Recently updated on March 4th, 2025 at 04:52 pm
In addition to the famous Opera House, there is no shortage of incredible live music venues in Sydney. If you find yourself in this Australian city and are looking for some entertainment, check out these venues. Whether you’re looking to catch a local act at a pub or see an artist in a historic venue, there’s something for everyone to experience Sydney’s incredible culture.
While visiting Sydney on a Trafalgar tour, you’ll have some free time that’s perfect for checking out one of these venues for a night of live music and entertainment.
Sydney Opera House
It’s one of the most iconic buildings in the world and it’s also home to some of the best musical performances. While the Sydney Opera House certainly attracts major acts, it also features concert series by local groups. Seeing a show at the Sydney Opera House is an Australian bucket list experience.
With Trafalgar, we’ll take you on a guided tour of the Opera House and stop at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for magnificent views of the building.
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The Metro Theatre
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The Metro Theatre (or The Metro, as locals refer to it) is home to some of the best rock, heavy metal and alternative live music in Sydney. Not only does it attract local acts, where you can discover some of Australia’s up-and-coming artists, it also has seen major international artists grace its stage — Coldplay, Foo Fighters and John Mayer, to name a few!
The Enmore Theatre
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Step back in time at the historic Enmore Theatre. Originally built in 1908, it’s the oldest and longest running live theatre in Sydney. The Enmore is listed in the Historic Buildings Register of the Australian Institute of Architects and it is one of two surviving art deco theatres in Sydney.
In addition to hosting local artists, The Enmore has seen many famous faces come through its doors over the years, including Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones.
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Red Rattler
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If you’re looking for a local music experience in Sydney, check out the Red Rattler. This venue is a queer-run, not-for-profit “creative playground” that supports artists of all types. It’s an inclusive and community-driven space that is worth checking out to spend a night on the town like the locals would.
Factory Theatre
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One of the most beloved live music venues in Sydney is Factory Theatre. This space hosts an array of film, dance and live music events by artists from Sydney and beyond. The Factory is committed to bringing in emerging performers and providing them with a platform to showcase their talents to a wide audience.
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Max Watt’s
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No matter what genre of music you prefer, Max Watt’s will likely have it. This venue is known to attract musicians of all types, from hip hop to rock to electronic. Located in the heart of the Entertainment Quarter, it’s the perfect venue to go to after enjoying a meal out.
The Botany View Pub
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If dinner and a show is what you’re after, look no further than The Botany View Pub. It’s a classic Aussie-style pub that brings in local artists for gigs every weekend. Go for the delicious grub, stay for the talented acts.
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Marrickville Bowling Club
Bowling club by day, music venue by night — the Marrickville Bowling Club is a truly unique music venue. After spending the afternoon bowling, stay for some food and live music in their intimate performance space. It’s a small and intimate venue that brings in local bands for a night of entertainment.
Venue 505
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For an intimate musical experience, check out Venue 505. They’ve been bringing some of the best acts to Newtown for over 15 years. Their main focus is on jazz and contemporary music, but they also cater to all music preferences with a range of genres. Expect an immersive experience in which the audience can fully engage with the performers.
What’s your favourite music venue in Sydney? Let us know in the comments.