From Bodyjar on the Gold Coast to Yhwh Nailgun in Brisbane — plus Splendour in the Grass starts tomorrow. Your ultimate gig guide.
Winter might have its icy grip on most of the country, but Australia's live music scene is running absolutely red hot this week. Tonight is packed wall-to-wall with incredible shows from Brisbane down to Ballarat, and if that's not enough, Splendour in the Grass 2026 kicks off on the Gold Coast tomorrow. Here's everything you need to know about where to be tonight.
Brisbane Is Bursting Tonight
If you're in Brisbane, you're genuinely spoilt for choice on this chilly Thursday. Indie favourites Aubany are playing Black Bear Lodge — a perfect intimate setting for a mid-winter evening. Meanwhile, noise merchants Yhwh Nailgun are tearing up The Brightside, bringing their uncompromising brand of experimental heaviness to Fortitude Valley. Heavy music fans should also check out BVA at Crowbar Brisbane for a night of serious riffage. With extra shows at The Tivoli, The Triffid, and the Eltham Hotel also happening tonight, Brisbane really is firing on all cylinders.
Gold Coast: Bodyjar and Jazz in July
The Gold Coast has a brilliant double-header tonight. Pop-punk legends Bodyjar are headlining Miami Marketta — one of the country's best outdoor music venues — and this is exactly the kind of show you'll regret missing. These guys are veterans of the Australian scene and still deliver every single time. On the jazzier end of things, Jumpers Jazz in July at the Criterion Hotel in Warwick is your warm, woolly alternative for a more relaxed Thursday night out.
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Melbourne's Got Options for Every Taste
Melbourne's notorious venue culture is showing off tonight. Garage-rock outfit The Baddies are at The Workers Club in Fitzroy, which is basically the spiritual home of Melbourne indie rock. Upstairs at The Tote, Bagful Of Beez promise an energetic set that's perfect for anyone who likes their Thursday nights a little scruffy and a lot of fun. For something more delicate, Mary and the Little Lambs play The Evelyn Hotel in Fitzroy — an artist worth discovering if you haven't already. And the Palais Theatre also has tickets available for tonight if you're looking for something a little grander.
Perth and Beyond
Perth is having a big one tonight with shows at RAC Arena, The Regal Theatre, The State Theatre Centre of WA, and the always-wonderful Rechabite all happening simultaneously. Notably, abbe may is playing Clancy's Fish 'Bar' at City Beach — a brilliant, breezy setting for one of WA's most compelling artists. Grab a beer, breathe in that ocean air, and let abbe may do what she does best.
Up in the Sunshine Coast, thundamentals are headlining Kings Beach Tavern, bringing their trademark feel-good hip-hop energy to one of Queensland's most scenic beachside spots. Also on the Sunny Coast, Phil Hayter plays The Presynct for a more intimate evening.
Don't Forget: Splendour Starts Tomorrow
If tonight isn't enough, remember that Splendour in the Grass 2026 opens its gates on the Gold Coast tomorrow, running through to Sunday 19 July. Get your bags packed, your layers sorted, and your playlist ready — it's going to be a massive weekend.
Ready to find your next live music obsession? Browse all upcoming gigs and festivals at musick.com.au and never miss a show again.