Correction (5 October 2026): an earlier version of this page listed places and details we could not stand behind. It has been rewritten from scratch: every place below was confirmed at two independent sources on 5 October 2026, and every price was copied from the page it was published on.
The Kalkallo end of Melbourne’s live music scene is small. Two pubs passed our checks: one in Donnybrook and one in Craigieburn. Both are a drive from Kalkallo, so the page is framed as in and around.
Both sites mention live music, in different ways. One says it hosts music every week and the other names a recurring act. We did not find dated gig listings for the first, so we have not invented any.
Prices are copied as printed on each venue’s own page on 5 October 2026. Check before you go.
The quick picks
| If you’re after | Head to | Order this | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beer garden music every week | Donnybrook Hotel | Garlic Bread | $8.00 |
| Live act plus a buffet session | Highlands Hotel (International Buffet) | Buffet lunch Monday to Friday, Adults | $36.90 |
Donnybrook Hotel — 825 Donnybrook Road, Donnybrook VIC 3064
When we read it on 5 October 2026, the Donnybrook Hotel’s site described “a spacious beer garden that can host 100+ that also hosts live music every week.” Its opening line reads “Everyday from 11am until Late,” and the kitchen is listed from 11am to 9pm.
The menu we read is its November edition, so treat prices as indicative. It prints Garlic Bread at $8.00. It also prints Donny Burger at $23.50. The site’s events page showed no dated gigs when we checked, so ring ahead for who is playing.
On the menu (copied from donnybrookhotel.com.au/MenuNov25.pdf on 5 October 2026):
- Garlic Bread: $8.00
- Donny Burger: $23.50
- Bangers & Mash: $20.50
- Fish & Chips: $27.50
History on record: The venue’s site says the Donnybrook Hotel was established in 1863.
Highlands Hotel (International Buffet) — 301 Grand Boulevard (cnr Aitken & Grand Blvds), Craigieburn VIC 3064
Highlands Hotel in Craigieburn lists a recurring act on its site: “Every Second Friday - Cop This Band is appearing live from 8:00pm.” It also lists an indoor and alfresco seating area and a kids play area.
The session price list prints Buffet lunch Monday to Friday, Adults at $36.90. It also prints Buffet dinner Monday to Thursday, Adults at $41.90. Each price applies only to the session printed beside it, and the venue says prices can change without notice.
On the menu (copied from highlandshotel.com.au/sessions-prices on 5 October 2026):
- Buffet lunch Monday to Friday, Adults: $36.90
- Buffet lunch Monday to Friday, Children 3-6 Years: $12.90
- Buffet lunch Monday to Friday, Seniors: $27.90
- Buffet dinner Monday to Thursday, Adults: $41.90
Catch: The site names Cop This Band every second Friday from 8:00pm, so confirm the date with the venue before you book dinner.
Quick answers
Which pubs near Kalkallo have live music?
Two pubs list it. The Donnybrook Hotel in Donnybrook says its beer garden hosts live music every week. Highlands Hotel in Craigieburn lists Cop This Band appearing live every second Friday from 8:00pm.
Is there live music every week near Kalkallo?
The Donnybrook Hotel’s site says its beer garden hosts live music every week, though we did not find dated gigs listed. Highlands Hotel’s site names a recurring Friday act on a fortnightly pattern, so it is not weekly.
Can kids go to these live music pubs?
Both sites mention children. The Donnybrook Hotel lists an entertainment area with arcade machines where children can play. Highlands Hotel says children are welcomed at Highland Bistro and lists a kids play area.
What does a meal cost at these pubs?
The Donnybrook Hotel’s November edition menu prints Bangers & Mash at $20.50. Highlands Hotel prints Buffet dinner Monday to Thursday, Adults at $41.90. Prices change, so confirm with each venue.
How we checked
We checked every place on this page against at least two independent sources on 5 October 2026: OpenStreetMap, the places’ own websites and the Australian Good Food Guide. Every price is copied exactly as printed on the page linked under Sources, on 5 October 2026. Menus, prices and opening hours change, so check with the venue before you go. The cover photo is illustrative, from Unsplash, and does not show any place on this page.
Seen something out of date? Email [email protected] with the page link and what has changed, and we will check it again.
Sources
- Donnybrook Hotel: openstreetmap.org/61154665, donnybrookhotel.com.au/contact, donnybrookhotel.com.au/MenuNov25.pdf, donnybrookhotel.com.au/home
- Highlands Hotel (International Buffet): highlandshotel.com.au/contact-us, agfg.com.au/highlands-hotel-37270, highlandshotel.com.au/sessions-prices, highlandshotel.com.au/international-buffet, highlandshotel.com.au/cafe-lounge
