The Garden Melodies at Conifer Lawn in the Adelaide Botanic Garden interweaves local performers’ music with sounds of nature and birds. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this fusion of sounds.
Disney’s beloved Winnie the Pooh characters take to the stage in this fresh, enchanting stage adaptation. Featuring the Sherman Brothers’ classic Grammy-winning songs.
Thebby
Adelaide has a thriving music culture and hosts multiple world class festivals. From juggernaut arena theatre stages to intimate bars, there are gigs for all tastes. You can enjoy laidback bar-stool boogie to acoustic cover songs or dance the night away in a mosh pit to iconic global acts. There are even food-focused events that merge music with scrumptious fare.
Known locally as the ‘Thebby’, this heritage-listed venue is a must for all live music lovers. Its charming character, world-renowned lighting and SA State Heritage significance create a unique atmosphere that is unmatched. The 2,000-person room is home to local bands starting their careers and established artists that want a more intimate setting.
The acoustics and lighting at this venue are perfect for the performing arts with stunning concerts from world-class artists. The upcoming calendar includes a classic rock concert, a musical of the year and a tribute to the greatest Australian singer of all time, Tay Tay.
Located on the University of Adelaide’s North Terrace campus, UniBar is one of the best places to catch some live music. They host a mix of local talent and are open to anyone, not just students. They also serve delicious pizza and drinks, so grab a table and have a chat to some friends while the band plays. You can also check out their Facebook page for a list of upcoming gigs.
Governor Hindmarsh
With many venues offering a range of music genres and the ability to catch shows in the heart of the city, you’ll never miss a beat. The multi award winning Governor Hindmarsh Hotel (affectionately known as The Gov) has established itself as one of the key live music venues in Adelaide with local musicians performing in their front bar and main stage. They also host the Adelaide Ukulele Appreciation Society and open mic nights.
Hindmarsh was a naval officer through and through. He began his career on HMS Bellerophon at the age of fourteen and served in Nelson’s Navy in the Mediterranean and East Indies. After retiring from the Navy he became Governor of South Australia. During his tenure he regularly disagreed with Surveyor-General Colonel Light and Resident Commissioner Fisher about the location and governance of Adelaide. This caused tension between the Governor and his officials. Eventually the Colonial Office recalled him to England in 1838, and he went on to become the Governor of Heligoland.
Adelaide is renowned for its vibrant music scene and was officially designated a UNESCO City of Music in 2015. The city hosts world class music festivals, offers support and opportunities for local artists through organisations such as Music SA and the Music Development Office, and may have more live music venues per capita than any other capital city. It is also the birthplace of many great Australian bands and artists including Cold Chisel, Little River Band, Sister Janet Mead, Hilltop Hoods, Paul Kelly and Sia Furler.
Little Bang
Adelaide is famous for its thriving music scene, boasting multiple festivals and venues. In fact, it was the first Australian city to be designated a UNESCO City of Music in 2015.
You can experience live music in every venue from a juggernaut arena theatre stage at the Entertainment Centre to cosy jazz lounges and funky dive bars. Big name artists also play here, including psych-rock band Tame Impala, pop singer Dua Lipa and indie songwriter Dean Lewis.
The newest addition to the Adelaide gig scene is Hindley St Music Hall, which opened in 2022 in the bustling west end of the CBD. Powered by local live music experts Five Four Entertainment, this space is a new-age concert hall with world-class acoustics and state-of-the-art lighting.
Classic Rock Live is a high-octane live show that celebrates the best of rock with a full orchestra and 50 musicians. Featuring the songs of legends like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and The Who, this is not to be missed!
In 2024, Little Bang Brewing Co was snapped up by the South Australian owned Duxton Pubs group, whose founders are well-known publicans Ed Peter and Brett Matthews. The brewery will keep its staff and the iconic Tonsley Boiler House location, while its co-founders Ryan Davidson and Fil Kemp will continue to play an active role in the business. Behind the bar at the brewery is a 20-tap line-up, with beers like the Uncommon Cloud Saison, Beard Fiction Pale Ale and Icon Hoppy Steam Ale regulars. You can also try experimental brews such as the Freezer Cleaner, a saison made with bits and pieces of leftover beers and the Sour Peachy Thingy, brewed with peaches from a local farm.
Fat Controller
Some bands build their following on airplay and press hype, but to truly experience a band you need to witness them enthrall an audience with their riveting live performances. One such act is the psychedelic rock groovers, The Delta Riggs. Their show at Adelaide’s Fat Controller last year pretty much heralded the venue as a touring destination for some of Australia’s biggest acts. The crowd was packed with long haired yahoos – boys and girls alike – dressed in today’s rising grunge scene; tight jeans, flannelette shirts and outrageously patterned jackets.
Founded in 2015, Fat Controller Club is a vibrant clubbing hub that’s located right in the heart of Adelaide’s nightlife scene on the corner of Bank Street and North Terrace. The club can accommodate up to 550 patrons and is home to several bars, seated areas, and a dance floor. With a dimly-lit feel, the club is a beat-fueled mecca where the only thing that matters is turning up the bass.
With a diverse lineup of local and national acts, the club is committed to supporting the local entertainment scene. It also hosts a number of post-festival celebrations for major Adelaide events like Groovin’ the Moo and Laneway. The bar is stocked with a variety of beer and spirits and offers food from local producers. The Fat Controller team is always on hand to help you find the best seat in the house and create a night to remember.
