Bar
Breakfast Creek Hotel
A heritage-listed 1890 pub at the meeting of Breakfast Creek and the Brisbane River, famous as the only Brisbane hotel still pouring beer off the wood.
The Tivoli
Brisbane's longest-running live music venue, hosting concerts since 1989 in a heritage-listed 1927 cake factory in Fortitude Valley.
At a glance
- Type
- Live music venue
- Area
- Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Australia
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- thetivoli.com.au
Good to know
- Mezzanine balcony
- Stage
- Heritage building
- Locally owned
Why we recommend it
The Tivoli describes itself as Brisbane's original home of live music and its longest-running live music venue, and it has been hosting concerts on Costin Street in Fortitude Valley since 1989. It is locally owned and operated, and over the decades its stage has hosted performers ranging from Bob Dylan to Katy Perry. It was also the setting for the final performance by the Brisbane band the Go-Betweens in 2005.
The building has an unusual history. It was built in 1927 as a factory and office for the cake manufacturer G.E. Adams, designed by architect Sidney William Prior and built by A. Stonadge and Son. At its peak the factory produced 14 tons of cake a week, and the firm described it as the most up-to-date and hygienic factory of its kind in Queensland. Adams owned it until 1968. In 1989 Ann and Harry Garms remodelled the interior, added a balcony and a stage, and opened it as the Tivoli Theatre and Restaurant. The O'Rourke family bought the venue in 1999 and kept it running as a music venue, and Brisbane City Council listed it as a local heritage place in 2019.
Inside, the main room is a large space under exposed timber king post trusses, with the stage at the southern end and a mezzanine balcony above. The venue holds around 700 people seated or 1,500 standing, which makes it large enough for touring international acts. The cake factory ovens are understood to survive near the stage. From the street, the building is a single-storey brick structure with a face-brick front facade and a high gabled hall stretching behind it.
The programme changes constantly, so check the website for the current line-up and buy tickets in advance for popular acts. Accessibility information is published on the venue's website, and the office is open on weekdays for enquiries.
The Tivoli suits music fans of all ages and anyone wanting a night out in the Valley. Arrive early for a good position on the floor or a spot on the balcony. Fortitude Valley's restaurants and bars, including Happy Boy on East Street and Agnes, make it easy to have dinner before a show.
The Tivoli FAQs
Where is The Tivoli?
At 52 Costin Street, Fortitude Valley.
How long has The Tivoli been a music venue?
Since 1989; it describes itself as Brisbane's longest-running live music venue.
What was the building originally?
A cake factory built in 1927 for G.E. Adams.
How big is The Tivoli?
It holds around 700 seated or 1,500 standing.
Who has played at The Tivoli?
Acts including Bob Dylan and Katy Perry, and the Go-Betweens played their final show there in 2005.
Is The Tivoli heritage-listed?
Yes. It became a Brisbane local heritage place in 2019.
How do I contact The Tivoli?
Call (07) 3852 1711 or email [email protected]; the office is open 9am to 4pm on weekdays.
Is there accessibility information?
Yes, on the venue's accessibility page.