Free Music

First published on 6 May 2009. Updated on 29 May 2009.

The Sandringham Hotel, Newtown
Lots of metal, lots of acoustic, lots of money saved on entry fees. It's totally free to see bands playing downstairs from Wednesday to Sunday nights.

The Lansdowne Hotel, Chippendale
Always free, with a mix of established and up-and-coming bands.

The Beach Road Hotel, Bondi
Visiting bands often play secret shows at the always free Beachie - it's definitely worth keeping an ear out.

The Annandale, Annandale
Thanks to the largesse of Jagermeister, Jager Uprising shows are always free – usually with three decent bands on the bill mid-week.

The Excelsior Hotel, Surry Hills
Live music seven nights a week, with mid-week and Sunday gigs generally being free.

Buskers
OK, most of them are worth skirting around - but Circular Quay, the Central Underpass and Darling Harbour often have better-than-average talent on offer.

Conservatorium of Music/City Recital Hall
Students and lecturers alike enjoy showing off their classical chops during lunchtime concerts at the Con or Angel Place: it's usually by gold coin donation, but it's still worth it.