After seven wild, sweaty, euphoric years, the Melbourne nightlife institution is closing the doors on its weekly programming.
But don’t go packing away your dancing shoes just yet—the beloved Xe54 isn’t completely gone, just shapeshifting.
In a bittersweet announcement this week, Xe54 confirmed that May 2025 will mark the end of its regular weekly events, making way for a new phase of exclusive, one-off events designed to “elevate the experience” and stay in step with Melbourne’s ever-evolving club culture.
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“Club culture is changing and, therefore, we must adapt,” xe54 announced yesterday via instagram. “Our new form will continue the same energy, production and identity you know and love, just reimagined.”
For those who’ve spent their weekends religiously tucked into the Main or Side rooms, this hits close to home. Since launching, Xe54 has built a reputation as one of the most important homes for electronic music in Melbourne, consistently pushing the scene forward and giving local talent a proper launchpad.
We’re talking about artists like STUM, Crybaby, Ned Bennett, 6 Sense and Pretty Girl—all of whom cut their teeth on Xe54 stages before becoming regulars on festival lineups and beyond. What started as an open slot on a stacked lineup has turned into real-deal careers. That’s the magic this place has brewed.
“From the beginning, Xe54 aimed to create a space more than just a nightclub—a platform that helped shape Melbourne’s electronic music identity,” says Monty McGaw, Head of Electronic and senior booker.
“Week in, week out, we welcomed thousands, witnessed the rise of countless local artists and proudly watched many of them grow into key players in Australia’s electronic music culture.”
As for what’s next? Think less “every Saturday night” and more curated one-offs—special events scattered across the city’s favourite venues, still carrying that signature Xe54 energy. These will be deliberate, artful parties that reflect the changing tides of Melbourne’s dancefloor desires.
But before the new chapter begins, Xe54 is giving us one last run. Over the next three weeks, the club will be hosting its final stretch of weekly programming—a full-circle celebration stacked with crowd favourites and the local selectors who built this temple of sound.
If you’ve ever lost track of time under xe54’s strobes, or if you caught a now-huge act playing a late-night warm-up, now’s the moment to pay tribute.
