Wed 13 Sep
In The Area - Collingwood
From beloved rock 'n' roll pubs to community hubs, Collingwood is a go to for all things live music. Check out a few of our selections.
By Always Live
Live music spaces with free workshops for the community, iconic, historic live-music landmarks, hole-in-the-wall pubs and renowned bandrooms. Collingwood has it all, and it's no question as to why it's one of the best spots to spend an evening enjoying some live entertainment. Amongst our favourites are spots to grab a drink with friends whilst enjoying live-DJs and bands, disco-ball reflected mosh pits and entertainment hubs catering to all. Check out some of our top picks for your next weekend north-east.
The Gasometer
Since it's reopening in 2014, The Gasometer's one-of-a-kind bandroom has played host to a long line of international and beloved local acts like The Grogans, Forest Claudette, Jess Cornelius and more. With it's retractable roof, a spinning disco-ball and mezzanine level, it's truly a unique live gig experience, one that makes it a favourite amongst music lovers all over Melbourne.
If you're looking to grab a meal and a drink before your gig, The Gaso serves up all you could ask from a pub kitchen, with all your favourite drinks and beers on tap.
Photography by Finn Moate
Nighthawks Bar
A cosy beer-garden and a roster of regulars come together in the culmination of Nighthawks Bar, a beloved local drawing on inspiration from American and Japanese bars. Sitting on Johnston Street, Nighthawks Bar is the perfect spot to spend a couple hours sipping on a drink while chatting to friends, before transitioning to an evening soundtracked by a rotation of DJs and rock music. With a steady roster of bands coming through the door, as well as trivia nights and DJ residencies from fan favourites like Stew Mag and Maggie Pills, it's the perfect addition to start or end your night out in Collingwood.
Photography by Nighthawks Bar
The Tote
It's hard to think of live music in Collingwood without thinking about The Tote. It's played an integral role in Melbourne's music scene, hosting artists like Paul Kelly, Hoodoo Gurus, The White Stripes, Silverchair and plenty more, and was the catalyst for the monumental SLAM Rally to save the city's live music scene in 2010.
The Tote has been an icon since the 1980s and it's exposed brick wall and well-worn stage have laid the foundations for countless local acts to launch their careers. The venue became the subject of the 'Save The Tote' campaign when it's legacy was threatened due to the stresses of the pandemic on it's former owners, but with the new owners putting the building in a trust, a first for live music in the country, we, along with the rest of the live music community are excited to see The Tote remain thriving for future generations.
Photography by The Tote Hotel
Bendigo Hotel
The stage of The Bendigo is another icon of Collingwood, home to an ever rotating line up of shows. Over a century old, the Bendigo Hotel's three social areas, two band rooms and private function room are constantly entertaining, whether it's a sit down for some drinks with friends or local and international acts like Cosmic Psychos, Amyl and the Sniffers, Adalita and Katy Perry, jumping on stage or behind the decks.
Whether you're catching a live gig or heading there for an afternoon of food and drinks, the Bendigo Hotel is a staple in Collingwood's live music and entertainment scene.
Photography by Bendigo Hotel
Music Market
Further down Johnson Street you'll find Music Market, the 'home for events and coworking in the Victorian music industry'. A multi-level venue within Collingwood Yards, Music Market plays hosts to a range of events from album launches, networking opportunities, livestreams and personal development sessions from Victorian music bodies like VMDO and Music Victoria. Every space within Music Market is used for the development of music, with conference rooms converting into bandrooms after-hours, making it a hub for artists at all levels.
Photography by Simon Fazio
Whether you're looking for a high-energy night out at a bar, jumping around in a mosh-pit or a chance to catch a local artist's newest release and get around Melbourne's local music community, Collingwood has you covered. Whether you plan your night out or take a walk and see what you stumble upon, you're sure to find some live music gems while you're in the area.
