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?
Kim Wilde to tour this October
Legendary English pop icon, Kim Wilde, is headed to Australia with her highly anticipated greatest hits tour in October 2024. This will be the first time she’s toured down under since 2016.
Hot Dub Time Machine’s 100% Bangers Tour
Hot Dub Time Machine is turning up the energy for his next run of headline shows across Australia – get ready for 100% BANGERS! It’s coming to Festival Hall in Melbourne on 29 June 2024.
Disney on Ice bringing its Road Trip Adventures to Rod Laver
The latest Disney on Ice production to tour Down Under has been announced, and its coming to Melbourne this July. Road Trip Adventures sees Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck take the audience on a “road trip” to visit a range of different Disney stories and destinations.
A real T-rex skeleton is coming to Victoria for the first time ever
Melbourne Museum has announced Victoria, one of the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossils in the world will be coming on 28 June– the first real T. rex to ever be shown in Victoria, 66 million years after first roaming Earth.
Celeste Barber’s new show coming to Melbourne and Geelong
Australia’s queen of comedy, Celeste Barber, has announced a 2024 tour of her new show Backup Dancer – coming to Geelong and Melbourne in August.
African fashion NGV
Africa Fashion – the largest and most comprehensive exhibition of fashion from the African continent ever mounted in Australia – is coming to Melbourne from the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) in London and on display from 31 May 2024 at the NGV.
Urzila Carlson adds extra dates to her Just Jokes tour
Urzila Carlson has announced two massive shows at the Palais Theatre on 13 and 14 September!
Save the date for these
Also just announced:
- Over two days these April school holidays, Melbourne Recital Centre turns into the biggest sound playground in town. With an array of activities, performances, and musical installations, Music Play on 3-4 April is the perfect adventure for mini-music lovers, festival-loving families and friends.
- Join the Brunswick Ballroom on 16 March for an evening with acclaimed rock photographer Tony Mott. After an hour of tales from backstage, on stage, Big Day Out, touring with the Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac and more, you’ll have the chance to ask Tony your burning questions. And don’t forget to grab a signed copy of his book!
- All thirteen of Stanley Kubrick’s feature films will be presented as part of Kubrick: A Complete Retrospective, running on Thursday nights from April to July at the Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn and the Classic Cinemas in Elsternwick.
- Participate in Japanese and Chinese paper crafts, Greek Zorba dancing, Korean food tasting and enjoy traditional South American dance, try Bollywood dancing or Zumba, listen to the beat of African drums or feast on a free multicultural afternoon tea at Stonnington’s Harmony Week celebrations in Prahran from 18-22 March.
- Avid music fans, musicians and those working in the industry are invited to share their ideas and help shape the future of live music in Greater Geelong at a free Live Music Forum on Wednesday 20 March.
- Well-known radio host and comic performer Lehmo will be the master of ceremonies at the Ageing Well Expo at Cardinia Cultural Centre Pakenham on Wednesday 8 May.
- Yakimono is holding round two of its smash-hit sake tasing event on Tuesday 9 April, led by Australia’s first female Sake Samurai, Yukino Ochiai. You’ll sample pours from some of Japan’s most legendary sake producers, carefully matched to a special lineup of eats by Executive Chef Daniel Wilson.
- Join the Astronomical Society of Victoria (ASV) for a stargazing evening at Westerfolds Park, Templestowe on Friday 15 March.
- There’s a Teddy Bears Picnic at the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick on Wednesday 10 April.
- The Easter bunny is having a tea party at the Queen Victoria Market on Sunday 31 March. Bookings are essential.
- Adalita, Phil Jamieson, Tex Perkins and Tim Rogers pay homage to the Rolling Stones in their Rolling Stones Revue show, coming to the Palais Theatre on 26 July.
- The Painters and Dockers will be playing at St Kilda’s Memo Music Hall on 1 June.
- Victorian Opera has launched the Ballarat Opera Festival with three productions across 2024: Parrwang Lifts The Sky, Celebration in Song and The Big Sing.
- Jet’s Get Born: 20 Year Anniversary Tour is heading to Torquay on 10 May.
- A symposium on Sunday 17 March 2024 as part of PHOTO 2024 will debate the hard questions about artificial intelligence (AI) and the impact of the emergence of a constructed image that does not need a camera or a lens.
- Grab a hot slice of pizza at The Pizza Sessions in Federation Square on 23-24 March – part of this year’s Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
- Smokie’s Greatest Hits Australian Tour is coming to the Palms at Crown on 18 and 19 October and will feature hits such as Living Next Door to Alice, Lay Back in the Arms of Someone, Needles and Pins, Oh Carol plus many more.
- Dress in your brightest activewear for the Maroondah Night Run – a 5km run or walk on Friday 19 April at Ringwood Golf.
- Celebrate International Sculpture Day on Saturday 27 April at an exclusive tour of the Pt Leo Estate Sculpture Park with curator Geoffrey Edwards and General Manager, Roger Lancia.
- Bring your dog to the movies! The Sun Cinema in Yarraville is hosting a doggie day screening for ROBOT DREAMS on Sunday 7 April – a beautifully bittersweet animated film about the friendship between a dog and a robot in New York, nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 2024 Academy Awards.
- Comedian Dave O’Neil will perform at Belgrave Cameo Cinema on 22 March. Joining Dave will be a hand-picked selection of the best acts from the upcoming Comedy Festival.
- Alowyn Gardens in Yarra Glen will be holding its Autumn Harvest Celebration on 6 April, featuring pumpkin and fresh produce displays, home produce competitions for the largest, longest and most unusual vegetable and lots of fun activities for the kids.
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:
- Learn everything you need to know about Californian wine at the California wine masterclass at Winehouse on 12 March.
- The Chamber Music Festival is being held at fortyfivedownstairs in Flinders Lane from 12-24 March.
- The Naarm-based Black & Bright First Nations Literary Festival is a four-day showcase celebrating the diverse expressions of First Nations writers and covers all genres from oral stories to epic novels and plays to poetry, and is on from 14-17 March.
- The Brimbank Writers & Readers Festival is back for another amazing 10 day line up of events from 14-23 March.
- Nocturnal: Worlds Apart at the Melbourne Museum on 14 March is an out-of-this world adults-only night to escape to different realms and realities through after-hours talks, tours and activities.
- The Victorian Careers & Employment Expo is open from March 14 to 16, 2024 at the Melbourne Showgrounds.
- Bourne Local Markets are having a pop-up event at Collins Square on 14 March
- Soak up the evening sun as you explore St Kilda’s newest pop-up makers market on Acland Street on 14 March.
- Carlton’s Cinema Nova is hosting the Palestinian Film Festival from 14-17 March.
- The Melbourne Gin Festival is on at the Timber Yard in Port Melbourne from 15-17 March.
- The Melbourne Tango Weekend – an event to promote social tango – is back for 2024 on 15-17 March.
- Experience workshops, performances, local and international acts and experts at the Melbourne Ukulele Festival from 15-17 March.
- The Australian Ballet performs Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at the State Theatre, Arts Centre, from 15 to 26 March.
- The Stonnington Volunteering Expo is on Friday 15 March at the Malvern Town Hall.
- Thomas the Tank Engine is back, and he’s bringing bubbles! Puffing Billy Railway is hosting the Day Out With Thomas: Bubble Tour on March 15-17 and March 22-24.
- The inaugural Melbourne Mod Weekend – a three day celebration of mod style and music – will be held from 15-17 March.
- Garden lovers can enjoy a tour of the Government House gardens on 15 March.
- Join the Astronomical Society of Victoria (ASV) for a stargazing evening at Westerfolds Park, Templestowe on Friday 15 March.
- The Train and Hobby Show is on at Sandown on 16 March.
- The Melbourne Celtic Festival will be held at Mission to Seafarers on 16-17 March
- Catch Play School live in concert in Essendon on 16 March
- ENDOVIT Fest, Australia’s very first all endometriosis affiliated full day festival lineup is coming together on 16 March at the Gaso in Collingwood, to raise awareness and show case their incredible talent for those affected by endometriosis.
- The National Trust’s beloved Vintage Clothing Sale is back in 2024 for another massive weekend at the Abbotsford Convent on 16 and 17 March 2024.
- Australia’s first hot springs wellness gathering, Awaken, returns to the Peninsula Hot Springs on 16 March.
- The Astor Theatre will have 40th anniversary screenings of cult film classic Ghostbusters on 16-17 March.
- The Mornington Peninsula Record Fair is being held at Gods Bandroom, Mornington, on 16 March.
- Meet with the RACV’s travel partners, hear about exclusive expo deals and talk to expert travel consultants at the RACV Travel Expo on 16 March.
- The Australian Romance Readers Association’s Romantic Rendezvous Melbourne event is taking place on 16 March at the Ibis Hotel.
- Want to give back to community? Have time to spare? Keen to meet new people? Want to boost your resume? Then volunteering could be for you! Find out more at the Darebin Volunteer Expo 2024 on 16 March.
- The West Footscray Festival of Colours Holi 2024 on 16 March will feature food trucks, music, colour throwing, rides and more.
- The annual Brimbank Autumn Garden Show hosted by Sunshine Golden Age Garden Club is being held on 16 March.
- The newly relocated Brunswick Op Shop is hosting a Grand Opening Party on 16 March marking 50 years serving the Brunswick community. The event will feature live music, family activities and a speech by Red Symons.
- The Indian Bazaar is recreating Mumbai’s Fashion Street by bringing in the latest Indian fashion styles and trends to The District Docklands on 16 March.
- The 91 Vintage Night Market at Ezistreat North Melbourne is happening on 16 March featuring secondhand and streetwear sellers in EziStreat’s beer garden.
- Join the Brunswick Ballroom on 16 March for an evening with acclaimed rock photographer Tony Mott. After an hour of tales from backstage, on stage, Big Day Out, touring with the Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac and more, you’ll have the chance to ask Tony your burning questions. And don’t forget to grab a signed copy of his book!
- Head to Central Park in Malvern East on 16 March for a morning of family fun to celebrate the opening of Stonnington’s new all abilities playground.
- Join internationally-recognised Spirit Medium and Psychic Clairvoyant, David the Medium, for his first ever, much anticipated live audience show at St Kilda’s Alex Theatre on 16 March.
- The Stay Gold Record Fair is happening in Brunswick on 16 March.
- The Brighton Classic Car Show is on at Firbank Grammar Oval in Brighton on Sunday 17 March.
- The 10th Anniversary Croatian Cultural Festival is on in Footscray on 17 March.
- The City of Whittlesea Community Festival will be held on Sunday 17 March.
- The Box Hill Miniature Steam Railway’s March public running day is on 17 March
- That’s Amore Cheese in Thomastown is having a ricotta festival on 17 March.
- The New to You preloved markets are on at the Williamstown Town Hall on 17 March.
- The MY Mount Eliza Run and Fun Festival is on 17 March.
- Build yourself a boat out of cardboard and plastic bottles and paddle it across the Middle Brighton Harbour at the Recycle Regatta on 17 March to raise funds for teen mental health.
- The Glen Eira Electric Vehicle Expo is on in Caulfield on 17 March
- The Melbourne Colour Frenzy colourful fun run is on at Jells Park, Wheelers Hill, on 17 March.
- Celebrate all things Porsche and kick off the Grand Prix week at the South Melbourne Porsche & Coffee meet on Sunday 17 March 2024, 8am – 10am.
- Renowned singer-songwriter Clare Bowditch is playing at Bayside City Council’s Live and Local event at Balcombe Park, Beaumaris on Sunday 17 March.
- Catch Play School live in concert in Ringwood on 17 March.
- The Brunswick puppy pub crawl is on 17 March.
- The Brimbank Park Running Festival is on 17 March.
- Banyule Council’s pet and sustainability-focused Eco Festival 2024 is being held at Petrie Park in Montmorency on 17 March.
- The City of Whittlesea’s second annual pet expo is happening on 17 March in South Morang.
- Bacchus Marsh Witchfest is on 17 March.
- The Moorabbin Record Fair is happening at the Stomping Ground Brewery and Beer Hall on 17 March.
- The Hume 2024 Holi Festival of Colours is happening in Cragieburn on 17 March.
- Get ready to run and get covered in vibrant colours at the SunFest Colour Run 2024in Sunbury on 17 March.
- The Celebrate Mooroolbark annual autumn festival is on 17 March.
- Check out the Bricknanza Lego Market in Elsternwick on 17 March where there will be second hand, new and used lego sets, parts, minifies, rare pieces and accessories.
- The iconic Rock ‘N’ Roll musical The Rocky Horror Show is back and stars Australian superstar Jason Donovan as he reprises his role of Frank N Furter for the 2024 season. At the Athenaeum until 17 March.
- The Butterfly Club’s One Act Play Festival is on until 23 March
- PHOTO Australia – the International Festival of Photography is massive event with more than 100 free exhibitions at galleries and unexpected venues around Melbourne and Victoria unti 24 March.
- As the sun goes down, Wyndham Park in Werribeewill be LIT until 24 March for 13 spectacular and twinkling evenings with all new installations!
- Joan Lindsay’s My Day of Days exhibition runs until 30 March, exploring her personal connection to St Valentines Day at the National Trust Property Mulberry Hill.
- The Alliance Française French Film Festival returns for its 35th year, running until Tuesday 2 April.
- NGV Triennial 2023 is a powerful snapshot of the world today, captured through the work of over 100 artists, designers, and collectives at the forefront of global contemporary practice. Until 7 April.
- Tim Minchin’s Groundhog Day: The Musical is playing at the Princess Theatre until 7 April.
- Catch the immersive digital experience Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature at ACMI until 14 April.
- Spanning more than 50,000 square metres, the Blue Lotus Water Garden is a seasonal garden at Yarra Junction containing over 40 different ponds, lakes and water features. You can see it this year until 14 April.
- Pentridge Prison’s exhibition Crime Time TV is a fascinating and nostalgic journey through the history of Australian crime television, running until 14 April.
- Take a majestic 360-degree audio visual journey and explore iconic landscapes and connect with mesmerising animals from around the world at the BBC Earth Experience, on until 28 April.
- See more than 200 artefacts from the Titanic at the Melbourne Museum’s Titanic: The Artefacts Exhibition, running until 30 April.
- ICON – an exhibition of photos by acclaimed photographer Steve McCurry is on at Seaworks in Williamstown until 19 May.
- 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.
