If you're getting sick of playing the same old Spotify playlist on repeat, step outside and go visit some of Newcastle's best venues to get your live music fix.

Photography courtesy of Balázs Szabó

Sometimes you just have the need to get out of the house and dive head first into some Newcastle night-life, but without all that doof doof business. We’ve compiled the best guide to Newcastle’s Live Music offerings and guess what? You’ll be jumping off the sofa when you hear how good some of these offers are!

The Family Hotel
That’s right, live music is back at the Family Hotel for the first time in years! Saturday Knights are bringing the bands back in the rave cave every Saturday! No cover charge, no ticket sales, just good times and great music.
Free entry, two live bands and $15 jugs of beer all night!

Quill and Compass
Newcomers on the block, Quill and Compass have fulfilled our Friday night itch, with Honky Tonk Fridays. Booking a long list of musicians that will keep your Friday nights interesting. From Irish folk, Bluegrass, New Orleans Jazz and everything in between.

The Lucky Hotel
Soak up the sounds from some of Newcastle’s most talented artists every weekend in The Courtyard. Live beats are on every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.

Queens Wharf Hotel
Consistently bringing us live entertainment across the weekend, Queens Wharf is the place to do with good views, good vibes and good beats.

5 Sawyers
Hosting a once-a-month event, The So What Supper Club, featuring the finest musicians from our local scene and beyond. Jamming out a groovy mix of Jazz, Hip Hop, Soul and Funk. Free entry!

Great Northern Hotel
Jamming out some tunes on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, the relatively new venue is a good one to have on the list!

The Star Hotel
With Jazz by the Fire kicking off every second Thursday, you can enjoy a mulled wine, and baked cheeses whilst listening to the Jacob Neale Jazz Trio. The star also has a rotating gig guide each month. Keep an eye out!

Royal Crown Hotel
No Bad Vibes happening each and every Sunday at the Royal Crown Hotel in Dudley are an absolute talking point. Live music happening in the Green Room and flowing into the Garden Bar. You can expect no boring music, no bad vibes and just the best pub fare around.

FogHorn Brewhouse
With a brand new open-mic night kicking off on Tuesdays, Foghorn Brewhouse’s Homebrew will make your Tuesday nights boring no more!

Parry St Garage
Live music every Sunday from 5pm with pretty impressive deals to get your hands on too. $10 Spritz, $10 Suppers, $6 Parry St Lager, $6 Cloudy Apple Cider and half-price pizzas between 3pm-5.30pm; YUM.

Sydney Junction Hotel
Head in for $4 knock-off drinks on a Friday afternoon and be serenaded by their local live music acts.

Honeysuckle Hotel
From country to rock and everything in between the Honeysuckle Hotel have consistently been bringing quality live music to the city. The Harbour Sessions are on every Sunday from 3pm with DJ's from 4pm and be sure to keep your eye on their What's On Guide for who's coming up.

The Grand Hotel
Every Tuesday night the Newcastle Improvised Music Association brings Jazz to the Underground. Doors open at 7:30pm for a 8pm start. Entry is $20, $15 concession and $10 for Members.

The Wicko
Newcastle’s home for blues and roots, The Wicko always plays host to some of the best live music in town.

Lizottes
The buzzing theatre venue & bistro is always putting on a show with both local, national and international music acts.

Cambridge Hotel
Maybe the epicentre of live music in Newcastle, the Cambridge hosts 3-6 live music events a WEEK and have won the Best Live Music Venue in NSW from AHA for the past two years.

The Badger's Lair
Previously known as ‘The Bandroom’ this space has undergone an extensive facelift to bring it into the modern age of live entertainment. 

Know somewhere in Newcastle with killer live music acts not on the list? Email us!