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?
Colombian superstar J Balvin headed to Australia
J Balvin will bring his world-renowned live show to Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday 4 September. Tickets go on sale on 27 March.
Rising festival 2024 program is out
Rising has announced an epic 2024 program of new music, art and performance that’s set to ignite Melbourne/Naarm this June. The 2024 program, featuring 105 events, more than 480 artists, 23 new commissions, 6 world premieres, and 8 Australian premieres, set to take the city as a stage as winter begins from 1-16 June.
Luke Hemmings solo tour
5 Seconds of Summer lead singer Luke Hemmings is embarking on a solo world tour – Nostalgia For A Time That Never Existed. He’ll be at the Palais in St Kilda on 12 June.
Slipknot will headline Knotfest in 2025
Slipknot have confirmed that they will return to Australia in 2025 to headline their counter culture festival experience Knotfest to celebrate their 25th anniversary.
DreamHack returns to Melbourne for 2024
Global digital gaming festival DreamHack is set to take over Melbourne this April. The event will transform Melbourne Park from Friday, 26 April to Sunday, 28 April, attracting thousands of gaming enthusiasts from interstate and overseas. Earlybird tickets are now on sale.
SOUND TRACKS music and tourism extravaganza returns
The epic live music and tourism extravaganza SOUND TRACKS is headed to Shepparton, Rochester and Echuca next month. The 2024 edition of SOUND TRACKS, will see a star-studded line up of live music bring to life Shepparton’s Star Bowl bowling on Saturday, 6 April before SOUND TRACKS hits the road for a music-fuelled trip in a restored steam train running between Melbourne and Echuca.
Ritmo Latino Festival tickets on sale now
The much-anticipated Ritmo Latino festival returns to Melbourne, promising a vibrant celebration of Latin music, gastronomy, and culture. From sizzling salsa to irresistible reggaeton beats, revel in a diverse lineup of live music while indulging in mouth-watering Latin cuisine and drinks at Abbots Yards, Victoria Street Abbotsford on 13 April.
Save the date for these
Also just announced:
- Spend a heart-warming evening in the company of award-winning podcaster, author, screenwriter, and journalist Dolly Alderton at Hamer Hall on 12 November as she celebrates her latest book, Good Material.
- Following sold out houses and rave reviews on London’s West End, at Sydney Opera House, and in the USA, Australia’s hottest tap dance sensation, The Tap Pack is returning to Victoria in 2024 with 16 shows across different suburban and regional venues.
- Celebrate Greek Day at the Preston Market on 7 April with live entertainment, pop up stalls, food trucks and kids activities.
- On Saturday 27 April, there will be a celebration marking 20 years since the Abbotsford Convent Coalition was handed the keys to the Convent by the Victorian Government, and work began to transform it into the thriving precinct it is today. The Community Open Day invites all members of the community to join us as we fill the precinct to the brim with life, featuring an array of arts and cultural experiences in many wonderous forms.
- James Reyne is dipping back into the Crawl File, hitting the road to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Australian Crawl’s first greatest hits collection. His Crawl File Tour will be at the Corner Hotel, Richmond, on Monday 4 November 2024.
- Join Jessie Stephens, Holly Wainwright, and Mia Freedman for a night of laughs, unpopular opinions and their trademark honesty at the Palais on 9 May when they take their podcast Mamamia Out Loud live on stage.
- The Fantastic Film Festival Australia returns for its fifth year of weird, wonderful and wholly unexpected features and shorts from 18 April – 9 May at Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn and the Thornbury Picture House. Tickets are on sale now.
- The Hooters’ Eric Bazilian and Bachelor Girl’s Tania Doko are going on tour together. They’ll be at the Pig & Whistle in Main Ridge on Friday 19 April and the Memo Music Hall St Kilda on Saturday 20 April.
- Cinema Reborn, a world-class festival of restored classics, comes to Melbourne for the first time in 2024 with 17 premiere restorations from around the globe screening from
9-14 May to 14 at Lido Cinemas Hawthorn. - Melbourne Design Week – Australia’s largest and leading annual design festival presents its eighth edition in 2024 with 11 days of 300+ innovative exhibitions, displays, symposiums and talks throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria from 23 May – 2 June 2024.
- Melburnians are in for a treat as Cannoleria, the beloved cannoli specialist, partners with cherished local bakery, Cobb Lane, to create the perfect Easter cannoli – the Hot Cross Bun Cannoli. They’ll be available from 25 March until 1 April (unless sold out prior).
- Melbourne’s Crown Casino complex is set to welcome a unique addition in April: the world’s first standalone Grey Goose martini bar, Le Martini.
- Celebrate the grand opening of the redeveloped Morack Public Golf in Vermont South with a bumper weekend of fun activities for the whole family on 23-24 March.
- The Australia 108 Stair Challenge on 28 April allows you to conquer Australia’s tallest building – over 1700 steps and 317 metres of vertical height. This never-before-offered opportunity will have you running, walking or crawling to the 96th floor of the building.
- Taste ten wines from one of Australia’s most historical wineries – Best’s Wines – with fifth generation vigneron, Hamish Thomson, at Winehouse in Southbank on 19 April.
- As part of the landmark Country Road + NGV First Nations Commissions, eight emerging First Nations artists will present ambitious new work in the exhibition My Country, opening 22 March 2024 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.
- Popular Melbourne restaurant Chin Chin is opening a brand new venue in Geelong – a 200 seat venue called Club Chin Chin inside the upgraded GMHBA Stadium.
- Join ACCA Education on 4 May for a free family art day drop-in program for children and their families to enjoy art-making in the galleries inspired by ACCA’s exhibition Laure Prouvost: Oui Move in You.
- Witness breathtaking fire performers and thrilling fire stunts that will leave you in awe at the Flame Festival in Berwick on 13 April. Enjoy mesmerizing fire shows and groove to the rhythm of live music that will keep you on your feet all night long.
- The Crate Digger Record Fair is on at the Corner Hotel in Richmond on 7 April.
- Join in a celebration of Filipinx food, lunch and community in Footscray on 7 April at the launch of Kapamilya, an exhibition by Tagalog artist Eme featuring specially crafted sweet and savoury treats from Kariton Sorbetes and Say Cheese.
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:
- Frankston’s legendary street art festival, the Big Picture Fest, returns from 18-24 March. The city centre will be taken over by a jam packed lineup of world-renowned street artists transforming buildings and laneways into an explosion of colour and movement.
- 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.
- Tuesday mornings from 19 March to 4 June you can go behind the scenes at the Australian Ballet including a tour of the wardrobe department and watching the daily class.
- The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is on at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens from 20-24 March.
- Catch Play School live in concert in Eltham on 20 March.
- The Boroondara Volunteer Expo 2024 is on at the Hawthorn Arts Centre on Wednesday 20 March.
- The Australian Formula One Grand Prix is on at Albert Park from 21-24 March.
- Catch the Melbourne Women in Film Festival -at ACMI from 21-25 March.
- Catch Play School live in concert in Mornington on 21 March.
- Elwood Bathers is holding an Oyster Festival on Thursday 21 March.
- The Lynbrook Easter Market is on from 3-8pm on Friday 22 March.
- The Yarra Glen Outdoor Living and Caravan Expo is on 22-24 March at the Yarra Glen Racecourse.
- Rumbia – the Latin Dance Festival designed to teach, inspire and celebrate Latin dance and music is taking place on 22 to 25 March.
- The Melbourne Celtic Festival on Tour will be at the Frankston Arts Centre on Friday 22 March.
- The Viva Health and Wellbeing Festival is on at MCEC on 22-24 March,
- The Berwick Pro Rodeo is on 22 March.
- Check out the Tiny Homes Expo at the Mornington Racecourse on 22-24 March
- The Game Expo (TGX) is Melbourne’s latest convention, providing an inclusive and welcoming space for anyone who loves gaming and pop culture. It’s on at MCEC from 23-24 March.
- The St Andrews Festival is on Saturday 23 March.
- The Thornbury Apothecary’s Autumn Community Market is taking place on 23 March.
- Catch Play School live in concert in Box Hill on 23 March.
- Get ready for some of that old razzle dazzle, Chicago is back bigger and better than before, at Her Majesty’s Theatre from 23 March. It’d be a crime to miss it.
- The Annual Easter Extravaganza at Overnewton Castle in Keilor is on 23 March – a magical day for the family with a fabulous three tiered high tea, games and activities.
- Melbourne Museum will showcase some of Victoria’s most outstanding VCE and VCE VET design and technology students when Top Designs returns for 2024. The showcase opens on 23 March and runs until 14 July.
- The Indian Bazaar proudly presents Eid Bazaar, for all your Eid shopping, at Burwood One Shopping Centre on 23 March.
- Slow Food Spotswood farmers’ market is relocating to a new location and is celebrating with a family-friendly gala relaunch on 23 March.
- Wyndham Holi, Melbourne’s largest festival of colours its celebrating 10th year in Wyndham Vale on 23 March.
- Northern Melbourne Marathi Mandal- Holi 2024 is happening in Coburg on 23 March.
- The Melbourne Fashion Hub’s 2024 pop-up store is on 23 and 24 March in Collingwood, featuring designers from LCI Melbourne, RMIT, and Whitehouse Institute of Design who will showcase and offer for sale an array of first-to-market designs.
- Take the whole family down to Croydon Main Street for a pre-Easter Funday filled with fun activities and sweet treats on 23 March.
- 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.
- The Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival is on 24 March in Croydon.
- Whitehorse Culture Fest is on 24 March at the Strathdon House and Orchard Precinct, Forest Hill. Expect free activities, tasty bites, cultural displays, and music that will have you tapping your toes.
- The Rowville Bridal Expo is on at the Rowville Community Centre on 24 March.
- Join JATRA in Melbourne – a vibrant cultural extravaganza celebrating Nepal’s rich heritage at Fed Square on 24 March.
- The Box Hill Record Fair is on at the Box Hill Town Hall on Sunday 24 March.
- The Boroondara Antique and Collectables Fair is on at the Hawthorn Arts Centre on 24 March.
- The Epping Psychic and Wellbeing Expo is on 24 March.
- Returning for its twenty-second year on Sunday 24 March 2024 , Stonningtons Pets in the Park will be a furry-filled family day of demonstrations, workshops, performances, and stalls.
- The Easter Eggstravaganza is on as part of Bayside’s Autumn Fest in Brighton East on 24 March.
- Catch Play School live in concert in Caulfield on 24 March.
- Melbourne’s biggest baby and kids market, All For Kids, will be at Thomastown on 24 March.
- The Manningham Family Festival at Finns Reserve is taking place on 24 March.
- The Ballara Receptions Wedding Expo in Eltham is on 24 March.
- The sausage dog pub crawl is on in Brunswick East on 24 March.
- If you’ve ever wanted to do your bit for the environment but not sure where to start, head along to the free Nillumbik Environmental Volunteer Expo on Sunday 24 March at Edendale Community and Environment Farm in Eltham.
- The Apollo Parkways Easter Market will be on in Civic Drive, Greensborough, on 24 March.
- The Pentridge Makers Market is happening in Coburg at Pentridge Piazza on 24 March.
- The Monash Rangbarse Holi Celebration is happening at Jells Park, Wheelers Hill, on 24 March
- Dust off your party boots and support businesses in the Lower Johnston Street district of Collingwood at the third LOJO Festival on 24 March – each hosting a unique food, culture or music experience.
- Keysborough’s Big Picnic on 24 March will feature free activities, live music, performances and more as well as the annual easter egg hunt.
- The Lions Music and Picnic Day in Taylors Lakes on 24 March is a day of music, food and fun for all ages.
- The Wyndham Harbour craft market is on 24 March.
- The Aquarium Society of Victoria is hosting its first Fish Fair for 2024 in Clifton Hill on 24 March. The Fish Fair is an indoor “car boot sale” with vendors selling direct from tables in the hall.
- The Brimbank Writers & Readers Festival is on until 23 March.
- The Butterfly Club’s One Act Play Festival is on until 23 March
- The Chamber Music Festival is being held at fortyfivedownstairs in Flinders Lane until 24 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!
- The Australian Ballet performs Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at the State Theatre, Arts Centre until 26 March.
- 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.
