Explore North Melbourne’s vibrant twilight events program

Live at Errol St has taken over the bustling North Melbourne strip every Thursday night since November 23 with live music, late-night shopping and happy hour deals available from various businesses and ends on December 14.

Run by the Australian Retailers’ Association (ARA) in partnership with the City of Melbourne, Live at Errol St aims to improve the twilight economy by encouraging locals to explore the benefits of staying in the city after work for holiday shopping or after-work drinks.

“Melbourne’s twilight economy is booming, with foot traffic increasing in the city by up to 35 per cent after 6pm as Melburnians clock off and make the most of our world-class food and entertainment,” Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.

“Through the Live at Errol St trial, traders will be staying open later to embrace this encouraging trend, with an exciting range of live music in unique venues.”

The program supports local artists and buskers by providing an opportunity to perform in some of North Melbourne’s favourite retail spaces including Aesop North Melbourne, Manfred’s Shoe Lounge, Here’s Looking at You, Kid Distillery, and The Courthouse Hotel.

“There’s something for everyone this summer – with jazz, pop, folk, country, blues and electric music performances every Thursday night,” Cr Capp said.

Samantha Sharpe is one of the artists involved in the initiative, which she said had been a “great opportunity” for local musicians to get exposure in the community.

“It’s important as a musician to have your voice – or instrument – heard, but I think it’s even more valuable to be able to bring joy to the community with it,” Ms Sharpe said.

“I love seeing peoples’ faces light up when they recognise a song, or when parents bring their kids up to say hello – there’s a real sense of community around music and having it in the streets in such an accessible way for so many people is a wonderful thing to be a part of.”

As well as shoppers getting to enjoy live music while they browse, various businesses are also offering deals for patrons as part of the program.

For self-care enthusiasts, Aesop North Melbourne is providing free skincare consultations with samples, which can be followed by a $15 frozen margarita at The Courthouse Hotel – you can even get your shoes shined for free at Manfred’s Shoe Lounge while you sit back and enjoy the music.

The intimate Sofar Sounds will also be providing surprise live performances at Udom House, Auction Rooms, and Madison’s World hair salon throughout the program.

The project has been supported by the Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund, a $200 million partnership between the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne to boost Melbourne’s events calendar. 

“We look forward to seeing crowds flock to North and West Melbourne,” Cr Capp said. •

whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/live-at-errol-st

Captions: Local musicians performing across some of North Melbourne’s favourite retail and hospitality venues. Photography by Hanna Komissarova.