May 2025: With Melbourne's theatre stages dominating the spotlight this month, it's a relatively quiet time on the music front. But any 'Star Wars' fans out there won't want to miss 'The Force Awakens in Concert' with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. While the iconic film plays on the big screen at Hamer Hall, the orchestra down below will play John Williams’ heroic score, conducted by Benjamin Northey.
When stuck for things to do between live gigs, you can also always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of 100 things to do in Melbourne before you die.
It’s no secret that the Star Wars film scores boast some of the most easily recognised and universally loved melodies of all time. Watching the futuristic franchise, including the most recent trilogy, is goosebump-inducing enough, but to really up the ante, catch a screening with a live orchestra. Hamer Hall welcomes the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for a cosmic rendition of The Force Awakens on May 22, 23 and 24.
This motorcycle-workshop-turned bar is big on music: the sound system plays anything from reggae to indie rock, and the venue frequently plays host to local and touring MCs and DJs. After dark, the tunes are loud, the bar is red-lit and the kitchen slings super-sized pizzas all night long.
Curtin House is frankly ridiculous, brimming over as it is with outstanding bars and club spaces. The Toff in Town is one of the swankiest, with its cosy, Art Deco booth bar and late night DJs. When the night evolves, cross over to the band room where there’s space to throw down.
It may be housed in a converted shipping container with scattered wooden pallets for seats, but you can still find classy cocktails, bright street art and a perpetual party vibe at Section 8. Catch DJs spinning everything from house to disco seven days a week, with free entry. Get ready to boogie.
Lucky Coq is your south side go-to that caters to the budget end of the party spectrum. If you're looking for cheap beers, cheaper pizza and a late night power circle on the dancefloor, it’s at your service.
Like an invite-only party thrown by the coolest person you know, Angel Music Bar is intimate, relaxed and has a hectic sound system. Start your night with an expertly-mixed classic cocktail and snacks courtesy of Butcher’s Diner, then mosey upstairs to the dancefloor.
Decked out in dark wooden surfaces to make you feel like you’re hanging out inside a speaker box, Music Room is a warm, comfortable haven serving spirits and cocktails. Put your feet up, or get your boogie on to one of the venue’s 3,000 vinyl records.
Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason. With room enough for a spacious dancefloor, a 360-degree stage and a sizeable bar, the Night Cat is designed with late nights in mind. The venue specialises in funk, soul, Latin, disco, hip hop, R’n’B and good times.
What do Lady Gaga, Noel Gallagher and Mick Jagger have in common? When they’re in Melbourne, they party at Cherry Bar. While you’re unlikely to brush up against superstars on a regular night, Cherry Bar is an always-fun option with a laid-back, rock n’ roll vibe.
A real labyrinth of bandrooms, dancefloors and comfortable nooks, the Esplanade Hotel (affectionately known as the Espy) is a go-to for late nights in St Kilda. Kick back on the main terrace and watch the sun go down over the pier, then dance the night away.
Ah, Chapel Street. With a bar you can dance in on every corner, the selection can be overwhelming. If you’re tossing up your options, go to Somewhere Bar for a toastie, a cocktail and a packed-out dancefloor soundtracked by Melbourne’s finest DJs.
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