its weight when it comes to live music. From dedicated performance spaces to character-filled pubs and intimate bars, the city is packed with venues that truly champion local and touring artists – and our thriving live music scene is only getting bigger.
Keen to catch a gig here in Newcastle? Our guide highlights the best spots across Newcastle to get your live-music fix.
Adamstown Bowling Club
Adamstown Bowling Club has become a hub for live music in recent years – head in for live, free, original music all weekend long. There's always a huge mix of genres, so everyone can find an act they love at Adamstown Bowling Club. Bring along a mate, or the family and you'll be sure to have a fun and laid back time.
Where: 504 Glebe Rd, Adamstown
Bar on the Hill
Bar on the Hill is an iconic live music venue at the University of Newcastle's Callaghan campus. It's so much more than just the uni bar – keep an eye on their upcoming gigs to catch a wealth of local, Australian, and international artists.
Where: Ring Rd, Callaghan
Bartholomew's
Considering Bartholomew's is located in what was once a theatre, it's fitting that the King Street venue hosts live music and entertainment.
Where: 145 King St, Newcastle
The Beach Hotel
After undergoing a massive revamp, The Beach Hotel is back and its live music offering is one to get around. Alongside kicking back to enjoy some live music, the location is unbeatable, right opposite Merewether Beach, so you get live music with coastal views and a relaxed beach town feel.
Where: 99 Frederick St, Merewether
Civic Theatre
Civic Theatre doesn't need much of an introduction. The renowned theatre not only hosts theatre shows, musicals, and comedians, but plenty of live music. If you're after bigger international and Australian acts, you'll typically find them here.
Where: 375 Hunter St, Newcastle
50 Clyde Street Art
One of Newcastle’s most exciting and emerging creative spaces, its live music offerings perfectly reflect that energy. Within the Hamilton North precinct’s industrial-style studios and galleries sits the 12B Lounge, a venue dedicated to live performances ranging from acoustic folk sessions to high-energy DJ and R&B nights. For anyone who loves discovering fresh talent and authentic local culture, is well worth a visit, keep an eye out on their website for their upcoming events.
Where: Shed 8B/50 Clyde St, Hamilton North
The Den Newcastle
Situated right next to The Rogue Scholar on Union Street, The Den has already emerged as one of Newcastle's best spots for raw, up-close and real live music, theatre, and creativity. Imagine an underground style warehouse, where you can fully be consumed by the live music on offer, definitely a great spot to get around a band with your mates.
Where: 2 Union St, Newcastle West
The Exchange Hotel
Hosted in its Live at the X music space, live music has been happening for 140 years at The Exchange Hotel. From hosting gigs in series like Great Southern Nights to championing local musicians, this Hamilton pub is a hub for live music.
Where: 125 Denison St, Hamilton
Flamingo's Live
Formerly known as Lizotte’s, this buzzing theatre venue and bistro is always putting on a show, with performances spanning local, national, and international music acts.
Where: 31 Morehead St, Lambton
Hamilton Station Hotel
Hamilton Station Hotel may be a pub, but live music is definitely the name of the game at this Islington watering hole. With five nights of live music a week, both free and ticketed, there's so much variety that music lovers from all walks of life will find something to love.
Where: 2/6 Beaumont St, Islington
Hiss & Crackle Records
Hiss & Crackle Records is a record store in Wallsend that also puts on a bunch of gigs each month. They're all ages and free, so everyone in the community can get amongst live music by local bands.
Where: 18 Council St, Wallsend
King Street
Brought to you by the same passionate team that ran the Cambridge Hotel before its closure, King Street is all about live music with multiple levels showcasing all genres and hosting international and national heavyweights, as well as providing a platform for emerging local acts. You’ll find live music on here every week, and big acts rolling through each month.
Where: 15 Steel St, Newcastle West
The Grand Hotel
Every Tuesday and Thursday night jazz takes over The Underground at The Grand Hotel, a small, low lit and intimate jazz bar, plus you can find some great bands from all over the country each week upstairs in the pub.
Where: 32 Church St, Newcastle
The Lass O'Gowrie Hotel
A longtime staple of Newcastle’s live music scene, The Lass continues to draw crowds with its eclectic and ever-changing lineup. Its laidback atmosphere and strong support for local talent make The Lass a go-to spot for anyone keen to catch live tunes in a classic, wide open, old-school pub setting. From weekly gigs and standout DJ nights to relaxed open-mic sessions and community-driven events, there’s something for everyone.
Where: 14 Railway St, Wickham
The Oak
You’ll find live music every weekend at The Oak, where the pub’s warm, old-school charm sets the perfect backdrop for easygoing gigs and laidback nights out. Alongside its regular lineup of local artists, The Oak also hosts larger shows for touring acts passing through Newcastle, giving it a reputation as a reliable spot to catch both familiar favourites and fresh talent.
Where: 207 Maitland Rd, Tighes Hill
The Oriental Hotel
The Ori has built a long standing loyal following for its relaxed vibe and funky charm that you can only find in small family owned pubs. With a strong emphasis on community and creativity, the Ori’s courtyard and intimate old style bar come alive with everything from acoustic sets to upbeat bands perfect for a laid-back afternoon or to kick off an energetic night out. Unlike other family owned pubs dominated by pokies or sports screens, the Ori keeps the spotlight on live music, great food, and genuine connection, making it one of Newcastle’s best spots to unwind and enjoy local talent.
Where 53 Bull St, Cooks Hill NSW 2300
Maru-Hifi
The new kid on the block, Maru-Hifi is a recently opened Japanese-inspired vinyl bar that hosts regular live music and listening events that celebrate quality sound and local talent. On Wednesdays you can catch live jazz and soul performances, while on Thursdays Maru-Hifi invite guests to bring their own vinyl for intimate listening sessions. Weekends often include guest DJs, selectors, and special acts like the Cordue Trio, all played through Maru’s world-class sound system.
Where: 10 Union St, Newcastle West
The Rogue Scholar
You might know The Rogue Scholar as a brewpub, but did you know the Union Street venue is also a live music space? With live music every night they're open and even a rooftop space that the team opens up for special events, gigs, and performances, there's plenty of tunes to be had with your local craft beer.
Where: 4-6 Union St, Newcastle West
The Stag & Hunter Hotel
The Stag & Hunter Hotel is a standout pub on Newcastle's live music scene. The Mayfield local regularly hosts local acts, but also stacks of touring artists. With an intimate vibe and tasty pub grub, The Stag & Hunter Hotel is a great spot to go and watch a gig.
Where: 187 Maitland Rd, Mayfield
The Wickham Park Hotel
The Wickham Park Hotel (or The Wicko as it's known to most) always plays host to some of the best live music in town. Head to the front bar for more rock-oriented gigs or hang out in the beer garden for more relaxed tunes.
Where: 61 Maitland Rd, Islington
Toronto Hotel
Toronto Hotel is known for hosting some of the heavyweights of Australian music as part of their Live on the Lake concert series – think Daryl Braithwaite, The Screaming Jets, and The Angels.
Where: 74 Victory Pde, Toronto
Newcastle’s Best Live Music Venues: Where to catch a gig in the city
Whether you’re after a laidback acoustic set, an intimate underground show, or a high-energy band that’ll have you dancing all night, Newcastle’s live music scene has something for everyone. With so many venues championing local artists and touring acts, there’s no better time to get out, explore the city, and to soak up the incredible talent performing right on our doorstep.Check out a gig this week and discover your new favourite spot.
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