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Bar Open
Bar Open has been a staple of the Fitzroy live music scene since 1998, bringing rock ‘n’ roll and all-around good vibes to Brunswick Street. Known for its raw, unpretentious atmosphere, Bar Open is a go-to venue for anyone who loves experimental, local and live music. The band room is alive with energy six nights a week, hosting an eclectic mix of genres from funk, soul and punk to indie, garage, folk and world music.
With a beer garden to enjoy in summer and a cozy fireplace for winter nights, it’s the perfect spot to soak in the sounds of old Fitzroy. For those who like their music raw and freeform, Bar Open offers a real treat. Every Tuesday night, Make It Up Club takes it up a notch with avant-garde improvised music and sound performances, starting at 8:00 pm. Here another night? Tune into what’s coming up at Bar Open’s website.
317 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy | baropen.com.au
Baxter’s Lot
Baxter’s is a beloved fixture in Fitzroy’s live music scene, offering an inviting space where music takes centre stage. Known for its laid-back, rustic vibe, Baxter’s is the go-to venue for local talent, showcasing a diverse lineup of emerging artists every week. From acoustic acts and jazz ensembles to intimate band performances, this Fitzroy gem provides a warm setting that feels like home for both musicians and fans.
Offering live music in Fitzroy from Tuesday to Sunday and DJs upstairs on weekends, Baxter’s promises an authentic music experience that every music lover in Melbourne should explore. For a full lineup of shows, check out what’s on at Baxter’s website.
302 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy | baxterslivemusic.com.au
Creatures of Habit
Creatures of Habit is a moody little dive bar on Brunswick Street with a big heart and a love of local talent. Known for its rotating cocktail specials and a strong sense of community, it’s a popular destination for unfiltered fun and inclusive vibes. The bandroom plays host to a stacked weekend lineup, from grungy two-piece bands to indie-pop single launches, creating a welcoming space for emerging and established acts alike.
Midweek is just as lively, with fortnightly events like Chaotic Musings, an open mic poetry night, and SPIT, a freeform open mic and jam. There’s also Femme Agender, a monthly showcase spotlighting female and non-binary musicians. Whether you’re here for the music or the atmosphere, Creatures of Habit delivers a uniquely Fitzroy experience. Keep an eye on their social media updates to see what’s coming up.
319 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy | creaturesofhabit.com.au
Punters Club
A name etched into Fitzroy’s live music history, Punters Club helped shape the city’s live scene and supported generations of local artists. Now back on Brunswick Street, the new Punters Club Fitzroy brings that same energy into a fresh era with live music, late-night DJs and rooftop hangs seven days a week.
Expect jazz, soul, indie, funk and rock on rotation, with regular events like Sunday sessions with The Punters, rooftop takeovers by Northside Records, and residencies from local favourites. From laid-back afternoon sets to 3 AM dance floors, the vibe is relaxed, inclusive and unmistakably Fitzroy. A Brunswick Street icon reborn, Punters Club now pairs affordable drinks and pub classics with a lineup that celebrates both emerging talent and established names, often with no cover charge. Check out the full schedule on the Punters Club website.
376 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy | puntersclubfitzroy.com
The Catfish
The Catfish is a standout among Fitzroy’s live music venues, beloved for its laid-back atmosphere, quality drinks and unbeatable weekly line-up of entertainment. Whether you’re kicking off the weekend with live music on Friday and Saturday nights, complete with an Hour of Power to set the tone, or dropping by for the relaxed pub vibe Fitzroy locals rave about, The Catfish never disappoints. Awarded Publicans of the Year at back-to-back Pub Awards, it’s a place that combines great tunes with an effortlessly cool vibe.
Sundays at The Catfish offer the perfect blend of live music and Sunday sessions. Sip on $12 Bloody Marys from noon to 5 pm and stay for the free live bands in the front bar from 4–6 pm, making it a fantastic way to wind down your weekend. Whether you’re here for the music, the drinks or the welcoming community feel, The Catfish is a must-visit for music lovers: refer to the website for upcoming event details.
30 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy | thecatfish.com.au
The Evelyn
For over 50 years, The Evelyn Bandroom has been a cornerstone of the Fitzroy live music culture, evolving from its roots as a gathering place for Italian folk music into an iconic venue that’s hosted some of the biggest names in music. Today, it continues to welcome artists of all genres and backgrounds to its legendary stage.
The Evelyn has seen it all, from local legends like Dirty Three and Powderfinger to international sensations like MUSE in their early days. The venue remains committed to giving emerging talent a space to grow and shine and is set to support groundbreaking talent for years to come. Enjoy live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights and some weeknights, as detailed in the venue’s events calendar.
351 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy | evelynhotel.com.au
The Night Cat
Since opening its doors in 1994, The Night Cat has established itself as one of the longest-running and most beloved Fitzroy live music venues. Located on Johnston Street, this iconic venue hosts late-night shows every Friday and Saturday, the lively Domingo Latino Sundays, as well as performances by both local and international headliners. With a dynamic mix of genres and a dance floor that’s always buzzing, The Night Cat embodies the spirit of Melbourne’s music scene.
Check out the full lineup of shows at The Night Cat’s website. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, The Night Cat’s electric atmosphere and dedication to live music in Fitzroy make it a must-visit destination.
137-141 Johnston Street, Fitzroy | thenightcat.com.au
The Old Bar
Open seven nights a week, The Old Bar is a Fitzroy live music institution where great music and good vibes are always on tap. Known for its gritty charm and welcoming atmosphere, this venue has earned its place as a beloved haunt for music lovers in Melbourne. The Old Bar prides itself on its no-nonsense ethos: great bands, friendly staff and a crowd of music enthusiasts who make every night memorable. Visit the Old Bar website for all the details for upcoming events.
Upstairs, you’ll find The Old Bar Gallery—a creative space that offers a blank canvas for diverse artistic expression. Committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful artistic community, the gallery welcomes artists at all stages of their careers, adding a unique creative dimension to this already vibrant venue. Whether you’re here for the music or the art, The Old Bar captures the essence of Fitzroy’s vibrant spirit.
74-76 Johnston Street, Fitzroy | theoldbar.com.au
The Rooks Return
The Rooks Return brings a cozy, laid-back atmosphere to the Fitzroy live music scene that feels like an extension of your loungeroom, with a friendly vibe and comfy courtyard. The lineup includes live jazz on Wednesdays, honky-tonk sessions on Thursdays, and DJs spinning tunes over the weekends.
Whether you’re here to unwind with friends or dive into a night of music and fun, The Rooks Return is the spot to be for a truly local Fitzroy experience. Tune into their socials to catch the full schedule and stay updated on all the live music, DJs and friendly vibes at The Rooks Return!
201 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy | therooksreturn.com.au
Make a night of it with more local favourites. Start with a round of questions at one of Fitzroy’s best trivia nights, sip something special at a top cocktail bar, or line up a pre-show bite at one of Fitzroy’s top Japanese restaurants, much-loved French spots or classic Italian favourites.
