With a colourful history as Melbourne's home of live music, St Kilda is a beacon for fans of every genre. From late night laneway bars and iconic band rooms to heritage-listed concert halls, there's something for every music lover. Here's our essential list of of must-visit venues. 

The Palais Theatre

An iconic St. Kilda landmark, the Palais has been hosting world-class acts for nearly a century. Only a stone’s throw from St Kilda beach, this grand Art Deco theatre is a key location for international tours, high profile comedy shows and musical theatre.  Everyone from Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Kylie Minogue to John Farnham and Tim Minchin have graced its stage.  

The Esplanade Hotel (The Espy)

A institution in St. Kilda's music scene, the Espy’s history has spanned multiple decades and generations. At its heart is the famous Gershwin Room, which hosts a mix of established Australian artists, touring acts and themed music nights. The Basement Bar is a hub for local talent, with weekly nights devoted to live comedy, open mic, blues and up-and-coming bands. The buzzing front bar has stunning views overlooking the St Kilda foreshore and is a prime party spot with DJs until late.  

The Prince Bandroom

Over the past six decades, a kaleidoscope of artists have been bringing ‘sweat, blood and beers’ to The Prince Bandroom. Located five minutes’ walk from the St Kilda foreshore, it has attracted top Australian and international talent including the likes of Nick Cave, Lenny Kravitz, Billie Eilish, Doja Cat and G-Flip.

Memo Music Hall

Hidden behind the St Kilda RSL on Acland street, Memo Music Hall is a stunning old dance hall reinvented as one of St Kilda’s busiest live music venues. With heritage surroundings and superior acoustics, its history dates back 100 years, including stints as a movie house, TV studio and feature film location. Well known artists from a wide range of genres have a home here, including many familiar faces from the 80s and 90s. 

George Lane Bar

Hidden in a laneway on the ground floor of the historic George Hotel building, the George Lane Bar hosts an eclectic line up of artists ranging from Americana, roots, blues to country, rock and folk. Many established local artists perform here. Matinee sessions run most Saturdays and Sundays as well as night shows Thursday to Saturday. Book ahead, as many sessions sell out. 

The Dog's Bar

An cosy wine bar on the leafy end of Acland Street, the Dogs Bar offers an eclectic mix of live performances, from rock and blues sessions to vibrant indie bands. Its scenic alfresco area is a favourite local drinking spot, and perfect for watching St Kilda’s passing people parade.  

Elwood Lounge

This laidback local hosts live gigs four nights a week, including a weekly open mic night and monthly comedy sessions.  There's quirky cocktails such as the Elwood Tart (Sparkling wine, Cointreau, Strawberry and fresh lime), a menu of tapas and pub favourites and a cute outdoor courtyard to bask in the warmer weather.  

Surabaya Johnny's

A micro venue hidden in a St Kilda backstreet, Surabaya Johnny's packs in local music afficionados and musos alike. Grab a drink and get cosy to a soundtrack of blues, rock and country artists. 

Claypots, Barkly Street

Many memorable nights begin and end at Claypots, the legendary hole-in-the-wall wine bar on Barkly Street.  From a long-running Saturday Elvis show and after dark gigs with Melbourne's finest jazz and blues performers, it's a raucous night out where the audience entertains as much as the tunes. 

Voodoo Lovechild, Carlisle Street

Southern style hospitality, with a side serve of Gothic, is on the menu at New Orleans bar and diner Voodoo Lovechild Speakeasy. Venture out for classic Creole fare including Southern Fried Po' Boys, stacked muffaletta sandwiches and Jambalaya stew, with live music and entertainment Fridays to Sundays.