Where to find Live Music, Comedy and Performance Venues in the Shoalhaven

Nothing can quite match the energy of a live performance. From the pulse and thrum of a rock band to the intimacy of an acoustic or classical set – audience hanging on every note. Perhaps it’s the raw vibe of an open mike comedy night, live theatre act or something completely unexpected that you discover in the most unexpected of places. In this age of screens and digital distractions, the allure of a live gig continues to appeal, and the Shoalhaven offers a variety of places to get your fix. Here are some of them, sorted by area:

NOWRA, BERRY & SURROUNDS

Each weekend, the Ex-Servos Club in Nowra offers a mix of local live acts, or kick back with Sunday sessions from 3-6pm at Club Nowra. For something a little more niche, hit up Bottlerocket Bar in Nowra on a Friday night or sample a Latin-infused jazz vibes of the live music at El Horses. For larger tribute shows, plays, stand-up shows, regional tours and children’s holiday entertainment, the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre is the region’s biggest and more versatile venue, while the Players Theatre in Bomaderry has a season of family-friendly shows throughout the year. Also on the way out of town – an easy drive from Holiday Haven Currarong, Worrigee Sports has live music every Friday.

If you’re staying at Shoalhaven Heads, head in to Berry Hotel for their weekly live music on a Saturday night, as well as Karaoke on Friday nights and a regular Comedy Club. Also worth the drive are the regular gigs at Crooked River Winery (just south of Gerringong) – enjoying live tunes on the hill! And if you’re at Holiday Haven in Culburra Beach, as well as all the Nowra options, you’ll also be able to enjoy live music on Saturdays and Sunday arvos at the nearby Culburra Bowlo. Meanwhile, over the hill, why not stay at Kangaroo Valley and enjoy the regular karaoke nights and other themed events such as reggae at The Friendly Inn!

HUSKISSON & JERVIS BAY

Sunday Sessions are a big deal at Jervis Bay Brewing Co in Huskisson – the ideal spot to enjoy a pint of freshly brewed delights while sampling live music in the relaxed setting. Add to this their Wednesday night Open Mike Comedy Nights and other events and it could become your local while staying at nearby White Sands or Huskisson Beach Parks!

Of course, that’s just the beginning of the options. If Fridays and Saturdays find you in search of brews and tunes, just around the corner the Flaming Galah Brewing Co serves up delicious live music from about 5 both nights. Husky also offers dance-friendly vibes at the Huskisson Hotel  with live DJ on Fridays and Saturdays.

Staying at Swan Lake? Swordfish Brewing is just around the corner and do live music Sunday sessions from 1 pm to 4 pm. Also, The Country Club at St George’s Basin is a short 30-minute drive to the regular Saturday night menu of tribute shows, high-energy bands, theme nights and unique shows that include everything from theatre dinners to Magic-Mike style spectaculars!

MILTON, ULLADULLA & SURROUNDS

An easy amble from nearby Holiday Haven Lake Conjola is live music on Friday nights at Conjola Bowlo. Or just a short drive from Bendalong, Milton offers a wealth of live opportunities including Harvest – a farmyard setting that brings you live music with talented local musicians every Thursday & Friday afternoon from 4pm and Saturdays from 6pm. 

Other local spots to watch out for include the iconic Milton Theatre – home to regular performances from talented solo artists and bands, as well as comedy showcases, plays and more. Another venue for live gig worshippers is Altar Wine Bar – set within the delightful grounds of a 140-year-old church and regularly offering heavenly live music events that will have you saying “hallelujah!”.

Of course, the fun does not stop there, with coastal favourite Mollymook on your doorstep – and Sunday Sessions on the rooftop at Bannisters. In fact, if you’re staying at Holiday Haven Ulladulla or even nearby Lake Tabourie, you’ll have a lot to choose from. The Ex-Servos Club in Ulladulla/Milton has regular live gigs, while harbourside craft bar The Social lives up to its name with its long line-up of live artists, DJs and Karaoke each week from Thursdays to Saturdays.

Finally, Cupitt’s Estate winery is famous for its Friday Sunset Sessions through the summer months, as well as Sunday arvo live music to enjoy with the green rolling hills and Burrill Lake (another great place to stay) as a backdrop. And all year round, soak up live tunes on Fridays and Saturdays as you soak up the grapes!