End of an Era: Sunshine Coast’s Iconic Solbar Announces Permanent Closure

Photo by Jesswah Photography

After more than two decades at the heart of the Sunshine Coast’s music community, Solbar has announced it will permanently close its doors, marking the end of one of Queensland’s most beloved live music institutions.

Established originally in Coolum in 2001 before relocating to Ocean Street in Maroochydore, Solbar has spent over 20 years nurturing live music and providing a vital platform for both emerging local talent and internationally touring artists.

Over the years, the venue became synonymous with live music on the Coast, hosting weekly gigs, open mic nights, and performances by artists from across Australia and beyond. Its mission was always clear: to create a high-quality, inclusive space where people from all walks of life could come together and appreciate artistic expression.

In 2023, Solbar’s immense contribution was formally recognised when it was awarded Best Regional Venue in Queensland at the Queensland Music Awards for a third time, cementing its reputation as a cornerstone of the state’s cultural landscape.

But today, the team behind Solbar confirmed that this chapter has come to an end.

For the team, the closure represents not just the loss of a workplace, but the end of a shared creative community. Staff, artists, and patrons alike have watched Solbar grow from a small local venue into what many describe as the beating heart of Sunshine Coast nightlife.

“Solbar has always been more than just a venue. It has been a home, a family, and a place where countless memories were made. Many of our staff have dedicated over a decade of their lives to this space and the reluctant decision to close has been heartbreaking.” Says Katie Mateus, Solbar’s Marketing Manager who’s been part of the Solbar team for 12 years.

Solbar’s closure comes at a time of mounting challenges for the live music industry across Queensland. Rising operating costs, changing audience behaviours, and ongoing economic pressures have created a difficult environment for venues to survive.

Recent closures across the Sunshine Coast reflect this wider struggle. In late 2025, major venue The Station shut its doors after suffering financial losses and insufficient bookings, with industry figures describing the situation as a “perfect storm” driven by inflation, rising costs, and declining attendance.

These challenges have placed enormous strain on independent venues, many of which serve as critical launching pads for emerging artists.

“For 15 years, we have worked hard at nurturing artists, to sound engineers, bar managers, chefs and more, and couldn’t be more proud of our place in the local community and the music industry at large.  To everyone that supported us back, thank you”  says Melissa O’Bryan, Solbar’s Entertainment Manager.

Throughout its history, Solbar remained steadfast in its commitment to live music. It provided opportunities for countless artists to perform their first shows, build audiences, and establish careers; becoming, in the words of many musicians, music lovers and staff, “a home.”

Solbar co-owner and co-founder, Dimitris Limnatitis, reflects proudly that “Solbar was created with nothing more than a genuine passion for live music. Fifteen years on, we’ve watched artists take their first steps on our stage and go on to perform on the world stage, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.” 

As the doors prepare to close for the final time this weekend, the team say their overwhelming feeling is gratitude.

Gratitude to the artists who filled the stage.
Gratitude to the staff who poured years of love and passion into the venue. 
Gratitude to the audiences who danced, sang, and made Solbar what it was.

Solbar’s closure marks the end of an era. not just for Ocean Street, but for Queensland’s live music community.

For all those who’d love to wish Solbar farewell, the team is planning one last hurrah on Saturday, February 28th, with live performances from local bands who’ve called Solbar home over the years. You can read more about the last hurrah, and secure tickets, on solbar’s website at solbar.com.au/gig-guide.

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