Events at 104 Swan Street, Cremorne

About 104 Swan Street

104 Swan Street is a compact specialty music venue and cafe in Cremorne, an inner-city suburb of Melbourne. Housed in a converted industrial building on Swan Street (just south of the Yarra), the space has a raw, warehouse-style look with high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and recycled timber fittings. It opened in the mid-2020s under the brand of OnAir Cremorne (co-founded by local event organizers Francesca Poci and DeYon Murphy of Selfless Events). The venue’s dual identity – a sunny daytime cafe and a pulse-driven music bar – is its signature. By day it operates as a coffee shop serving specialty brews and fresh paninis, and by night (especially weekends) it transforms into an intimate dance music spot. Unique interior touches include sustainably-salvaged Tasmanian oak flooring, Douglas fir beams, upcycled hardwood benches, and custom lighting that gives it a retro green-accent vibe. A top-of-the-line Pitt & Gibbins sound system is built in, designed around acoustics to give pristine sound for DJs. With room for roughly 60 people maximum, the venue feels very intimate and club-like. Notably, the entrance is tucked behind a humble taco-and-tequila eatery on Swan Street – a tucked-away laneway entrance that adds to the speakeasy charm. 104 Swan Street quickly became a local hub for electronic music in Cremorne, filling a niche for daytime DJ culture in Melbourne. It sits in a historically creative precinct: Swan Street is lined with pubs and live venues (like the famous Corner Hotel a block away), so this venue adds to the neighborhood’s nightlife fabric. From its start around 2023 (following a council approval in 2021 to license the premises as a bar), it’s been making waves as a place where good coffee meets underground club culture. Though modern in concept, it respects the industrial heritage of the site – the original brick and steel framework remain visible – giving it an authentic local feel. In short, 104 Swan Street matters because it has redefined what a local music venue can be: a community-centric space celebrating Melbourne’s coffee and club scenes together.

Events and Programming

The calendar at 104 Swan Street is dominated by electronic music events rather than live bands. Its flagship series is the weekly “Espresso Sessions” – Saturday afternoon DJ sets (typically 10am–2pm) that bring in Melbourne’s up-and-coming and established house, techno and UK garage talent. These sessions are co-hosted by the OnAir team and launch new tracks or showcase local producers. Past acts have included notable DJs such as Aldonna, Joey Coco, Sundance, and Sammy Dale, among others from the local scene and occasionally international guests. Every set is recorded for online release, so even if you miss the session, the performances are available on the venue’s social media or YouTube.

Besides the regular Saturday sessions, 104 Swan Street occasionally stages special events and parties. For example, themed club sessions like pool parties or festival-style “Sunset Sessions” have appeared on the schedule. In late 2024 the venue hosted a Sunday daytime festival event (branded “Uni Vision Sundays”) featuring DJs spinning house, UKG and hardgroove. These outdoor events take advantage of the semi-open-air layout. Programming typically focuses on electronic music – think deep house, soulful techno, breakbeat and related genres – to fit the space’s boutique vibes. Expect a diverse lineup spanning emerging local DJs to underground artists from the global scene. There are no rock or acoustic gigs here; it’s 100% dance/DJ territory.

In total, new events pop up almost every weekend, especially on Friday nights and weekends. The venue announces shows through its social channels. Because capacity is small, even minor events can sell out, so fans often keep an eye on the schedule. Ticket prices are straightforward: many daytime DJ events are free to RSVP, while some ticketed nights charge modest entry (around $10–$20, typically advance only). Attendees rarely find complex tiering – it’s usually general admission only. So a quick overview: 104 Swan Street hosts frequent DJ-centric events (Espresso Sessions, Sunday parties, choose-your-vibe nights), with a focus on the Melbourne electronic scene. There’s usually something happening most weekends, making it a go-to spot for fans of house and techno looking for a casual, community vibe rather than a big commercial club.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets or RSVPs for events at 104 Swan Street are usually available online, since there’s no daily box-office on-site. The safest strategy is to follow the venue’s official channels (website and social media) where they announce events and provide booking links. Often events use an Australian ticketing platform, but typically the venue itself or the event organizers post links. For popular DJ sessions, tickets can be snapped up quickly, so it’s wise to book as soon as they’re released. Generally, entry to the daytime DJ sessions is free with an RSVP, but they still cap numbers, so registration is required. If it’s a ticketed night, prices are typically listed on the event announcement – roughly $10–$20 per ticket, with no hidden fees.

At the door, the staff will check your name or ticket barcode. Unlike a movie theatre, there’s no formal box office queue: walk-up sales are possible only if there are unclaimed spots. Therefore, pre-book whenever possible, especially for weekend peak times. Don’t stat post “door sales” or mention specific sale points by name. Simply put: get tickets online or on the recommendations given by the venue (sign up via their site or partner events listing). A local tip: when ticket sales go live (often a week or two before an event), spots fill quickly. If in doubt, email the venue or use their Facebook/Instagram to see if release dates are announced. If an event doesn’t sell out, a small number of tickets might be available at the door, but there’s no guarantee – arriving early is best.

Seating and Layout

The space inside 104 Swan Street is one large, open room with a high loft-style ceiling. It’s purely general admission (standing-room) – there are only a few high-top benches and stools against the walls, so most of the floor is empty. Capacity is very limited (around 60 people), so the crowd is quite close to the DJ. For the best experience, aim for a spot in front of the DJ booth or center of the floor. This allows direct sound and a full view of the action. If you prefer to sit, snag one of the bar stools or the communal bench along the edge, but note those fill up fast. The DJ booth itself is roughly mid-length, so front-center is the sweet spot for both sound and visuals. Because the venue is small, there are nearly no “bad views” – you can always hear and see the DJ from most areas. One area to avoid: standing too far back near the coffee bar if you want to dance, since it can get crowded by people ordering drinks. Also stay clear of any bulky gear at the rear. The acoustics are bright and clear thanks to the custom sound gear, so even though it’s underground dance music, you won’t get weird echoes or muffling that city bars sometimes have. In summary, think of it as a mini club – everyone stands close together. Dress and plane spots accordingly: at big events, front-center is lively, whereas off to the side lets in more of the bar ambiance. (And yes, earplugs are always recommended at loud DJ sets, just as a courtesy to your ears.)

Getting There and Parking

Address: 104 Swan Street, Cremorne VIC 3121 (Yarra City). The front door is actually a bit stealthy – look for a narrow entryway behind a neighboring restaurant on Swan. This address sits right at the southeast edge of central Cremorne, just over the bridge from South Yarra.

Public Transport: Public transit is easiest. The closest train station is Richmond (Richmond Station), just a few blocks north – an easy 5-minute walk. Richmond is on all of Melbourne’s eastern suburban lines (Lilydale, Belgrave, Alamein, Glen Waverley and Sandringham lines) so it’s a short trip from most inner suburbs and the CBD. Two major tram lines run along Swan Street: Tram Route 48 and Tram Route 70 both stop nearby at Punt Road/Swan Street (just at the intersection, about a 3-minute walk up Swan). These trams connect to Collins Street in the city and Burwood/East Richmond in the suburbs. Several buses (for example, route 246 and 605) also run on Swan and Punt Roads. Overall, it’s very transit-friendly and parking is not recommended for the busiest nights.

Driving and Parking: Street parking near Cremorne is limited and metered. City of Yarra typically charges around $4–$6 per hour on Swan and side streets. If you must drive, look for timed bays on Swan or nearby Wilson Ave, Edgevale Rd, or other residential streets a couple blocks away. There is no dedicated venue car park, though a small private lot (behind some shops near 140–160 Swan) exists but often has a fee. A better bet for out-of-towners is to park in the larger pay-lots around Richmond Station or the nearby Victoria Gardens and walk a few blocks over. Rideshare/taxies can easily drop visitors right at Swan Street; just ask the driver to go to 104 Swan St. (Drop-off at the sign-post or via the laneway entrance.) In short: public transit is highly recommended, as traffic can be busy on Swan near Punt Road and parking costs add up.

Inside the Venue

When you step into 104 Swan Street, expect a friendly, indie vibe. By day it feels like an airy cafe – baristas freshen slow-brewed coffee, and patrons sip drinks at high benches under soft light. By night, a subtle lighting shift transforms it into a club-like scene. The staff is casual and attentive. If it’s a DJ event, expect a security check for ID (because licensed events are 18+) and a quick ticket scan at the door. Bags or coats might be lightly checked if the place is packed, but it’s not a formal security setup like a big nightclub.

Atmosphere: The decor mixes retro and industrial: exposed bolts, green-painted steelwork, and warm, vintage-inspired accent lighting. Music is the focus – the sound is crisp and loud (in a good way), so the dancefloor will be thumping. At most events, the mood is laid-back and social. People chat over drinks but respect the music. Remember this is a boutique space – conversation level is moderate, not a screaming stadium.

Food and Drink: OnAir’s in-house café serves a prepared menu from morning until late afternoon. You can usually grab brunch fare here: think gourmet toasties, salads, smoothies and pastries. In a typical menu you might find items like a schnitzel panini (rocket, mayo, lime salt) or a spicy tuna sandwich (jalapeños, dill, pesto). Coffee is sourced from a local Melbourne roaster (Inglewood Coffee). During events, the focus shifts to the bar. The liquor license allows a full bar if open – cocktails, beers, wines and non-alcoholic drinks are sold. However, at early-afternoon daytime sessions alcohol may or may not be served, depending on the event. Check the specific event notes; on Sundays or evenings they almost always offer a craft beer/wine list and creative mixed drinks. There’s no formal kitchen service once events start, but pre-ordered snacks or simple bar food (chips, nuts) may be available. In brief: if you need a meal, arrive early or hit a nearby restaurant first; if you’re thirsty, the bar is ready.

Facilities: There are restrooms inside (one for each gender), kept clean as a cafe would. (Consider them small but well-maintained.) Coat hooks or corners are supplied for belongings, but note there’s no dedicated cloakroom service – store your jacket on a empty stool or bench if needed. The venue likely has free Wi-Fi for customers (common in cafes), but even if not, mobile reception in Richmond is solid so you can expect reliable phone or data signal. You’ll find power outlets along the benches if you need a quick phone top-up between sets.

Nearby Amenities

104 Swan Street sits amidst a bustling cafe/bar district, so you’re spoiled for pre- or post-event spots. For food before shows, there are several cafes and restaurants on Swan Street itself. Just a two-minute walk away across Punt Road is The Corner Hotel, a legendary live music pub with meals and drinks. Closer still, Station Street and local alleyways host a handful of small eateries (for example, there’s a popular Asian fusion diner and some taco joints in the block). Chapel Street’s restaurant row is also nearby: head south (toward South Yarra) 5–10 minutes on the tram or by foot to find a variety of cafés, burger joints, pubs and lounges. In Cremorne itself, there’s no large-scale supermarket or mall, but a few takeaway and lunch spots dot Swan Street and Bridge Road.

If you plan to stay overnight, note that Cremorne has few hotels in its immediate bounds. Many visitors stay in nearby Richmond or South Yarra hotels. (There are budget motels on Punt Road, boutique suites near Bridge Road, and larger hotels in South Yarra’s commercial area, all an easy tram or train ride away.) For late-night transport home, Flinders Street Station is just one train stop west, or trams from Swan Street run late on weekends. In short: 104 Swan Street is in a lively neighborhood – cafes, pubs and delis are within a few streets, so it’s easy to grab a meal or drink before/after your visit.

What Makes This Venue Special

104 Swan Street stands out because it has an unusual spirit for an inner-city venue. It was purpose-built to blur the lines between coffee shop, art space and dance club. Architecturally, the reclaimed brick-and-wood interior looks and feels unique among Melbourne venues; everything from the recycled décor to designer lighting was chosen to give local character. Culturally, it’s special as a “third place” – where locals can drop in during the day for coffee or art installations, and spontaneously extend the night into community music events. The owners (who come from the Australian electronic music scene) designed it to solve a local need: more venues for people to share music without the pretentiousness of big nightclub culture. Because of that, artists love it for its sound system and creative freedom, and audiences love it for the chilled house-party vibe. Locals have pointed to OnAir and 104 Swan as revitalizing Cremorne’s nightlife, turning a formerly quiet industrial strip into a micro-hub of culture. In summary, its personality – a bright, communal café that turns into a warm underground bar – is what makes 104 Swan Street magnetic. It’s a place where art and music come naturally, not just pumped in, and where every event feels a bit legendary among those in the know.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: The venue is generally wheelchair-accessible: a ramped or flat entry from Swan Street should be available, and the main floor is one level. However, aisles can get tight when crowded. If accessibility is a concern, you might call ahead or arrive early to ensure smooth entry. The restrooms include an accessible stall.

What to Bring: Bring a valid photo ID if you plan to drink (you’ll need it at events). Wear your usual city-casual attire – jeans, boots, or athletic wear all fit the vibe. Heels are fine, but remember ground-floor clubs can get smokey or sticky underfoot, so some prefer flats or sneakers. Small bags are okay, but there’s no cloakroom, so consider just carrying necessities. Earplugs are a good idea if you tend to sensitive hearing (especially for front-row spots).

Common Mistakes: Don’t assume you can show up right at event time and walk in; lines can form 15–30 minutes prior. Also, the cover charge outlet book-up in advance, so always RSVP or buy ahead. Avoid wearing large backpacks or bringing big cameras with flash (if you must photograph, be discreet). Dress is casual – no need for fancy outfits, but also avoid sportswear like tank tops and hats which are unnecessary. Finally, be aware that this is a non-smoking venue (if you want a smoke, step outside into the open street briefly).

Age Restrictions and Policies: All-ages are welcome during the daytime cafe hours. For night events, it is strictly 18+. The staff will check ID at the door for any licensed event (even if it’s in the afternoon, if alcohol is served by event time). You cannot re-enter easily once you leave during a set, so plan any breaks carefully. The venue enforces a polite policy – be respectful of staff, and follow any instructions (for example, no leaning on the DJ booth or blocking exits). Bags may be subject to brief inspection if the event is very busy.

Connectivity: There should be Wi-Fi available for customers during cafe hours. Even after hours, mobile phone reception is strong inside (but do set phones to silent once inside – very few venues enforce phone bans, but it’s courteous during live sets). Bathrooms are clearly signposted, and a few seat hangers or coat pegs are provided along the walls. There’s no formal coat check – jackets can be placed on empty chairs or hooks. Also, do expect that service is friendly but casual: staff might hustle to serve drinks between DJ sets.

By following these tips – arriving early, wearing comfortable clothes, and staying open to discovering local talent – you’ll have a smooth, enjoyable visit to 104 Swan Street. It’s a snug little venue, so go with the flow, be patient in line, and soak in the blend of good coffee and great music that makes this place one-of-a-kind.