Get Plugged In at the 5 Best Music Venues in Melbourne
If you’re like us, music isn’t just something you put on while doing the dishes – it’s the reason you’re out on a Thursday night when you really should be catching up on sleep.
We’ve danced ‘till our feet ached, yelled lyrics in the middle of packed crowds, and, yes, paid way too much for a drink just to be closer to the stage.
Live music is where life really happens, and Melbourne is practically overflowing with spots that make you feel like you’re part of something bigger.
After countless gigs and a few late-night detours, we’ve found the venues that hit all the right notes – figuratively and literally. Let’s just say, you’ll want to bookmark this one.
1. Solace Bar
– Media credit: solace.bar
Location: 21-25 Croft Alley, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours: Tuesday to Thursday– 5 PM to 1 AM, Friday to Saturday – 5 PM to 3 AM
Solace Bar is a three-level music‐focused venue tucked into Melbourne’s Chinatown, built on the site of the old Croft Institute. They aim to become a landmark in Melbourne’s electronic music ecosystem, supporting local DJs, underground genres, and creative nightlife culture.
Their programming spans techno, house, breaks, jungle and electro, hosting both local and international DJ acts. The sound system is top tier—Solace is equipped with the Funktion-One Evo 2 speakers to deliver punchy, clear audio without distortion.
The venue’s design is raw, minimal and Bauhaus inspired; each level offers distinct moods—from a moody bar to loungy mid-level to focused dance floor. The ambiance leans intimate and underground rather than flashy or overdone.
Their drinks menu emphasizes local producers and handcrafted cocktails, giving drinkers unique and refined options rather than generic bar staples. They balance their music focus with well-curated beverage offerings to complement the mood.
Entrance often follows a “walk in alleyway / hidden door” feel, enhancing the discovery factor for patrons. Their hours are late: on Fridays and Saturdays they stay open until 3:00 am, while midweek nights typically close around 1:00 am.
A possible downside is that newcomers might find it hard to locate the entrance or understand the alley cues. During peak nights the venue can feel cramped, and popular events may sell out or have long lines.
Pro Tip:
Arrive before midnight to avoid queues and have time to explore the bar before the dance floor fills.
2. Wax Music Lounge
– Media credit: circadianrhythmsjazz and waxmusiclounge
Location: 250 Flinders St
Contact: +61 451 144 128
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM
We first stumbled upon Wax Music Lounge after a friend of ours couldn’t stop raving about their Friday night jazz set – let’s just say it lived up to every bit of the hype.
This spot is all about celebrating Melbourne’s underground music scene in the most authentic way possible, with live performances every night that span genres and styles.
Whether it’s a soulful DJ set or a jaw-dropping showcase from emerging talent, there’s always something to make your ears (and soul) happy.
What really makes Wax Music Lounge stand out is the attention to detail. Their bespoke sound system, crafted by local legends Pitt & Giblin, doesn’t just play music—it wraps you in it.
The intimate space, which holds just 175 people, creates a vibe where you’re not just watching a show; you’re part of it.
Pro Tip:
Arrive a bit early to grab a cozy spot and sample the drinks menu before the music starts – it’s an experience in itself.
3. Cherry Bar
– Media credit: cherrybarmelb
Location: 68 Little Collins St
Contact: +61 3 9071 2434
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday – 6:00 PM to 5:00 AM
Founded in December 1999 by Bill Walsh, former drummer of the Cosmic Psychos, it has become a rite of passage for anyone who lives and breathes live music.
We first wandered in on a whim, drawn by the buzz about its legendary vibe on ACDC Lane, and it didn’t take long to understand why it’s such an institution. This place doesn’t just host gigs – it keeps rock culture alive.
Over the years, Cherry Bar has attracted some heavyweights. Noel Gallagher famously wanted to buy it, and Lady Gaga chose it for an after-party, proving its star power.
Its weekly live performances and eclectic DJ nights – spanning everything from 1950s northern soul to modern rock – mean there’s always something incredible happening.
And if the music doesn’t hook you, the history will. You might have spotted it in Kylie Auldist’s music video “Sensational” or even the 2002 cult film Queen of the Damned.
Pro Tip:
Consider joining the “Cherry Massive” membership – it’s a small contribution ($5 to $15 per month) that gets you perks like discounted entry, drink deals, and exclusive event access.
4. Section 8
– Media credit: section8melbourne
Location: 27-29 Tattersalls Ln
Contact: +61 430 291 588
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Section 8 feels like the kind of spot you discover and immediately want to tell everyone about – while also secretly hoping it stays your little secret.
This open-air bar oozes Melbourne’s creative energy. With a converted shipping container as the bar and timber pallets repurposed into seating, it’s a lesson in how to make something extraordinary out of the unexpected.
What really makes Section 8 stand out is its vibe. They host an eclectic mix of live music, with everything from hip-hop to house to afrobeat gracing their stage.
It’s the kind of place where you might stumble into an intimate set by a local artist or a surprise performance by someone international.
The crowd? Young, dynamic, and always up for a good time. And with their unofficial “ditch the office wear” policy, it’s easy to lean into the laid-back energy and just enjoy yourself.
Pro Tip:
Arrive early to beat the crowd—free entry makes Section 8 a hotspot, and the best spots fill up quickly.
5. Birds Basement
– Media credit: birdsbasement
Location: 11 Singers Ln
Contact: +61 1300 225 299
Operating hours: Wednesday to Saturday – 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
This venue shares its soul with New York’s legendary Birdland, bringing the same world-class live jazz to our doorstep.
Whether you’re catching a set from icons like Ravi Coltrane or Kurt Elling or discovering local talent, Birds Basement delivers an experience that’s as much about connection as it is about performance.
This place isn’t just about the music, though. With a menu inspired by Italian, Middle Eastern, and Greek cuisines, plus cocktails named after jazz legends, it’s a feast for all the senses.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to sign up for their Jazz Miles program where you’ll earn points for every dollar spent on tickets, dining, and even accommodations.