Live music and where to find it in Coffs Harbour
Luke Young • April 26, 2021
Live music is something many of us can’t live without. When on holiday, it’s perhaps a better time than ever to indulge in the amazing moments only a live musician can create. While Coffs Harbour is certainly no metropolis, there’s still a vibrant and spirited music scene hidden beneath the surface and that’s what we’ll uncover in this blog! It’s your guide to unearthing and enjoying live music on our coastline. On that note, here’s our list (ranked in no particular order!).
- RED-C
See local and touring talents play this beautiful venue upon a headland, featuring full dining and bar facilities. There’s always something on worth watching, from a wacky 60’s themed event with best-dressed prizes and similarly themed musical acts one night, to open mics seeing up-and-comers take to the stage in a friendly and supportive setting another night! If live music in a beautiful venue is your thing, here’s the link to their website. - The Hoey Moey
A long-held staple of Coffs Culture boasting a constantly rotating roster of performers hailing from near and far to have their music heard. Whether it’s incredible cover or tribute bands to original touring and local artists, you’ll no doubt have a great time accompanied by good crowds and beverages at this venue. Here’s the link to their website. - Element Bar
If you’re looking for the hip-venue just around the corner from our Observatory Holiday Apartments then the search ends here! Element Bar is not just a venue endowed with laid-back atmosphere, creative drinks menus and delicious food, but also a bustling playground for local musicians. Nearly every day there’s a musical act worth witnessing, and to see what’s up next in the line-up, here’s the link to their website. - Jetty Theatre
If you want to see musicals, live shows, and other events within a theatre built for performance, then the Jetty Theatre is the place to go. Words cannot describe the incredible array of productions that have taken to stage over Coffs’ history, and you can be sure that no matter when you visit Coffs Harbour, there’ll be something coming up that will whisk you away for a fabulous time! To keep up to date and view the 2021 program, here’s a link to their website. - Markets
In Coffs and surrounding suburbs like Bellingen and Sawtell, there’s markets of some kind going all year ‘round on a recurring basis. From the Twilight Food Markets which frequent through the summer months, to Made With Love Markets every quarter. There’s a strong community spirit here you should get amongst and almost always will you find live musicians doing what they do best, playing for a crowd! For the full low-down we’ve written a up a blog on our 5 favourite local markets, and you can read that with this link.
You could pick any one of these places and have yourself an incredible time with the people you love, or surrounded by other locals and travellers, as all of these venues are sociable and welcoming. If you’re thinking of staying on the Coffs Coast for a time and are in the search for accommodation, consider staying with us at The Observatory Self Contained Apartments. We’ve got an incredible array of room options which you can view with this link, all situated just a short walk-away from everything you’d ever need during your stay.
Premium Jetty Location Our enviable position near the Coffs Harbour Jetty puts you at the heart of convenience. After a long day of meetings or site visits, you can step outside and enjoy a refreshing walk along the Jetty foreshore. For dining , you’ll be surrounded by some of the city’s best cafés, restaurants, and bars — perfect for a quick morning coffee, relaxed dinner, or hosting a client meeting in a more casual setting. Spacious Corporate Apartments Designed for Work and Comfort Unlike traditional hotels, our corporate apartments in Coffs Harbour are designed to help you both work efficiently and relax comfortably. Each apartment features: Work desks to keep you productive on the go Separate dining spaces that double as a meeting or project space Large windows and private balconies, filling your apartment with natural light and fresh ocean breezes Full kitchens, giving you the flexibility to cook your own meals if you prefer Our apartments are also generously sized, making them a perfect option if family want to visit you while you’re away working. This added space ensures your stay feels less like a hotel and more like a welcoming home. Corporate Rates and Flexible Benefits We understand the needs of business travellers and companies, which is why we offer tailored corporate benefits: Flat corporate rates for approved guests, making travel budgeting simple and predictable No minimum stays — whether you’re in town for one night or several weeks, we’ve got you covered No block-out dates, so you’ll always have access to your corporate rate when you need to travel Your Home for Business Travel in Coffs Harbour At The Observatory Apartments, we combine the comfort of spacious, fully equipped apartments with the practicality of flexible corporate rates. Whether you’re here for a short-term project, a client visit, or an extended business trip, our accommodation provides the perfect balance of work, relaxation, and convenience. Discover why so many professionals choose us for corporate accommodation in Coffs Harbour — where business travel feels more like home. Reach out to our team HERE to book your corporate stays with us.
Friday Afternoon - Settle in & Twilight Markets Arrive in Coffs Harbour and check into your apartment overlooking the ocean. After a relaxed afternoon on your balcony, head to Muttonbird Island for a short walk that rewards you with sweeping views of the Solitary Islands. As the sun dips, keep an eye out for whales still migrating along the coast – spring is one of the best times of year for sightings. Finish the evening at the Twilight Food Markets along the foreshore. Enjoy live music, sample dishes from around the world, and soak up the laid-back seaside atmosphere. Saturday – Nature, Adventures and Dinner at Stef & Co Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at one of the local cafés before heading off to explore. Nature lovers will enjoy a stroll through the Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens , bursting with colourful spring blooms. For something a little more adventurous, take a trike tour and visit the waterfalls and scenic headlands In the afternoon, wander through Coffs Central for boutique shopping and local produce. In the evening, treat yourself to dinner at Stef & Co , a contemporary dining spot showcasing fresh, seasonal flavours in a relaxed yet stylish setting overlooking Coffs Creek the perfect way to end your Saturday in Coffs. Sunday – Slow Down & Soak It In On your final morning, take a leisurely walk along the beach and visit the Harbourside Markets for unique finds and tasty treats. If time allows, squeeze in a visit to the Solitary Islands Aquarium or simply relax with a coffee in hand, soaking up the spring sunshine before the journey home. Why Spring is the Best Time to Visit Pleasant temperatures perfect for both outdoor adventures and lazy afternoons. Whale watching season still in full swing. Markets, festivals, and events adding colour and energy to the town. Fewer crowds than the peak summer holidays. A spring weekend in Coffs Harbour is all about balance, exploring, relaxing, and enjoying the beauty of the coast. Whether you’re here for adventure or simply to unwind, it’s the kind of place where memories are made. Make your spring getaway extra special by staying with us at The Observatory Apartments - with spacious rooms, ocean views, and the Jetty right on your doorstep, it’s the perfect base for your weekend escape. Book your stay today and start planning your spring adventure!
