12 Sydney Bars with Live Music: Where to Catch a Good Show
Sydney's live music bar scene spans from the CBD to the inner west and beachside suburbs. Whether you're after an intimate gig or a packed dancefloor, these venues regularly host performances across genres. Here are the Sydney bars worth visiting for live entertainment.
- 1Bars Sydney CBD
1. Shady Pines Saloon
A Sydney CBD fixture for live performances, Shady Pines draws crowds with its relaxed saloon atmosphere and rotating lineup of local acts.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.7(1,317)· Google$$$$67Spot ScoreWorth a Look 
2Bars Sydney CBD2. Cardea Sydney – Cocktail & Live Music Bar
This CBD bar pairs crafted cocktails with live music, making it a solid choice if you want quality drinks alongside your entertainment.
Open late (after 10pm)View venue4.6(865)· Google65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Bars Alexandria3. MoshPit
Located in Alexandria, MoshPit leans toward rock and heavier genres, ideal if you're seeking a more energetic, crowd-oriented live music experience.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.7(363)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Bars Newtown4. Buddy's Bar Newtown
Newtown's venue culture runs deep, and Buddy's Bar fits into that scene with regular live performances suited to the inner-west crowd.
Open late (after 10pm)View venue4.6(363)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Bars Sydney CBD5. Jolene's Sydney
Another CBD option with live music credentials, Jolene's offers a central location if you're combining drinks with other city plans.
Open late (after 10pm)View venue4.5(563)· Google$$$$62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Bars Surry Hills6. Soultrap bar
Based in Surry Hills, Soultrap provides a neighbourhood bar setting with live music entertainment away from the CBD crush.
Open late (after 10pm)View venue4.5(370)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Bars Newtown7. The Duke of Enmore
This Newtown venue is established enough to draw quality touring acts while maintaining a relaxed local bar vibe.
Open late (after 10pm)Open SundaysView venue4.3(798)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Bars Sydney CBD8. Marble Bar
A CBD institution with heritage credentials, Marble Bar combines its iconic interior with live music bookings that reflect its standing in the Sydney music scene.
Open late (after 10pm)Open MondaysView venue4.2(1,892)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Bars Manly9. The Manly Club
If you're combining a beach trip with live music, The Manly Club offers entertainment with proximity to Manly's beachfront and dining precinct.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.6(254)· Google61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Bars Cronulla10. Cronulla RSL Club
For a southern beaches option, Cronulla RSL Club provides live music in a community club setting near the coast.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.2(1,344)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Bars Parramatta11. Club Parramatta
Located in Parramatta's CBD, this multi-function venue offers live music and is positioned as a western Sydney entertainment hub.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.1(2,346)· Google$$$$60Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Bars Sydney CBD12. Chuck Trailer's CBD
A no-frills CBD bar option where live music complements casual drinking without pretension.
Open MondaysView venue4.5(172)· Google59Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shady Pines Saloon | 67/100 | 4.7(1,317) | $$ | Sydney CBD | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Cardea Sydney – Cocktail & Live Music Bar | 65/100 | 4.6(865) | — | Sydney CBD | Open late (after 10pm) |
| MoshPit | 64/100 | 4.7(363) | $ | Alexandria | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Buddy's Bar Newtown | 62/100 | 4.6(363) | — | Newtown | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Jolene's Sydney | 62/100 | 4.5(563) | $$ | Sydney CBD | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Soultrap bar | 61/100 | 4.5(370) | $$ | Surry Hills | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Duke of Enmore | 61/100 | 4.3(798) | $$ | Newtown | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Marble Bar | 61/100 | 4.2(1,892) | $$$ | Sydney CBD | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Manly Club | 61/100 | 4.6(254) | — | Manly | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Cronulla RSL Club | 61/100 | 4.2(1,344) | $$ | Cronulla | Open 7 days |
| Club Parramatta | 60/100 | 4.1(2,346) | $$ | Parramatta | Open 7 days |
| Chuck Trailer's CBD | 59/100 | 4.5(172) | — | Sydney CBD | Open Mondays |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book ahead for live music at these Sydney bars?+
Booking requirements vary by venue and event. Popular acts and peak nights typically fill up, so checking ahead is wise. Many venues post their schedule online or on social media.
Is there a cover charge for live music at these bars?+
Cover charges depend on the act and venue. Smaller local performances may be free or have a low entry fee, while touring or headline acts can command higher prices. Check with the venue directly.
What genres of live music can I expect across these venues?+
The venues on this list span rock, indie, soul, and general contemporary music. Some lean heavier (like MoshPit), while others showcase mixed lineups. Visiting a venue's website or social media will give you their current and upcoming entertainment style.
Are these bars suitable for a casual night out, or more for serious music fans?+
Most of these venues cater to both casual drinkers and dedicated music fans. CBD bars like Shady Pines and Marble Bar attract mixed crowds, while inner-west venues like The Duke of Enmore and MoshPit draw more music-focused audiences.
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