The Bearded Lady is one of Brisbane’s most loved small live music venues—and it's under threat of closure on 23 May 2025. We call on the Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council, and the Night-Life Economy Commissioner to take urgent action to save this cultural icon before it's too late.

 

 

SAVE THE BEARDED LADY - BEFORE THE MUSIC STOPS FOR GOOD

Brisbane is on the brink of losing one of its most beloved cultural spaces.

The Bearded Lady, a vital small live music venue in West End, is facing imminent closure after its landlord declined to renew its lease. Its final night is scheduled for Friday 23 May 2025.

This isn’t just another venue. It’s a cornerstone of Brisbane’s creative soul. It’s where emerging musicians take their first steps and local audiences discover their next favourites. It’s a place that supports diversity, community, and artistic freedom.

Without venues like The Bearded Lady, there is no ladder for the next generation of musicians to climb. The live music scene in Brisbane—larger venues included—relies on grassroots stages like this to thrive.

We call on:

• Premier David Crisafulli MP and Minister John-Paul Langbroek MP to deliver on their government’s commitment to support small live music venues and urgently intervene;
• Night-Life Economy Commissioner John Collins AM to advocate for the venue’s preservation under the Night-Life Economy Commissioner Act 2024;
• Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner to work with the landlord and community to explore lease or relocation solutions.

This is a chance to turn good policy into real protection for our creative future.

🖋️ Add your name. Share your voice. Save The Bearded Lady.