Prepare for an epic clash of steel and speed as armoured knights from Australia and England descend on Kryal Castle for The Smashes, a legendary jousting tournament on 29-30 March. Held at Ballarat’s iconic Kryal Castle, this medieval spectacle will see knights charging at speeds of up to 40km/h, wielding 3.5-metre wooden lances while clad in 50kg of armour—just as they did in the Middle Ages. But the excitement doesn’t stop at the jousting arena. Dive into a full day of medieval adventure with authentic merchants, blacksmith demonstrations, birds of prey in flight, and an English-themed pub serving mead and traditional…
Author: Melbourning
Experience the historic Billilla Mansion in Brighton like never before as nationally renowned artist and composer Mia Salsjö transforms its majestic exterior into a canvas of light and sound. For one unforgettable evening on 6 April 2025, Salsjö’s latest work, 26 Halifax Street: coded movements for Billilla (2024-25), will premiere, blending a unique musical score for strings and percussion with stunning light projections of her intricate working drawings. Salsjö, celebrated for her ability to translate architecture into art, has previously brought iconic structures like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Federation Square to life through her innovative compositions. Now, she turns her…
Australian electronic duo Peking Duk are back and bigger than ever, announcing their expansive Thrills Tour for 2025. They dropped the news on Instagram, with, with the duo teasing new music and a message to fans: “NEW TOUR. NEW MUSIC. WE WANT TO SEE YOU.” Tickets for the highly anticipated tour go on sale at 9am this Wednesday, with the duo playfully warning fans, “don’t be late x.” Consisting of Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles, Peking Due are known for their infectious beats and energetic live performances. They burst onto the scene in 2014 with their hit single High, which went triple platinum…
Melbourne’s beloved brass-fuelled icons, The Cat Empire, are set to light up Fed Square this weekend with a free pop-up performance to celebrate their tenth studio album, Bird in Paradise. Dropping Friday, 21 March, the album marks a thrilling return to the band’s signature blend of ska, jazz, and Latin sounds that first catapulted them from local pubs to global stages. The free performance at Fed Square will take place at 5pm on Saturday 22 March. Fans can expect a high-energy fiesta featuring tracks from Bird in Paradise, including standouts like Blood on the Stage, Shooting Star, and Blackout Blues. The free gig will also…
Global pop sensation Dua Lipa is set to dazzle Australian fans this month with sold-out shows in Melbourne and Sydney—and she’s kicking things off with a bang. To celebrate her Radical Optimism tour, Lipa has announced a special pop-up store in Melbourne, offering fans an immersive experience into her vibrant world. Opening Monday, 17 March, at Hawker CBD (362 Little Collins Street), the store will feature exclusive merchandise, photo moments, and a lyrics booth where fans can snap pics surrounded by their favorite Dua Lipa song lyrics. The pop-up will run until Sunday, 23 March, from 10am to 6pm daily. The pop…
Step into the electrifying world of Chrissy Amphlett, the rebel-queen of Australian rock, in Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett. This high-voltage cabaret, presented as part of the 2025 RISING festival by University of Melbourne Arts and Culture (UMAC), celebrates the untamed legacy of the Divinyls’ iconic frontwoman, blending her raw talent, fierce spirit, and unforgettable music into a live-wire journey through her life and career. From the sticky carpets of Aussie pubs to global acclaim, Chrissy Amphlett redefined rock’n’roll with her audacious blend of sexuality and vulnerability. Now, powerhouse performer Sheridan Harbridge (Prima Facie) channels Chrissy’s seismic…
Get ready to discover the hero within as Disney On Ice returns to Rod Laver Arena from Wednesday 16 July to Sunday, 20 July 2025. This magical production brings your favourite Disney stories to life with world-class ice skating, iconic music, and dazzling costumes that will leave the whole family spellbound. Step into the enchanting world of Encanto with Mirabel and her extraordinary family, sail across the ocean with Moana and Maui, and join Elsa on her quest to protect Arendelle. Dive under the sea with Ariel, explore with Belle, and sing along with Rapunzel as Disney’s most beloved characters take to…
The iconic rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch is set to electrify Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from 13-26 June as part of the RISING festival. Fresh from its acclaimed run at the Adelaide Festival, this Tony Award-winning sensation—hailed by Rolling Stone as “the best rock musical ever”—returns in a bold new Australian production that promises to be as unforgettable as it is boundary-pushing. Filipino-Australian powerhouse Seann Miley Moore, celebrated for their groundbreaking role in Miss Saigon, takes on the titular role of Hedwig, a glitter-soaked, hedonistic anti-heroine navigating love, identity, and self-discovery. Moore’s portrayal of Hedwig—a “slip of a girly boy” from Berlin who finds…
Country music fans, it’s time to dust off your boots and hats—Ridin’ Hearts Festival is back for its third year, and it’s shaping up to be the ultimate country music escape in the city! Returning to Sydney Showground on Saturday 25 October and Caribbean Gardens in Melbourne on Sunday 26 October 2025, this festival is a must for country lovers and the country-curious alike. From the creators of CMC Rocks QLD, Ridin’ Hearts has quickly become a fan favourite, featuring chart-topping stars and rising talent. Past lineups have included Riley Green, Bailey Zimmerman, and Cooper Alan, and 2025 promises to…
Melbourne foodies and music lovers are invited to Go Their Own Way straight to Prahran Market on 4 April for a night of sensory indulgence at the Fleetwood Mac & Cheese event. Attendees are encouraged to dress up, dig in, and enjoy an evening of iconic tunes and cheesy delights with a night of Fleetwood Mac and macaroni and cheese. Guests can savour exclusive mac ’n’ cheese creations from G.McBean and Oltre, alongside special menu items from all Market Square traders. The bar will be open, offering a selection of favourite drinks to complement the feast. The highlight of the evening will…
As autumn cools the air, Peninsula Hot Springs is heating things up with a truly unique experience: Bathe in Cinema. Every Thursday in April, guests can soak in natural geothermal waters under the stars while enjoying Wes Anderson’s iconic films on the big screen. Anderson is a celebrated American filmmaker known for his distinctive visual style, quirky storytelling, and meticulous attention to detail. His films, such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, Moonrise Kingdom, and Fantastic Mr. Fox, are characterised by symmetrical compositions, pastel colour palettes, and eccentric characters. Anderson’s work often blends humour with heartfelt emotion, creating whimsical yet deeply human narratives. A master…