The Best Summer Music Venues: Melbourne

Section 8

Located on Tattersalls Lane in the CBD, Section 8 was originally a car-park that was converted into one of Melbourne’s favourite venues — without all the bells and whistles. The bar is simply a shipping container with a hole cut from the side, and patrons can enjoy beverages or soak up the atmosphere while seated on crates. You can visit any night of the week, but Section 8 plays host to day parties most weekends, which is when the magic happens. The DJ or band is always located at ground level in the centre of the space, creating a sense of intimacy, even when it’s packed.

Tixel picks: Sunday October 14th — Prime Time Day Night Series: Volume 2

Dr Morse

Located just below the Victoria Park train bridge in Abbotsford, Dr Morse is a favourite for locals and visitors alike. After entering through the front of the restaurant, you can pass through into their famous beer garden, where the magic happens. September saw the introduction of a new ‘Fists of Fury’ barbeque menu, which you can enjoy everyday after 3pm with one of their fine cocktails. The team behind the venue announces a different line-up of DJ’s each weekend, so you can be sure that you will have ticked all the boxes on your checklist for a perfect Summer’s day.

Tixel picks: Any Sunday afternoon for a relaxed farewell to your weekend.

The Gasometer Hotel

Most often referred to as ‘The Gaso’, this venue is a Melbourne institution, and is not to be missed in the warmer months. A retractable roof over the dancefloor — which usually stays open well past sunset — means music lovers can enjoy their tunes of choice and the balmy temperatures at the same time. This Summer will see the return of “Daydreams” each Sunday, a weekly party run by the team behind Skydiver Records.

Tixel picks: Friday October 19th — Sunnyside at The Gasometer with Messy Mammals, Splendidid & More

Sidney Myer Music Bowl

For events on the bigger scale, look no further — the bowl has a bit of everything. Situated in the lush gardens of the Kings Domain, the venue has been a part of Melbourne’s music scene since 1959. It boasts 2000 seats, room for 11,000 on the lawns, and has hosted some of the world’s biggest names. The Melbourne leg of Piknic Electronik will return to the bowl each Sunday over summer, but if that isn’t your thing, there almost certainly will be something else you enjoy — Mumford and Sons are scheduled for a show in January, Lauryn Hill in February, or even Carols by Candlelight in December.

Tixel picks: Saturday November 10th: Childish Gambino

Check out what else is on in Melbourne. Buy and sell tickets at https://tixel.com.au/Victoria