Valley Sounds Festival 2025: Your Ultimate Pre & Post Show Dining Guide
Valley Sounds Festival 2025: Your Ultimate Pre & Post Show Dining Guide
SAROS BAR & DINING PRESENTS: Kimba & Ryan
Thursday, May 29th
Live and Local Valley Sounds Series
Location: Saros Bar & Dining
Time: 6:00pm–7:00pm
As the sun sets over Moonee Valley this May, the streets will come alive with the infectious rhythm of Valley Sounds Festival.
This extended sixteen-day celebration of live music (May 17 – June 1) isn’t just about the melodies – it’s about crafting the perfect night out.
Whether you’re catching jazz in a hidden venue or swaying to indie beats, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to elevating your festival experience from memorable to extraordinary.
Valley Sounds Festival 2025: What to Expect
Picture this: autumn evenings filled with music spilling out from venues across Moonee Valley, creating an atmosphere that rivals Melbourne’s most beloved cultural precincts. From mid-May through to the start of winter, the festival transforms our neighbourhood into a playground of sonic discovery, with free entry across all venues.
This year’s expanded program, running over three weekends, brings together local talent and visiting artists, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound across multiple venues. From intimate acoustic sessions to energetic band performances, the festival celebrates the diverse musical landscape that makes our community unique.
More details at mvcc.vic.gov.au/valleysounds
Your Valley Sounds Festival Journey - Getting Around
Moonee Valley comes alive during the festival, with multiple venues within walking distance of each other.
The area is well-served by public transport, with trams and trains running regularly. For those driving, secure parking is available at various locations throughout the precinct.
Festival Flow
The beauty of Valley Sounds lies in its thoughtful scheduling. Performances are staggered across venues, allowing music lovers to experience multiple shows in one evening.
This creates perfect windows for pre-show dining or post-performance drinks.
Valley Sounds Moonee Valley: Best Food & Drink Guide for Festival-Goers
Before the First Note
Opening from 3 PM daily, our European-inspired tapas menu sets the perfect tempo for your evening ahead. For those catching early evening performances, secure a dinner reservation from 5 PM onwards to enjoy our full menu. Start with share plates of Port Arlington mussels or pan-fried scallops that dance on your palate, paired with a carefully curated wine list that reads like a love letter to both local and European vintages.
After the Encore
When the last note fades, let the evening continue at our marble bar or slide into a New York-style booth. Monday through Thursday, our kitchen serves until 9 PM – perfect timing for those attending early shows.
For Friday and Saturday performances, enjoy extended kitchen hours until 10 PM, with our bar remaining open late for post-show drinks and our signature
Valley Sounds Festival Dining Through the Day
Afternoon Sessions (3 PM onwards)
Perfect for early festival events, start your experience with light bites and refreshing drinks. Our bar menu offers the ideal introduction to your musical journey.
Prime Evening Shows (5 PM – 8 PM)
The sweet spot for pre-show dining, featuring our complete menu of European-inspired dishes. This timing allows for a relaxed dining experience before heading to your chosen venue.
Make the Most of Your Valley Sounds Festival Experience
Timing is Everything
• Early birds: Join us from 3 PM for pre-show drinks and bar snacks
• Dinner reservations: Available from 5 PM
• Pre-show dining: Book 90 minutes before your chosen performance
• Kitchen closing times:
Monday to Thursday: Last orders by 8:45 PM
Friday to Saturday: Last orders by 9:45 PM
• Bar service: Continues late into the evening for post-show drinks
Local’s Guide to Festival Dining
Smart Planning Tips
• Weekday shows: Plan for pre-show dining between 5:00-6:30 PM
• Weekend flexibility: Extended kitchen hours until 10 PM
• Quick bites: Bar menu available from 3 PM
• Group bookings: Ideal for 5-7 PM seating for show-goers
• Late shows: Our bar remains open late, perfect for post-show cocktails or enjoy a fine drop from our extensive international wine list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to book ahead? Yes, especially during festival weekends.
A: We recommend booking at least a week in advance for prime dining times.
Q: What’s the best timing for pre-show dining?
A: Allow 90 minutes for a relaxed dining experience before your show.
Q: Can I return for drinks after a late show?
A: Absolutely! Our bar remains open late, perfect for post-show drinks and light bites.
Q: Are group bookings available?
A: Yes, we welcome group bookings and can accommodate festival-goers with advance notice.
Plan Your Valley Sounds Visit
Make your Valley Sounds experience unforgettable by planning ahead. Whether it’s a pre-show dinner reservation or post-show drinks, book your table early to secure your preferred timing. Remember, while our kitchen has specific closing times, our bar remains open late, making us your perfect festival headquarters throughout Valley Sounds’ sixteen-day run from May 17 to June 1.
Image source: Moonee Valley City Council Facebook,
Moonee Valley City Council Google Photos
