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?
Childish Gambino is coming to Melbourne
Childish Gambino is set to take the global stage once again, announcing a huge global tour of North America, Europe and Australasia being billed as The New World Tour.
Spiderbait announce Black Betty 20th anniversary tour
Iconic Aussie rockers Spiderbait will hit the road this August, September and October for an extensive run of shows to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of their seminal 2004 album, Tonight Alright and standout track, ‘Black Betty’.
Monstrously big stage production of Frankenstein coming soon
A thrilling new stage adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein will play for a strictly limited season at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre from August this year.
Epic immersive Jurassic Park experience coming to Melbourne
Get closer to dinosaurs than ever before at Jurassic World: The Exhibition – coming to Melbourne soon. Based on one of the biggest blockbusters in cinema history, this immersive experience brings the iconic movie franchise to life, offering a chance to come face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs.
Yarra’s Leaps and Bounds drops its 2024 program
Yarra City Council’s annual winter music festival, Leaps and Bounds, returns from Thursday 25 July to Sunday 28 July with a focus on uplifting and amplifying Yarra’s diverse live music scene.
US country music star Tyler Hubbard announces Aussie tour dates
Multi-platinum-selling artist, Tyler Hubbard, has announced that his ‘Strong’ World Tour is coming to Australia this October! Hubbard will bring his high-energy performances and incredible vocals to major cities across the country, kicking off at the Forum in Melbourne on 6 October
Arts Centre Melbourne announces its Winter/Spring families program
Arts Centre Melbourne’s new Winter/Spring Families program is set to thrill the young and young at heart with a diverse offering including adaptations of favourite children’s books, high energy circus, a heart-warming musical, international contemporary dance, an immersive interactive light installation and creative workshops.
One for the money, two for the show: Elvis musical returns to Melbourne
Melbourne will shake, rattle, and roll when Elvis: A Musical Revolution returns for an encore season at the Athenaeum Theatre from Saturday 27 July.
Save the date for these
Also just announced:
- Prominent German DJ and producer Boris Brejcha will appear at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne on Saturday 25 January 2025.
- After two decades of electrifying performances and chart-topping hits, British rock icons You Me At Six are bidding farewell with their final shows set to rock Australia in January 2025. They’ll be at The Forum on Monday 27 January.
- Join author Tom W. Clarke at Study@Greville in Prahran on 22 May as he discusses his book Shoulda Been Higher: A Celebration of Triple J’s Hottest 100. Tom traces social, musical and cultural impacts of the Hottest 100 over the decades and explores the fiery debate-starting questions that have made it such an iconic and important staple in Australian pop culture.
- Indulge your sweet tooth at Melbourne’s beloved Donut Festival, returning to Queen Victoria Market for a delectable two-day extravaganza over the weekend of 1-2 June.
- The immersive Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest adventure at The Briars Community Forest on the Mornington Peninsula has been extended – you can now experience it until 30 June.
- Bestselling cosy crime author Amanda Hampson will be at the Mildura and Ouyen Libraries for a morning tea and discussion on 24 and 25 May.
- Linkin Park tribute act Hybrid Theory are returning to Australia – they’ll be at Northcote Theatre on 15 November.
- Kids Takeover is back at the State Library, but with a fun twist: it’s happening after hours. Dance in child-friendly raves, explore illuminated art, tour the building by torchlight and so more. It’s happening on 3 July and bookings are essential.
- There’ll be a Four Pillars pop-up shop in the middle of LaManna Supermarket in Essendon Fields from Thursday 30 May to Monday 3 June with gin tasting and cocktail classes across the four days.
- Catch comedian Lehmo at the Altona Sports Club on Wednesday 5 May.
- Celebrate the winter solstice in Warrnambool at the third annual Solstice Search Party and embrace your connection to land and nature on 29 June.
- The High Life Expo at the RACV Club in the city on 1 June will showcase sustainability and resilience solutions tailored for apartments, apartment buildings and units.
- Indulge in a scone extravaganza at Mary Eats Cake’s first ever Scone Festival this June. From 1-30 June you can delight in freshly baked scones from Melbourne’s High Tea specialists, crafted with their signature touch and served with an array of delectable toppings
- Fox FM’s Fifi, Fev and Nick will be broadcasting live at the Caribbean Rollerama in Scoresby on Friday 24 May as part of their “Break in the Burbs” events. They’ll be joined by special guest music act Taxiride.
- Acland’s Sweet Side is a dessert tasting experience on 8 June that will showcase the famous St Kilda street as Melbourne’s dessert precinct! Try 4 x cake shops, 4 x ice cream shops AND one yoghurt shop for only $10!
- The Children’s International Film festival proud to present a special Family Fun Day event for the highly anticipated new film Inside Out 2 at the Classic, Lido and Cameo Cinemas on Sunday 16 June.
- FOMO Cinemas in Brunswick East will be selling $8 tickets to all movies and all sessions over 8 days from 24 to 31 May.
- Meet footy legend Dermott Brereton at the Village Green Hotel in Mulgrave on Friday 31 May.
- Celebrate National Donut Day at the Dandenong Market on Friday 7 June.
- Whether you’re a dessert enthusiast, a foodie in search of new flavours, or simply looking to immerse yourself in a lively atmospher head to Dandenong Market’s Street Feast – Sweet Edition on 8 June which promises an unforgettable experience for all.
- Celebrating 50 years since ABBA’s iconic win at Eurovision 1974 with “Waterloo,” ABBA Day Downunder at Williamstown Town Hall on 23 June will immerse you in the magic of ABBA like never before!
- Follow your nose to Cinema Nova in Carlton for the cinematic ‘scent-sation’ that is Scented Cinema: A Weekend of Whiff and Wonder. Over three days from 5-7 July, (scratch and) sniff your way through five beloved classic and cult movies via sensory supplements from bespoke fragrances, scratch-and-sniff adventures, and boxes filled with edible treats.
- US comedian Brad Williams has announced a tour of Australia and New Zealand. You can catch him at The Palms at Crown on 18 November.
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:
- Explore the rich history and function of the Supreme Court Library with an experienced law librarian on 20, 21 and 24 May as part of Victorian Law Week 2024. Journey through over a century of legal knowledge housed in this stunning space and appreciate the architecture, artwork, and historical treasures.
- The Bayside Volunteer Expo is on at the Brighton Town Hall on 20 May.
- 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.
- Endless play abounds at ACMI this winter, as world premiere exhibition Beings comes alive from 22 May to 29 September 2024. Comprised of 13 artworks drawn from the 20-year career of international art and design collective Universal Everything – including the premiere of four brand new artworks – Beings features an assortment of curious characters born from code.
- Twin sisters Marilyn and Christine Shady bring their pop-up MOTI shop back to the Abbotsford Convent from 22-27 May. Shop a collection of limited edition clothing, nightwear and homewares made from beautiful Indian textiles using fabric made from cotton, silk, linen and wool, much of it hand loomed and block printed.
- Moorabool Shire Council is celebrating all its exceptional volunteers with a barbecue during National Volunteer Week, 20-26 May. The barbecue will be on Wednesday 22 May at The Village Green in Bacchus Marsh from 11.30am to 2pm. Volunteers and community members are invited to attend.
- Melbourne Design Week is back for another year with a jam-packed program from 23 May – 2 June.
- The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) presents the 10th annual Melbourne Art Book Fair over 11 days, from 23 May to 2 June 2024. The Fair will enliven venues across Melbourne and Victoria with book launches, talks, exhibitions and more.
- MUA – the Pasefika Theatre Festival celebrating new works of Pasekfika dance, music and theatre is taking place in St Albans on 23-25 May.
- Join a Wurundjeri Elder and Yidaki Player who will be delivering a cleansing ceremony to respectfully acknowledge the resilience of the First Nations community who were impacted by the removal of Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Children at West Heidelberg on 23 May.
- South Space is a free exhibition in Prahran as part of Melbourne Design Week, exploring the enduring legacy of architects shaping Melbourne’s south. It’s on from 23 May to 6 June.
- Join an evening in the stunning studio of Lauren J Ritchie Millinery for a night of hats and bubbles on 24 May as part of Melbourne Design Week. Explore the latest styles and trends in hats and headwear.
- Go on a journey with the Islamic Museum of Australia as they introduce coffee from around the world in an immersive event at the Deer Park Library on 24 May.
- The Big Design Market is back at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton on 24-26 May
- Experience art forms from renowned First Nations artists at 26 Advantage’s Reconciliation Week exhibition of contemporary Indigenous art, opening on 24 May and running until 12 June.
- Circus Latino is a dynamic and exciting show which aims to thrill and captivate audiences of all ages. It’s on at the Ferntree Gully Hotel carpark from 24 May to 16 June.
- The 12th Annual Melbourne Soul Weekender is happening on Saturday 25 May. From humble beginnings in 2009, the annual event has showcased the best in rare soul from 1960’s uptempo stormers to modern dancefloor fillers and a plethora of soulful styles. Get ready to be transported back in time to the golden age of soul music.
- The Monash University Performing Arts Centre is hosting the Indian Performing Arts Convention on 25 May.
- CamberWELL-BEING returns to celebrate thehealth and wellness businesses in Camberwell Junction. Join the Wellness Trail on Saturday 25 May from 11am to 2pm to explore the health and wellness options available. Pre-register to get a free tote bag (while stocks last).
- The 1st Sunbury Scouts are bringing the Cheer Cheese Toastie Truck to Sunbury on 25 May. Head down to the Miller Street Scout Hall for fresh cheese toasties. Every toastie sold directly supports the 100% volunteer powered Scout group.
- The next Northote Social Club Garage Sale is on Saturday 25 May.
- Spend a nostalgic day celebrating 50 years of the Doncaster Aeromodellers Club on 25 May in Bulleen – including a BBQ lunch.
- Join Pasifika Community Australia Inc and their youth committee at Penrose Community Garden in Tarneit on 25 May for Carving With The Cops – a day of wood carving, food, performance and connection.
- The Acland Records and Collectables Market is happening in Acland Street Village, St Kilda, on 25 May.
- The King Con extravaganza returns to Cheltenham on 25 May. All ages are welcome to enjoy a day of special guests, games, food and fun exploring the world of comics and pop culture.
- Celebrate the Savoy Opera Company’s 81st birthday in Clayton on 25-26 May as they feature a selection of Gilbert & Sullivan songs and operettas performed since 1943.
- Celebrate Healesville Sanctuary’s 90 year history on 25-26 May and enjoy weekend of festivities, including live local music and special food and drink offerings, to a stacked Keeper Talk program and artist showcase.
- Melbourne’s Annual Wedding Expo is happening on Sunday 26 May at MCEC.
- The Plumpton Bridal Expo is on at the Windmill Gardens Reception Centre on 26 May
- The Box Hill Record Fair is on at the Box Hill Town Hall on Sunday 26 May.
- RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk is on again, this year celebrating its 30th anniversary, with thousands of pups and their owners hitting the pavement across Australia on 26 May, raising vital funds to help end animal cruelty.
- The Midnight Traders TCG Colectables Expo is happening at the Malvern Town Hall on 26 May
- Visit Ascot Vale dog-friendly venues and let the dogs socialise while munching doggie meals and Pawtinis at the Ascot Vale Puppy Pub Crawl on 26 May.
- Dandenong Agricultural and Pastoral Society Inc. present the 21st Annual Scottish Heritage Day on Sunday 26 May 10am-3pm at Greaves Reserve.
- 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.
- A free workshop – Sands of Time: Kids’ Archaeology Dig – returns to the Hellenic Museum on 26 May in celebration of National Archaeology Week.
- Hear from Coral Vass, author of the picture book Sorry Day, at the Melton library on 26 May as she talks about her work, the importance of saying sorry, and how we can become true allies to our First Nations communities.
- Join the Victorian Apiarists Association for free Australian varietal honey tastings at the Apiary at the Collingwood Children’s Farm for World Bee Day on 26 May.
- Whitehorse City Council’s National Sorry Day event is happening at the Civic Centre in Nunawading on 26 May.
- 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.
- Cinema Nova in Carlton is celebrating the films of the acclaimed American independent film studio A24 until 29 May.
- The 2024 German Film Festival continues until 29 May at various venues.
- Catch the South African Film Festival running at Classic Cinemas in Elsternwick until 30 May.
- The Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Great Ocean Road chocolateries will showcase 31 different varieties of rocky road during their Rocky Road Festival running until 31 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 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.
