Melbourne doesn’t mess around when it comes to comedy. From Brunswick’s dive bars with cult followings to Fitzroy’s loft-style venues with actual acoustics, this city has the best spots. Planning a night of stand-up? Then you already know you need a crowd-ready setup, lights that flatter, and a bar that doesn’t steal the spotlight. Melbourne’s stand-up comedy venues serve up that mix of personality and function. With Tagvenue, it’s easy to spot the gems, message the venue manager, and get your date reserved, all before your opening line’s even written.
In Melbourne, prices of stand-up comedy venues average $3000 minimum spend per event. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Melbourne, based on Tagvenue data from September 2025:
From $1000 | to $4900 | minimum spend per event |
From $80 | to $150 | hire fee per hour |
From $35 | to $79 | per person |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2025), the best options include:
Entire Venue at Concrete Boots Bar
in Richmond - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘All around a great venue to hire for any event.’
The Sundeck Function Space at The Purple Emerald Lounge Bar
in Northcote - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘Beautiful venue, had booked the sun deck for my 30th birthday this year!’
Entire Venue at Secret Garden Bar
in St Kilda - rated 4.8/5
Our user said: ‘The security helped us out for the event a lot and it is a beautiful space in the deck.’
For stand-up, the best venues are those with good acoustics, clear sightlines, and flexible seating. Comedy-friendly spaces include black box theatres, small performance bars, breweries with private rooms, and multipurpose arts venues. For example, venues like The Motley Bauhaus and Stupid Old Studios are purpose-built for live performances, while places like Twang Brewing and Artful Yoga Gallery offer casual environments with room for both seated and standing audiences.
Most stand-up comedy setups require a quality microphone, basic PA system, stage lighting, and ideally, a small stage or riser. Venues like Bighouse Arts often include this as part of the hire fee. For bigger events, make sure the venue has sound technicians available or allows you to bring your own gear. Some venues also have recording equipment if you're filming for social media or a special.
Brunswick, Fitzroy, and Collingwood have a great mix of late-night bars, diners, and live music venues where your audience and performers can keep the night going. North Melbourne also has a solid indie bar scene. Booking in these neighbourhoods not only gives you a good venue but also a nice post-show atmosphere.
Most venues offer sessions of 3–6 hours, with some allowing full-day or evening-only hires. For example, Sugar Glider provides an evening hire based on a minimum spend, while Rock Art Events and Scape Suites offer full-session or full-day rates. Always clarify start and end times in advance — some venues include bump-in and bump-out time, others don’t.