Best Live Music in Ringwood Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best live music option in Ringwood to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Ivy’s is the one everyone knows. Lena is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Major transport interchange connecting Belgrave and Lilydale lines. Ringwood sits in the Outer East corridor, 24km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best live music scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Ringwood since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Store — 201 River Avenue, Ringwood VIC 3172

What it is: (live music) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Store has been operating in Ringwood for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($21) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 32 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The fish special ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on High Street after 6pm.

2. Hazel Yard — 95 Victoria Terrace, Ringwood VIC 3172

What it is: (live music) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Hazel Yard has been operating in Ringwood for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($25) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Creek Crescent is usually fine.

Try this: The fish special ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Victoria Street after 6pm.

3. Cleo’s — 113 River Avenue, Ringwood VIC 3172

What it is: (live music) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: solo diners

Cleo’s has been operating in Ringwood for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($10) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The seasonal special ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Golden Union — 293 Victoria Terrace, Ringwood VIC 3172

What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Golden Union has been operating in Ringwood for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($25) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ringwood roaster — ask which one.

5. Mabel Mill — 307 Victoria Terrace, Ringwood VIC 3172

What it is: (live music) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Mabel Mill has been operating in Ringwood for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($21) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Railway Terrace is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Why Ringwood Is Worth Knowing

Major transport interchange connecting Belgrave and Lilydale lines. Eastland is a major retail centre. The best live music options here reflect Ringwood’s character. For Ringwood locals and anyone in the area, 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. The Honest Works — 64 River Avenue, Ringwood VIC 3172

What it is: (live music) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Honest Works has been operating in Ringwood for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 63 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Victoria Terrace is usually fine.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Ringwood farmers market when it runs.

7. Quarter — 44 River Avenue, Ringwood VIC 3172

What it is: (live music) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: budget eaters

Quarter has been operating in Ringwood for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($17) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — the best version in Ringwood Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Room — 229 Victoria Terrace, Ringwood VIC 3172

What it is: (live music) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Room has been operating in Ringwood for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($17) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 48 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The seasonal special ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on River Street after 6pm.

9. Ava’s — 98 High Parade, Ringwood VIC 3172

What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: families

Ava’s has been operating in Ringwood for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($13) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 41 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($14) — the best version in Ringwood Insider tip: Parking is free on High Street after 6pm.

10. The Old Place — 274 Victoria Terrace, Ringwood VIC 3172

What it is: (live music) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: remote workers

The Old Place has been operating in Ringwood for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($23) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 41 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The charcuterie board ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

• Croydon Best Live Music — same vibe, different suburb
• Ringwood Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Ringwood Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Ringwood Complete Guide — everything about Ringwood
• Compare Suburbs — see how Ringwood stacks up
• All Ringwood Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best live music options in Ringwood?

Nina’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Ringwood good for best live music?

Yes. Ringwood has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Ringwood known for?

Major transport interchange connecting Belgrave and Lilydale lines.

How far is Ringwood from Melbourne CBD?

Ringwood is 24km, 36min train, 30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Ringwood won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026