Frankston City Council’s iconic Waterfront Festival returns on Friday 7 February and Saturday 8 February, featuring a music line-up of some of Australia’s best artists, delicious food and plenty of activities for all-ages both in and out of the water.A highlight of the summer season, Waterfront Festival returns bigger and better than ever, with a new format and some exciting new additions coming in 2025. For the first time, Waterfront Festival will kick off on Friday evening, offering the perfect way to unwind and ease into the weekend. Headlining the mainstage will be legendary Aussie duo Sneaky Sound System, who will bring their…
Author: Melbourning
Joanna Murray-Smith’s critically acclaimed play, Julia, is making return to Melbourne in 2025 for a strictly limited run. After a triumphant national tour, which saw more than 100,000 people captivated by Justine Clarke’s transformative portrayal of Australia’s first female Prime Minister, the production is back for a limited season at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Playhouse from 25 June 2025 Directed by Helpmann Award-winner Sarah Goodes, Julia offers a nuanced and powerful look at Julia Gillard’s rise to leadership and the cultural moment that immortalised her: the iconic 2012 ‘misogyny speech.’ Clarke’s performance has been lauded as “electrifying” and “astonishingly restrained” delivering…
The Australian Open is taking fan experiences to the next level with the debut of TOPCOURT, a cutting-edge precinct set to energise Birrarung Marr this summer. Running every day during the main draw, TOPCOURT blends tennis, tech, pop culture, and premium entertainment into a one-of-a-kind destination that will redefine the AO fan experience, aimed at Gen Z tennis fans. Game On powered by Fortress headlines the precinct, offering a gaming wonderland that includes VR Tennis, a fresh spin on 4-Square, Console Corner, and a Retro Arcade. From Fortnite and Rocket League to Topspin 2K25, fans can challenge friends or immerse…
Melbourne’s cultural calendar is welcoming a stunning new addition, with the highly anticipated global exclusive Yayoi Kusama exhibition opening this Sunday. 95-year-old Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is an icon of contemporary art and recognised globally for her distinctive bold and colourful work. Across eight decades Kusama has created immersive, thought-provoking and personal art that transcends cultures. The exhibition features 200 works and has been curated especially for Australian audiences. Spanning her incredible career, the exhibition includes sculpture, painting, collage, fashion and films alongside immersive artworks, including the global premiere of Kusama’s new awe-inspiring infinity mirror room. The exhibition also includes the Australian…
Sarah Blasko is set to embark on an Australian tour from February to April 2025, celebrating her newest album, I Just Need To Conquer This Mountain. The tour promises a captivating blend of her latest work and beloved hits from her extensive back catalogue, performed with her live band. Known for her evocative songwriting and magnetic stage presence, Blasko’s performances resonate with profound emotion and artistry. Her seventh studio album, released in late 2024, showcases themes of personal reflection, resilience, and reinvention. Tracks like “Bothering Me” and “The Way” explore the delicate interplay between grief, goodbyes, and fresh starts. Recorded…
This January, Theatre Works in St Kilda will host the premiere of Bearded, a new musical by Sean Donehue and Nick Waxman. Set during Australia’s 2017 marriage equality debate, the show explores the journey of Bet and Ace, two close friends navigating the complexities of family expectations and societal pressures. The musical tells the heartfelt story of Bet, whose father is a conservative political candidate, and her best friend Ace, as they navigate family expectations, societal scrutiny, and the courage to be themselves. Set against the backdrop of fierce public debate, the musical explores the intimate struggles of two young…
Melbourne’s entertainment scene is about to hit new heights with the arrival of 123BOOM! – the adrenaline-charged in-real-life arcade experience debuting at 530 Collins Street in January 2025. This immersive adventure invites thrill seekers of all ages to dive headfirst into a world brimming with challenges, puzzles, and high-stakes fun, propelling Melburnians into a nostalgic yet futuristic playground. Designed for teams of 4-8 players, 123BOOM! features six distinct rooms where participants can earn points through unique themes and gameplay. Each room preps the team for the ultimate test: THE BOMB! Teams must race against time to disarm a paint-filled explosive…
Melbourne favourite, UGO Burrata Bar has launched its new summer menu and it will not disappoint! It’s overflowing with seasonal ingredients and oozy, cheesy goodness that are sure to delight everyone’s taste buds. The store at South Melbourne Market opened its doors a year ago and quickly gained a loyal following for its dishes that satisfy the craving for creamy, indulgent burrata cheese expertly paired with high quality, fresh, local produce. Demonstrating the versatility of burrata, each seasonal menu serves up innovative, restaurant quality dishes. From the Sano breakfast granola to Zana vegetarian sandwich, the Scala’ bowl with rice, cauliflower,…
Treaty Day Out, the music festival celebrating First Nations music and culture, is back for its fifth year in Morwell in Gippsland on 8 February 2025. The festival will boast an impressive lineup of Indigenous talent, headlined by hip-hop duo A.B. Original. Joining them are country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley, Eurovision sensations Electric Fields, and acclaimed hip-hop group 3%. The lineup also features powerful voices like Emily Wurramara, Uncle Kutcha Edwards, and Uncle Dave Arden, with additional acts to be announced. Organised by the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, the festival promotes the message of Treaty, aligning with the ongoing…
Nitro Circus is set to thrill audiences across Australia in 2025 with its “Off the Rails” World Tour. The tour will feature jaw-dropping stunts, death-defying tricks, and heart-stopping performances by some of the world’s top action sports athletes. The tour will stop in at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Saturday 18 October 2025, featuring a 360-degree stadium setup with a 15-meter Giganta ramp, cutting-edge FMX kickers, and immersive effects including a ring of fire, explosions, explosions, special effects and insane contraptions. The event promises to be a spectacular display of BMX and scooter stunts, with Australian stars like Ryan Williams…
Families across Victoria will be able to take part in free, fun summer activities inspired by NGV’s exhibitions Cats & Dogs and Yayoi Kusama. Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks has announced the return of the NGV Kids on Tour and the NGV Kids Summer Festival which will offer a range of free, creative activities designed to entertain and inspire kids of all ages. This January, families can enjoy activities close to home as NGV Kids on Tour brings its largest-ever program coming to 150 venues across Melbourne and regional Victoria, including galleries, libraries, community hubs, and hospitals. From hands-on workshops to live performances and…
Australian rock legends The Cruel Sea are set to headline Live at the Gardens in Melbourne on March 8, 2025. Held at the scenic Royal Botanic Gardens, this much-loved event promises an unforgettable evening of music amidst the lush greenery of the Observatory Lawn. This immersive outdoor concert series combines world-class performances with the beauty of nature, offering attendees a unique experience in one of Melbourne’s most iconic locations. Known for their gritty blues-rock sound, The Cruel Sea will bring their signature hits, including “The Honeymoon is Over,” to the stage. The show willalso feature Mark Seymour & The Undertow,…