The best live music venues in Thornbury
The suburb of Thornbury epitomises that inner-north culture of awesome music and great nightlife.
Nestled between Northcote and Preston, Thornbury is a prime place for seeing gigs, there’s no doubt about it. The music venues in Thornbury are frequented by humble local bands and internationally acclaimed acts, making it a music mecca of the north.
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Cactus Room
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Live music is brash, loud and unforgiving at Cactus Room – most of the time. The space is known as a DIY punk mecca. There’s a good chance you’ll be dodging flying elbows and other debris in the pit. Look alive.
Understandably, a lot of the music venues in Thornbury are a little out of the way, but it’s well worth the journey. If you dig live music, cold beer, art and general good times, you’ll definitely want to save this spot to your Google Maps. Scratch that music-making itch any day of the week by bringing your bandmates down to one of their three rehearsal rooms. Offering drum kit rentals and one of the most reasonable rates in town, it’s an easy choice.
If you’re good enough, you might even score a chance to drop an EP through the venue’s own up-and-coming record label, Cactus Records. Plus, you can always grab a drink from their fully-stocked bar and catch a gig when you’re done practising.
The Thornbury Theatre
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The Thornbury Theatre are a relatively to the live music world and have already had a handful of awesome gigs that have found a bunch of new fans. They are usually used as a function space for lavish weddings and big parties. There’s some great shows coming to the Thornbury in the next few months, this includes Babe Rainbow, Karma County and Casey Donovan.
Cafe Gummo
An array of sounds and artists have graced Gummo’s sticky floors. Rock ‘n’ roll, reggae, metal, balkan brass, hip hop, rembetika… just to name a few. Cafe Gummo also features karaoke and recently a ‘lip sync to death’ competition.
Let’s be clear, things can get wild at Cafe Gummo. Like, directed-by-Harmony-Korine wild. They love a good party – drag nights, comedy nights and punk shows are all common occurrences. The events are often raising money for a good cause, so you can give yourself a little pat on the back for your drinking efforts. Snoop around the dingy yet electric rooms. Lick your greasy fingers. Huddle by the bar, chat to the lovely staff and watch whatever act is on. With a courtyard and a few seats out front, too, Cafe Gummo is the perfect sleazy n’ easy spot. It’s right out front of the 86 tram on High St, so you’ve got no excuse not to visit the self-proclaimed “Filthy princess of Thornbury’”.
Shotkickers
A bustling live music bar located right in the heart of Thornbury, Shotkickers know how to serve up a good time. A favourite of locals, Shotkickers has its grip on the diverse and incredible music scene of our city, serving up incredible acts on their stage every night of the week.
Live music goes down seven nights a week at Shotkickers, as it’s run and led by local musicians. With the venue designed around hosting a great sounding gig, it’s a muso’s dream to play on their stage. “It’s a venue built by musicians, for musicians,“ says owner Christopher Windley. “The bar was welded by a muso. The stage was built by musos. The roof got painted by musos. Everyone is so excited to bring something fresh to the scene.”
The Croxton
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From local indie favourites to international rock legends, The Croxton has the whole family covered. There’s even an indoor playground for the kids while you thrash your head about in The Croxton’s iconic bandroom. Melbourne’s vibrant music scene has earned it the well-deserved reputation as Australia’s live music capital thanks to venues like The Croxton, reminding us Melburnians of why we choose to live in such a bustling environment of legendary music performances. If you’re heading to Thornbury, you’re probably heading to The Croxton.
A conversation about the best music venues in Thornbury cannot be had without mentioning The Croxton. With Northcote housing some of the biggest music venues in Melbourne right next door, it’s certainly a hot spot for locals, but its iconography can always be traced back to the early days of The Croxton.
Thornbury Local
Live music for free on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights as part of their beloved free gig series – full of some of Melbourne’s best up-and-coming acts. They’re known for their live music series, where they invite local acts to play on their stage in a series of free gigs that take place every week on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
The best live music venues in Preston
Preston holds quite a stunning range of options when it comes to music venues, placing it on Melbourne’s musical map as a must-visit location.
If you ever happen to find yourself straying far north of the CBD, don’t stress about it. The live music venues in Preston are just as good as its southern counterparts. You’ll certainly be glad you made the slightly out of the way trip up north after a night out at the buzzing music venues in Preston.
The Merri Bar
Although the Merri Bar has only been around for two years, the Preston live music venue has already won over the hearts of many, local and beyond. Offering punters chilled-out live music on Saturdays and Sundays and a carefully curated selection of drinks all week long, it’s the perfect northside gathering point for a casual catch-up.
And the roster of talent coming through the bar should not be overlooked either. Recently, Merri Bar has stepped up their game, booking acoustic acts from across the country. The intimate room is great for catching artists up close and personal.
Ragtime Tavern
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Ragtime Tavern is sure to make you feel as though you’ve stepped into an old western. With a bar literally built around a baby grand piano, Ragtime Tavern champions pianists and acoustic acts, with live piano performances from Wednesday to Saturday each week. Find Ragtime Tavern at 206 Tyler St, Preston.
If you’d like to know about the best music venues in other suburbs around Melbourne, be sure to check out our comprehensive list here.
If you’d like to know about the best music venues in other suburbs around Melbourne, be sure to check out our comprehensive list here.
