This is the bit where we lose ourselves in the imaginative, curious, weird and wonderful displays that come out to play in Melbourne when the sun goes down. Uncover the glorious and gritty live music scene – where sweaty mosh pits and gravelly voices reign supreme – slip, slurp and savour the city’s best food and drink, or head downstairs to an underground show where comedic greats gather to share laughs.
Bodega Underground
Feast on tacos and margaritas that are as delectable and dramatic as the city itself at Bodega Underground, where magicians in the kitchen are slinging spicy delicacies and finding new and creative ways to mix tequila and mezcal into drinks until all-hours.
Spleen
Step into a world where creativity and chaos collide at Spleen, the home of weeknight comedy and weekend live music, where the drinks flow until 3am and the dance floor gets as wild as the jokes do funny.
Heartbreaker
Lovers of the tall, dark and mysterious gather at this neon-lit dive bar for a fresh dose of libation. Hit up the sticky bar, pick a tune at the jukebox, or become the pool champ at
Heartbreaker, almost any night of the week.
The theatre
Snag a front row seat to the artistic and theatrical depths of Melbourne in a space that’s as dramatic as the performances taking place on stage. Some of this year’s heroes include a reckless and frankly repellent Tim Burton favourite, Beetlejuice, or a conversely sweet show of the classic, Annie.
Basement Comedy Club
One part grunge, one part grit, and just a splash of New York style abounds at the Basement Comedy Club. Head deep beneath Morris House on Exhibition Street and see some of the city’s best comedic line-ups, including the likes of Arj Barket, Wil Anderson and Dave Hughes. Friday and Saturday nights always deliver headliner acts and surprising guests.
Magic Mountain Saloon
Venture down Little Collins Street and soak up the edgy energy of dimly, neon-lit, Magic Mountain Saloon. Settle in for a taster of Thai cuisine with a modern Australian twist, or don your loosest pants and gorge late into the night on the chef’s banquet menu.
The Espy
Head to The Espy in St Kilda for live music that pulses with raw energy. Catch powerful performances in the waterfront venue’s basement as diverse artists play diverse genres.
StoryVille
Tumble down the rabbit hole to a curious place where the dark tales of childhood come to life before your eyes. Chill out in the Mushroom Palace, but beware of glowing toadstools sprouting from the walls, or sip curated, utterly fantastical cocktails in Narnia and the Library, which comes complete with a wall of giant books.
StoryVille takes the simple pleasures of a bar and turns it into something straight from a fairytale.
Section 8
Feel the energy pulse all around you in response to the haunting melodies and creative expression of local and international artists as they take the stage at pop-up turned permanent industrial bar, Section 8. As iconic as it is explorative, Melbourne’s artistic spirit is fierce and alive here every night of the week.
The Black Pearl
If bartending were an academic pursuit, The Black Pearl is the Oxford or Harvard of the bar world. Old, moody and a serious contender for the accolade of best cocktail, this Fitzroy institution has been the site of more than a few hazy nights.
