Melbourne's bustling CBD, Carlton and North Melbourne have a dynamic range of live music venues on offer, from legendary concert halls to dingy dive bars.
Nothing beats a night out in the heart of Melbourne, walking the city streets at night with a group of friends, embracing the magic of the glittering lights across the skyline.
Many nights have been spent at a wide offering of music venues in Melbourne: big-time stages hosting international heavy-weights, humble bars and pubs, eclectic clubs – you name it. The CBD, and its close neighbouring suburbs of Carlton and North Melbourne, have something for everyone.
Want to know the best gigs happening at music venues in Melbourne every day of the week? Check out Melbourne’s most comprehensive gig guide here. Otherwise, keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Whitehart Bar
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From an old carpark behind a camera shop to one of the CBD’s best open-air bars, Whitehart has come a long way since its humble beginnings seven years ago. When Stephen Johnson and Sabrina Santucci became friendly with the Michaels family (of Michaels Camera Shop) through using their carpark at the end of the CBD’s Whitehart Lane whilst the couple ran a coffee shop in the city, the carpark was nothing more than an old empty lot of land. Now – seven years later – the carpark, the city and the lives of Johnson and Santucci are all irrevocably changed and the venue is now home to residencies from some of the best DJs in Melbourne, regularly hosting overseas spots as well.
Wax Music Lounge
Founded by Roseby and Tim Bartold of Melbourne’s iconic Wax Museum Records and Mark Lipshut (Spin Records), the launch of the new underground venue and bar Wax Music Lounge marks an exciting new chapter for the record store’s legacy and the wider cultural imprint of Melbourne’s city at-large.
Guided by an amber glow down a flight of stairs in a city basement, Wax Music Lounge is subterranean at heart. The red glow, the concrete walls, the scattered jazz-fi resounding from the speakers makes the room feel both familiar and foreign at once. If music piques mem- ories, Wax Music Lounge does exactly that. Remnants of wild nights and basement jazz in a Lower East Side basement; intimate conversations in a Kreuzberg speakeasy; all doused in liquor and sound.
The space boasts a generous 175 capacity, striking lighting features curated by Melbourne-based designers James Hebbs and Grace Darling, and a beverage list with a focus on natural Australian lo-fi wines, craft beers and signature cocktails by acclaimed bartender, Pita Dixon.
The Toff in Town
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If you want to catch a performer before they become the next big thing, look no further than The Toff in Town. The part cocktail bar – part live music venue has got some cool shows on the horizon, like Sydney Miller, onesevenfour, and Zheani to name a few. Also be sure to grab something to eat here in one of its intimate wooden booths – the Thai cuisine menu is to die for.
Cherry Bar
The Cherry Bar owners stunned many of us when they announced the opening of their new venue The Hotel Westwood where the old Reverence Hotel used to stand. Amid that, their premier venue is still slinging live gigs, you’ve got Weened, The Poor, and Mountain Wizard Death Cult on their way to the Cherry Bar this year. Take in its iconic red glow and catch a gig this weekend.
Section 8
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Head to Section 8 and you’re likely to find a winding line out the front and a bunch of Melbourne cool kids vibing in the indoor/outdoor container bar past the gate. Free entry, mad DJs, event a hoop out front – seriously, what’s not to love? It’s no wonder Section 8 is arguably one of the best music venues in Melbourne.
Festival Hall
Festival Hall has hosted some truly impressive alumni over the years, showcasing Frank Sinatra, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Shirley Bassey, and Powderfinger, just to name a few. It was also where I saw my first concert in Melbourne (an all-ages Allday show – in case you were wondering).
Originally opening in 1913 as the West Melbourne Stadium, Festival Hall has a long and diverse history. Initially serving as a roller-skating rink and later transforming into a renowned boxing arena, it quickly became a beloved venue for sports and entertainment.
Despite being tragically destroyed by fire in 1955, the resilient establishment was rebuilt in time for the 1956 Olympic Games, showcasing gymnastics and wrestling. Festival Hall gained legendary status in the 1950s and 1960s as one of the best music venues in Melbourne.
Max Watt’s
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Max Watt’s loves putting on shows that can appeal to all types of people – whether you like High School Musical, Haiku Hands or the sounds of Ibiza Nightclubs, Max Watts will have a show for you.
Birds Basement
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You’d be hard pressed to find a cooler live music venue than the Bird’s Basement. It’s like a New York Jazz club that has been picked up and plonked in the middle of Melbourne. Over the years there has been a heap of great acts that have graced the Birds Basement stage. You can catch some great performers at Birds Basement over coming months, acts like Jack Jones, Renee Geyer, Thando and Ross Wilson.
The Curtin
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The John Curtin Hotel is still in business on the live music venue front to the glee of all Melburnians. They’ve got some amazing live shows on the horizon, including Hobsons Bay Coast guard, Mylk, Dana Mitchell Revenge Plot, and Sappho. Keep an eye on Beat for any further announcements about The Curtin.
Paris Cat
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Iconic Melbourne jazz cauldron Paris Cat is a major player in the live music game and they’re not mucking around – featuring music from all different types of talented performers. You can catch the Rachel Ross quintet, The Cope Street Parade, and even a cool tribute show to Frank Sinatra. Check out what else is on here.
170 Russell
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170 Russell is one of our longest standing venues, having seen a number of great international performers grace its stage over the years. There’s some cool acts on their way in 2022, Cory Henry, Broods, and many more.
The Last Chance Rock and Roll Bar
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Located on Victoria Street in Melbourne’s CBD, The Last Chance Rock and Roll Bar hosts up to eight live shows a week in its 100-person capacity bandroom, as well as front bar matinee shows. The bar also offers a wide range of pub fare for both meat eaters and vegans to enjoy. Find The Last Chance Rock and Roll Bar at 238 Victoria St, CBD.
