Set amidst the hemispherical serenity of Melbourne’s Port Phillip, nestled in between St Kilda and Brighton sits Elwood.
Famous for its beaches and extravagant bayside houses, the suburb is just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of St Kilda and out of reach from the humdrum of the CBD.
Despite the intersecting thoroughfares of Barkly Street, Marine Parade and Glen Huntly Road all colliding, there is a sense of quiet in Elwood. Or at least an alternative sonic backdrop to that felt in Melbourne’s other suburbs.
But this sonic scape doesn’t equate to a lack of live music offerings. Elwood is located in Melbourne after all, and despite the suburb not boasting the saturation and abundance that its counterparts do there are still a smattering of haunts that provide a venue to musicians and eager listeners alike. If you’re venturing to the south, to the bayside suburb of Elwood this list will scratch all of the itches you might have for any live music hankerings.
The best live music venues in Elwood
Elwood Lounge
Conveniently situated on the thoroughfare that is Glen Huntly Road, Elwood Lounge hosts a weekly open mic night, Sunday sessions, a monthly comedy night and a plethora of eclectic musical offerings to appease the masses. It seems there is live music, or an engaging equivalent almost every night at Elwood Lounge, making it a certified hotspot in the suburb.
You can find anything from ambient music to classic rock to acoustic covers. Open from Tuesday-Sunday the lounge welcomes punters through its doors from 4 until late during the week and converts its space into a breakfast option remaining open from 10am until late on weekends. Drinks, coffees, food specials and yes, of course, live music. This is a must-visit venue for anyone that finds themselves by the bay.
King of Tonga
A stone’s throw from Brighton Road, Elwood, King of Tonga bar is kitted out with a wooden front deck and art from Polynesia, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and other regions of the world too.
A fireplace keeps punters warm in the winter, the bar also offers live music every Sunday from 5-7pm, regular comedy nights, as well as speed dating that is specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Grab one of their specialty cocktails or a craft beer and recline into the coziness of what the King of Tonga has to offer. A warming outing for any winter wanderer that doesn’t want to stray too far from the comfort that can be achieved at home.
Lyrebird Lounge
Weekly open mic nights and blues club Sundays see the Lyrebird Lounge as a landmark for musical expression in Ripponlea, the suburb that hugs Elwood with its close embrace.
Not only can you catch with regularity and certitude the blues and open mic nights, but the Lyrebird Lounge also sandwiches in rock, acoustic and a plethora more live shows in their weekly bill.
Rotating these carefully curated gigs around, the venue provides great opportunities for artists seeking to perform with often stacked lineups. So order a pizza, a libation of any kind and step into the iconic space that resembles the band rooms of the last century.
For more information on what’s happening in this wonderful southside suburb, head to the What’s On St Kilda website here.
This article was made in partnership with City of Port Phillip.
