Overview
Melbourne has a long and celebrated tradition of nurturing live music, and is renowned as the nation's music capital.
A vibrant independent music scene comes alive every night of the week in Melbourne's pubs, clubs, warehouses and basements. There are venues and crowds for all music tastes, with only one prerequisite – a heartfelt love of live performance. Choose a style and check out the best musicians performing across the city.
Check Melbourne's free street press Beat and The Music and weekly lift-outs in The Age and Herald Sun for gig listings.
If you like a late night and want to be in the thick of it, the city is the place to be. Thursday through Sunday is the best time to catch up-and-coming bands. Head to the legendary Cherry Bar for guaranteed good times.
Visit Fitzroy and Collingwood – the spiritual home of the north's music scene. Wander Brunswick and Johnston Streets on a weeknight and stumble across Latin and jazz, rock and indie music. On the weekend head to Melbourne's home of rock and roll, The Tote, or catch acts at The Old Bar, The Curtin, Yah Yah's and the Workers Club.
Out Brunswick way, try The Retreat, Brunswick Ballroom, Stay Gold or Penny's Bandroom in The Penny Black on Sydney Road for gigs most nights, or head to Howler's bandroom. In Northcote, catch a quiet set at the Wesley Anne or walk over to the Northcote Social Club – one of the city's best concert clubs.
Catch touring acts southside at St Kilda's The Esplanade Hotel (the Espy), the Palais Theatre and the Prince Bandroom, or join young bands and fans till all hours at Revolver Upstairs, Chapel Street.
