Melbourne music fans are spoilt rotten. Not only does the city have some of the best sticky carpets with gigs on every night of the week, but it’s also home to endless vintage stores overflowing with band merch, record shops and listening bars – all the inspiration a budding creative could ask for.
Discover more from Melbourne’s music writers in FJ’s Music section.
This month, Espolòn Tequila is fusing all our favourite aspects of the city into one with its Reverse Cloakrooms, featuring cocktails, DJs and free pre-loved fashion in partnership with Second Life Markets. It’s a celebration of fashion, community and culture, as guests are invited to swap cocktails for curated vintage pieces, among a backdrop of boiler-room style DJ sets and exclusive art installations.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Here’s how to spend a music-filled weekend in Melbourne, starting early and ending late, true to form.
Thursday night: Cocktails and curated vintage at the Reverse Cloakroom
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Thursday is basically the weekend, right? Clock off and head straight to Espolòn Tequila’s Reverse Cloakroom. Held at Milney’s on Thursdays and The Evelyn Hotel on Sundays, this playful pop-up brings together everything you could want to kick off your weekend right, and more.
Buy two Espolòn cocktails (choose between a paloma, margarita or old fashioned), and you’ll be granted access to the Reverse Cloakroom, an exclusive party area with vibey DJs and installations created by local artists Airbrush and Brown Sauce.
There, your token can be exchanged for a free piece of pre-loved clothing from Second Life Markets. There are accessories, vintage designer pieces and even an archival piece valued over $500 up for grabs. I’d recommend going early (Milney’s kicks off at 3pm) as there’s a limited number of pieces available.
After scoring your new piece and maybe snapping a pic or two, head to the dancefloor, where some of the city’s best DJs will be spinning until late, including Foura, Rakhi, Hannah D, DJ Luv You, Stev Zar and Mike Wale. With only a handful of these events still to go (Milney’s last is June 19 and The Evelyn has three more dates across June 22, 29 and July 6), there’s no way I’d miss out on this one.
Friday afternoon: Pre-drinks, pub rock and southern fried chicken
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After spending a morning finishing up the remainder of the week’s work, I’m usually ready for a pint on a patio. The Curtin is usually my first stop, with reasonably priced drinks, a solid playlist and comfy booths.
Its in-house restaurant, Sonny’s Fried Chicken, provides the perfect fuel for a long night out, featuring Americana-inspired classics like cornbread and collard greens. Often, I won’t make it out elsewhere, getting lured into a show in the upstairs bandroom.
Friday night: Dance yourself silly
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If there are no gigs on my calendar, I’ll usually find myself at Miscellania. While its programming is certainly eclectic, I’d trust the bookers there with my life (or at least my precious Friday night).
From hyperpop to hardcore, EDM to experimental, the music offers a fresh perspective. It’s also one of the few places in Melbourne that punters aren’t afraid to let loose a little.
Saturday afternoon: Browsing boutiques on the northside
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Saturdays are for shopping and grazing, and I’m typically starting at Skydiver Records. A record store, cafe and pizza joint rolled into one, Skydiver’s teeming with DJs looking for inspiration for their next set.
Continuing along Smith Street, before or after obligatory stops at Swop and Goodbyes, I’ll head to Happy Valley Shop, another delightful place to flick through new releases. Curated by Melbourne music legend Chris Crouch, it’s full of records, books, movies, homewares and more.
Saturday night: Belting out karaoke classics
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(@jankarakaraokebar)I’ve considered gatekeeping this place, but it’s just not in my nature. Jankara Karaoke is the kind of loud, lawless, late-night place that makes for the perfect big night out.
Each drink you buy earns you the chance to sing a song on stage. Friends will be made, beers will be spilled, and terrible renditions of Eminem will be attempted.
Sunday afternoon: Swim, sauna and sweet recovery
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Something I’ve learnt during my time in the music industry is that the hardest partiers have the best healing tactics. They drink tequila sodas over beers to reduce the sugar headaches. They might not get home until 6am, but then they’re off to the wellness centre, downing a green juice and a fistful of supplements on the way.
My favourite way to kick a hangover is to sweat it out. I’ve heard that Melbourne musos can often be spotted at Brunswick Baths, but if I want to treat myself, I’ll opt for the peace and quiet of Happy Melon’s backyard sauna and ice bath.
Sunday night: Small plates and easy listening
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For small plates accompanied by live vinyl DJs, it’s got to be Waxflower (if you’re lucky enough to score a table). With a bespoke soundsystem and a wide selection of minimal-intervention wines, every detail’s been designed to make you go “ahh”.
Combining European and Peruvian flavours, the ever-changing seasonal menu is made for sharing. A little tipsy, a little tired, and with a free new addition to the wardrobe, that’s the right way to end a weekend out in Melbourne.
For more on Espolòn Tequila’s Reverse Cloakrooms with Second Life Markets, head here.
This article A music writer’s guide to a weekend out in Melbourne appeared first on Fashion Journal.
2025-06-17 05:48:00
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