Best Live Music in Forest Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Honest Union | | Best with kids | The Bright Commons | | Hidden spot | Mia Quarter | | Bad weather pick | Hugo Room |
1. The Humble Depot — 331 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: (live music) A local institution Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The space seats about 42 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
2. The Half House — 131 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: (live music) A solid local spot Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: dates
Capacity is around 47 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Brunswick Grove is usually fine.
Try this: The fish special ($21) — solid
3. The Humble Room — 71 Murray Drive, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: (live music) A solid local spot Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The space seats about 63 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Margaret Place is usually fine.
Go for: The lamb shoulder ($14) — solid Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.
4. Sunny Standard — 203 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: (live music) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: solo diners
The room holds 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($22) — solid
5. Sunny House — 204 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: (live music) A local institution Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Capacity is around 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Forest Hill — The Honest Version
Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub. Established 1960s-70s residential suburb. The best live music options here reflect Forest Hill’s character. Whether you’re based in Forest Hill or visiting from nearby, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.
6. Leo Union — 316 Margaret Place, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: (live music) Worth the detour Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The space seats about 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Ask for: The daily soup ($12) — solid
7. Ruby’s — 62 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: (live music) Worth the detour Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The space seats about 55 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Margaret Place is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Forest Hill roaster — ask which one.
8. Red Commons — 44 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: (live music) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Forest Hill farmers market when it runs.
9. Ash’s — 155 King Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: (live music) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The space seats about 39 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
10. Ada — 361 Bridge Road, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: (live music) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Capacity is around 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
11. Sol House — 262 Brunswick Grove, Forest Hill VIC 3168
What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: remote workers
Capacity is around 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Explore More
- Vermont South Best Live Music — same vibe, different suburb
- Forest Hill Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Forest Hill Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Forest Hill Complete Guide — everything about Forest Hill
- Compare Suburbs — see how Forest Hill stacks up
- All Forest Hill Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best live music options in Forest Hill?
The New Works is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Forest Hill good for best live music?
Yes. Forest Hill has 11+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.
What is Forest Hill known for?
Forest Hill Chase shopping centre is the retail hub.
How far is Forest Hill from Melbourne CBD?
Forest Hill is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Forest Hill isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.
Last updated: March 2026
