Three Adelaide Hotspots For Live Music Outside Of The City

Sometimes, we all need a break from the hustle and bustle of inner-city life, where much of the live music happenings in Adelaide are concentrated. When that break is direly need, these three venues that offer music and joy outside of the city limits are ones to remember.

Northern Sound System

Located in the heart of the outer northern suburb of Elizabeth, Northern Sound System has proven itself to be a crucial facility ever since it was established in 2007 by the City of Playford.

Northern Sound System (or NSS for short), a pillar of the Elizabeth community, is a youth centre focused on music, broadcasting, and other creative industries. It offers various artistic workshops and after-school programs - covering an eclectic range of skills, from DJing and songwriting to gaming, animation, and music production. It also doubles as a live music venue which accommodates approximately 400 people. If you’re looking for a drive out of the city, they frequently host live shows that bring a vibrant energy to the Elizabeth community.

Notable artists who have trained at or worked with Northern Sound System include Dem Mob, Elsy Wameyo, TOWNS, and Teenage Joans.

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The Scenic

A venue that is famous for its gentle hospitality, The Scenic is nestled on the crest of a hill in Norton Summit. The pub - from whose beer garden the setting sun is always visible - has definitely earned its name.

The Scenic offers delicious brews, elevated pub grubs, and every now and then a lovely night of music. They are often known for their respectful audiences and for being a somewhat rare safe space in the world of live music. As part-owner Alistair Wells said when we interviewed him, “At the Scenic Hotel, it’s an interesting space because we do more gigs that are really quite targeted at a smaller audience of people, so I think when people come to see more alternative bands, there’s an understanding that they are there for the music.”

The Gov

The Governor Hindmarsh - affectionately dubbed ‘The Gov’ by locals - is an icon of the Adelaide music scene. The leading music venue located in Hindmarsh is constantly booked out with shows, which range from major, international names to up-and-coming local artists. It boasts five separate performing spaces and an electic range of genres exhibited live.

The venue, first opened in 1848, has since been inducted into the South Australian Music Hall of Fame for its contributions.