The ultimate Melbourne live gig guide
Find the best Melbourne concerts, new music venues and hidden gigs with our handy guide.
Free performances
Bourke Street Mall Busking
Meet Melbourne's marvellous musicians and more in the iconic Bourke Street Mall busking program.
Moodymann + DJ Jnett
Dive into the spirit and sound of Detroit, in an epic deep house double bill, free at the Square.
The Museum
Enjoy a special preview of The Museum, a new work by Steven Takasugi, created with Speak Percussion.
Music Matinee
Enjoy live and free music concerts at Scots Church on select Tuesdays throughout the year.
Nick & Nora's Melbourne
A roaming saxophonist plays jazz, playful swing and bold modern covers, every Friday from 8pm.
Music festivals and live concerts
Downtown: The Petula Clark and Carole King Essentials
Cabaret queen Amy Djuric brings the iconic songs of Carole King and Petula Clark to life.
Dusty: Son of a Preacher Man in Cabaret
Experience the captivating tale of Dusty Springfield's life through song and story.
Franz Ferdinand at Live At The Gardens
Scottish rockers Franz Ferdinand play Live At The Gardens with Teenage Dads and Delivery.
New Worlds: Jaime conducts Cheetham Fraillon and Dvořák
One of classical music’s most popular works.
Miami Horror, Sneaky Sound System and Bag Raiders
Catch Miami Horror with special guests Sneaky Sound System and Bag Raiders at Live At The Gardens.
Juan Diego Flórez in Recital
The legendary tenor is making his highly anticipated return to Melbourne.
Dolly Parton: Double Down
Join the Audrey Twins as they present a perfect blend of music and comedy.
Songs From The Canyon at Live at The Gardens
Featuring an all-star ensemble and Freya Josephine Hollick.
Sensual Summer Jazz with Mark Morand
Three hours of sensual summer jazz with legendary guitarist, Mark Morand.
Anthony Probyn
Anthony Probyn presents an evening of energetic rock and blues songs to get you grooving.
Handel's Messiah: Royal Melbourne Philharmonic
Royal Melbourne Philharmonic presents Handel’s iconic Messiah for the 247th time since 1853.
The People's Messiah
Join the Essendon Choral Society, Singularity Choir and Melbourne Opera for a choral concert.
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
Enjoy choral masterpieces, Bach's glorious Christmas Oratorio, and beloved carols.
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
Hear emotive and evocative original tunes by these talented musicians.
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
Enjoy a stunning concert of traditional Christmas music and carols in St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Great Christmas Singalong
Sing, celebrate and feel the magic at the ultimate Christmas celebration with Silvie Paladino.
They Sang at Carnegie Hall
Experience Bernadette Robinson’s spellbinding tribute to music’s greatest voices.
Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight
A cherished tradition featuring live performances from artists, choirs, comedians and more.
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
Ring in 2026 with Marina Prior, Lucy Durack, Simon Gleeson and the Australian Pops Orchestra.
The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight
Classical meets metal in a thunderous candlelit concert experience.
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
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
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
Entertainer Rhys Tolhurst and guest vocalist Nina Ferro pay tribute to the Great American Songbook.
La Traviata
Glamour, riches and a tragic secret: La Traviata is the story of a courtesan falling in love.
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
Theatrical legend Caroline O'Connor AM is joined by Orchestra Victoria for a special concert.
As Camp as Christmas
If you’ve found yourself on the naughty list this year, come join in this popular festive frenzy.
Sonic City: Australian Art Orchestra Four Plus One
Sonic City transforms the city into a vibrant hub for creative music.
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
Enjoy the beautiful skyline at sunset on a family-friendly cruise, and ring in 2026 in style.
Big Christmas Spectacular
Iconic jingles, hilarious Santa moments and world-class show dancing, perfect for all ages.
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.
New Year’s Eve at Stamford Plaza
Celebrate the arrival of 2026 with a lavish buffet dinner and DJ at Stamford Plaza Melbourne.
Stella the Musical: Workshop Concert
A concert of workshop highlights from Stella: The Musical, by composer/lyricist Monique diMattina.
Born This Way: A Lady Gaga Silent Disco Walking Tour
Strut, sing, and just dance with Mucho Mitcho on a Lady Gaga–inspired Silent Disco Walking Tour!
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Mina Yu Trio & Jonathan Skovron
Expect a night of jazz paying tribute to the nostalgic innocence of Charlie Brown and Snoopy.
Cats the Musical
Be thrilled by the 40th anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber's record-breaking musical, Cats.
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
Enjoy a night of live music and cinema with the Capitol Theatre Orchestra and It’s a Wonderful Life.
Grand WaZoo's End of Year Soul Party
Grand WaZoo return to Bird's Basement with an end of year party show.
Joseph Tawadros
Due to popular demand, oud virtuoso Joseph Tawadros AM returns for an evening of music.
New Year's Eve at The General Assembly
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at General Assembly on the Yarra River with ultimate firework views.
Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Discover the magic of the mean one this holiday season at this live family concert.
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.
Sweet Mona's: Let the Good Times Roll
The Sweet Mona’s Choir launch their album at the Church of All Nations.
New Year's Eve at Ocean 12
View the fireworks from Ocean 12's Rooftop terrace, with live music and great views.
Musical theatre
Hair: The Tribal Love Rock Musical
Take the trip to see the brand-new reimagined production of the musical, Hair.
Big Christmas Spectacular
Iconic jingles, hilarious Santa moments and world-class show dancing, perfect for all ages.
Cats the Musical
Be thrilled by the 40th anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber's record-breaking musical, Cats.
Anastasia the Musical
Discover the romantic and adventure-filled Broadway production inspired by the beloved film.
Melbourne music venues
Melbourne Recital Centre
Combining cutting-edge architecture and acoustic innovation with a unique focus on music.
Forum Melbourne
This theatre with its iconic architecture is one of Melbourne's most popular live band venues.
The Toff in Town
A boutique bar and bandroom offering late-night cocktails in train carriage booths.
Murmur Piano Bar
Follow the sound of a distant piano to discover one of Melbourne’s best kept secrets.
Rod Laver Arena
The centrepiece of the Australian Open each January, the venue is also a popular concert arena.
The Drunken Poet
With live Irish music, the Drunken Poet is a real locals' pub - cute, cosy and friendly.
Speakeasy Theatre
A vaudeville theatre presenting burlesque and cabaret shows, as well as comedy and circus acts.
Transport Public Bar
Bustling pub in Federation Square with tasty pub meals and an impressive range of drinks.
Beneath Driver Lane
A basement bar serving a wide range of cocktails, French bistro-style bar food with live music.
Festival Hall
Concert and sporting venue with a long history of hosting local and international acts.
Melbourne and Olympic Parks
The Melbourne and Olympic Park precinct hosts around 600 events annually.
The Curtin
Traditional pub with fried chicken, cold beer, and live music from local and international acts.
Transit Rooftop Bar
Large rooftop bar in Federation Square, with expansive views of the Melbourne skyline.
The General Assembly
Bar and restaurant with live acoustic music, street art and a simple, delicious menu.
Wax Music Lounge
A bar and live music venue from the team behind Melbourne's legendary Wax Museum Records.
Last updated on Wed 19 Nov 2025
Christmas
Christmas things to do
The city’s wrapped and ready with magical moments, twinkling lights and festive fun.
Christmas eat and drink
Savour the city’s festive flavours with rooftop bars, laneways and menus made for merry moments.
Discover more
Where to find buskers in Melbourne
All the city spots to catch a live show from Melbourne's best buskers.
La Mama Courthouse
One of the great independent theatres of the city with a focus on diversity and inclusivity.
Margaret Court Arena
A multi-use arena capable of hosting a wide range of sporting and entertainment events.