The Old Bar

The Old Bar, nestled on Johnston Street in Fitzroy, is Melbourne’s go-to for late‑night live music and scrappy cultural vitality. Established in 2001 in a circa-1903 building, this venue prides itself on hosting independent punk, rock, folk, country, experimental and hardcore acts almost nightly—many with free entry on weekdays. Step inside and you're greeted by a dingy, poster-laden interior, low stage with stage-diving legends, and a packed crowd fuelled by $3.50 pots during happy hour (3–8 pm nightly). Upstairs, the Old Bar Gallery offers art events and craft nights like “Crotchety Knitwits,” enhancing the community spirit. Owned by a team invested in local culture, the venue supports residencies and underground gigs—from noise and metal to indie-pop and country twang. It’s also active in community initiatives—benefit shows, pub-footy Unicorns team, and advocacy for live-music rights. Open daily from 3 PM to 3 AM, The Old Bar embodies Fitzroy counterculture: dive-bar grit, inclusive scene, tight-knit crowd, and raw authenticity. Whether you're there for a $3.50 beer, a surprise underground band, or a late-night karaoke/Morbid Monday gig, it’s the beating punk heart of Melbourne’s inner city.