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?
Crowded House to tour Australia and New Zealand
Iconic multi-platinum selling rock band Crowded House have announced their 2024 Australia and New Zealand Gravity Stairs Tour, in support of their new album. The Crowdies will be at Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday 10 December. Tickets go on sale this week.
Electro duo Empire of the Sun announce new tour
Australian alt-electro pioneers Empire of the Sun have confirmed their Ask That God Australian Tour which will include a show at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl on 26 October.
Aussie rockers Grinspoon are going on an epic tour
To celebrate their eighth studio album whatever, whatever , Grinspoon is embarking on an extensive national tour. The 45 date national tour will include gigs in Melbourne, South Morang, Mulgrave, Frankston, Bendigo and Barwon Heads in November.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel is coming to Melbourne
Two of Australia’s most celebrated leading ladies, Anna O’Byrne and Marina Prior, will star in a lavish concert presentation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel, one of the most beloved musicals of all time when it comes to the Princess Theatre this September.
Listen Out music festival announces 2024 dates
Even though festivals are going through a rocky patch at the moment, the Listen Out Festival has confirmed it will go ahead in 2024. The Melbourne date will be on the Grand Final Eve public holiday on 27 September at Caribbean Gardens. The lineup will be announced in coming weeks.
Spend an unguarded moment or two with The Church in November
Iconic Aussie band, The Church, are embarking on a national tour revisiting their early repertoire. The ‘The Already Yesterday’ will be a nostalgic journey led by founding member Steve Kilbey, You’ll be able to catch them at The Palais in St Kilda on 28 November.
Catch 40 of the best shows you might have missed from this year’s Comedy Festival at the Replay Festival
Did you miss some of your favourite acts at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival? Comedy Republic’s Replay Festival returns this July, featuring over 40 of the best comedy shows from this year’s festival.
A unique prison-themed cocktail experience is coming to Melbourne
Immerse yourself in a clandestine atmosphere behind bars at Alcotraz – the immersive prison-themed cocktail experience that’s coming to Melbourne in June. Drawing inspiration from popular Hollywood movies and TV that have brought to life iconic prison stories, Alcotraz combines the allure of a speakeasy-style cocktail bar with the excitement of immersive theatre and interactive storylines.
Save the date for these
Also just announced:
- US stand-up comedian, Anthony Jeselnik, is on his way to Australia and New Zealand this July with his new Bones and All tour. He’ll be at The Palais in St Kilda on 17 July.
- Global pop sensation and former Nickelodeon stars Big Time Rush are set to captivate fans across Australia this October with the announcement of their highly anticipated debut tour. They’ll be playing at Melbourne’s Festival Hall on Friday 11 October.
- Party through the longest night of the year and celebrate the winter solstice at Scienceworks After Dark on 21 June with 18+ Planetarium and museum entry, live music and roving artists and performers.
- Award -winning and internationally acclaimed stand up comedian and television star, Tahir, is bringing his new stand-up show to Victoria in August.
- Monash Public Library Service’s annual literature festival, WordFest. is back for 2024. Running from 20 June – 11 July 2024, the festival brings readers and writers together for a series of author talks, writing workshops and the Monash Short Story Writing Competition.
- The 2024 Tastes of Greater Geelong program, spanning Friday 21 June to Sunday 14 July, will highlight the plethora of gourmet delights within the region and invite locals and visitors alike to get out this winter, support the local hospitality scene and discover the delectable offerings that can be found in Geelong’s backyard.
- Grampians winemakers are coming to Melbourne for a one-night event calledGrampians in a Glass, giving you the opportunity to delve into the delights of one of Australia’s most renowned wine regions, as 17 esteemed winemakers from Western Victoria converge on Victoria by Farmer’s Daughter at Federation Square on Thursday 27 June.
- The City of Stonnington’s Roola Boola Children’s Arts Festival returns from 2-12 July.
- Welcome to Brunswick’s 4th annual Hot Sauce and Chilli Festival is taking place on 22 June.
- Cinema Nova in Carlton is having an overnight Twilight marathon on 8 June showing all five movies in the franchise back-to-back.
- US podcasters Every Outfit are coming to Australia for the first time. You’ll be able to see them at The Capitol on 14 December.
- As winter approaches and the nights get colder, it’s time for the festive Winter Night Market at Queen Victoria Market. The 2024 event is taking place over a 13 week season, every Wednesday night from June 5 to August 28, between 5pm and 10pm.
- One of Australia’s favourite and most respected actors and presenters, Noni Hazlehurst AM is set to perform her critically acclaimed one woman show Mother at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Fairfax Theatre from 4 – 15 September 2024.
- Venture into the heart of winter’s darkness at Nightide, Queenscliff’s free solstice celebration on 22 June when the Searoad Ferries terminal transforms into a realm where fire dances with ice and the night air vibrates with the pulse of primal beats.
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 Brimbank Healthy Ageing Expo is on at the St Albans Community Centre on 27 May
- Learn about National Reconciliation Week at the Collingwood Children’s Farm from 27 May -3 June through educational crafts and storytime in the Barn, followed by a visit to the Birrarung Bank Restoration Site and First Nations gardens we manage in collaboration with the Narrap Rangers Unit.
- Wyndham City’s Reconciliation Week event in Werribee on Monday 27 May will feature a free BBQ breakfast, flag raising, welcome to country, smoking ceremony, entertainment and more.
- Aged between 15-25 and looking for work? Meet with industry professionals, and receive quality information on tertiary education, employment, traineeships, and apprenticeship opportunities at the Melton City Council 2024 Careers Expo on Tuesday 28 May at Cobblebank Stadium.
- Join Jake Adelstein in conversation about his darkly comic work of true-crime history, Tokyo Noir at Cinema Nova in Carlton on 28 May.
- Maroondah Council and Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place (MMIGP) are presenting a special Reconciliation Week event on Tuesday 28 May in Ringwood Town Square followed by the opening of a MMIGP Mullum Market,with a range of First Peoples arts, crafts, merchandise and delicious bush tucker for sale.
- The Small Business Expo is on at Jeff’s Shed on 29-30 May as part of Small Business Week
- 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.
- Do you have coats that you no longer use or need? Give them a new home at the Sunbury Coat Swap on Wednesday 29 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.
- Object of Projections -An exhibition of works by Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon is opening at the Substation Galleries in Newport on 30 May 2024 and runs until 24 August.
- 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.
- Get information on how you can change the pattern of your life through learning and community connection at the Whittlesea Helping Hands Expo on 30 May.
- FOMO Cinemas in Brunswick East will be selling $8 tickets to all movies and all sessions over 8 days until 31 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 Good Food and Wine Show is on at MCEC on 31 May – 2 June.
- Battle Area Melbourne – Australia’s largest fighting game major is on at the Moonee Valley Racecourse on 31 May – 2 June.
- Find out about Eastern Long-necked Turtles , their conservation, and what you can do to protect turtle nests from predators at the Yarran Dheran Nature Reserve in Mitcham on 31 May.
- Celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of the Hampton community at Global Grooves on 31 May. With a range of workshops, performances and guest speakers, you’ll be immersed in culture from all over the globe.
- Meet footy legend Dermott Brereton at the Village Green Hotel in Mulgrave on Friday 31 May.
- Coming to Melbourne from the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) in London and on display from 31 May until 6 October at the NGV, the Australian premiere of Africa Fashion features nearly 200 works, including couture, bespoke and ready-to-wear fashions, and body adornments, from over 50 designers from more than 20 countries and regions on the African continent.
- 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.
- Get winter ready at the Frankston (and surrounds) Op Shop Trail – One day of discounted secondhand shopping on Saturday 1 June.
- 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.
- Matsumura Blues Festival is an exciting new music festival launching on 1 June 2024 as ten bands perform at the iconic Prince Bandroom in St Kilda. The Festival offers a unique line-up of leading Australian and international blues and rock musicians, blending their tunes with some traditional Okinawan and Japanese artists.
- 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.
- There’s a trash n treasure winter carboot market in West Footscray on 1 June
- The Pascoe Vale Hand Spinners and Weavers Annual Exhibition and Sale is set to return on the weekend of 1-2 June.
- Celebrate Bunurong culture and Country, hear from Jillian West on reconciliation and be inspired by First People’s Assembly representative Zoe Upton’s insights on Treaty and how to be a supportive ally at a Reconciliation and Treaty Talk in Flinders on 1 June,
- Join a free 90-minute guided walking tour on Saturday 1 June with guest artists Thulli Mara (Woi-Wurrung, Boon Wurrung and Yuggera) and Stacey Payten (Wiradjuri) to celebrate First Peoples arts and culture in the Ringwood arts precinct during Reconciliation Week.
- The Boite is celebrating its birthday this June, exactly 45 years to the day after its first concert. A special celebration at the Collingwood Town Hall on 1 June will feature performers spanning the entirety of The Boite’s history, presenting music and traditions from around the world.
- 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.
- Join a guided Walk on Country to mark the Kulin Nation season of Perrin/Deep Winter at Altona Coastal Park on 1 June.
- There’s a Reconciliation Day tree planting event in Tarneit on 1 June.
- Join in unique opportunity as part of National Reconciliation Week to learn about the First Nations experience of incarceration at HM Prison Pentridge in Coburg on 1 June. The Torch artist and Keerraaywoorrong man, Chris Austin will lead this talk and tour reflecting on how his art has been deeply influenced and informed by his own time spent behind the bluestone walls of Pentridge.
- Get ready for a fabulous start to Pride Month at the launch of a spectacular lineup of film screenings, workshops, and performances at the Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda on 1 June.
- Environmental Film Festival Australia is back with EFFA presents: Home Grown, their first ever festival to focus entirely on Australian cinema. Taking place on Saturday 1 June at ACMI, Fed Square, this pop-up event invites audiences to journey across our coastlines, mountain regions, desert landscapes, cities and ecosystems, through personal stories of nature, belonging and protest.
- Join in an electrifying evening at the kid-friendly Flame Festival in Anzac Park, Cragieburn on 1 June. Get ready to witness breath-taking fire performers and thrilling fire stunts that will leave you in awe.
- After a hiatus of a year, the Cat Cafe Melbourne in Carlton will be having its grand reopening on 1 June with bookings now live so you can reserve a session to meet and say hello to their furry friends.
- The Pakenham Bridal Expo is on at the Cardinia Cultural Centre on 2 June.
- The Mind, Body and Soul New Age Expo pop-up is on in Werribee on 2 June.
- The Revamp Clothing Market will be at Welcome to Thornbury on 2 June.
- The Sorrento Street Market is on 2 June promising a day of unforgettable fun, community spirit, and delightful discoveries.
- Hear from experts who will empower with the latest science, take part in workshops that inspire sustainable practice, and walk away feeling motivated to make immediate changes for better self-sufficiency at Maribrynong City Council’s first ever Living Future Expo in Footscray on 2 June.
- The Volkswagen club of Victoria invite Volkswagen enthusiasts to Dubs on Displayon Sunday 2 June at the Pipeworks Market in Thomastown.
- Join in a celebration of Italian culture at the Festa Della Repubblica in Braeside on Sunday, 2 June. Indulge in authentic Italian foods, sip on prosecco and aperol, savour Arrosticini, admire prestige Italian cars, and enjoy friendly soccer and bocce matches.
- Experience the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s First Peoples and celebrate Mabo Day at St Kilda Esplanade Market on Sunday 2 June.
- Celebrate World Environment Day on 2 June by helping to plant an area of Truganina Park in Altona Meadows with local indigenous plants.
- Enjoy a fun day out at Boronia Family Day on 2 June, with free activities, music, food and more.
- The Werribee Holistic and Psychic Expo is on 2 June.
- There’s a Kite Flying Festival at Anzac Park in Cragieburn on 2 June.
- Stadium Stomp is your chance to stair climb the mighty MCG. Climb your way up, down and around the MCG grandstands in this epic stair challenge on 2 June.
- Melbourne Design Week is back for another year with a jam-packed program until 2 June.
- The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) presents the 10th annual Melbourne Art Book Fair over 11 days, from until 2 June 2024. The Fair will enliven venues across Melbourne and Victoria with book launches, talks, exhibitions and more.
- 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 until 6 June.
- Experience art forms from renowned First Nations artists at 26 Advantage’s Reconciliation Week exhibition of contemporary Indigenous art, 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 until 16 June.
- 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.
- Jump aboard the Skyline Ferris Wheel that promises breathtaking views of Melbourne’s cityscape, truly a one-of-a-kind vantage point to see a unique perspective of the CBD and beyond. It’s at the Polly Woodside Park next to MCEC until September.
- Endless play abounds at ACMI this winter, as world premiere exhibition Beings comes alive until 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.
- 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.
