Melbourne is considered the live music capital of Australia. The city is alive with music every night of the week, from jazz basements to rock’n’roll pubs – you just need to know where to look. As an international student living in Melbourne, watching live bands is a great way to support the city’s local music and arts scene, as well as an opportunity to meet like-minded people in the crowd.
If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to the best music venues and festivals in Melbourne.
Music venues in Melbourne
The Esplanade Hotel – Fondly known as the Espy, this cultural icon of Melbourne has been the home of live music since 1878. The venue is situated above St Kilda’s waterfront and on average plays host to over 50 bands and DJs every week.
Northcote Social Club – One of Melbourne’s best live indie music venues. Expect to see a local unknown one night and then an international star the next.
The Toff – A decadent, unique bar and club with art deco train carriage booths, famous for live music, DJs and great cocktails based on the 2nd Floor of Curtin House. Catch the lift up to the Rooftop Bar and Cinema on the 7th Floor and go downstairs to Cookie on the 1st Floor to really experience a classic Melbourne night out.
Rubix Warehouse – A warehouse venue hosting the best international and local underground electronic, drum’n’bass and hip hop artists. Rubix is run by a collective of musicians and artists who are passionate about delivering high-quality events.
Laundry Bar – Ready to find your new fam love? Laundry Bar keeps it ‘Laundry Fresh’ by dropping rap, hip hop and R&B 3 nights every week.
Room 680 – A weekly destination for trance lovers to experience the ultimate combination of production, music and vibe.
Circus Bar – With stunning vintage circus decor in the main room and a one-of-a-kind rooftop dance floor, Circus is a stand-out club in the Melbourne house and techno scene.
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra – The MSO showcases an extraordinary variety of music, featuring timeless classics, music blockbusters, epic symphonic masterpieces and spine-tingling choral classics with some of the finest conductors and soloists from Australia and around the world.
Mendoza Social Club – the grooviest Latin bar in Melbourne every Saturday in Melbourne CBD. Expect a uniquely fun night with funky Latin-American beats, ultra-premium tequilas, tequila-tasting boards and tequila cocktails.
Bollywood Superclub – Next-level Indian clubbing for over 17 years in Melbourne hosting regular Bollywood, R&B and house parties.
Poof Doof – Melbourne’s favourite LGBTQIA+ rave with a big dance floor and bar. Everyone is welcome with great music and a great vibe.
Festivals in Melbourne
January
Laneway Festival – Boutique touring festival featuring a bold selection of contemporary icons and emerging game-changers of Independent music, indie pop, and rock music.
So Frenchy So Chic – A Summer French escape of music, food and friends. A party and a picnic in the park celebrating life and culture on the beautiful grounds of Werribee Mansion. Get lost in the joie de vivre!
Midsumma Carnival & T Dance – Celebrating LGBTQIA+ culture, Midsumma opens with an all-day-and-night party in the park at Melbourne’s Alexandra Gardens. Melbourne is coming up rainbows.
Electric Gardens – Celebrated across the Australia Day long weekend, Electric Gardens is a boutique event showcasing the very best house and electronic music.
Vida Latin Festival – 3 days and nights of Latin dance shows, workshops and parties. Salsa, bachata, zouk, samba, cha cha, Argentine tango, kizomba, gafieira and more!
February
St Kilda Festival – It’s free, fabulous and on the beach. What more could you ask for from a summer festival? Bands include local acts and some established international favourites.
March
Come Together – A global music event designed for people of all ages to gather and celebrate diverse music and performance art in each other’s company.
Golden Plains – A 3-day camping and music fest held in rural Victoria. Famous for good vibes, smiling faces and an eclectic lineup of acts from rock to electronic.
Brunswick Music Festival – World-class acts in the genres of folk and roots take over Brunswick for this annual and very popular festival. Get along to see a plethora of talented musicians.
May
Groovin the Moo – Bendigo hosts GTM with two outdoor stages, a big top tent, bands and performers from across the world, and honest country hospitality.
October
Melbourne International Jazz Festival – Hear blistering instrumentalists and soulful singers from around the world over ten toe-tapping days in venues across Melbourne.
November
Strawberry Fields – A diverse selection of both renowned and breakthrough Techno and House music from both Australia and overseas. Indulge yourself in a sensory feast, including soul-shaking sounds and world-class production.
December
Meredith Music Festival – 3-day outdoor alternative music festival held in a natural amphitheatre located on farmland near the town of Meredith with a sound system and a lineup that will blow minds.
Falls Festival – Catch the explosive line-up of indie, rock, hip hop, rap, dance and electronic from Australia and around the world for an epic New Year’s Eve celebration in Melbourne CBD.
Want all the fun of a festival without the stress of driving? Fortunately, Melbourne’s iconic festivals are typically accessible by public transport. Plus, you may be eligible for an International Student Travel Pass, which scores you a 50 per cent discount on an annual myki pass. Safe, seamless and affordable – it’s a win all around!
