Lion Arts Factory

Lion Arts Factory is one of the most capable, versatile and enjoyable live music spaces in Adelaide.

Somewhere between a factory, warehouse and Peel Street small bar, the venue features generous long bars, each with multiple service points. Banners hang from the ceiling to make the public bar and band room feel less cavernous. And there’s a mezzanine for an additional vantage point.

Downstairs is the Coopers Green Room with chesterfields and a strong house-party vibe. And, for A-listers, there’s a private bar in the Den.

The 13-metre stage hosts a diverse line-up of bands and genres, from hardcore and punk right through to mainstream Triple J acts and DJs. The sound system – one of the best you’ll find in Adelaide – is a slimmed-down version of the PA used at Thebarton Theatre, joining an impressive lighting and AV rig.

Previously known as Fowler’s Live, the 500-capacity heritage venue was reinvented in 2020 by Hugo Peddler (West Oak Hotel) and business partners Craig Lock and Ross Osmon of Five Four Entertainment (bookers for The Crown & Anchor and Laneway Festival), and Sam, Simon and Tim Pearce of Frame Creative (West Oak Hotel).

The revamp followed a successful submission to Arts South Australia, which manages the Lion Arts Centre precinct (including Nexus and ACE Open). The building's new custodians hope to reignite the same energy the building had in its heyday during the ‘70s and '80s.