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?
Melbourne Royal Show
The 2023 Melbourne Royal Show (formerly known as the Royal Melbourne Show) was launched this week. It’s being held from 21 September to 1 October. The program and ticket sales can be found here.
Jessica Mauboy announces 2024 tour
Jessica Mauboy has announced a new national tour this week. She’ll be playing in Traralgon on 12 March, Warragul on 13 March, Geelong on 15 March, St Kilda on 16 March and Bendigo on 17 March. Tickets here: https://www.jessicamauboy.com.au
Spacetember at IMAX
Tickets go on sale next Wednesday 16 August for the Spacetember Film Festival at IMAX. From 14 to 30 September they’re showing a range of space related cult classics on the 7-storey screen.
Vintage Vegas on display at the Athenaeum
Club Vegas is coming to the Athenaeum Theatre from 1-3 September, set to dazzle audiences of all ages in a glittering, lavish, breathtaking, modern nod to the glamour and over-the-top glitz of yesteryear on the famous Las Vegas Glitter Strip. Tickets on sale now.
Curry favour with dad this Fathers Day
The Dandenong Market has announced a Curry Festival on Fathers Day, Sunday 3 September. From India’s delightful spices to Thailand’s fiery creations, and South Africa’s rich heritage to Mauritius’ tropical paradise – this festival promises an unforgettable celebration of diverse curry cultures!
Blade Runner on an enormous screen
Experience Ridley Scott’s multi-Academy Award nominated cult film classic Blade Runner on an enormous screen while Vangelis’ score is preformed live in sync with the motion picture at Hamer Hall on 4 and 5 November. Tickets went on sale on Friday.
Save the date for these:
- The Maroondah Town Festival at Town Park in Croydon has been announced for 12 November, featuring entertainment and activities for the whole family.
- The Makers and Shakers Market is being held over two days at SeaWorks in WIlliamstown on 11 and 12 November. Featuring Australian-made stalls, food, workshops, entertainment and more…just in time for Christmas. Ticket sales and a full lineup will be announced soon.
- The Northcote Rise Festival is making a long-awaited return to High Street after 13 years and has been announced for 18 February 2024.
What to do?
Here’s a round-up of things happening in and around Melbourne this weekend and over the next few weeks:
- Dandenong Market’s EuroFeast is on this Sunday 13 August, transporting visitors on a sensory journey through the rich tapestry of European gastronomy. This exciting occasion has been meticulously crafted to showcase the essence of Europe, unearthing hidden culinary gems to feed every European craving.
- The FIFA Fan Festival is on at Fed Square with daily activities and the Women’s World Cup on the big screen until August 20.
- Catch The Huxleys’ exhibition DisGraceland at Abbotsford Convent until 20 August.
- The Melbourne International Film Festival is running until 20 August in cinemas. Find out what’s showing here.
- Imaginator – formerly Imaginaria – is in its last weeks and closes on 20 August. Book tickets here.
- Darebin Arts Speakeasy and 29 Scenes present The Fence by Fleur Murphy on stage at Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre from 9-20 August. Book here.
- Mambo Mania – a series of events where “dance and art collide” is happening at the District Docklands from 11 August until 29 September.
- The 14th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne runs until 20 August. https://www.iffm.com.au
- The University of Melbourne’s free Science Festival is on from 14 August to 20 August. It’s a series of From public lectures, expert-led masterclasses, panel discussions, games, and activities.
- Museums Victoria is celebrating National Science Week with a series of events and activities from 12 to 20 August.
- ACMI’s winter blockbuster exhibition Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion celebrates women and gender-transcending superstars from more than 120 years of moving image history. You can catch it until 1 October.
- Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature is running at the Melbourne Museum until 8 October.
- nightshifts – a contemporary art exhibition that considers the importance of solitude is on display at the Buxton Contemporary Art Museum until 29 October. The exhibition shifts in and out of focus like a dreamscape and features works from the Michael Buxton and University of Melbourne collections alongside new commissions.
