Fremantle is a port city with a musical soul. It's been the birthplace of musicians and bands (such as Bon Scott, John Butler, Kevin Parker of Tame Impala, Eskimo Joe and San Cisco), who have gone on to showcase their talent to the world. Music can be heard throughout the day and night in the city, from buskers playing in the Fremantle Markets, to local bands firing up at Mojos bar. Music is woven intrinsically into the fabric of Fremantle.
Falls Festival (January)
The Falls Festival is a rip-snorting, fully-licensed event, featuring some of the biggest names in the music business as well as those gunning for their crown. A 'must-see' event for any music lover, it features two days of riffs, beats, bass, crooning and crowd involvement. Nothing beats the atmosphere of the Falls.
St. Jerome's Laneway Festival (February)
St. Jerome's Laneway is a festival designed to showcase the freshest acts on the world stage. Join the seething mass of people, under the pines, as the music envelops Esplanade Park and turns it into the coolest outdoor venue in the West. You'll be blown away by Laneway, it is, according to Tame Impala front man Kevin Parker, "Australia's greatest festival."
Harbour Music at WA Maritime Museum (February)
Spend a summer Sunday at Harbour Music, in one of Perth's most picture-perfect live music venues, which also offers some of the best sunset views in town.
RTRFM winter music festival (June)
The RTRFM Winter Music Festival is a big multi-venue party where pop, hip-hop, punk, electronic music, bluegrass, alt-country and rock and roll all hang-out together. Bringing some warmth and cheer into the chill winter, it's also a top place to discover some of Western Australia's best emerging musical talent.
Hidden Treasures Winter Music Series (July)
Hidden Treasures Winter Music Series fills the city with sound, transforming unexpected spaces into live music venues. Wander the streets from gig to gig, tasting all the different flavours of music on offer. It's a true smorgasbord of musical styles.
Fremantle Folk Festival (December)
Fremantle Folk Festival is all about a celebration of folk music and family-friendly vibes. Featuring visiting troubadours, as well as local stellar acts, there is always an array of talent and even a few surprises thrown into the lineup. For the kids there is even a fully dedicated activity area, with child-friendly workshops and shows held in Circus WA's Big Top Tent and a Nature Play zone.
Live music venues in Fremantle
Mojos Bar
Mojos in North Fremantle is definitely rising - and with good reason. This local bar has been holy ground for counter-cultural types and live music aficionados for decades. Boasting the best open mic night in the port city, as well as local and international acts, Mojo's was made for music.
Fremantle Arts Centre (FAC)
Sunday Music at the Fremantle Arts Centre is a free concert series that is catered to families and everyone who likes to boogie. Running from October, all the way to March, it hosts a wide variety of entertainers, but the biggest star might just be the lush Fremantle Arts Centre grounds themselves. It's the perfect spot for a picnic or a pot of tea while the music washes over you. Fremantle Arts Centre also presents a fabulous concert program filled with the finest international, national, and local acts. Past performers have included such luminous names as: Nick Cave, Lauryn Hill, Passenger, Paul Kelly, The Waifs, PJ Harvey and Midnight Oil, to name a few.
Clancy's Fish Pub
Listen to live music in the comfortable confines of Clancy's Fish Pub. A longtime supporter of Fremantle musicians, Clancy's provides an authentic Australian pub experience with a 'broad-church' approach to its music. From well-established and world-renowned artists, through to up-and-coming acts that will raise the roof - live music lives at Clancy's.
Freo.Social
Set to shake up the local live music scene, Freo.Social is the city's newest venue. With a lineup of visionary acts and enthralling live shows, including local and international artists, as well as comedy nights, festivals and theatre performances, Freo.Social is a hub of energy, creativity, humour and music culture. With an on-site brewery, food, dining spaces, beer gardens and a playground area for kids, it also fits-in perfectly with the relaxed Fremantle vibe, just fine.
Rock Rover
A collaboration between Cool Perth Nights and the South Fremantle Football Club, Rock Rover brings live music to the hallowed grounds of one of Fremantle's local football shrines. The 600-person room gives a great line of sight, from every angle to view performing acts, while providing a tangible intimacy that few venues can match.
Metropolis Fremantle
Metro's is synonymous with dance music in Fremantle. The spot where the younger crowd come to club not pub, Metros hosts a program of live shows and touring acts that get the whole city jumping. Expect to see veteran DJ's, doyens of dance, prodigies of electronic music, and all those who create music that gets your blood circulating.
Pubs and hotels
In Australia there is no better tradition than going to the pub to enjoy a cold beer and live music. The following are a few local establishments where that practice proudly continues. The Swan Hotel (& Basement), Railway Hotel, Sonar Room at Little Creatures, National Hotel, Bar Orient, Newport Hotel and the Ball and Chain at the Esplanade Hotel.
Local clubs
Local clubs that champion live music add to the rich tapestry of music on offer in Fremantle. Upstairs in the Navy Club, Jazz Fremantle stages concerts in a cabaret setting every Sunday afternoon. The Hilton Park Bowling Club hosts local music legends from 8.30 pm every Friday night.
Special live music events
It's the diversity of Fremantle's live music venues that adds to its reputation as the best WA city to experience live acts. To hear something a bit more regal, look out for Fremantle Chamber Orchestra performances in the stunning heritage listed Fremantle Town Hall and St John's Church. There are also concerts held in converted warehouses like at PS Art Space and old repurposed galleries like Kidogo Arthouse. But perhaps nothing beats the majesty of the natural environment and the abundant free space at such outdoor concerts like those held on Port & Leighton Beaches, Fremantle Oval, Princess May Park and the Esplanade Reserve.