Howler

Howler opened in Brunswick in 2013, inside a converted wool-store warehouse at 14 Dawson St. Owner Brendan Brogan developed the venue with architect Chris Stanley, following discussions with local theatre artist Nick Casey about creating a theatre and arts space for the area. Its programme was planned to span different musical styles, theatre, arts and comedy. The venue has a garden, bar and performance spaces, including a theatre.

The original arrangement included a beer garden, an intimate bar and two performance areas. The live-performance room was planned for 400 standing guests. The current layout has a garden, main bar, gallery bar and theatre, with custom sound and lighting in the performance space. At the front bar, a steel tree extends from the building; the bar has a bespoke design and a heated beer garden. It serves Asian hawker-style tapas, and DJs play there from Wednesday to Sunday.

Promoters that have held events at Howler include The Operatives, Howler Melbourne, Overtake Events and Echo Chamber Sound. Performers have included Soul Mass Transit System, Doc Scott and LQ (Echo Chamber Sound). In 2017, the owners challenged plans for an eight-storey apartment building beside the venue, citing bedrooms overlooking its bandroom.