Best Live Music in Mckinnon Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Ada | | Best with kids | Theo’s | | Hidden spot | Mill | | Bad weather pick | Little Press |
1. Tall Place — 305 Ash Avenue, Mckinnon VIC 3164
What it is: (live music) A local institution Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: dates
The space seats about 34 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
2. Humble Post — 193 Queen Parade, Mckinnon VIC 3164
What it is: (live music) A local institution Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Capacity is around 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
3. Remy Depot — 115 Queen Parade, Mckinnon VIC 3164
What it is: (live music) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The room holds 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mckinnon roaster — ask which one.
4. The Green Corner — 360 Church Place, Mckinnon VIC 3164
What it is: (live music) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 44 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Margaret Grove is usually fine.
Don’t miss: The fish special ($11) — solid
5. The High Kitchen — 86 Willow Lane, Mckinnon VIC 3164
What it is: (live music) The one that surprised us Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
Capacity is around 61 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.
What Mckinnon Actually Is
McKinnon Road village has independent cafes. McKinnon Secondary College is highly rated. The best live music options here reflect Mckinnon’s character. If you’re living in or near Mckinnon, 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. Red Corner — 259 Willow Lane, Mckinnon VIC 3164
What it is: (live music) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Capacity is around 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Willow Lane is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
7. Common Cellar — 362 Margaret Grove, Mckinnon VIC 3164
What it is: (live music) Worth the detour Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
8. The Sunny Depot — 108 Queen Parade, Mckinnon VIC 3164
What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The room holds 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
9. Anchor — 75 Margaret Grove, Mckinnon VIC 3164
What it is: (live music) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Church Place is usually fine.
10. Social — 285 Ash Avenue, Mckinnon VIC 3164
What it is: (live music) A solid local spot Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: remote workers
Capacity is around 65 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Explore More
- Bentleigh East Best Live Music — same vibe, different suburb
- Mckinnon Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Mckinnon Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Mckinnon Complete Guide — everything about Mckinnon
- Compare Suburbs — see how Mckinnon stacks up
- All Mckinnon Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best live music options in Mckinnon?
Little Store is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Mckinnon good for best live music?
Yes. Mckinnon has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.
What is Mckinnon known for?
McKinnon Road village has independent cafes.
How far is Mckinnon from Melbourne CBD?
Mckinnon is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
