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All Ages and Youth
For young musicians, and for anyone under 18 who wants to see a gig. Programs, free studios, all-ages shows, band competitions and festival age rules.
Most pubs and clubs are 18+.A gig is only open to under-18s when the listing says all ages. If it doesn't say, ask the venue before you go.
Programs, Studios and Mentoring 8
MusicNSW: OutsetWestern Sydney
- AgesUnder 25
- CostNot stated
- WhatA youth committee works with industry mentors to plan and run an all-ages gig with local artists.
- HowThis round's committee has been picked. Artist applications were open in July for an October gig. Check the page for the next round.
- Linkmusicnsw.com
Heaps Decent: Take Over, Randwick Town HallRandwick
- Ages14–20 for workshops. Showcase is all ages.
- CostShowcase free with registration. Some workshops paid.
- WhatA week of songwriting, DJ and music-career workshops for young people, ending in a showcase of their own music and DJ sets.
- HowWorkshops run 28 Sep to 3 Oct 2026. Free showcase Sat 3 Oct, 3–5pm. Register on Humanitix. [email protected] or [email protected].
- Linkrandwick.nsw.gov.au
PCYC Blacktown: Music Studio and Upbeat ProjectBlacktown
- AgesYoung people
- CostFree
- WhatA free music room and recording studio in the club's Youth Hub, with drums, piano, guitars and bass.
- HowDrop in Mon–Wed 2:30–5pm, Thu 2:30–8pm (Upbeat Project 4–8pm), Fri 1–5pm. [email protected].
- Linkpcycnsw.org.au
Central Coast Council: Creative EngineersCentral Coast
- Ages7–24, depending on the activity
- CostNot stated
- WhatCouncil youth arts program. Runs Battle of the Bands, the Discovered singing competition, the eMergent Sounds songwriting competition and workshops.
- HowJoin the Battle of the Bands waitlist on the council page, or email [email protected].
- Linklegacy.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
APRA AMCOS SongMakers: school workshopsNSW
- AgesHigh school students
- Cost$550 per school after subsidy
- WhatTwo-day workshops where students write and record original songs with professional songwriters and producers.
- HowA teacher lodges an expression of interest on the SongMakers site.
- Linkapraamcos.com.au
SongMakers Holiday WorkshopsLismore
- Ages16–21
- CostFree
- WhatTwo-day school-holiday workshop. Small groups write and record an original song with industry mentors.
- HowLismore, 29–30 Sep 2026, 10am–4pm. Register on the page, or fill in the interest form if nothing is near you.
- Linksongmakers.com.au
Sydney Youth Orchestras
- AgesSchool-age and young musicians
- CostAudition fee $72. Program fees vary.
- WhatOrchestral training from beginner strings up to the Sydney Youth Orchestra, including a Western Sydney Youth Orchestra.
- HowVideo auditions for 2027 open 24 Sep to 22 Oct 2026. Late submissions to 19 Nov. [email protected].
- Linksyo.com.au
NSW Arts Unit: state music ensemblesNSW
- AgesYears 5–12
- CostNot stated
- WhatAuditioned and open ensembles for NSW public school students, including the state Stage Band and Jazz Orchestra.
- HowStage Band and Jazz Orchestra 2027 applications close Mon 5 Oct 2026, 5pm. Sydney North band program closes Fri 20 Nov.
- Linkartsunit.nsw.edu.au
All-Ages Gigs and Spaces 5
Access All Ages x FutureproofMarrickville
- AgesAll ages
- Cost$15 plus booking fee
- WhatA monthly all-ages afternoon show on the Factory Floor at the Factory Theatre, run by Access All Ages and Futureproof Youth Music. The first, on 20 September 2026, had Lara Buchanan with Lily B and Avery Pickup.
- HowTickets through the Factory Theatre. Doors 12:30pm. New dates go up on Instagram at @futureproofmusicfest.
- Linkfactorytheatre.com.au
Futureproof: SUNDAZE Bands n JamPetersham
- AgesAll ages
- CostFree, register first
- WhatA monthly Sunday afternoon at Futureproof Studio, Petersham Town Hall. Young bands play, then an open jam. Bring your instrument.
- HowNext: SUNDAZE Sun 11 Oct 2026. The Graduates 2026 (all ages) is Sat 14 Nov at Addi Road, Marrickville. Book on TryBooking.
- Linktrybooking.com
Dynasty of Style: all-ages hardcore matineesSydney, Metro Theatre
- AgesAll ages
- CostFree, RSVP
- WhatFree all-ages hardcore matinees every two months, run by SPEED and beastmode.
- HowRSVP on the Metro Theatre or Eventbrite listing. Doors 1pm. Be in before the first band at 2pm. Lineups on @dynastyofstylehc.
- Linkmetrotheatre.com.au
Wollongong Youth CentreWollongong
- Ages12–24
- CostFree
- WhatCouncil youth centre at 85 Burelli Street with a music room, sampling and recording sessions, and youth band nights.
- HowDrop in Tue 3–6pm, Thu 3–8pm, Sat 1–4pm in term. To play a band night, email [email protected] or call 02 4227 8222.
- Linkwollongong.nsw.gov.au
ROSY: Revolutionary Organisation of Students and YouthCampbelltown
- AgesAll ages
- CostPay what you can, or free
- WhatA student and youth political group that runs drug- and alcohol-free all-ages DIY gigs and creative fairs with live acoustic music.
- HowRecent: a DIY gig on 19 Sep 2026 and a creative fair at Riverside Park, Spring Farm on 20 Sep 2026. Gig locations are given by Instagram DM. Instagram @rosy.rev, site revorgsy.org.
- Linkinstagram.com
Band Competitions 6
Fisher's GigCampbelltown
- Ages12–24
- CostNot stated
- WhatCampbelltown's youth music competition in four genre categories, part of the Festival of Fisher's Ghost.
- HowEntries closed 10 July. The final is Sat 31 Oct 2026. Winners play Campbelltown's New Year's Eve.
- Linkcampbelltown.nsw.gov.au
Northern ComposureNorthern Beaches
- Ages12–24
- Cost$50 per band for live heats
- WhatNorthern Beaches Council's youth band competition. Heats and final are alcohol- and drug-free all-ages shows.
- HowEntries open each year on the council's youth pages. 2027 dates not posted yet. [email protected].
- Linknorthernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Best of the West Battle of the BandsParramatta
- Ages12–24
- CostNot stated
- WhatWestern Sydney youth band competition. Prizes include a Parramatta Lanes slot, recording at the Sydney Conservatorium and mentoring.
- HowEntry by expression of interest through City of Parramatta. 2027 round not posted yet.
- Linkcityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au
Central Coast Battle of the BandsErina
- Ages10–14 (Kids Clash) and 15–24 (Youth Battle)
- CostNot stated
- WhatCouncil youth band competition at The Hub Erina, run as an all-ages night.
- HowJoin the waitlist on the council page to hear when the next round opens.
- Linkinfo.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
triple j Unearthed HighNational
- AgesHigh school students
- CostFree
- WhatNational competition for high school musicians.
- HowUpload to a triple j Unearthed profile and tick 'enter Unearthed High'. The 2026 round ran March to May. 2027 dates not posted yet.
- Linkabc.net.au
Musica Viva: Strike A ChordNational
- AgesSchool groups of 3–8
- CostFoundation Section free. Championship $15 per player.
- WhatNational chamber music competition for school ensembles, with coaching and prizes.
- HowThe 2026 round ran in May by video. 2027 dates to come. [email protected].
- Linkmusicaviva.com.au
Festivals and Age Rules 4
Futureproof Youth Music FestPetersham
- Ages12–24 focus, all ages welcome
- CostFree, ticket required
- WhatInner West Youth Week festival at Petersham Town Hall with 18 or more young bands and solo acts.
- HowFutureproof 7 ran 18 April 2026. The next one is expected in Youth Week 2027.
- Linkinnerwest.nsw.gov.au
NSW Youth WeekNSW
- Ages12–24
- CostMost events free
- WhatA week of free youth events run by councils and youth services. Often includes band competitions and all-ages gigs.
- HowYouth Week 2027 runs 7–17 April. Check your council's Youth Week page.
- Linknsw.gov.au
Laneway Festival SydneySydney
- Ages16+. Under-18s must be with a responsible adult.
- CostAs ticketed
- WhatLarge touring festival. Sydney is a licensed 16+ event.
- HowSydney is 12 Feb 2027. Read the youth policy before buying.
- Linklanewayfestival.com
Good Things FestivalSydney Olympic Park
- Ages16+. 16–17 year-olds can go without a parent.
- CostAs ticketed
- WhatHeavy and alternative festival at Sydney Showground. The minimum age is now 16.
- HowSat 5 Dec 2026. Under-18s need photo ID and a parent's emergency contact when buying.
- Linkgoodthingsfestival.com.au
Grants for All-Ages Events 2
Sound NSW: All-Ages Live Music ProgrammingNSW
- AgesYoung people aged 12–24 help design and run the events
- CostGrant up to $100,000
- WhatFor music businesses and industry workers with an all-ages track record to run at least four all-ages contemporary music events.
- HowOpens 28 Sep 2026, closes 9 Nov 2026 at 2pm, through SmartyGrants. [email protected].
- Linknsw.gov.au
Sound NSW: All-Ages Live Music Venue ProgramNSW
- AgesAll-ages events with a youth partner
- CostGrant up to $100,000
- WhatFor dedicated live music venues to run at least three all-ages events with a youth partner.
- HowThe 2026 round closed 23 March. Watch the page for the next round.
- Linknsw.gov.au
Know an all-ages space or youth program that's missing? Tell the guide.