Experience the magic of thousands of illuminated lanterns floating in unison, symbolising hope, love, and unity at Melbourne’s Albert Park Lake this May. The Water Lantern Festival, a globally celebrated event, is set to illuminate the lake from 30 May to 1 June. Inspired by traditional lantern festivals in China, Thailand, and Vietnam, this festival offers attendees a serene and visually captivating experience, fostering a sense of community and reflection. Upon arrival, participants receive a floating lantern, LED light, and marker to decorate their lanterns with personal messages, hopes, or memories. As dusk falls, these lanterns are gently set afloat,…
Author: Melbourning
Bendigo is set to burst with colour, culture and creativity as the highly anticipated Frida Kahlo: In her own image exhibition opens at Bendigo Art Gallery on 15 March. To celebrate this exclusive showcase, the city has launched Fiesta Bendigo, featuring more than 70 Mexican-inspired events, experiences, and activities running until July. Bendigo Mayor Andrea Metcalf hailed the exhibition as a major coup for Bendigo, highlighting its rarity and significance. “This is the first time this exhibition has been shown in Australia, and it’s a unique opportunity to see Frida Kahlo’s personal items, including her fashion, makeup, and iconic artworks, straight from Mexico’s…
Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary journey as Meatmaiden, one of Melbourne’s premier steakhouses, partners with the esteemed Swedish steakhouse, Restaurang AG, for an exclusive four-hands dining event. Marking The Rare Tour’s debut in Australia, this event promises to redefine steakhouse dining. The Rare Tour, a spin-off from The World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants, celebrates world-class chefs, immersive steak education, and expert grilling techniques in top-tier steak restaurants worldwide. For three consecutive nights, Meatmaiden and Restaurang AG (No. 9 on the 2024 World’s Best list) will merge their unique styles—AG’s Scandinavian finesse and Meatmaiden’s bold, high-energy approach—to push…
This racing season, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is turbocharging Melbourne’s streets with two electrifying fan experiences: Jack’s Rides and Jack’s Garage. From 14 to 16 March, fans can buckle up for the ride of their lives or dive into the ultimate race-day pit stop party, all while celebrating the spirit of Jack Daniel’s and its partnership with the McLaren Formula 1 Racing team. After a sellout debut in 2024, Jack’s Rides is back and bigger than ever, doubling the number of luxury, racing-inspired sportscar drives. Fans can book complimentary rides in pairs from The Espy in St Kilda or Crown Melbourne in Southbank, turning their…
The Altru Outreach Festival is set to transform Atherton Reserve in Fitzroy into a hub of hope and joy on Sunday 23 March. This free, dynamic event combines festival fun with essential services, offering immediate support to at-risk youth and families facing housing insecurity and financial hardship. Headlined by Sam Fischer, Anya Alchemy, and a surprise international artist, the festival will feature live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. But the real magic lies in its on-site services: free healthcare, mental health support, job training, haircuts, veterinary care, and even prescription glasses—all delivered in a lively, community-centred environment. “Kindness is only learned…
Australia’s favourite comedy trio, Sooshi Mango, is back by popular demand! Following 39 sold-out shows in 2024, Joe Salanitri, Carlo Salanitri, and Andrew Manfre have announced their Home Made tour will return in 2025, hitting capital cities and one regional spot between August and October. In Melbourne you’ll be able to catch them at The Palais Theatre in St Kilda on 13 September. Known for their hilarious family-centric humour and iconic characters like Johnny, Vince, and Sam—plus the unforgettable mums Carmela, Angela, and Giuseppina—Sooshi Mango’s live shows are a riotous mix of skits, musical numbers, and laugh-out-loud moments. Since bursting onto the…
Footscray’s streets will come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of Africa at the Little Africa Night Market on Saturday 15 March. This vibrant event will transform the heart of Footscray into a cultural hub, celebrating African heritage with a feast of food, fashion, and entertainment. From mouth-watering halal delicacies served by local traders like Amasya Kebab House to a dazzling showcase of African fashion in the Connectivity Centre, the market offers something for everyone. Roving performances, including giant puppets like Gemma Giraffe, will add a touch of magic to the evening, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. “The Little Africa Night Market…
Music history comes alive under the stars as the Candlelight Concert returns to Prahran Square on Saturday,29 March 2025. This free, open-air event will celebrate two iconic milestones: 50 years since Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody and 60 years since The Beatles’ Help! album, featuring the timeless ballad Yesterday. Set against the glow of 5,000 candles, a live string quartet will reimagine the greatest hits of Queen and The Beatles, blending rock nostalgia with the elegance of chamber music. The result? A breathtaking, emotionally charged performance that promises to be one of the most enchanting nights of the year. “This year’s concert is a tribute to two of the…
Melbourne’s skyline is turning green with the completion of a groundbreaking green rooftop retrofit at 1 Treasury Place. Delivered through the Green Our Rooftop project—a partnership between the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government—this elevated oasis showcases how underutilised rooftops can be transformed into thriving green spaces. Featuring low-maintenance, climate-resilient plants like succulents, herbs, and native grasses, the rooftop not only provides a habitat for bees, birds, and urban wildlife but also cools the building, reduces energy costs, and mitigates stormwater runoff. This demonstration project is a tangible example of how existing buildings can be retrofitted to support urban greening and…
The Tony Award-winning musical In The Heights is set to light up Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre this August, following a sold-out season in Sydney. Created by Hamilton and Moana mastermind Lin-Manuel Miranda, this vibrant celebration of community, culture, and dreams blends hip hop, salsa, and Latin rhythms into an electrifying theatrical experience. Set in New York’s Washington Heights, the musical follows follows Usnavi, a bodega owner with dreams of a better life, and the tight-knit community around him. With themes of love, family, and chasing one’s dreams, In the Heights celebrates Latinx culture and the struggles of immigrants in America. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2008 and became…
Melbourne’s beloved winter light experience, Lightscape, is back at the Royal Botanic Gardens this June, with tickets on sale now. From 20 June to 10 August, this enchanting event will feature over 20 stunning new installations, transforming the gardens into a glowing wonderland. Visitors can wander beneath starlit floral canopies, marvel at the breathtaking ‘lawn of light,’ and immerse themselves in a symphony of artistic lighting and captivating soundscapes. Whether it’s your first visit or a cherished tradition, Lightscape 2025 promises an unforgettable night for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike. Sip on mulled wine or hot chocolate, indulge in delicious treats,…