Top Live Music Venues in Melbourne

Occupying pride of place in Brunswick, Howler is a relatively new addition to Melbourne's live music scene and is a must-visit hub for all music lovers touring the city. Having been set up nearly two years ago the popular venue is located in what was once a wool shop and offers fans a variety of spaces from which to enjoy both local and internationally renowned musical groups. The stage at Howler has hosted some of the top artistes in Australia's music scene as well as the global music sphere while fans can also enjoy a pint or two along with dumplings and cocktails from the bar. Film and poetry fans should also head down to Howler as the venue hosts everything from album release parties to film screenings and poetry slams. Visitors based in Oaks on Lonsdale or other Melbourne serviced apartments will have easy access to the popular venue.

Located in the heart of Melbourne's Central Business District, the Cherry Bar is an icon of sorts in the city's live music scene. So much so that nearly every resident or tourist that has spent an evening at the famed bar has a unique legend to relate of their own of meeting well-known musicians or witnessing a memorable performance by a rock band. Having hosted its fair share of secret showcases, the Cherry Bar was established in 1999. Famed for having rejected the request to host a Lady Gaga event due to a prior booking, Oasis front man Noel Gallagher once tried to purchase the bar for himself. With the likes of Arctic Monkeys' lead singer Alex Turner having graced its dance floor, visiting this live music hub which hosts performances nightly is a must.

Often regarded as a veritable institution in the Melbourne music sphere, The Corner in Richmond has been a staple stopover for music lovers for generations. Considered the place to perform in order to gain international renown, the legendary stage of The Corner has seen the likes of Jack White grace its stage before hitting the big time. Other major bands that have made The Corner a must-experience live music venue for locals and visitors alike include Elliot Smith and The Living End. Home to a sprawling band room the venue which has hosted numerous local events since its inception in the 1940's is also home to a rooftop lounge as well as two cozy bars.

Situated in St Kilda, the Palais Theatre is a one of a kind venue for all sorts of performance oriented events but none more so than live musical performances. With room to host 3000 spectators, the Palais Theatre holds the distinct honor of being the country's most expansive theatre while the locale's art deco interiors has earned itself a place in Victoria's heritage list. Iconic rock acts the likes of the Rolling Stones and Nick Cave have hit the stage at the Palais Theatre which was originally a cinema complex in the 1920's.

Located in captivating Caulfield, the Flying Saucer Club has been a fixture of the city's live music scene since it was first set up in 1935. Ideal for enjoying a local gig during winter, the venue's fireplace is as much a celebrity as the acts performing on stage at the club.

As one of St Kilda's landmark structures, the Memo Music Hall is a former 1920's dance hall converted to a live music space. With the capacity to hold 400 spectators, events in the Memo Music Hall's annual calendar include entertainment showcases from around the country while the location is also used by local bands as a rehearsal venue and recording studio.