Monday — Pool Comp at the Railway Hotel
Mondays are competitive at the Railway Hotel Fitzroy, where the pool table takes centre stage for a weekly social doubles comp. Sign-ups open from 7 PM in the Public Bar, with games starting at 7:30 PM. Participants are matched with a partner for social doubles, so all you need to bring is your best shot. The vibe is laid-back and welcoming, making it perfect for casual players and regulars alike. With cold beers, classic pub fare and prizes up for grabs, it’s a fun way to ease into the week.
800 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy North | railwayhotelfitzroy.com.au
Tuesday — Drink & Draw at The Shady Lady
Add a creative spark to your Tuesday with Drink and Draw at The Shady Lady, a relaxed evening of sketching, sipping and socialising. From 7 PM, the space fills with the rustle of paper, clink of glasses and sweep of charcoal as seasoned artists and newcomers sketch side by side. The Shady Lady’s signature décor—tasseled lampshades, velvet drapes and cheeky wall art—sets the mood, making it feel like you’ve wandered into someone’s fabulously eccentric lounge room. Entry is free, paper and charcoal are provided, and you’re also welcome to bring your own materials. Those in the know arrive early, as space is limited.
36 Johnston Street, Fitzroy | theshadylady.com.au
Wednesday — Open Mic Nights at Creatures of Habit
Every Wednesday, Creatures of Habit, a divey little gem on Brunswick Street, hands the mic to Fitzroy’s creatives, hosting two rotating nights that bring something fresh each week. One week brings SPIT!, a gritty, soul-baring jam of poetry, music, drag and comedy, while the next, Chaotic Musings takes the stage with rhythmically spoken word and raw storytelling. Whether you’re stepping up to the mic or just soaking it in with a cocktail, the vibe is always welcoming, unpredictable and real. Happy Hour runs from 4 to 7 PM, sign-ups from 6 PM, and performances kick off at 7 PM.
319 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy | creaturesofhabit.com.au
Thursday — Karaoke at The Lame Duck
Dive bar. Pool. Disco. And on Thursdays? It’s your time to shine. Upstairs at The Lame Duck, the weekly karaoke is loud, loose and unapologetically fun, just like the venue itself. With 40,000 songs to choose from, rotating guest hosts and a crowd that’s big on heart (not pitch), it’s less talent show, more group therapy. Free entry, cheap drinks and a stage open to anyone brave enough to step up make it a true Fitzroy favourite. Whether you’re belting out Beyoncé or singing along from the crowd, it’s the Thursday night thrill you didn’t know you needed.
📍Level 1, 247 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy | thelameduck.com.au
Friday — FROCK UP at The 86 Cabaret Bar
Step inside The 86, Fitzroy’s beloved cocktail and cabaret bar, and let FROCK UP Friday bring the drama. This glitter-drenched weekly drag show delivers high-energy solos, duets and all-in numbers from a rotating cast of icons like Brenda Bressed, Rubi Taboo and Jacqui Meoff. General entry is free, or go glam with a VIP table for four that offers front-row views, French sparkling and a tapas platter included. Doors open at 7 PM with $15 cocktails from the ‘Greaties from the 80s’ list, and the show hits the stage at 9 PM.
📍185 Smith Street, Fitzroy | the86.com.au
Saturday — Cocktails, Dinner and Live Music
With so much on offer, Saturday in Fitzroy is less about picking one place and more about seeing where the night takes you. You could, of course, start with a cocktail at Lola Belle or a whisky at The Elysian, then grab a bite to eat, whether it’s bar snacks, a woodfired pizza or a cosy, candlelit table at a neighbourhood bistro. From there, follow the music: Uptown Jazz Café offers an intimate upstairs setting for live jazz, while Bar Open and The Old Bar keep things classic with everything from soul and funk to indie sets and late-night jams. Stay in one spot or let the night pull you from one venue to the next: there’s always something playing, pouring or just getting started.
Sunday — Salsa Nights at The Night Cat
Spice up your Sunday with back-to-back dance classes and live music at The Night Cat, a Fitzroy institution with a long-standing love affair with Latin beats. The evening kicks off with bachata at 7 PM, followed by salsa at 8 PM, both catering to beginner to advanced levels. From 9 PM, the floor opens up for social dancing with a rotating lineup of live Latin bands bringing the rhythm. Whether you’re keen to learn, move or just soak up the atmosphere, this weekly celebration of music and movement is a Sunday staple in Fitzroy.
📍137–141 Johnston Street, Fitzroy | thenightcat.com.au
From Monday to Sunday, these picks offer a taste of some of the great things to do in Fitzroy after dark. It’s by no means a comprehensive list, just a starting point for your own evening adventures. Whether you’re discovering a new favourite or revisiting an old haunt, there’s always more to explore once the sun goes down.
If you’re planning a night out in Fitzroy, there’s no shortage of ways to make it memorable. Start with dinner at one of the best Japanese restaurants, top Italian spots or much-loved French favourites. For the perfect finishing touch, explore Fitzroy’s best cocktail bars, or test your knowledge at one of Fitzroy’s best trivia nights.
📸 Images courtesy of The Shady Lady, Creatures of Habit and Railway Hotel.
