Discover the rhythm of Newcastle's music scene with our guide! Uncover the best live music venues, jazz clubs, iconic music genres, and top raves in this vibrant city.
At the beating heart of Newcastle lies a musical melting pot of live venues just waiting to be discovered. Whether you're seeking the smooth sounds of Jazz in Newcastle or want to crowd surf to the front to take a selfie with a big name artist, in Newcastle you'll find your jam.
The City is home to a number of iconic venues like
NX Newcastle
(formerly the Carling Academy), as well as
Newcastle Racecourse, both of which are home to numerous live music events and concerts.
There's truly something for everyone since these venues can hold thousands and showcase A-list musicians like Katy Perry and Arctic Monkeys, along with next-big-thing local acts you can discover before anyone else.
If you prefer a more intimate experience, musos in the know head to
Hoochie Coochie, a best kept secret local venue dedicated to music of black origin which can hold up to 200 partygoers.
If you watch to catch big name artists in this Northern gem, you might prefer the beats laid down at
the Cluny, with an impressive selection of craft ales and cider along with traditional pub grub.
Don't be afraid to stick around for the band's last encore :
Kabannas offers
affordable accommodation in Newcastle. We have a 24/7 Reception and luxurious, comfortable rooms for you to lay up until your next gig.
Rock out at NX Newcastle
This iconic music venue was originally the 'Majestic Ballroom' and hosted some of the best live music Newcastle ever heard, with legendary acts like The Who and the Beatles gracing its famous stage. In October 2005 it was transformed into the Carling Academy Newcastle. It was renamed once again after the telecoms provider O2 in 2008 before becoming NX Newcastle in 2022.
The lineup at NX changes a lot more often than the name though: the venue is known for hosting a huge variety of acts with a smorgasbord of genres from rock, to indie and hip hop.
Some big names that have played at NX Newcastle over the years include the Arctic Monkeys, Katy Perry, Adele and The Libertines. Since its 2022 refurbishment, the venue now has a bleeding-edge lighting and sound system, making it perfect for live events and even the odd rave. NX Newcastle has two main rooms and can host up to 2000 people per show.
The venue also hosts a number of club events from the likes of Granville Collective and East End Dubs. Details of all live and club events can be found on the main website.NX Newcastle lies along Westgate Rd, so is less than five minutes' walk from Newcastle Central Station.
Find your jam at Hoochie Coochie
Hoochie Coochie's aim is simple: to be Newcastle’s finest live music venue dedicated to music of black origin, including Soul, Funk, Jazz, Disco and House. And man, does it have it going on.
In the past 13 years since the venue first opened, it's hosted a number of Grammy award winning artists. Hoochie Coochie is much more intimate than large venues like NX Newcastle, as live events are limited to just 200 persons.
This is a venue that’s passionate about its musical roots. Despite the focus on certain genres of music, the main website's keen to point out that everyone is welcome and the organisers make a point of keeping 'our venue safe by managing the mix of people.'
Even when there isn't a live event playing, guests are welcome to pay a visit to the well-stocked bar to lubricate the vocal cords. While membership isn't required, the venue does give priority to members, bookings and guestlist patrons.
Hoochie Coochie is currently only open Thu - Sun. The venue lies along Pilgrim Street, just a few minutes' walk away from Kabannas Newcastle.
In the HC team's own words : "You either get it, or you don't.
Catch big-name artists at The Cluny
Not to be confused with a certain dashing Hollywood actor, The Cluny is one of the coolest independent watering holes known to Geordies. Home to countless live music events, the venue has hosted great acts like the Arctic Monkeys and Ed Sheeran over the years.
Beyond being a music venue, The Cluny also has a very respectable bar and art gallery. You can catch big name artists with some seriously tasty craft ales, as well as some good old-fashioned pub grub.
Plan your city break around The Cluny's annual 'Surf Bonanza' where you can see trending live acts along with vintage short films for less than the price of a craft cider.
The Cluny is situated on Lime Street, which has its own dedicated bus stop, making it easy to reach from popular Newcastle destinations like New Bridge Street.
Raise your pulse at Newcastle Racecourse
When you're thinking about the best places to hear live music in Newcastle, the race course probably isn't the first venue that springs to mind. Still, hear us out - sure, they run horses here most of the year, but the traditional racing ground has also hosted some great music acts including Ronan Keating, Live After Racing, Tom Grennan and the almighty Rag n Bone Man.
At the time of writing, pop legends JLS have made Newcastle Racecourse one of their stops as part of their "Summer Hits Tour" for 2024. Newcastle racecourse is based in Gosforth Park.Regent Centre and Four Lane Ends Metro Stations are only around two miles away, so can take a subway and a taxi to be there in around 25 minutes.
Newcastle Airport is also only six miles away, making the racecourse the most convenient musical venue to visit after hopping off a plane.
Crash at Kabannas
Once you're done crowd surfing and singing your heart out to absolute bangers, you're going to need somewhere to recharge your batteries until the next live set.
Your dream pad awaits at
Kabannas Newcastle, a mere 5-minutes from Grey's Quarter.
We have
suites that can host up to 14 friends, boasting not one but two bathrooms and a lounge area with a Smart TV if you want to round off the evening by tuning into some classic hits before bed.
If you want some alone time after treating your eardrums to Newcastle's finest tunes, dive into one of our double rooms – each decked out with an ensuite bathroom and free towels, ensuring you're pampered in privacy.
Why wait? Seize the moment and
book your escape in Newcastle today!
