The 5 Best Adelaide Live Music Venues to Vibe In

Consider Grace Emily Hotel a cultural heritage of the Adelaide music scene. Seen by many as a remnant of old pubs in the city, this live music venue is still alive and kicking.

This is mainly because of the loyal and tightly-knit community that is already part of the rich history of Grace Emily.

When you enter the venue, the first thing you will notice are the walls enshrined with countless memorabilia from prominent artists. It’s like a mini history lesson in the local and international music scene.

There are amenities that are ideal when you are catching up with old friends or socializing with new ones. May we suggest trying out their pool tables and darts?

At the heart of Grace Emily is their emphasis on communal traditions. On Mondays, they have Billy Bob’s BBQ and an open mic for aspiring artists.

However, one downside that we saw is that their pub only has a cash-only payment basis. This can be a downer for people who do not like carrying cash with them.

In addition to this, Grace Emily is a quaint place and an old one at this. So you can imagine that this place can get uncomfortably cramped on some days, and if you’re not comfortable in old establishments, this might not be for you.

Grace Emily Hotel is not as modern and fresh as more renowned live music venues in the city, but it’s a good thing it’s not flashy. It feels like putting on old rugged sneakers that are comfortable even if they are tattered.

So, if you’re looking for a local and traditional live music venue/pub, Grace Emily Hotel is the place to be.

NOLA Adelaide sort of gives away what theme they are trying to go for, but we like it anyway because we already knew what to expect! It definitely did not disappoint because it really is a glimpse of the rich cultures of New Orleans.

New Orleans is home to a buzzing jazz scene and Cajun cuisine. NOLA definitely gets its vibe and atmosphere on point because the venue is ideal for intimate live music performances.

Their food is also an accurate representation of Cajun and Louisiana with some of the famous fan favorites like gumbo and jambalaya, to name a few.

What’s even better is you can vibe out to some live music free of charge when you dine in their restaurant. Trust us, it’s a killer combo that’s a perfect recipe for a memorable night with some cherished company.

Of course, NOLA is also known for its remarkable Southern hospitality similar to what Louisiana is known for overseas. 

They are also very supportive of the local music scene. You can get acquainted with local artists who regularly perform at the venue.

However, customers noted how average the acoustics are in the venue. We feel disappointed because this definitely limits the experience you have when listening to some of the best musicians in the city.

This may also be because it seems like the venue is more of a restaurant rather than a live music venue. So it can be presumed that the establishment focuses more on offering a memorable dining experience rather than live music events.

Nonetheless, great food and a good atmosphere coupled with live entertainment are still something worth trying out!

Adelaide definitely has a rambunctious and buzzing nightlife, and Lion Arts Factory is a great representation of this. Almost open from dusk ’till dawn, some of the most memorable live music performances are held here.

Service is at the top of their priorities, aiming to bring swift service to all their customers. This is evident in how polite and helpful the staff is when you have concerns or any queries.

A lot of regulars have told us that they appreciate how well-trained the security personnel is at maintaining the order yet still allowing freedom to vibe and groove for all customers.

We also commend Lion Arts Factory for supporting the local music scene. This is a great place to get to know local bands and see some interstate groups perform live.

Talking about the venue, they have good acoustics for you to be fully immersed in the live music performance you’re witnessing.

The great lighting also helps in amplifying the musical experience for everyone.

However, one downside that we feel can greatly affect the overall live music experience for everyone is the lack of ventilation in the venue. This can definitely ruin the mood if you’re sweating profusely when you just want to enjoy some live music.

Fortunately, they have a spacious outdoor space for communal use and a beverage bar where you can purchase ciders, beers, and spirits. 

Unfortunately, the drinks are expensive t, so be prepared to shell out some money.

In hindsight, Lion Arts Factory is definitely one of the places you should visit in order to really get a glimpse of the Adelaide nightlife through good music.

The Gov is a stunning live music venue that’s beloved by many locals. It’s intimate with a hip atmosphere and awesome lighting.

We appreciate that they go the extra mile in supporting local artists, as they also host local community events like the one they did for ukulele groups.

With top-notch acoustics, the venue makes sure you enjoy your experience watching live music performances.

However, one downside that we discovered is that some cigarette smoke coming from the outdoor spaces can go inside the venue. This may be a dealbreaker for nonsmokers.

There is also insufficient heating when winter comes, so be sure to bring a sweater with you.

In addition to this, the venue also doesn’t account for persons with disability. This is evident in how their toilets aren’t inclusively accessible and the limited general mobility around the venue.

Fortunately, the friendly and helpful staff are always ready and delighted to assist the audience if ever they have any concerns.

Moreover, in between and after performances, you can visit their cozy outdoor spaces to catch up with some friends and socialize with some of the locals.

We recommend The Gov for an immersive musical experience and in support of the local music scene.

Thebarton Theatre is the crème de la crème when it comes to live music in Adelaide. This is where the most prominent artists perform in the city.

With their state-of-the-art sound system, they are almost unmatched in the overall experience they offer for live music performances.

The gorgeous lighting and stage set design are also something you will definitely marvel at as well.

On-site amenities are also remarkable. They have a cloakroom where you can leave your coat and other belongings so you can focus on having a good time without worrying about them.

There are also multiple bars in the venue so you can grab a quick bite and drink in between performances.

If you are hungry before or after the event, there are numerous food establishments nearby that offer discounts when you have a ticket to watch a live music event at Thebarton Theatre. Talk about perks!

However, their customer service leaves a lot to be desired, specifically in attending to ticketing concerns. This may be because their ticket booking services are now outsourced to an interstate company.

In addition to this, if you are someone who likes to document your experience in live concerts and performances, you may be disappointed that taking photos and videos during live music events is generally discouraged.

Fortunately, they have a merchandise booth just outside the main auditorium so you can bring home memorabilia after the event.

Another thing we also like about Thebarton Theatre is that they have easy access for persons with disability.

When there is another notable live music event in Thebarton Theatre, you should not miss out on it!