Music in the Mountains: The Best Spots to Catch a Live Band in the Blue Mountains

STORIES

19 Mar

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

⦿ 132 Lurline Street, Katoomba

Enjoy music-to-dine-to every Friday night at Avalon Restaurant with intimate live acoustic sessions in the main dining room.

Local musicians perform stripped-back sets with soft melodies, creating the perfect setting for a relaxed evening, with great food, meaningful conversation, and beautiful sounds. Find out what’s on via their website or socials.

Image | Robbie Mann 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

Amber Kenny at Bowery Kitchen and Bar, Katoomba

Bowery Kitchen & Bar

⦿ 56-64 Waratah Street, Katoomba

Kick off your weekend at the Friday Supper Club at Bowery Kitchen and Bar. Every Friday night, our historic heritage building transforms into a moody, speakeasy-style club, where local jazz, blues, and folk artists provide the perfect soundtrack in a mood-lit atmosphere.

Settle in for a relaxed evening of great food, good company, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're catching up with friends, planning a date night, or simply treating yourself, the Friday Supper Club is the perfect start to your weekend.. 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

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