Since 2014, The Happy Horsemen Group has built one of Australia’s leading independent portfolios of live music venues, bars, and restaurants across Queensland and Victoria.
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The group has shaped some of Brisbane’s most iconic spaces, including The Brightside Brisbane, now a Fortitude Valley institution, and the newly announced Brightside Outdoors, a premier purpose-built destination for live music set to undergo a major outdoor upgrade at the end of 2025. Within walking distance of each other in Fortitude Valley’s entertainment precinct, the Brisbane portfolio also includes Black Bear Lodge, Blute’s Bar, O’Skulligans, and Lucky Egg Fried Chicken, forming a connected hub of music, nightlife, and community in the heart of the city.
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Expansion into Victoria has included the launch of Stay Gold Melbourne and Ollie’s Pizza Parlour, followed by Mr Vincenzo’s on the Mornington Peninsula and, most recently, Shotkickers in Thornbury.
The venues operated by The Happy Horsemen Group are more than places to eat, drink, and be entertained. They are cultural hubs that connect communities, showcase artists, and sustain Australia’s live music scene. Collectively, the group hosts over 1200 live music and event bookings annually, making it one of the most active supporters of original music and entertainment in the country.
At its core, The Happy Horsemen Group is one of Australia’s leading independent experiential entertainment companies, creating, fostering, and engaging diverse communities. Every venue and experience is designed to spark connection, celebrate creativity, and shape unforgettable moments.