Newcastle’s best live music venues

Newcastle's ever-evolving live music scene is as proud and passionate as the people who fill its venues every weekend. Here's The Toon's very best venues

Newcastle is a city that lives and breathes music. With a proud working-class spirit, a rich musical heritage, and a vibrant nightlife, it’s no surprise that some of the UK’s finest artists have come from the banks of the Tyne – think Sting, Dire Straits, The Animals, Lindisfarne, and of course, Sam Fender.

But it’s not just about the stars. The toon’s ever-evolving live music scene is as proud and passionate as the people who fill its venues every weekend, one that thrives in some of the most unique and iconic spaces in the country.

Whether you’re after intimate basement gigs, historic concert halls or a high energy night of indie bangers, Newcastle has a place for it.

Listed in order of capacity, here’s our guide to the very best live music venues in Newcastle – if you’re looking for something closer to home that’s not on the list, check out our handy Local Guide to find out what’s on near you.

O2 City Hall Newcastle

Where is it? Northumberland Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8SF

Capacity: 2,135

What can I expect to see there? Smack in the middle of town, Newcastle City Hall is a Northeast treasure. Open since 1927, it’s the stage where legends like The Beatles, David Bowie, and Led Zeppelin brought down the house. For many Geordies, it’s the first place they saw live music, often sat in the balcony, wide-eyed. Still hosting major acts and nostalgic tours, City Hall is steeped in local pride and music history. Among Newcastle’s live music venues, it’s the grand old dame, full of stories, soul, and acoustics that carry every note straight to your chest.

Find out more about O2 City Hall Newcastle and its listings here

NX Newcastle

Where is it? Westgate Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SW

Capacity: 2,000

What can I expect to see there? Back in the day it was the Carling Academy, then the O2 Academy, but since its 2022 glow-up, NX Newcastle has quickly become one of the leading live music venues in the city. Housed in a historic theatre and reborn with cutting-edge production, NX blends top-tier tech with the raw buzz of Newcastle’s music scene. With 2,000 capacity and past shows from artists like Lewis Capaldi, Wolf Alice, and Yungblud, it’s where the big names come to blow the roof off. The atmosphere? Proper lively. The sound? Class. The memories? Unforgettable.

Find out more about NX Newcastle and its listings here

Boiler Shop

Where is it? 20 South St, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3PE

Capacity: 1,000

What can I expect to see there? Just a stone’s throw from Newcastle Central Station, Boiler Shop is a proud reminder of Newcastle’s industrial past, originally built for Robert Stephenson’s locomotive works. These days, it’s one of the most atmospheric live music venues in Newcastle, where exposed brickwork, steel beams and dramatic lighting create a vibe unlike anywhere else. Hosting everything from electronic nights to alt-rock gigs, it’s a spot where you can lose yourself in the music, pint in hand, surrounded by the hum of the city. If you’re after a gig with edge and attitude, Boiler Shop delivers it by the bucketload.

Find out more about Boiler Shop and its listings here

Wylam Brewery

Where is it? Palace of Arts Exhibition Park, Claremont Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PZ

Capacity: 800

What can I expect to see there? Inside the stunning Palace of Arts, Wylam Brewery is where Newcastle’s love of good beer and great tunes collide. Found in the stunning Exhibition Park, it’s one of the most unique live music venues in Newcastle, ideal for sunny all-dayers and late-night gigs alike. Whether you’re catching a cult indie band or grooving to a funk DJ set, there’s always a buzzing crowd, craft beer flowing, and a touch of Geordie charm in the air. It’s the kind of place where you’ll bump into mates, discover new music, and toast to the toon.

Find out more about Wylam Brewery and its listings here

The Cluny

Where is it? 36 Lime St, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ

Capacity: 300

What can I expect to see there? Tucked into the Ouseburn Valley, The Cluny is a cultural cornerstone and one of the most beloved live music venues in Newcastle. Once a flour mill, now a fiercely independent venue, it champions up-and-coming talent and local legends alike. Everyone from Arctic Monkeys to Sam Fender played here before hitting the big time. Pair that with a buzzing atmosphere, a no-frills charm, and a crowd that truly lives for music, and you’ve got one of the most authentic gig spots in the city. If you want to see the future of music, this is where it’s born, in a bar under the arches in the Ouseburn.

Find out more about The Cluny and its listings here

Think Tank?

Where is it? Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4EP

Capacity: 200

What can I expect to see there? Nestled in the heart of Newcastle, Think Tank? is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. A real hidden gem, it’s where the city’s music scene comes alive. Known for booking artists just before they break big, it’s a favourite for those who love to say, “I saw them first.” Expect sweat, sound, and serious energy, it’s one of the most raw and real live music venues in Newcastle. The vibe is unfiltered, the crowd is always up for it, and the music? Loud, local, and lush. If you like your gigs gritty and full of Geordie heart, then Think Tank? is your kind of place.

Find out more about Think Tank? and its listings here