Music in the Mountains: The Best Spots to Catch a Live Band in the Blue Mountains
There is a particular magic to live music in the Blue Mountains. From the lower hills of Glenbrook to the high-altitude heritage of Mount Victoria, the region’s music scene is as diverse as its landscape.
If you’re looking to soundtrack your mountain escape, here are some of the premier venues where the stage is always set.
Bootlegger Bar
⦿ 92 Bathurst Road, Katoomba
Katoomba’s Bootlegger Bar hosts free live music every weekend. Housed in the historic Niagara building, this bi-level venue pairs low-and-slow BBQ with a rotating lineup of local blues, jazz, and rock artists. It’s a soulful, high-energy space where the whiskey flows and the riffs are loud.
Beyond the music, there’s regular Drag Queen Trivia, Bootscootin’, and Singles Meet-Up Nights. See what’s on via their facebook page.
Image | The Orchard Boat at Bootlegger
Avalon Restaurant
⦿ 18 Katoomba Street, Katoomba
The Friday Supper Club at Avalon is a local institution, blending soulful live music with the restaurant's Art Deco charm. Each week, the dress circle dining room comes alive with the sounds of sophisticated jazz, blues and swing, providing a vintage, ‘music-to-dine-to’ atmosphere that perfectly complements their global menu.
There’s also regular ‘dinner & show’ events with themed menus, and Katoomba Comedy Club runs on the first Friday of each month in the foyer lounge. Find out what’s on via their website or socials.
Image | Coucou Zazous at Avalon
The Old City Bank
⦿ 15 Katoomba Street, Katoomba
With a traditional English-style pub atmosphere in Katoomba’s first bank building, the Old City Bank hosts an eclectic mix of local acts performing in the in intimate pub setting. Every Friday a Saturday night there’s everything from soulful blues and jazz to upbeat folk.
Enjoy a casual catch up with friends with a local beer and a bite to eat, inside or outdoors in beer garden. Check out who is playing via their website or socials.
Image | Linda Mizzi Trio at the Old City Bank
Bowery Kitchen & Bar
⦿ 56-64 Waratah Street, Katoomba
Housed in a charming converted church, Bowery Kitchen and Bar offers a warm, acoustic-led atmosphere and speakeasy vibes every Friday night. Regular live sets feature everything from local folk artists and jazz ensembles, to country, blues and dazzling ragtime piano.
It’s a perfect up-beat soundtrack while you enjoy a hearty meal and a crafted cocktail from the bar. See who’s playing on their website or socials.
Image | Amber Kenny at Bowery
2773 Glenbrook
⦿ 14 Ross Street, Glenbrook
At 2773 Glenbrook, live music is the heartbeat of the weekend. Saturday nights feature local artists paired with woodfired pizzas and happy-hour, while ‘Sunday Sessions’ from midday offer a sun-drenched, kid-friendly garden vibe. With acoustic sets and drink specials, it’s a local community hub for good times and soulful tunes.
Check out who’s playing via their website.
Image | Divinia Jean at 2773
The Factory Bar
⦿ 24 Whitton Street, Katoomba
Tucked inside the Blue Mountains Gin Company distillery in Katoomba, The Factory Bar hosts intimate, live music every Friday and Saturday evening. The industrial-chic space transforms into a stage for local artists, spanning from soulful jazz and blues to contemporary folk and roots, creating an atmosphere that is sophisticated yet deeply laid-back. Partake in a signature gin cocktail or a local craft brew while enjoying the music.
Image | Rebecca Daniel and Leigh Birkett at The Factory Bar
The Ivy
⦿ 231 Great Western Hwy, Blackheath
Affectionately known as ‘The Ivy’ by locals, the New Ivanhoe Hotel is a heritage pub, with beautifully restored Art Deco interiors and warm mountain hospitality. Every Saturday night and Sunday Afternoon, the venue buzzes with a rotating roster of local favourites and touring soloists, spanning indi-rock and soul, acoustic folk, and blues.
Enjoy a cold schooner and a classic counter meal while the music kicks off. Whether you’re settling in for a Saturday night set or catching a relaxed Sunday session, ‘The Ivy’ offers the quintessential Blue Mountains pub experience.
Image | Fret Buzz
Hotel Etico
⦿ 11 Montgomery Street, Mount Victoria
Situated within the historic Mount Victoria Manor, Hotel Etico offers one of the most heartwarming live music experiences in the Blue Mountains. The music here - often acoustic sets or jazz duos - carries an extra layer of warmth, as the venue trains and employs young people with intellectual disabilities.
Held every Friday night in the conservatory, the atmosphere is one of inclusive charm, where guests can enjoy a Italian-inspired menu or a local mountain gin while supporting a venue where the music feels as good as the mission. Check out who’s playing on their facebook page.
Image | Antelope
