Laundry Bar has always been the ultimate hip-hop spot in Fitzroy. As the Melbourne scene has ebbed and flowed, the bar has stayed true to its roots and has never lost that classic Fitzroy vibe.
LIVE MUSIC: Laundry is the place to go for hip-hop, rap, trap, EDM, LGBT+ events and Afrobeat. Plus, they host bands as well! Catch everything from local acts to hip-hop royalty – Ghostface Killah and Childish Gambino have both performed at the venue.
FAMOUS FOR: Wanna feel fancy? Get a private booth for that VIP experience and get down with your squad. Laundry has got a reputation for being the place to go when you don’t want the fun to end, hosting some legendary afterparties over the years.
INFAMOUS FOR: its strict door policy. If you’re acting up, making people uncomfortable, causing a scene or just bringing bad vibes, the staff will kick you out faster than a full spin cycle.
Step inside Laundry Bar and you’re met with LED light walls, lasers, smoke machines and two massive Funktion One sound systems. Lights hang about the dance floor, which is both intimate and rowdy. It’s the perfect place to drop it low and pick it up slow, especially on Friday nights when it’s all about the throwbacks.
The venue has become a launchpad for local talent. One night you’re watching some kid spit bars in the corner and the next thing you know they’re on triple j. True to its old-school roots, Laundry Bar may be rough around the edges, but in the best way. They’ve always got fresh street art up, and those open mic nights? Pure gold if you’re hunting for the next big thing.
Since it first opened in 2011, Laundry Bar has become part of the cultural ecosystem. It’s where tunes, art and maybe a whiff of detergent all get mixed up in this weird, wonderful cocktail. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, rock up and have a dance, but remember their age-old motto: “Keep it classy, Fitzroy.” Whatever the hell that means.
WHERE: 50 JOHNSTON ST, FITZROY
OPEN: FRI-SAT 9PM-3AM
