Where to to go and what to do in the heart of our music scene.
Melbourne is arguably the heart of Australia’s music scene. Hundreds of live shows, concerts, and festivals take place right throughout the year. You can hear spectacular live music and shows every night, no matter your preference. Melbourne caters for all music lovers! Melbourne is legendary for the live music it brings to the pubs and bar scene, vibrant with both independent and big name bands.
Melbourne’s music scene attracts fans from all over Australia. Loyal fans have been known to flock en masse to local Melbourne venues to support their favourite bands. With affordable, accessible accommodation options such as Bell City, Sleep & Go, as well as a range of other options featured on Check-In, gig-goers can spend more time enjoying Melbourne’s music scene, and less time worrying about the cost of accommodation.
Below you’ll find a taste of some concerts, shows and events Melbourne has to offer, from local and international artists:
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Melbourne is known worldwide for its pubs, bars, and clubs. Here’s a shortlist of the Melbourne’s most prominent venues.
Northcote Social Club
The NSC showcases Australia’s best musicians almost every night of the week. Supporters of independent and big-name artists alike, the NSC has played host to a range of up-and-coming local musicians, as well as global sensations the Pixies and Lady Gaga.
170 Russell
Beloved by many under its previous moniker, Billboard, the newly renamed 170 Russell is a chameleon in Melbourne live music scene. This great inner-city venue has seen some of the world’s best punk, rock and metal acts grace its stage, and more recently has expanded its repertoire to include a number of pop and electronica musicians to its stable of artists.
Palais Theatre
The Palais is an icon of the Australian music scene. This two-tiered art deco theatre has been restored to host some of the most prominent musicians from around the world, as well as a range of comedy legends. Its instantly recognisable exterior and position next to Luna Park in St Kilda makes it a pillar of the Australian music community.
Corner Hotel
Richmond’s Corner Hotel is not the biggest, trendiest or quaintest of Melbourne’s music venues, but its list of performers is certainly among the most remarkable. Loyal fans will brave the heaving crowd and squeeze into this modest-sized venue to hear their favourite bands. Its limited capacity in no way limits its ability to put on a great gig.
The Hi-Fi
Deep below the streets of Melbourne is The Hi-Fi, a club that has delivered the best heavy music and biggest comedy shows for over a decade. Doubling as an event space, The Hi-Fi has branches all over Australia, bringing the best of live music to Brisbane and Sydney as well.
Forum Theatre
The Forum has serious wow-factor. Gilded in fairy lights and gargoyles, concert-goers come to the Forum as much to admire the venue as the performers on stage. The Forum is a big player in Melbourne’s comedy scene, as well as a popular live music venue. With its Roman columns and baroque foyers, this venue adds a degree of ambience to every show it hosts.
The Espy
The iconic Espy! Facing the picturesque St Kilda beachfront, The Espy epitomises the classic Australian pub. Many successful local bands have made their musical start at The Espy. Home to a range of musicians, including metal, acoustic and the ever-popular cover band, there’s something for everyone at The Espy.
Prince Bandroom
Overlooking bustling Fitzroy Street, the Prince Bandroom is a musical mecca. Diverse in its line-up, the Prince has hosted a broad range of indie, electro and hip hop artists from around the world, recently making a name for itself as a go-to dance venue.
Other great venues:
9 Nov – One Electric Day
14 - 23 Nov – Melbourne Music Week
28 - 30 Nov - Queenscliff Music Festival
12 - 14 Dec - Meredith Music Festival
28 Dec – 1 Jan – Falls Festival
30 Dec – 1 Jan – Beyond The Valley
10 & 11 Jan – UNIFY
24 Jan – Sugar Mountain Festival
21 & 22 Feb – Soundwave
6 – 9 Mar – Port Fairy Folk Music Festival
5 Apr – Rolling Green
See prices by event at: queenoftickets.com
Melbourne’s biggest annual music festival has returned bigger than ever before, with a line-up showcasing more than 250 new, independent, and globally recognised artists. From 14 – 23 Nov, Melbourne’s vibrant music scene will come alive with an impressive program of events and guerrilla gigs. More than 40 of Melbourne’s best-loved music venues will play host to artists such as Allday, Architecture In Helsinki, Cut Copy, and local wunderkind Japanese Wallpaper.
The festival’s events cater for every age and musical taste. For those looking for the best sampling of Melbourne’s music scene, the Live Music Safari program showcases 13 of Melbourne’s most iconic live music venues. Encouraging a love for music in the next generation, Melbourne Music Week presents the Kids/Family program, with a range of engaging performers and events designed to appeal to kids.