The Fortitude Music Hall
The Fortitude Music Hall, which opened on July 26, 2019, is Australia's largest ballroom/theatre-styled venue, located in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley. Conceived by a team including former Powderfinger bassist John Collins, Secret Sounds Group, Hutchinson Builders, and Live Nation, it was built to fill a gap for a mid-sized venue after the demolition of Festival Hall in 2004. The site previously housed a Coles in 1957 and later The Optus Centre. The venue offers a standing capacity of 3,000 and a seated capacity of 1,100, with the main auditorium configurable for 2,000 cocktail or 480 banquet seating. A smaller bar called The Outpost accommodates 300 people for intimate performances, and the Foyer, featuring a custom-made 3m wide chandelier, can host 300 cocktail guests. Architecturally, the venue is distinguished by Art Deco-inspired glamour with a modern twist, paying homage to demolished Brisbane icons like Festival Hall and Cloudland. It features a grand box office, a large foyer with an illuminated bar and chandeliers, an open main auditorium with a mezzanine, exposed beam ceiling, and an expansive LED screen. The Outpost offers a warm lounge aesthetic with red curtains and booths. The venue programs diverse live music and is available for private events.
