5 Best Live Music Venues in Byron Bay
Header Image Credit: Destination NSW
Byron Bay has always been a magnet for hippies, creatives and musicians, hosting big music events from Bluesfest to Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival. But Australia’s best-loved town is also a hub of live music venues, from beer gardens to local pubs and beachfront bars. Discover our top 5 live music venues in Byron Bay.
The Rails Byron Bay
The Railway Friendly Bar, affectionately known as “The Rails”, is a Byron Bay institution, hosting free live music every night of the week for over 30 years. Located on Jonson Street, the town’s main strip, this Byron Bay bar features a sprawling beer garden with a laid-back atmosphere.
Known as one of the best Byron Bay live music venues, The Rails plays host to local and touring bands covering all genres of music, from funk and folk to rock, roots and reggae. The perfect spot for a lazy lunch, with a wide selection of local beers on tap and a menu of delicious pub grub. As lazy days turn to festive nights, The Rails turns up the volume, playing live tunes late into the night.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/therailsbyronbay/
The Northern Byron Bay
The Northern is another Jonson Street fixture, an unassuming local pub with more to it than meets the eye. If you are looking for live music in Byron Bay, The Northern covers all bases, with an impressive calendar of gigs each week.
Grab a pint and enjoy some live music in the pub’s front bar, head to the spacious ‘Backroom’ to dance the night away to a line-up of live acts and DJs, or put in your request at The Northern’s famous Duelling Piano Bar where two pianists go head to head as the crowd sings along to some classics.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/thenorthernbyronbay/
Hotel Brunswick
Although not technically in Byron Bay, Hotel Brunswick is well worth the 15-minute car ride up the coast. This country town hotel first opened in the 1940s and still retains its old-school charm, with a bustling courtyard beer garden shaded by giant Poinciana trees.
Known by locals as “The Bruns”, this chilled-out pub is the perfect spot for a lively Saturday night or laidback Sunday session, with a selection of 16 beers on tap, premium wines, cocktails and gourmet pub classics. The Bruns certainly knows how to bring the vibe with a line-up of local live music performed on the pub’s amphitheatre stage.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/hotelbrunswick/
Beach Hotel Byron Bay
Beach Hotel, fondly known as “Beachy”, is a hotel, outdoor bar and Byron Bay music venue popular amongst locals, backpackers and music lovers alike. Perfectly located with epic beachfront views, Beach Hotel is a thriving entertainment hub with an assortment of daily live music acts taking to the stage and DJs spinning the decks as the sun goes down.
While you might come for the music, you will stay for the food with a menu of snacks, bites, salads, pizzas and pub favourites. Whether a leisurely mid-week lunch with a little live music, sunset cocktails overlooking the sea or a late Friday night party, Beach Hotel is always buzzing.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/beachhotelbyronbay/
Balcony Bar & Oyster Co
Balcony Bar & Oyster Co is a restaurant, bar and Byron Bay music venue that brings a little sophistication to the bay. Perched above Byron’s main street, Balcony Bar & Oyster Co serves up a selection of dishes inspired by Byron’s beach and lush Hinterland, from freshly shucked oyster and Kingfish Crudo to Moreton Bug Linguine and Bangalow Pork Cutlets.
The beach chic Byron Bay bar is the ideal spot for a few late afternoon cocktails or low-key dinner with live music every Thursday night from 7 pm.
Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/balconybyronbay/
Where to stay in Byron Bay
After taking your tour of Byron Bay’s best live music venues, retreat to idyllic Crystalbrook Byron, set amongst 45-acres of subtropical rainforest. Relax and recover in a luxurious Treetop or Rainforest suite, take your spot at the pool or indulge in a healing treatment at Eleme Day Spa.