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?
Billie Eilish announces massive global tour
Billie Eilish has announced Australian arena dates, produced by Live Nation and Frontier Touring, for her HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR. This will include four nights at Rod Laver Arena from 4-8 March 2025.
Join the joyride with Roxette in 2025
In 2016 Roxette performed what was believed to be its last ever concerts. Now, the duo’s frontman, songwriter, and founder Per Gessle picks up the torch and takes this bundle of worldwide hits on the road again. Per and the Roxette band will be joined on stage by Swedish singer and megastar Ms Lena Philipsson at a series of gigs in Australia in 2025.
NGV Friday Nights are back this winter
Welcoming in the winter months, NGV Friday Nights returns recharged and reimagined for an after-hours ode to the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition Pharaoh. Taking place at NGV International with extended late-night access to the winter blockbuster exhibition, the 17-week season presents a diverse line-up of music residencies, pop-up performances, Middle Eastern-inspired food, and an array of drink offerings
Joanna Lumley touring Australia for the first time ever
The legendary Joanna Lumley will embark on her first ever live tour of Australia, Me & My Travels, in October 2024, performing at major venues around the country throughout October. This includes a date at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall on Friday 11 November.
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark touring Oz for first time since 1987
British electronic synth pioneers Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD) make their triumphant return to Australia for the first in almost 40 years. OMD will tour Australia in February 2025 with their Greatest Hits tour. They will be performing in Melbourne at the Palais Theatre on Thursday 20 February 2025.
Belle and Sebastian touring with Badly Drawn Boy
Scottish indie icons Belle and Sebastian are bringing a long-awaited tour of Australia this August, their first time down under in over six years. Joining Belle and Sebastian will be English singer-songwriter Badly Drawn Boy marking their first trip down under in over twenty years. They’ll be at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda on 23 August.
The Firelight Festival returns to Docklands this winter
The City of Melbourne’s free Firelight Festival will once again illuminate New Quay Promenade, Victoria Promenade and Harbour Esplanade in Docklands, offering a diverse range of tasty eats and entertainment. As part of the much-loved festival, the ticketed Firelight Labyrinth experience will make its world debut in Melbourne, transforming the underground space at Marvel Stadium, visitors will weave their way through a mythical maze of light and sound – through cutting-edge technology, dynamic audio and over 144,000 lights.
Cirque Bon Bon set to electrify Melbourne
Melbournians can prepare to be spellbound by an extravaganza of light, acrobatics, dance and comedy when Cirque Bon Bon arrives in the city this July. Hot on the heels of its sell-out run in Brisbane, Cirque Bon Bon’s all-star cast of contortionists, acrobats and dancers will transform the Athenaeum Theatre stage into a cauldron of excitement, drama and hilarity.
Save the date for these
Also just announced:
- Darebin City Council will showcase the stunning new Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre for Melbourne Design Week this May. Join a site tour and panel discussion about Australia’s first purely electric, 6 Green Star design accredited aquatic centre on Wednesday, May 29. Free but booking is essential.
- Explore cosmic alignments and unexpected impossibilities with a full program of talks, tours and chance encounters at Nocturnal, your adults-only-invite to explore Melbourne Museum after-hours on 9 May. Star gaze from the Royal Exhibition Building’s iconic Dome Promenade, with late night access to this unparalleled view included with your ticket for one night only!
- Banyule Council and Barrbunin Beek Aboriginal Gathering Place are holding a family day for National Reconciliation Week on 1 June. Take the whole family along for a range of fun activities and to learn what you can do to make a difference.
- Kulin Nation bushtukka woman Cassie Fisher-Patterson will host flora and fauna tours at Mallanbool Reserve in Murrumbeena on 1 June. Cassie will share her extensive knowledge of traditional and medicinal uses of native plants, and how to identify edible native plants.
- Immerse yourself in an evening of cultural celebration at the City of Glen Era’s National Sorry Day event on 26 May, featuring an interactive performance by Djirri Djirri Dancers and engage in arts and crafts activities. The evening includes a Smoking Ceremony, followed by a Welcome to Country and an address from the Mayor.
- The much-anticipated Beechworth Courthouse Kelly Trials Exhibition, Indigo Shire’s newest celebration of its unique heritage, is now open.
- Museums Victoria has partnered with Orygen, Australia’s Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, to deliver a series of Climate Cafes at Melbourne Museum beginning in June 2024.
- One of the most influential bands of their generation and beyond, The Jesus and Mary Chain mark their 40th anniversary in 2024 with a return tour to Australia and New Zealand this July/August! They’ll be playing at The Forum in Melbourne on 4 August.
- Object of Projections -An exhibition of works by Kim Gordon is opening at the Substation Galleries in Newport on 30 May 2024 and runs until 24 August. The Sonic Youth icon will also perform live at the Northcote Theatre on Wednesday 25 July when she brings her Collective Tour to Australia.
- UK comedy superstar John Bishop is getting Back At It – doing what he does best – with a new tour for 2024 all around Australia & New Zealand. He’ll be at The Palms at Crown on 24 November.
- Dive deep into the complexities of cultural diversity with journalist and author George Megalogenis at the Cultural Diversity Oration at the Darebin Intercultural Centre, facilitated by Anthea Hancocks (CEO, Scanlon Foundation), on 21 May for World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
- Comedian Akmal Saleh will be at the Mitcham Hotel on Thursday 20 June.
- Join Lisa Miller and Nick Barker at the Brunswick Ballroom on 29 June for a matinee and evening show celebrating the 50th anniversary of Neil Young’s fifth album On The Beach.
- A free workshop – Sands of Time: Kids’ Archaeology Dig – returns to the Hellenic Museum on 26 May in celebration of National Archaeology Week.
- The Mojo Festival returns to the Trades Hall Ballroom in Carlton on Saturday 18 May with creativity and renegade fun in honour of World Schizophrenia Day. Immerse yourself in a world of art, music, and Lived Experience culture like never before.
- Join Merri-bek City Council on 11 May to celebrate the opening of Moomba Park Wetlands in Fawkner. Listen to Growling Grass Frogs, a threatened species that has made Moomba Park Wetlands its home. There will also be a Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony and more.
- Comedian Dave O’Neil’s Overweight Lightweight show is coming to the Knox Community Arts Centre on 6 September,
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:
- The heritage-listed See Yup Temple in Raglan Street, South Melbourne, is rising from the ashes of a fire in February. Historian and curator Dr Sophie Couchman will explore the historical, spiritual and cultural heritage embodied by the temple and its contents at a free heritage talk on Monday 6 May at Emerald Hill Library at 6.30 pm.
- The Whittlesea Bringing Up Kids Expo is on in Mill Park on 7-8 May
- Enjoy live music, meet the makers and browse unique handmade gifts for mum at Rialto’s Mother’s Day Market that’s on 8-9 May at 525 Collins Street.
- The Trades Fit Expo at MCEC on 8-9 May demonstrates the exciting world of trade and tech industries and the rewarding, well-paid career opportunities they can provide to young women.
- Well-known radio host and comic performer Lehmo will be the master of ceremonies at the Ageing Well Expo at Cardinia Cultural Centre Pakenham on Wednesday 8 May.
- Shop for beautifully made art, jewellery, accessories, clothing and more right in the heart of the city at the Mother’s Day Market in St James Arcade on Wednesday 8 May where you’ll find a great mix of makers with products just perfect for last minute gifts.
- 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.
- The 11th Annual Setting Sun Short Film Festival is at Yarraville’s Sun Theatre from 9-20 May.
- The 2024 Melbourne Writers Festival is taking place on 9-12 May.
- The Monster – a massive inflatable fun park that’s been touring the east coast of Australia – is set to land in Dandenong South from 9-12 May.
- The Bourne Local Markets are returning to Collins Square in the city on Thursday 9 May with a Mother’s Day Artisan Market.
- Explore cosmic alignments and unexpected impossibilities with a full program of talks, tours and chance encounters at Nocturnal, your adults-only-invite to explore Melbourne Museum after-hours on 9 May. Star gaze from the Royal Exhibition Building’s iconic Dome Promenade, with late night access to this unparalleled view included with your ticket for one night only!
- The South Side Festival comes to life in Frankston from 10-19 May with exciting performances, raucous comedy, dazzling installations, striking visual arts and fun for the whole family.
- The 2024 German Film Festival is coming to Melbourne from 10-29 May at various venues.
- Korea Festival 2024, the biggest Korean cultural event in Melbourne is returning to Fed Square for two days on 10-11 May.
- Following their awe-inspiring 2023 national tour, get set for an electrifying experience as the massive fleet of machines of Monster Truck Mania returns to Rod Laver Arena on 11-12 May 2024.
- To Palestine, With Love is a poetry, spoken word, and music event, bringing people together in love and solidarity for the Palestinian supporting community at the Wheeler Centre on 11 May.
- The Wyndham Volunteer Expo is on in Hoppers Crossing on 11 May.
- 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.
- 32 baristas will battle to be crowned the 2024 Australian Espresso Champion and to represent Australia at the 2025 World Espresso Championship at Aunty Peg’s Collingwood on 11-14 May.
- Welcome to Brunswick presents Dimmy & Dumpling fest on Saturday 11 May – from 12pm in the beer garden.
- There’s a pop-up Mother’s Day Market in Greensborough from 11am – 3pm on Saturday 11 May.
- The Burwood One Mother’s Day Market presented by Cheeky Monkey Market is happening on 11 May.
- Join the Terminus Hotel in Fitzroy North on 11 May for One Night Keg Stand where the Termi will become a beer festival featuring independent Melbourne brewers North of the Yarra, each vying for a 3-month tap residency.
- The Victorian United Nations Day of Vesak – a time to honour the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha – is happening at the Melbourne Town Hall on 11 May.
- Bayside City Council’s first Gardens for Wildlife planting bee is happening in Cheltenham on 11 May to create a demonstration garden and nature strip planting to showcase key design elements in a wildlife friendly garden and indigenous plant species suitable for nature strip planting.
- Join Merri-bek City Council on 11 May to celebrate the opening of Moomba Park Wetlands in Fawkner. Listen to Growling Grass Frogs, a threatened species that has made Moomba Park Wetlands its home. There will also be a Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony and more.
- Watch the Grand Final of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest live from the Malmö Arena in Sweden on the big screen at Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn on Sunday 12 May at 5am.
- Take your greyhounds out for beers, wines, snacks, pooch margaritas and socialising at the Greyhounds Pub Crawl in South Melbourne on 12 May.
- Join Vola Foods at the Astral African Mother’s Day Market in Brunswick on 12 May for a day filled with vibrant African culture and unique handmade goods.
- Mums skate free at Sk8house on MOTHER’S DAY – Sunday 12 May 2024, 11AM to 1PM and 2PM to 5PM.
- The Footscray Sleepless Festival runs until 16 May.
- The Melbourne International Animation Festival is until 12 May
- A new installation BioRhythm – a unique ‘living’ activation, created by Buko Studio in collaboration with Public Street – has been supported by the City of Stonnington and will be able to be seen at Prahran until 14 May.
- The Australian Heritage Festival is on until 18 May with a range of events on around Victoria.
- 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 withTop 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.
- 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 is 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.
- Hair Pieces at the Head Museum of Modern Art opens o runs until ^6 October and explores the evocative and complex significance of hair in contemporary culture through a selection of recent Australian and international works of art.
