Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital, is a city that lives and breathes music. The music scene is buzzing with diversity and energy, offering everything from indie gigs to jazz clubs. It’s a melting pot of talent, with lots of venues hosting live performances every night.
Live concerts are the heartbeat of Melbourne’s cultural soul. They bring people together to celebrate music in all its forms. They also create connections, memories, and a sense of belonging, enriching the city’s vibrant tapestry of arts and entertainment.
Every day, concert organisers host countless concerts to match the vibe, but organising a successful one is something else. From choosing the right venue to hiring musicians, promoting, concert ticketing and finally executing the event, all play equally important roles. We are here to help you organise a successful concert with 10 venue details to hire from for your next concert. Let’s get started.
Important Factors in Choosing the Right Venue for Your Next Concert
Choosing the right venue can break or make the success of your live concert. The venue you choose can significantly impact the overall experience of your audience, as well as the logistics and flow of the event. With so many options available, it is challenging to decide on the perfect venue. When selecting the venue for your concert, several critical factors come into play to ensure an unforgettable and successful experience.
- Firstly, consider the venue’s capacity and layout, ensuring it can comfortably accommodate the expected audience size while maintaining an intimate atmosphere.
- Accessibility is key; choose a location with convenient transportation options and ample parking to ease attendees’ arrival.
- The acoustics and technical capabilities of the venue are paramount, ensuring optimal sound quality and visual enhancements to captivate the audience.
- Evaluate the venue’s reputation for professionalism and reliability in event management, ensuring smooth coordination and execution on the concert day.
- Last but not least, consider the ambience and aesthetic appeal of the venue, as it sets the tone for the overall experience, leaving a lasting impression on music lovers.
The Top 10 Concert Venues in Melbourne
From intimate jazz bars to world-class stadiums, there’s a venue to suit every type of concert imaginable. There is a plethora of unique spaces available for hire, each with its own unique charm and character. To help you narrow down your search, we are here with a list of the 10 best places to hire for concerts in Melbourne. Whether you’re looking for a small, intimate space or a large-scale venue, you’ll find the perfect one here for your event.
The Forum
Located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, The Forum is a truly iconic venue. This historic landmark has been hosting concerts since 1929, and its stage has graced some of the biggest names in music history, from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to Nirvana and Radiohead.
With a capacity of 5,400 people, The Forum is perfect for large-scale concerts. The venue boasts a state-of-the-art sound system, excellent sightlines, and a spacious dance floor. Plus, it’s conveniently located near public transportation and parking options. The Forum is the perfect place to hire for concerts if you’re looking for an Iconic venue with a rich history, Large capacity to accommodate a big crowd, a State-of-the-art sound system and excellent sightlines, and a convenient location in the CBD.
The Retreat Hotel
Venture to Werribee for a unique concert experience at The Retreat Hotel. This historic venue, set within a picturesque parkland, offers an open-air amphitheatre nestled amongst towering trees. Accommodating up to 1000 people, The Retreat Hotel provides a stunning backdrop for concerts seeking a natural and immersive atmosphere.
The Esplanade Hotel
Nestled in vibrant St Kilda, this historic landmark boasts multiple live music stages, each pulsating with its own distinct charm. The Gershwin Room, steeped in art deco elegance, offers an intimate 200-person capacity, while the larger, industrial-chic Band Room can accommodate up to 550 guests. Additionally, The Esplanade boasts open-air stages and courtyards, perfect for balmy summer nights filled with music.
Melbourne Recital Centre
If you’re looking for a more intimate and sophisticated setting for your concert, the Melbourne Recital Centre is a great option. This stunning venue, located in Southbank, is home to three world-class performance spaces: the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, the Salon, and the Primrose Potter Salon.
The Elisabeth Murdoch Hall is the largest of the three spaces, with a capacity of 1,200 people. It’s perfect for classical concerts, chamber music performances, and solo recitals. The Salon is a more intimate space, ideal for jazz concerts, folk music performances, and spoken word events. The Primrose Potter Salon is the smallest of the three spaces, with a capacity of just 120 people. It’s an excellent option for small, intimate gatherings.
The Toff in Town
Head to Collingwood for a dose of underground cool at The Toff in Town. This is a live music venue that’s been around since the 1990s. This renowned venue attracts both established and emerging artists across various genres, from indie rock to electronica. With a capacity of 400 people and a relaxed atmosphere, The Toff fosters a sense of community and discovery, making it ideal for concerts seeking a raw and authentic vibe.
The venue features a great sound system and lighting rig. The Toff in Town is a great place to see a wide variety of music, from indie rock to alternative to electronica.
170 Russell
170 Russell is a hidden gem in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. This converted car park has been transformed into a versatile event space, perfect for concerts, parties, and corporate events.
This venue has a capacity of 800 people, and the space can be configured in a variety of ways to suit your needs. The venue has a modern industrial aesthetic, and it’s equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system and lighting rig. 170 Russell is the perfect place to hire for concerts if you’re looking for a unique and versatile event space, a modern industrial aesthetic and a state-of-the-art sound system.
The Corner Hotel
The Corner Hotel is a Melbourne institution that’s been hosting live music since 1888. The venue comes with a capacity of 500 people and features a number of different performance spaces, including the main room, the upstairs band room, and the beer garden. The Corner Hotel is a great place to see a wide variety of music, from indie rock to hip hop to electronica. Renowned for its excellent sound system and commitment to showcasing quality live music, The Corner Hotel guarantees an unforgettable concert experience.
The Croxton Bandroom
The Croxton Bandroom is a must-visit for any music lover in Melbourne. This small but beloved venue in Thornbury has been hosting live music since 1927. It’s known for its intimate atmosphere, excellent sound system, and diverse lineup of local and international acts. Its capacity is just 350 people, making it perfect for small to medium-sized concerts.
This venue is the perfect place to hire for concerts if you’re looking for an Intimate and friendly atmosphere, a Great sound system, and a Relaxed and welcoming vibe. The venue has a relaxed and friendly vibe, and the staff is always happy to help make your event a success. If you are interested, you can take a quick look at how much it costs to hire a DJ.
Melbourne Town Hall
Immerse your audience in grandeur and heritage at the Melbourne Town Hall. This architectural marvel offers the stunning Grand Hall, capable of hosting 1200 guests, and the more intimate Supper Room, ideal for up to 250 people. With soaring ceilings, intricate decorations, and exceptional acoustics, this venue lends an air of prestige and sophistication to any concert.
The Tote
Collingwood’s iconic The Tote embodies Melbourne’s independent music scene. This small, grungy venue, with a capacity of around 150, has nurtured countless local acts and fosters a raw, electrifying energy. The Tote is your answer if you’re looking for a venue that champions emerging talent and offers a truly authentic vibe.
How to make your concert event successful
Organising a successful concert event requires more than strategic planning and execution. After selecting a venue, there are many more things to consider for hosting a successful concert. Here are the crucial tricks and tips for you:
Hire Popular Performers
Booking well-known and talented performers can significantly enhance the allure of your concert event. Research your target audience’s preferences and trends in the music industry to select performers who resonate with your concert. Whether you hire DJ, band or solo artist, securing top talent can drive ticket sales and generate excitement for the event.
Utilise Online Ticketing Platforms to Sell Tickets
Leveraging online ticketing platforms can significantly streamline the ticket-selling process for your live concert. These platforms offer convenience for attendees, who can purchase tickets from the comfort of their homes, and they also provide valuable data insights for organisers, who can track sales and make informed decisions.
Promote Your Concert on Social Media and Email
Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok offer powerful tools for promoting your concert event to a broad audience. Create engaging content such as behind-the-scenes glimpses, and interactive posts to build anticipation. Additionally, utilise email marketing campaigns to reach your subscriber list with personalised invitations and exclusive offers.
Partner with Relevant Sponsors and Media Outlets
Collaborating with sponsors and media outlets can significantly expand your concert event’s reach and visibility. Identify brands or organisations that align with your event’s theme or target audience and propose mutually beneficial partnerships. Sponsors can provide financial support, promotional assistance, and even exclusive perks for attendees. Similarly, securing coverage from media outlets such as local newspapers, radio stations, and online publications can generate buzz and attract more attendees.
Offer Unique Experiences and Amenities
Differentiate your concert event by offering unique experiences and amenities that go beyond just the music. Consider incorporating interactive elements like scanning apps for cheek-in, photo booths, art installations, or themed food and beverage options to enhance the overall attendee experience. VIP packages with exclusive access, backstage tours, or meet-and-greet opportunities with performers can also attract premium ticket sales and create memorable moments for attendees.
Ensure Seamless Logistics and Safety Measures
A successful concert event not only delivers entertainment but also prioritises the safety and comfort of attendees. Pay close attention to logistical details such as venue selection, stage setup, sound quality, and security measures. Work closely with venue staff, security personnel, and emergency services to ensure smooth operations and swift response to any unforeseen circumstances. Implementing safety protocols and adhering to local regulations regarding crowd control is essential to creating a positive and secure environment for all attendees.
Wrap Up
Melbourne’s concert scene is a vibrant tapestry woven with passion, diversity, and unforgettable melodies. With iconic venues like The Forum and hidden gems like The Croxton Bandroom, there’s a stage for every beat and every soul. By considering crucial factors like venue capacity, accessibility, and ambience, you can select the perfect venue to elevate your concert to new heights of success and enjoyment.
Along with that, from hiring top-tier performers to leveraging online ticketing platforms and crafting unique experiences, the journey to a successful concert event is also paved with creativity, dedication, and a love for music that knows no bounds.
