I subscribe to all the things so you don’t have to. This is a curated list of what’s been announced over the past week so you can save the date, or swoop on tickets, and also a list of what’s coming up soon if you’re looking to make last-minute plans.
What’s new?
Chris Stapleton bringing All-American Roadshow to Australia
Acclaimed musician Chris Stapleton has confirmed he will tour Australia and New Zealand for the first time next year with “Chris Stapleton’s All-American Roadshow Goes Down Under.” He’ll be at Rod Laver Arena on 25 February 2025. Presales begin on 9 April.
Tones and I announces headline tour of Australia and NZ
Multi-ARIA-Award winner Tones And I will bring her headline tour to Australia and New Zealand in August and September this year – including a home town show at Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne on 7 September.
Dirty Three add standalone concert dates in addition to Rising
Already announced as a marquee act at Melbourne’s Rising Festival, Dirty Three have announced standalone shows and a national tour. This will include gigs at Hamer Hall in Melbourne on 14 and 15 June.
Lizzy McAlpine announces debut headline tour of Australia
Breakout artist Lizzy McAlpine has announced debut headline shows in Australia for July 2024 as part of “The Older Tour”, in celebration of her highly-anticipated album “Older”, released this past Friday. The tour will bring her to Melbourne’s Margaret Court Arena on Thursday 18 July.
New street art precinct and festival coming to Mordialloc
Australia’s original street art festival, Wall to Wall and Kingston Council are bringing seven of Australia’s top street artists and three acclaimed international artists together to adorn an industrial pocket of Mordialloc with a stunning array of large-scale mural works from 26-28 April.
Glenn Hughes celebrates 50th anniversary of album Burn
Glenn Hughes, the former bassist, and singer of Deep Purple, is coming to Australia in October celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the album Burn. You can catch him at The Croxton Bandroom in Thornbury on Saturday 12 October.
Nobu himself is coming to Nobu
Internationally acclaimed chef Nobu Matsuhisa is headed to Australia in May to visit the three restaurants he has here that boast his name – Nobu. His trip down under will see him work with the chefs in his Perth, Melbourne and Sydney venues to get hands-on with dishes and menu design. While chef Nobu is here, Crown Melbourne will be hosting three unique events that will be a must for any foodies to tick off their bucket lists.
Meet T-1000 Robert Patrick at a special Terminator 2 screening
Get up close and personal with Robert Patrick who famously played the T-1000 cyborg in Terminator 2: Judgment Day at an exclusive event at the Astor Theatre in Melbourne on Wednesday 26 June 2024.
Underground Lovers 30th anniversary tour
Join Underground Lovers to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their critically acclaimed album ‘Dream it Down’ at the Corner Hotel in Richmond on 27 July. The band’s set will include a wide selection of songs from their 1994 breakthrough release including Triple J Hottest 100 favourite ‘Losin’ it’, the anthemic ‘Las Vegas’ and the cinematic ‘Beautiful World’.
Save the date for these
Also just announced:
- The 2025 Midsumma Festival dates have been announced. Midsumma next year will run from 19 January to 9 February. The Midsumma Carnival will be on Sunday 19 January, the Pride March will take place on Sunday 2 February and Victoria’s Pride Street Party will be on Sunday 9 February.
- The Gadflys will play at the Memo Music Hall in St Kilda on Friday 11 October.
- Wander through the lively Bourne Local Market as it makes its return to Collin Square on Thursday 11 April.
- TV and radio veteran Richard Stubbs is doing a live comedy show at the East Ivanhoe Bowling Club on Thursday 18 April
- Experience the world of bonsai with hundreds of miniature trees on display at Footscray Community Arts Centre from 20-21 April.
- Julie Goodwin, who rose to fame as the winner of the first Australian season of Masterchef, invites you to delve into her memoir, Your Time Starts Now where she shares her battles with anxiety, addiction, and depression in conversation with journalist Robyn Dorien at the Eltham Library on 8 May.
- A jam-packed program of events celebrating East Gippsland’s creative talents, local produce, culture, and natural environment is returning this year, with the East Gippsland Winter Festival keeping locals and visitors warm this winter from Friday, 21 June to Saturday, 21 July.
- The annual Japan Festival is being held at the Box Hill Town Hall on Sunday 19 May.
- The Vegan Vegout southside edition is going to be at Common Ground in Mordialloc on 25 April with a lineup of vegan food trucks.
- Laura Davidson and full band will perform Amy Winehouse’s classic album ‘Back to Black’ track for track at Bird’s Basement on 13 June.
- It’s Free Cone Day on 16 April and Ben and Jerry’s is giving away free ice cream at its scoop shop locations around Melbourne.
- The Heathcote Winegrowers Association are bringing a little taste of their famous Heathcote wine region to the city at the Abbotsford Convent on Saturday 11 May with Heathcote in the City, featuring more than 100 wines to try.
What to do?
Never mind the naysayers, Melbourne is not dead! Here’s a round-up of things happening in and around Melbourne this weekend and over the next few weeks:
- Help monitor the arboreal mammals, birds and bats that utilise the nest boxes and natural tree hollows throughout the Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary in Bundoora on the evening of Tuesday 9 April.
- The free Little Food Festival – on 10-11 April at Fed Square – combines education, exploration, creativity and fun to help kids re-imagine what the future will look like for them, their families and communities, and the planet.
- There’s a Teddy Bears Picnic at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick on Wednesday 10 April.
- The Hawker 88 Night Market will return to the iconic Queen Vic Market sheds for an exclusive five-week season from 10 April until 8 May showcasing traditional Asian street eats, quirky general merchandise and specially themed weekly entertainment.
- The April Children’s Festival at Skyhigh Mount Dandenong until 11 April will give the kids the opportunity to meet animals up close, take part in treasure hunts, enjoy a pony ride, watch the stilt walkers or play mini golf.
- Australia’s premier quilting event, the Australasian Quilt Convention, is on from 11-14 April at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton.
- Dress in your best for Nocturnal: Bells and Whistles at Melbourne Museum on 11 April – an adults-only after-hours Museum experience where you can explore the exhibitions and collections.
- The Discover Dandenong Creek Festival at Tirhatuan Park in Dandenong North on 11 April is a free event that celebrates the creek.
- Wander through the lively Bourne Local Market as it makes its return to Collin Square on Thursday 11 April.
- Summer in The Glade is an evening of artistry and entertainment for family, friends and pets at Gasworks Arts Park on 12 April.
- Women Who Define Art – Art Through Our Eyes’ exhibition brings together the collective experiences of 4 women artists: Maree Brown, Sylvia Kolarik, Julie Slade and Beverley Watts at the Track Gallery in Mount Waverley until 13 April.
- The Pet Show is a human show to celebrate all things pets at the Melbourne Showgrounds on 13-14 April
- The Adunta West African afternoon in Noble Park on 13 April will feature West African global music, drumming workshops and delicious ‘Tastes of Senegal’ Food
- The One Fine Day Wedding Fair is on at the Timber Yard, Port Melbourne, on 13-14 April.
- Australia’s largest festival celebrating bourbon, rye, American single malt and Canadian whiskeys – the American Whiskey Show – is on at the Fitzroy Town Hall on 13 April.
- Y(Our) Fest South Melbourne designed for everyone by primary aged kids is on 13 April.
- Catch Play School live in concert in Williamstown on 13 April
- 50 years ago, from 1972-1975, a small patch of land between Sunbury and Diggers Rest hosted Australia’s biggest music festival at the time – Sunbury Pop Festival. On Saturday 13 April, Sunbury ’24 – a 50th anniversary commemoration will take place.
- The Victoria Police Careers Expo Day is on at MCEC on 13 April
- The Urban Cocktail Trail is heading to Prahran on 13 April for an incredible afternoon of bar-hopping and cocktail sipping!
- Eid is the biggest celebration in the Islamic calendar and marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Eid will be celebrated at Queen Victoria Market on 13 and 14 April.
- Witness breathtaking fire performers and thrilling fire stunts that will leave you in awe at the Flame Festival in Berwickon 13 April. Enjoy mesmerizing fire shows and groove to the rhythm of live music that will keep you on your feet all night long.
- Take a twilight flight on the Arthur’s Seat Eagle on Saturday 13 April.
- Experience an afternoon of music and entertainment under the trees in the gardens of Billilla Mansion in Brighton on 13 April. Enjoy bands on the lawn, pop up Shakespeare, dancing on the patio, kids activities and roving performers that will bring Billilla Gardens to life.
- Join in a sunset walk at Seawinds atop Arthurs Seat on 13 April to meet some of the local treasures, the resident mob of kangaroos. Learn about the habits of this iconic Australian marsupial, and the threats it faces.
- The Prostreet Show N Shine is happening in Preston on 13 April.
- The Montrose Community Festival is on 13 April.
- Bring your picnic lunch, your favourite rug and your bestest furry bestie along for some family friendly fun at the Kilsyth Teddy Bear’s Picnic on 13 April.
- Join in the vibrant Hindi Niketan Indian Street Festival in Glen Waverley on 13 April.
- The Narre Warren Psychic and Wellbeing Expo is on at Bunjil Place on 14 April
- The Eltham Mind, Body and Soul New Age Expo pop-up is on 14 April.
- Catch Play School live in concert in Rowville on 14 April
- The Collingwood puppy pub crawl is on 14 April
- The Northcote Theatre Record Fair is on 14 April
- The Second Life Markets are on at the Abbotsford Convent on 14 April
- The Tuff Streeters Show N Shine and drag racing event is on at Calder Park on 14 April.
- Watch the unmissable television event of 2024 live on the Big Screen at Fed Square on 14 April. Enjoy the 28-minute Bluey special with your family and furry friends (dogs welcome!) and catch the most anticipated wedding of the year! Alongside Australia’s favourite family of Heelers, this very special episode features guest appearances from Joel Edgerton, Deborah Mailman, Rove McManus and Brendan Williams, all making their Bluey debuts.
- Visited by more than 10 million people around the world and earning a spot on CNN’s “must-see” list, The Art of the Brick comes to Melbourne opening 14 April and running until 31 August at the Melbourne Showgrounds. This brand new, immersive version of Nathan Sawaya’s iconic LEGO art exhibit features original collections, over 100 sculptures made from more than 1 million bricks, a LEGO safari, moving installations, 360 degree projections, and much more.
- On the anniversary of the tragic sinking of the Titanic, hear the inspiring and moving stories of the female passengers and crew of the Titanic. Presented by Melbourne Museum’s Manager of Touring Exhibitions, Helen Privett, the talk on 14 April considers the social and historical context for women in the early 20th century and their individual experiences of the tragedy.
- Fawkner Food Bowls Garden Festival on 14 April will be filled with blossoming fun and enchanting activities for the whole family.
- Catch the immersive digital experience Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Natureat ACMI until 14 April.
- Spanning more than 50,000 square metres, the Blue Lotus Water Garden is a seasonal garden at Yarra Junction containing over 40 different ponds, lakes and water features. You can see it this year until 14 April.
- Kubik Frankston until 20 April is an electrifying fusion of Melbourne’s pulsating music culture and vibrant culinary food trucks, all set against the backdrop of a family-friendly environment with free entry all week and ticketed events on the weekend.
- The Melbourne International Comedy Festival has something for every comedy lover with free family entertainment, world-class special events, trail-blazing solo shows and late-night fun – running until 21 April.
- Tesselaar KaBloom Festival of Flowers is returning to the Dandenong Ranges this autumn until 21 April 2024. KaBloom offers visitors the chance to roam through fields of well over three million flowers, enjoy live entertainment and be enchanted by contemporary circus performances.
- Back by popular demand after their smashing Australian debut in 2022, the world-famous Ministry of Crab team is returning for a month-long residency at the stunning Evergreen venue within Crown Melbourne. It’s running on Wednesdays to Sundays until 27 April 2024 and bookings are essential.
- Take a majestic 360-degree audio visual journey and explore iconic landscapes and connect with mesmerising animals from around the world at the BBC Earth Experience, on until 28 April.
- With over 30 live performances at 18 participating venues across Banyule, including Greensborough, Heidelberg, Montmorency and Ivanhoe, Chillin’ in Banyule 2024 until 28 April provides opportunity for an impressive line-up of local solo musicians and bands to perform.
- See more than 200 artefacts from the Titanic at the Melbourne Museum’s Titanic: The Artefacts Exhibition, running until 30 April.
- Experience the 29th annual Mayoral Art Exhibition in Ringwood until 4 May. This year’s theme is: Tangent. From realism to abstraction or traditional to contemporary (or the reverse), artists are investigating new ideas and directions.
- The Hawker 88 Night Market will return to the iconic Queen Vic Market sheds for an exclusive five-week season until 8 May showcasing traditional Asian street eats, quirky general merchandise and specially themed weekly entertainment.
- ICON – an exhibition of photos by acclaimed photographer Steve McCurry is on at Seaworks in Williamstown until 19 May.
- Cirque du Soleil is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Australia with its critically acclaimed and jaw-dropping production Luzia under the Big Top at Melbourne Showgrounds until 19 May.
- Following a successful tour in the USA and UK, it’s Melbourne’s turn get ready for the Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest adventure on the Mornington Peninsula until 19 May when The Briars Community Forest in Mount Martha will turn into a legit dark and magical forest.
- Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery, treachery… and All That Jazz… so begins the international multi-award-winning musical, Chicago. Catch it at Her Majesty’s Theatre until 26 May.
- The Science Gallery at the University of Melbourne’s exhibition – NOT NATURAL – explores our increasing ability to control nature and the plethora of possibilities and ethical dilemmas that come with that power. Running until 29 June.
- The Broadway sensation Wicked looks at what happened in the Land of Oz… but from a different angle. See it at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre until 30 June.
- Victoria’s zoos are being transformed into prehistoric playgrounds with Zoos Victoria’s new Dinos at the Zoo immersive experience providing an unforgettable journey back in time until 14 July.
- Melbourne Museum will showcase some of Victoria’s most outstanding VCE and VCE VET design and technology students when Top Designs returns for 2024. The showcase runs until 14 July.
- Celebrating culture, nostalgia, and the pursuit of happiness, the Immigration Museum’s expansive exhibition Joy features seven Victorian-based artists showcasing their interpretations of joy through immersive installations, until 29 August.
