Sometimes, it feels like live music is an endangered species in Melbourne. Every other month a treasured pub is under attack from developers or Johnny-come-lately residents with sensitive ears.

In spite of these challenges, our scene is flourishing. Any night of the week, it's easy to find quality live music on somewhere. Whether you like folk, indie or heavy metal, these spots have you covered.

Corner Hotel

Bar

If you're serious about music, you'll know this place better than your own loungeroom.

57 Swan Street, Richmond

Northcote Social Club

Bar

An important part of the scene since 2004.

301 High Street, Northcote

Cherry Bar

Bar

The pounding heart of Melbourne's rock and roll scene.

68 Little Collins Street, Melbourne

The Tote

Bar

Grungy as they come.

71 Johnston Street, Collingwood

The Gasometer Hotel

Bar

A huge retractable roof and a mezzanine with stage views. Yes.

484 Smith Street, Collingwood
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LongPlay

Bar

Danish minimalism meets Italian wine bar. With a cinema.

318 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North

Colour

Bar

A 24-hour nightclub with its very own bandroom.

229 Queensberry Street, Carlton

The Workers Club

Bar

A comfortable and understated local pub with live music.

51 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

The Grace Darling Hotel

Bar

A gastro-pub serving good food, drink and music in a classy setting.

114 Smith Street, Collingwood

Howler

Bar

A former wool store turned bar, arts hub and live music venue.

Enter via carpark 7-11 Dawson Street, Brunswick

The Espy

Bar

After a profound redevelopment, this legendary seaside pub is going strong, offering the live music, drinks, food, good times and views it always has, albeit in far more polished fashion.

11 The Esplanade, St Kilda

The Toff in Town

Bar

Curtin House’s dark, glamorous second-floor bar.

Level 2, Curtin House 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Some Velvet Morning

Bar

Like a super-hip nanna's living room, but with a full bar and live music.

123 Queen's Parade, Clifton Hill

Bar Open

Bar

A good old late night bar sporting character in spades.

317 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

The Evelyn

Bar

Shoot some pool, then catch a gig.

351 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

The Prince Bandroom

Bar

Doing its thing for 60 years and counting.

29 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

The John Curtin Hotel

Bar

A pub’s pub at the city end of Lygon Street.

29 Lygon Street, Carlton

The Catfish

Bar

Did you even know there's a bandroom upstairs?

30 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy