Must see entertainment in Melbourne

Known in AFL-mad Melbourne as the not-round ground, this rectangular pitch is enclosed within a striking honeycombed-bioframe stadium with a capacity of…

After the Public Bar, a much-loved local institution, closed, Last Chance took over in the same spirit. There's been no spit-and-polish here and it's just…

Home to the Australian Open tennis championship, the Melbourne Park precinct has 34 courts, including its centrepiece, Rod Laver Arena, and Melbourne…

Taking over from one of Melbourne's most infamous rock 'n' roll bars (called Pony), this new version may be more sanitised, but the good news is it's…

Opening in 2000, this multi-purpose stadium is home to the Melbourne United basketball team (www.melbourneutd.com.au) and the Melbourne Vixens netball…

This easy-to-access Docklands stadium seats around 50,000 people for regular AFL games and the odd one-day cricket match, Rugby Union test and Taylor…

Boutique art-deco gloriousness is on offer at this golden-age cinema, with eight individual theatres named after old cinemas from around the western…

This small cinema, smack bang in the middle of the city, uses synchronising chair movements, wind and in some cases a splash of water to add an extra…

This giant, versatile space with a retractable roof is used for headline international concerts and the Australian Open tennis championship. It's not the…

This acclaimed contemporary-dance company performs mainly at the Malthouse Theatre. It also runs a variety of contemporary and hip-hop dance classes and…

Home of the Victoria Racing Club, Flemington has regular horse-racing meets, climaxing with the Spring Racing Carnival (including the Melbourne Cup) from…

Playing mostly local acts, the Evelyn also pulls the occasional international performer. The Ev doesn’t discriminate by genre: if it’s quality, it gets a…

Nationwide chamber-music company Musica Viva stages 'Coffee Concerts' five times a year at the Melbourne Recital Centre.

Popular with nearby uni students, the John Curtin is a great pub for a beer; it also hosts a solid line-up of local indie and rock bands upstairs most…

A not-for-profit company that performs classic and light opera in various venues, including the Regent Theatre.

Founded in 1988, Chamber Made Opera showcases contemporary music and music-based performance art at various venues around the city and state.

This early Victorian theatre (completed 1842) stages drama, opera, concerts and comedy. It's also home to Melbourne's oldest library.

The national opera company performs with some regularity at the Arts Centre.

Sells discounted tickets to shows and concerts on the day of performance. Must be bought in person with cash.

Built in 1928, this midsize 1920s Spanish-style venue is dedicated to comic theatre, stand-up and musicals.