Melbourne doesn’t hibernate in winter — we dance through it.

Melbourne’s must-see live gigs this August 2025. From indie icons to late-night jazz, here’s your curated guide to the city’s best shows.

The eighth month in this metropolis is loaded with hot-live concerts in such legendary pubs as The Forum, Northcote Social Club, and 170 Russell. Fancy the perspiring indie party nights, cross-genre Australian legends, or finding the upcoming underground expression before everyone flogs it: this is your time.

Therefore, wrap yourselves up, mobilise your live music crew and book your Live Gigs! These are some of the best live gigs that you should by no means miss this August.

Live Gigs in Melbourne – August 2025 Gig

Genesis Owusu @ The Forum

• 📍 The Forum, Melbourne CBD
  
• 🕗 Doors open 7:30 PM
  
• 🎟️ Tickets →
  

It is the man in red who appears once again. Genesis Owusu returns to The Forum with a totally new show that swings somewhere between performance art and (literally) a dance riot. His 2023 album Struggler redesigned the musical style of the Australians hip-hop and funk — and this tour is set to be even more explosive.

Expect stunning visuals, big messages, and a crowd that knows every word.

Hot Tip: Best balcony view? Stage left — trust us.

Mallrat @ Northcote Theatre

• 📍 Northcote Theatre, Northcote
  
• 🕗 8:00 PM
  
• 🎟️ Tickets →
  

Australia’s indie-pop princess is bringing her dreamy, lo-fi vibes to one of the city’s most atmospheric venues. If you’ve ever screamed “Better”, you need to be there.

Her stage presence is intimate but powerful — and Northcote Theatre’s mood lighting makes it all hit harder.

💡 Pre-gig idea? Grab a burger and pale ale from Welcome to Thornbury around the corner.

King Stingray @ 170 Russell

• 📍 170 Russell, Melbourne CBD
  
• 🕗 8:30 PM
  
• 🎟️ Tickets →
  

The Yolŋu surf-rock kings are turning the city upside down with their fusion of ancient culture and modern rock. They’re energetic, raw, and deeply moving.

Catch them at 170 Russell — it’s tight, it’s sweaty, it’s so Melbourne.

🔊 Come early. Their support acts are always local fire.

Telenova @ Corner Hotel

• 📍 Corner Hotel, Richmond
  
• 🕗 8:00 PM
  

If you’ve never cried on a dance floor to Telenova’s Bones, this is your moment. Their cinematic, indie-electronica sound is hypnotic live, and Corner Hotel’s acoustics are a perfect match.

Their visuals? Always dreamy. Their crowd? Always respectful.

📷 Most Instagrammable spot: Rooftop bar pre-show + fairy lights = perfect.

Yussef Dayes @ The Night Cat

• 📍 The Night Cat, Fitzroy
  
• 🕗 9:00 PM
  London’s experimental jazz-funk drummer Yussef Dayes is playing one night only in Fitzroy — and this might be the most rhythmically wild gig of the month.

It’s not just music — it’s a spiritual experience of groove and flow.

🍸 Arrive early for a Negroni at Black Cat Bar next door.

Spacey Jane DJ Set @ Howler

• 📍 Howler, Brunswick
  
• 🕗 10:00 PM till late
  
  

While they’re not performing live this time, Spacey Jane’s exclusive DJ set is already generating buzz. Think indie anthems, unreleased remixes, and a room full of fans singing every hook.

Perfect for a late-winter dance party under Howler’s warehouse lights.

🧥 Bring a light jacket. Brunswick nights bite harder than you’d think.

Bonus Picks – Hidden Gems You’ll Regret Missing

• The Grogans @ The Evelyn
  Local surf-garage rock. Cheap beers. Loud vibes.
  
• Lola Scott EP Launch @ Workers Club
  Dark-pop brilliance with a powerful live presence.
  
• Jazz Lab Late Nights – All August
  Late sets from Melbourne’s best young jazz improvisers. Entry under $20.
  

Plan Your Winter Live Gigs Nights Like a Local

• 🚆 Transport: Most venues are tram/train-friendly. Check PTV real-time updates.
  
• 🍽️ Pre-gig eats:
  
  • CBD: Lucy Liu or Shanghai Dumpling
    
  • Richmond: Fonda, Baby Pizza
    
  • Brunswick: Very Good Falafel or A1 Bakery
    
• 📱 What to bring:
  
  • Fully charged phone
    
  • QR ticket screenshot
    
  • Portable charger if you’re a story-poster
    
• 📸 Reel-worthy corners:
  
  • The Forum’s glowing blue ceiling
    
  • Howler’s neon alleyway
    
  • Northcote Theatre’s art deco stairwell

The gig scene in Melbourne is the liveliest in the world and August 2025 is loaded. Are you in the mood to find new artists or see that show you have on repeat, now is your chance.

🎫 Get your tickets early — this city doesn’t sleep on Live Gigs music.

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