Find the best Melbourne concerts, new music venues and hidden gigs with our handy guide.

Free performances

Bourke Street Mall Busking
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Bourke Street Mall Busking

Meet Melbourne's marvellous musicians and more in the iconic Bourke Street Mall busking program.

Sea Shanties and Folk Songs
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Sea Shanties and Folk Songs

Join this free weekly celebration of rollicking and spirited singing.

St Paul's Cathedral Lunchtime Concerts
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St Paul's Cathedral Lunchtime Concerts

Take a break and enjoy a lunchtime concert on Wednesdays.

Music Matinee
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Music Matinee

Enjoy live and free music concerts at Scots Church on select Tuesdays throughout the year.

The Jam
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The Jam

The Jam is a high-energy, full-venue jam with live music, DJs and unstoppable vibes.

A man wearing a suit playing saxophone in a bar.

Nick & Nora's Melbourne

A roaming saxophonist plays jazz, playful swing and bold modern covers, every Friday from 8pm.

Special offer

Music festivals and live concerts

Dusty: Son of a Preacher Man in Cabaret
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Dusty: Son of a Preacher Man in Cabaret

Experience the captivating tale of Dusty Springfield's life through song and story.

Dolly Parton: Double Down
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Dolly Parton: Double Down

Join the Audrey Twins as they present a perfect blend of music and comedy.

Jazz Blues, Latin and Ska on Guitar with Kenneth White
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Jazz Blues, Latin and Ska on Guitar with Kenneth White

Three hours of soulful jazz blues on guitar, with a little Latin, ska and singing.

Victoria Chorale: O Magnum Mysterium Christmas Concert

Victoria Chorale: O Magnum Mysterium Christmas Concert

Enjoy choral masterpieces, Bach's glorious Christmas Oratorio, and beloved carols.

Handel's Messiah

Handel's Messiah

This concert will spark joy and wonder as you enter the Christmas season.

Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas

Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas

Celebrate the season with a magical performance for families from the MSO.

ade ishs and eMotion Band: Live Emotions Album Launch

ade ishs and eMotion Band: Live Emotions Album Launch

Hear emotive and evocative original tunes by these talented musicians.

Jazz Manouche with Adam Russo
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Jazz Manouche with Adam Russo

Hear three hours of gypsy jazz guitar with Adam Russo in Melbourne's most romantic hidden bar.

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: Carols in the Cathedral

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: Carols in the Cathedral

Enjoy a stunning concert of traditional Christmas music and carols in St Paul’s Cathedral.

The Great Christmas Singalong

The Great Christmas Singalong

Sing, celebrate and feel the magic at the ultimate Christmas celebration with Silvie Paladino.

They Sang at Carnegie Hall

They Sang at Carnegie Hall

Experience Bernadette Robinson’s spellbinding tribute to music’s greatest voices.

Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight

Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight

A cherished tradition featuring live performances from artists, choirs, comedians and more.

The Idols of Musical Theatre

The Idols of Musical Theatre

Join Casey Donovan, Paulini and Rob Mills for a feel-good musical reunion bursting with nostalgia.

New Year's Eve and The Day Before Gala Concerts

New Year's Eve and The Day Before Gala Concerts

Ring in 2026 with Marina Prior, Lucy Durack, Simon Gleeson and the Australian Pops Orchestra.

Legends in Concert

Legends in Concert

Direct from Las Vegas, the pioneer of all tribute shows returns to Melbourne.

Infinity Song

Infinity Song

New York soft rock band Infinity Song play Max Watts.

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight

Classical meets metal in a thunderous candlelit concert experience.

Denis Walter: My All Time Favourites

Denis Walter: My All Time Favourites

Beloved entertainer and broadcaster Denis Walter reflects on his extraordinary 55-year career.

Claire Lyon: The Music of Broadway

Claire Lyon: The Music of Broadway

Revel in the passion, power and beauty of musical theatre as Claire Lyon brings Broadway to life.

The 60 Four: Hits of the ‘60s and ‘70s

The 60 Four: Hits of the ‘60s and ‘70s

Relive a defining era of music history as The 60 Four bring the biggest '60s and '70s hits to life.

Rhys Tolhurst: A Swing Affair

Rhys Tolhurst: A Swing Affair

Entertainer Rhys Tolhurst and guest vocalist Nina Ferro pay tribute to the Great American Songbook.

La Traviata

La Traviata

Glamour, riches and a tragic secret: La Traviata is the story of a courtesan falling in love.

 Gilbert & Sullivan: A Musical Celebration

Gilbert & Sullivan: A Musical Celebration

Enjoy a sparkling concert of wit, whimsy and song with highlights from GIlbert and Sullivan.

Orchestra Victoria with Caroline O’Connor: Music and Me

Orchestra Victoria with Caroline O’Connor: Music and Me

Theatrical legend Caroline O'Connor AM is joined by Orchestra Victoria for a special concert.

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker

Ballet’s most iconic story is returning to Melbourne this Christmas.

Critical Hits Music Bingo
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Critical Hits Music Bingo

Play free pop-culture themed music bingo, every Tuesday at Fortress.

New Year's Eve at Fortress: Final Boss Battle

New Year's Eve at Fortress: Final Boss Battle

Leave 2025 on a high score and ring in the New Year at the Home of Games.

The Frud and Bleeding Peach

The Frud and Bleeding Peach

Come along to a night of indie and stoner rock by local bands.

Carols at Festival Hall

Carols at Festival Hall

A live carols show for the family with carols you know and can sing along to.

Aiden and Oscar: Beautiful New Material

Aiden and Oscar: Beautiful New Material

Catch the chaos as Aiden Willcox and Oscar Robertson film brand-new, questionably beautiful comedy.

Jack Jones

Jack Jones

See one of Australia’s most iconic musicians live.

MJ The Musical
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MJ The Musical

A look into the life, music and career of one of the most influential artists in music history.

New Year's Eve Twilight Cruise: Early Fireworks

New Year's Eve Twilight Cruise: Early Fireworks

Enjoy the beautiful skyline at sunset on a family-friendly cruise, and ring in 2026 in style.

Beatles Legacy with Special Guest Denis Walter

Beatles Legacy with Special Guest Denis Walter

Take a journey through the life of the Beatles and a tip of the hat to the Fab Four's solo careers.

Impromptunes: Student Workshop Showcase

Impromptunes: Student Workshop Showcase

See two completely improvised musicals take shape in front of you.

New Year’s Eve at Stamford Plaza

New Year’s Eve at Stamford Plaza

Celebrate the arrival of 2026 with a lavish buffet dinner and DJ at Stamford Plaza Melbourne.

The Vaudeville Revue: Cabaret, Comedy and Burlesque
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The Vaudeville Revue: Cabaret, Comedy and Burlesque

Experience Melbourne's most intimate variety show in a hidden gem of the city.

View of Melbourne from across the Yarra River

Joe Chindamo Trio

Catch brilliant jazz pianist Joe Chindamo and band at Bird's Basement.

BABBA

BABBA

See the most exciting and musically accurate tribute to ABBA in the world.

Cats the Musical

Cats the Musical

Be thrilled by the 40th anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber's record-breaking musical, Cats.

Wham, Bam, Thank You Jam
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Wham, Bam, Thank You Jam

A free weekly improvised musical comedy with a rotation of Melbourne's finest comedians.

Capitol Theatre Orchestra and Its a Wonderful Life

Capitol Theatre Orchestra and Its a Wonderful Life

Enjoy a night of live music and cinema with the Capitol Theatre Orchestra and It’s a Wonderful Life.

New Year's Eve Merchants' Ball

New Year's Eve Merchants' Ball

Celebrate your New Year's Eve with unlimited cocktails, canapes, and live entertainment.

Grand WaZoo's End of Year Soul Party

Grand WaZoo's End of Year Soul Party

Grand WaZoo return to Bird's Basement with an end of year party show.

New Year's Eve at The General Assembly

New Year's Eve at The General Assembly

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at General Assembly on the Yarra River with ultimate firework views.

Advent Carol Service

Advent Carol Service

The renowned Choir of St Patrick’s Cathedral presents its 51st Service of Advent Carol Service.

New Year's Eve at Plus 5

New Year's Eve at Plus 5

Ring in 2026 at Plus 5 with great views, fireworks, a DJ, and festive cocktail and dining packages.

New Year's Eve at Flemington Racecourse

New Year's Eve at Flemington Racecourse

Enjoy New Year’s Eve celebrations with food trucks, pop-up bars, music, family activities and more.

Jazz and Jaffles

Jazz and Jaffles

Enjoy live musicians, DJ selectors, soulful community atmosphere and tacos all night long.

New Year's Eve at Ocean 12

New Year's Eve at Ocean 12

View the fireworks from Ocean 12's Rooftop terrace, with live music and great views.

Long Play: A Wrap Up of the Music of 2025

Long Play: A Wrap Up of the Music of 2025

There was a lot of music in 2025 – Conk will talk about all of it, but funny.

Cassie's Christmas

Cassie's Christmas

A spectacular celebration filled with music, laughter and heartwarming moments for all ages.

Jemma Cher

Jemma Cher

Jemma Cher brings maturity, sophistication and virtuosity to every performance.

 The Australian Ballet School Summer Season

The Australian Ballet School Summer Season

Enjoy a thrilling program of classical ballet and contemporary dance.

New Year's Eve at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

New Year's Eve at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Dive into 2026 and celebrate in style with stunning views, delicious food and live entertainment.

The Harmonix Experience
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The Harmonix Experience

The Harmonix Experience play jazz with swagger, and funk with soul.

New Years Eve at The Emerald Peacock

New Years Eve at The Emerald Peacock

Ring in the new year at The Emerald Peacock, for an unforgettable night.

New Year's Eve at Rooftop at QT

New Year's Eve at Rooftop at QT

Celebrate with Melbourne’s skyline at your feet, cocktails in hand, and the city buzzing below.

New Year's at the Bowl

New Year's at the Bowl

A euphoric musical celebration of the year gone by and the one to come.

New Year's Eve at Blossom Rooftop Bar

New Year's Eve at Blossom Rooftop Bar

Join a New Year's Eve party to remember with the best views of Melbourne's fireworks.

The Motley Jazz Jam
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The Motley Jazz Jam

Listen to a jazz band followed by an open Jazz Jam, every Saturday.

New Year's Eve at Taxi Kitchen

New Year's Eve at Taxi Kitchen

Ring in 2026 with Disco Fever, panoramic views and a five-course feast.

The Magic of Christmas

The Magic of Christmas

Starring Lucy Durack, Rob Mills and Bobby Fox, this production is the ultimate festive treat.

Yacht Rock Revival

Yacht Rock Revival

Paying tribute to the smoothest songs of the 1970s.

VietJet MelbourneVibing

VietJet MelbourneVibing

A one-day festival celebrating inclusivity through art, literature and performances.

Christmas Day Lunch at Sassy Italian

Christmas Day Lunch at Sassy Italian

Enjoy a Christmas lunch featuring Italian live band and music.

New Year's Eve at Afloat

New Year's Eve at Afloat

See out the year in style at Afloat's all-night Copacabana Beach themed extravaganza.

New Year's Eve at Riverland Bar

New Year's Eve at Riverland Bar

Party under the stars at Riverland Bar this New Year's Eve.

Musical theatre

Shrek the Musical

Shrek the Musical

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure to a far, far away kingdom!

Cats the Musical

Cats the Musical

Be thrilled by the 40th anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber's record-breaking musical, Cats.

Anastasia the Musical

Anastasia the Musical

Discover the romantic and adventure-filled Broadway production inspired by the beloved film.

The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon

Australia’s biggest ever musical comedy returns this February.

Encore! Songs from the Musicals

Encore! Songs from the Musicals

The magic of musical theatre in a star-studded showcase of hits.

Melbourne music venues

Hamer Hall

Hamer Hall

This multi-level concert hall is the largest venue at the Arts Centre.

Melbourne Recital Centre

Melbourne Recital Centre

Combining cutting-edge architecture and acoustic innovation with a unique focus on music.

Forum Melbourne

Forum Melbourne

This theatre with its iconic architecture is one of Melbourne's most popular live band venues.

Cherry Bar

Cherry Bar

An iconic laneway bar hosting a lineup of local and international rock'n'roll acts.

170 Russell

170 Russell

A live music venue with gigs seven nights a week.

The Toff in Town

The Toff in Town

A boutique bar and bandroom offering late-night cocktails in train carriage booths.

Bird's Basement

Bird's Basement

Live jazz venue where patrons can dine while watching performances.

Max Watt's

Max Watt's

This basement live music venue has hosted some of rock music's biggest acts.

Murmur Piano Bar

Murmur Piano Bar

Follow the sound of a distant piano to discover one of Melbourne’s best kept secrets.

Rod Laver Arena

Rod Laver Arena

The centrepiece of the Australian Open each January, the venue is also a popular concert arena.

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar

The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar

A late-night rock 'n' roll dive bar with live music every night.

The Drunken Poet

The Drunken Poet

With live Irish music, the Drunken Poet is a real locals' pub - cute, cosy and friendly.

Paris Cat

Paris Cat

Dedicated live jazz venue.

Speakeasy Theatre

Speakeasy Theatre

A lively, historic vaudeville theatre featuring burlesque, cabaret, comedy and circus every week.

Marvel Stadium

Marvel Stadium

A multi-purpose stadium in the heart of Melbourne's Docklands precinct.

Section 8 Bar

Section 8 Bar

A funky outdoor bar with drinks served from a converted shipping container.

Her Melbourne

Her Melbourne

A four-storey mega venue celebrating modern food, drinks, music and art.

Transport Public Bar

Transport Public Bar

Bustling pub in Federation Square with tasty pub meals and an impressive range of drinks.

Beneath Driver Lane

Beneath Driver Lane

A basement bar serving a wide range of cocktails, French bistro-style bar food with live music.

Festival Hall

Festival Hall

Concert and sporting venue with a long history of hosting local and international acts.

Sidney Myer Music Bowl

Sidney Myer Music Bowl

Popular outdoor venue that hosts Melbourne's annual Carols by Candlelight.

Melbourne and Olympic Parks

Melbourne and Olympic Parks

The Melbourne and Olympic Park precinct hosts around 600 events annually.

Athenaeum Theatre

Athenaeum Theatre

This heritage-listed venue hosts comedy, music and theatre.

The Colonial Hotel

The Colonial Hotel

Traditional pub serving comfort food with a Mediterranean influence.

Regent Theatre

Regent Theatre

This landmark theatre is one of Melbourne’s premier live performance venues.

The Curtin

The Curtin

Traditional pub with fried chicken, cold beer, and live music from local and international acts.

Whitehart Bar

Whitehart Bar

A container bar in a converted car park hidden down a city laneway.

Transit Rooftop Bar

Transit Rooftop Bar

Large rooftop bar in Federation Square, with expansive views of the Melbourne skyline.

The General Assembly

The General Assembly

Bar and restaurant with live acoustic music, street art and a simple, delicious menu.

Wax Music Lounge

Wax Music Lounge

A bar and live music venue from the team behind Melbourne's legendary Wax Museum Records.

Last updated on Fri 5 Dec 2025

Christmas

Christmas things to do

Christmas things to do

The city’s wrapped and ready with magical moments, twinkling lights and festive fun.

Christmas eat and drink

Christmas eat and drink

Savour the city’s festive flavours with rooftop bars, laneways and menus made for merry moments.

Christmas shopping

Christmas shopping

Start ticking off your list in the city’s iconic laneways, arcades and malls.

Discover more

Where to find buskers in Melbourne

Where to find buskers in Melbourne

All the city spots to catch a live show from Melbourne's best buskers.

La Mama Courthouse

La Mama Courthouse

One of the great independent theatres of the city with a focus on diversity and inclusivity.

Playhouse

Playhouse

A large drama theatre located within the Arts Centre Melbourne.

Margaret Court Arena

Margaret Court Arena

A multi-use arena capable of hosting a wide range of sporting and entertainment events.