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.
Get ready, Coffs Coast March is set to roar to life with an action-packed weekend that will have motorsport fans, families, and thrill-seekers flocking to the region. From 13–15 March, the Coffs Coast goes full throttle with three epic events: Summer Beach Hop, the Australian Kart Championships, and Freestyle Kings Live. Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast, a classic car lover, or simply looking for an exciting weekend escape by the beach, this is one weekend you won’t want to miss. Summer Beach Hop – Classic Cars Meet Coastal Cool The Summer Beach Hop brings together stunning classic cars, hot rods, and custom builds in a vibrant celebration of automotive culture. Expect polished chrome, roaring engines, and a laid-back coastal vibe as car enthusiasts roll into Coffs Harbour to showcase their pride and joy. With cruising events, displays, and a festival-style atmosphere, it’s a fantastic event for families and visitors to wander through, take photos, and soak up the nostalgia. Australian Kart Championships – High-Speed Racing Action Feel the adrenaline as Australia’s best karters take to the track for the Australian Kart Championships. These rising stars and elite drivers compete in fast-paced, wheel-to-wheel racing that’s thrilling to watch, whether you’re a motorsport fan or a first-time spectator. The event brings competitors and spectators from across the country, creating an electric atmosphere and a huge buzz around the region. Freestyle Kings Live – Extreme Stunts and Live Entertainment For the ultimate adrenaline hit, Freestyle Kings Live delivers jaw-dropping motocross stunts, massive jumps, and heart-stopping tricks performed by world-class riders. Add live music and entertainment, and you’ve got an unforgettable night out for all ages. It’s a high-energy spectacle that perfectly caps off a weekend of speed, style, and excitement. Make It a Weekend Getaway on the Coffs Coast. With world-class events, stunning beaches, great dining, and plenty of family-friendly attractions, this is the perfect time to plan a getaway to the Coffs Coast. Book your accommodation early, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and experience the region at full throttle. Mark your calendar: 13–15 March. Coffs Coast is the place to be for fast cars, fast bikes, and an unforgettable coastal weekend.
Christmas is just around the corner and our self-contained apartments, with stunning ocean views, easy access to beautiful beaches are a perfect base for all your coffs coast adventures. We’ve put together five amazing day trips that are perfect for the whole family, or just a relaxing escape for you. Day Trip 1: Chasing Waterfalls - A Scenic Escape to Scouts Falls Just 45 minutes from our apartments, hidden within the lush Sherwood Forest, Scouts Falls is the perfect Christmas holiday adventure. This peaceful spot offers cool freshwater pools, a short rainforest walk, and a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Pack a picnic, bring your swimmers, and spend the day unwinding in nature as you chase one of the Coffs Coast’s most magical waterfalls. Day Trip 2: Culinary Delights - Cheese Making with the Artisan Cheese School For a deliciously different Christmas holiday experience, spend a day learning the art of cheese making at the Artisan Cheese School. Just a short drive from the Jetty, this hands-on workshop teaches you how to craft beautiful cheeses from scratch while sampling fresh local flavours along the way. It’s the perfect slow-paced, creative escape ideal for couples, food lovers, or anyone wanting to try something new during their Coffs Coast getaway. Day Trip 3: Beach Days – Sun, Sand & Simple Summer Magic at Jetty Beach Nothing says Christmas holidays like a long, lazy beach day. Pack an umbrella, plenty of sunscreen, and a picnic basket, then wander down to stunning Jetty Beach, just moments from your apartment. With calm waters, soft sand, and those iconic jetty views, it’s the perfect spot to swim, relax, read a book, or simply soak up the sunshine. Day Trip 4: Trike Tour - Rainforests, Beaches & Pure Adventure Get ready for an unforgettable day of adventure aboard a Boom Mustang Trike. Feel the cool breeze on your face as you cruise through lush rainforests, past pristine beaches , and some of the Coffs Coast’s most breathtaking scenery. This scenic tour is equal parts thrill and relaxation, an exciting way to explore the region from a whole new perspective during your Christmas holiday escape. Day Trip 5: A Day of Adventure at the Big Banana – Fun for All Ages No Christmas holiday on the Coffs Coast is complete without a visit to the iconic Big Banana. Spend the day zooming down water slides, racing on the toboggan track, and experiencing the brand-new roller coaster that winds its way through the banana plantation. Packed with fun for kids and adults alike, it’s the perfect way to add a little thrill and plenty of laughter to your festive getaway. After each day of adventure, come back and relax in our self-contained apartments with stunning ocean views. Just minutes from the best local restaurants and cafes, you can refuel for your next day of exploration, or simply unwind and soak in the sunset over the water. With everything you need right at your doorstep, your Christmas holiday in Coffs Harbour will be unforgettable.
