Must see entertainment in Melbourne

A barn-sized space with a dance floor that sees lots of action. Music is generally in the Latin, jazz or funk vein; check online for bigger gigs and exact…

An atmospheric venue well suited to cabaret, the Toff also works for intimate gigs by rock gods, avant-folksters and dance-hall queens. The moody bar next…

As theatre-lovers wait for La Mama Theatre (205 Faraday St) to rebuild following a fire in 2018, it's business as usual at the nearby larger venue, La…

This bright red corner pub features a cosy front bar, an excellent line-up of bands most nights – from up-and-coming local acts to punk and indie big…

This beautiful amphitheatre in the park is used for a variety of outdoor events, from popular concerts (think AC/DC, Neil Diamond and Florence and the…

Dedicated to promoting Australian works, this exciting company stages interesting productions in its own theatre, converted from an atmospheric old brick…

Built in 1858, what was one of the state's oldest churches is now one of Melbourne's most intimate performance venues. Come here for up close and personal…

Yah Yah's has always had a reputation for general late-night messiness – good or bad depending on your goals. Bands play upstairs: check the website for…

With live bands seven days a week and a licence 'til 3am, the Old Bar's proof that Melbourne is the rock 'n' roll capital of Australia. It gets great…

The Workers Club pulls in some decent live gigs in the band room most nights, while the front bar and beer garden pack out with punters knocking back beer…

The Bendigo is everything that's great about Collingwood: dark, divey and straight down the line. It's got a great roster of local and international…

Theatre Works is one of Melbourne's veteran independent theatre companies. With award-winning creative director John Sheedy at the helm, the company's…

Recent releases and cult classics by the sea, with bar service and the option of renting blankets ($4) and bean-bag lounges ($9). Sunday screenings…

On the outside Her Majesty's is painted-brick Second Empire; on the inside it’s 1930s Moderne. The home of musical comedy since 1880 and still going…

This beautifully renovated 1854 theatre is the venue for super-slick musicals. It even has a resident ghost, that of opera singer Federici.

Animal and adventure films in 3D screen on a grand scale here, with movies specially made for these giant screens.

The opulent Regent, built as a picture palace in 1929, hosts big-name musicals, opera, comedy and concerts.

The Kino screens art-house films in its comfy licensed cinemas.

Part of Arts Centre Melbourne, this large, round structure is well known for its excellent acoustics, with decor inspired by Australia’s mineral and…

Dedicated to innovation and accessibility, this opera company's program, pleasingly, doesn’t always play it safe. New Australian works and performances…