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A shot of a musician sitting on stage at The Reverence Hotel, pl
Photograph: Amanda Summons

The best live music venues and pubs in Melbourne

Melbourne is truly blessed in the live music stakes. Here are a few of our favourites

Fred Siggins
Written by
Fred Siggins
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While there's suggestion of the live music scene in other cities dying, Melbourne's continues to flourish. And let's face it, who doesn't like a beer with their favourite local band?

If you're in the mind to further explore some pubs, maybe have a gander at our guide to Melbourne's best al fresco libation or our guide to our town's best pub grub.

Top pub picks for music lovers

  • Bars
  • Carlton
  • price 1 of 4

Any given night of the week, one Australia’s best rock, indie pop or songwriter acts will be playing in the John Curtin’s 300-person capacity upstairs band room. Top it off with a pint of sweet and malty Barrow Boys lager and you’ve got Melbourne pub gold.

Prince of Wales Hotel
  • Bars
  • St Kilda

One of the most successful and interesting iterations of “pub” in town, the Prince provides one of the last spots in St Kilda for local, national and international acts to do their thing. In a part of town where most people would rather be clubbing, we’re glad the Prince is keeping it real.

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Retreat Hotel
  • Bars
  • Brunswick

More than anything, this quirky old pub is cherished for music. The dining room out back features a rickety old stage and doubles as music hall for headline gigs. On weeknights, you’re more likely to see the magic happening up front, as killer blues bands rock out right next to the bar.

The Reverence Hotel
  • Bars
  • Footscray

The Reverence is a church where live music is the religion and the doors are open to any and all who seek its comfort. Because far from the fundamentalist worship of rock, the Rev plays host to a staggering variety of local, national and international acts of every flavour from tango to trance.

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Yarra Hotel
  • Bars
  • Abbotsford

Since a major overhaul in 2013, the Yarra has gone from strength to strength under the watchful eye of Weddings Parties Anything linchpin Mick Thomas. The front room is a shrine to music, with week-long residencies from some of Melbourne best musicians plus free live gigs most nights of the week.

For world-class gigs minus the plane ticket, it doesn't get any better than Melbourne and Olympic Parks. Home to both Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena, the precinct is a thriving live music destination that attracts some of the biggest names in performers in the industry. Some of the major acts set to grace the stages in the coming months include Lizzo, J Balvin, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Luke Combs, Paramore, Sam Smith, 50 Cent and Charlie Puth. But it's not just about the music; there's also an impressive selection of food and beverage options. Fuel up from Mr Miyagi (the fried chicken and pork belly bao are a must) or enjoy a Balter Beer or Coast Seltzer at the bar. What more could you want?

More Melbourne pubs we love

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