Preston's cosiest venue returns from the holiday haze with nine weekends of free live music.
The Merri Bar is wasting no time getting 2026 rolling with a packed January program of free live music.
Preston’s beloved neighbourhood venue on Gilbert Road has quietly cemented itself as one of the inner north’s most welcoming live music haunts. Every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month, the intimate band room will host a diverse spread of Melbourne talent, from veteran songwriters who’ve been grinding the circuit for decades to fresh faces just finding their feet. Throw in the return of weekly trivia nights from 6 January and open mic sessions starting 22 January, and you’ve got yourself a very good reason to spend your weekends in Preston.
The lineup spans folk, blues, country, latin jazz, funk and americana, showcasing the kind of grassroots diversity that makes Melbourne’s live scene tick. Most of these acts have been honing their craft in band rooms and lounges across the city for years, and The Merri Bar’s warm, welcoming atmosphere provides the perfect stage for intimate performances.
Here’s everything you need to know about who’s playing and when.
The Merri Bar – January 2026
- When: Every Saturday and Sunday throughout January
- Where: The Merri Bar, 15 Gilbert Road, Preston
- Free entry
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
Wild Flowers and Teresa Duffy-Richards
- 10 January, 7pm
Kicking off the month with a double bill of folk and roots, Wild Flowers share the stage with Teresa Duffy-Richards. The latter is a seasoned Melbourne singer-songwriter originally hailing from the saltbush plains of Deniliquin in regional New South Wales. A two-time finalist at the Darebin Songwriting Competition, Duffy-Richards released her self-titled debut album back in 2019 and has been steadily building a loyal following ever since.
Val Moogz
- 11 January, 4pm
South Coast NSW songwriter Val Moogz brings their distinctive blend of soul, indie-folk and acoustic pop to Preston for a Sunday afternoon session. Drawing inspiration from artists as varied as Patti Smith, Bill Withers and Jack Johnson, Val Moogz crafts songs designed to feel like a warm hug from your best mate.
Mark Sinton and Charlie Marshall
- 17 January, 7pm
- The Merri Bar, Preston
- Tickets here
This double bill pairs two of Melbourne’s most experienced songwriters for what promises to be a masterclass in the craft. Mark Sinton is a Melbourne-based musician originally from Northern Ireland who has fronted bands on both sides of the globe. Supporting is Charlie Marshall, a genuine Melbourne music legend. He co-founded cult punk blues outfit Harem Scarem alongside brother Chris, harmonica wizard Chris Wilson and Barry Palmer of Hunters and Collectors. physics and ecology.
Strugs to Funk
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- 18 January, 4pm
Melbourne duo Strugs to Funk bring their eclectic mix of pop-jazz, funk-blues and indie-folk to the Sunday arvo slot. The emerging act features David and Brenna, who have been honing their craft across Melbourne’s northern suburbs with sweet harmonies and groovy arrangements that defy easy categorisation.
Bossa Brunswick
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- 24 January, 7pm
If you’re after something to get you swaying on a Saturday night, Bossa Brunswick delivers the goods. This latin jazz night reflects the musical traditions of bossa nova and latin jazz while bringing a unique Melbourne flavour thanks to its diverse influences.
Redback Blues
- 25 January, 4pm
Sunday blues sessions are a Melbourne institution, and Redback Blues carries the torch with an afternoon set perfect for easing into the final week of January. Pull up a seat in the beer garden and let the music wash over you.
Faces in the Street
- 31 January, 7pm
Closing out January is Faces in the Street, an indie folk duo born from the Keynes Brothers in Melbourne. The band name comes from a Henry Lawson poem, and that Australian storytelling tradition runs deep through their music. Their debut album Bring Back Tomorrow dropped in 2024, recorded live with a haunting soundscape of acoustic and electric instrumentation.
Dear Buffalo
- 1 February, 4pm
- The Merri Bar, Preston
- Tickets here
Technically the first gig of February, Dear Buffalo wraps up the summer program with a special preview of things to come. Led by songwriter Candice Warren, who brings 20 years of industry experience to the project, Dear Buffalo is born from a love of Americana, gospel, blues and country.
Trivia and Open Mic
Beyond the weekend gigs, The Merri Bar keeps things lively throughout the week. Trivia nights return every Tuesday from 7.30pm, kicking off on 6 January. If you fancy yourself a performer, the first open mic night of 2026 lands on Thursday 22 January, with fortnightly sessions continuing from there. Sign up via the website to secure your spot on stage.
For more information, head here.
