It wouldn’t be the Inner West without live music and Balmain is, perhaps, its epicentre. With a long history of hosting some of the biggest names in Australia and overseas, a weekend in Balmain is sound-tracked by incredible gigs emanating from almost every pub! Here is our gig guide for Balmain.
Pub Gigs and Live Music Venues - Balmain, Sydney
Balmain Bowling Club
156 Darling St | (02) 9810
The Balmain Bowling Club might fly under the radar of live music venues for lovers sometimes, but you’re in luck, as we have got the down low on this hidden gem! Join the team at the Bowlo every Saturday (from 5 pm-8 pm) and Sunday (from 3 pm-6 pm) for free live Blues at Bowlo - featuring an incredible lineup of homegrown musicians.
The Cat & Fiddle 456 Darling St | (02) 9973 6757 www.catandfiddle.com.au
Head down to the Cat & Fiddle Hotel for Live Music every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday to see local icons like the Grateful Dads, Casey Burgess and Dan Mullins. On Friday, live music kicks off at 6 pm. On Sunday, you can head in around lunchtime for the $89pp Sunday Lunch, an Italian-inspired feast and free-flowing carafes of wine, cocktails, and tap beers - followed by the Sunday Sunset Sessions. For the local foodies, there is also a free-flowing lunch package every Saturday ($79 pp) - Bottomless Negroni, Margaritas, House Beer and wine accompanied by Italian-inspired snacks.
The London Hotel 234 Darling St | (02) 9810 1128 www.thelondonhotel.com.au
Every single Saturday, between 3-6 pm, you’ll find a live acoustic duo performing in The London’s gorgeous front bar. See well-known locals like Ange Tsoltouis and Kevin Bennett. Lineups are announced monthly.
The Unity Hall 292 Darling Street | 02 9810 1331 www.unityhallhotel.com.au
The self-proclaimed “heart of Balmain” is a must include on a Balmain gig guide. The Unity Hall is a regular host to some of the best live music in the area. From live Jazz by Dan Barnet and the Big Band on the first Sunday of each month to a variety of bands and genres, The Unity Hall caters to all. On Saturday nights, it's always with heading upstairs to the Worker’s Bar from 9 pm to catch some excellent DJing and tear up the dance floor into the early hours!
The Sackville Hotel 599 Darling St | (02) 9555 7555 www.sackvillehotel.com.au
With a premise dating back to 1876, The Sackville is one of the most reliable live music venues in Balmain. Every Saturday night, The Sacky is serving up fantastic live entertainment from 10 pm until late in their Public Bar. During Sacky Saturdays, you’ll also find $12 margaritas from 9 pm to 10 pm. Also be sure to mark your calendars for Tuesday December 19th for their Locals Christmas Party. There, you’ll find extended happy hour, live music and free meals for kids.
The Riverview Hotel 29 Birchgrove Rd | (02) 9810 1151 www.theriverviewhotel.com.au
Another staple pub gig, The Riverview Hotel, presents live music from 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 3pm during Summer Sunday Sessions. In addition to live music, The Riverview Hotel also host a regular Comedy Club. Hosting new faces and seasoned professionals alike, the Comedy Club is a night of guaranteed laughter. Head to their website to secure your tickets.
The Bridge Hotel 119 Victoria Road | 02 9810 1260 www.bridgehotel.com.au
Perhaps the area's most famous hot spot for live music, there is always something happening at The Bridge Hotel. As Sydney’s longest continuous-running pub and live music/entertainment venue,
The Bridge Hotel has hosted prolific amounts of famous Aussie and international acts, including Midnight Oil, Mick Taylor, Men at Work, Kasey Chambers, Jimmy Barnes and many many more. Upcoming acts include beatboxer Joel Turner, Pseudo Echo and Dragon all taking the stage in the coming weeks. To get tickets or for more information, visit their website or Facebook page.
I'm glad that such concerts are held. Thanks to them, people learn music and musicians win the hearts of listeners. I recently read the promosoundgroup blog and started promoting my songs here. I don't have the opportunity to give concerts yet. And thanks to the platform, my songs became popular and my audience grew.