This winter, ACMI invites audiences to embrace the unexpected with a dynamic program that fuses film, art, music, and performance in thrilling new ways. From an avant-garde audiovisual festival to a radical reimagining of Shakespeare, the season promises to challenge perceptions and ignite imaginations. Kicking off in July, Double Vision transforms ACMI Cinemas into a sensory playground across three nights (3–5 July). The inaugural festival showcases boundary-pushing audiovisual artists, including Melbourne techno innovators Honeysmack and Jani Ho, UK producer Penelope Trappes, and experimental sound designers Tom Hall and mHz. Audiences can expect immersive performances that redefine the relationship between sight and sound.…
Author: Melbourning
Australian singer-songwriter Ben Lee is set to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his acclaimed 2005 album, Awake Is The New Sleep, with a nationwide tour this September and October. The tour will feature Lee and his band performing the album in its entirety, embracing a nostalgic approach with no backing tracks, click tracks, or video screens, reminiscent of the original 2005 performances. In conjunction with the tour announcement, Lee has released a reimagined version of his hit single “Catch My Disease,” collaborating with Phantom Planet and featuring guest vocals from artists including Lara Meyerratken, Sadie Dupuis, Alex Lahey, Khatumu, and Tim…
Puffing Billy Railway’s beloved Train of Lights event is set to enchant passengers once again from July 4 to July 20, 2025. Now in its fourth year, this immersive winter experience transforms the historic steam train into a moving light show through the Dandenong Ranges. Departing at 6:00 PM from Lakeside Station, the 2.5-hour return journey to Gembrook offers passengers a dazzling display of lights and colours. As the train winds through the forest, open-side carriages provide panoramic views of the illuminated landscape, creating a magical atmosphere for all ages. Upon arrival at Gembrook Station, guests can enjoy a 55-minute stopover featuring…
Melbourne CBD’s newest multi-level pub, Quarterhouse, has officially opened its doors. The contemporary, three level pub for up to 1400 people is conveniently located next to Southern Cross Station in the heart of the Melbourne Quarter precinct and is set to become a go-to for after-work drinks, pre- and post-event gatherings, corporate functions, and weekend celebrations. As well as being just minutes from Marvel Stadium, the new watering hole will be the perfect spot for sports fans and eventgoers looking for a vibrant atmosphere before or after the action.Quarterhouse spans three distinct yet cohesive levels, blending Melbourne’s urban energy, traditional pub…
Following their near sold-out national tour last year, The Original Wailers featuring guitarist Al Anderson are heading back to Australia this November to celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of the most iconic reggae albums of all time — Legend: The Best of Bob Marley and the Wailers. The tour will feature all the beloved classics from the best-selling compilation, including ‘Is This Love’, ‘Three Little Birds’, ‘Buffalo Soldier’, ‘I Shot the Sheriff’, ‘Could You Be Loved’, ‘No Woman, No Cry’, ‘Get Up, Stand Up’, ‘Jamming’, and ‘Redemption Song’. Spanning six dates, the tour kicks off at Freo.Social in Fremantle on…
The City of Melbourne is looking to establish a Little India precinct in Docklands to drive business and activity the waterfront neighbourhood. The plan is was an election pledge from Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece, and is contained in the council’s draft 2025-2026 Budget. Around 13 per cent of Docklands residents are of Indian descent, and across greater Melbourne, the Indian community is the second-largest diaspora. In 2022, more international students from India studied in Victoria than from any other country. In October last year, Docklands was the stage for Melbourne’s biggest Diwali celebration to date, with more than 20,000 people…
Aussie rock icons Grinspoon have just hit the big 3-0, and true to form, they’re marking the milestone with a massive national tour. The Lismore rock legends have announced their 30th Birthday Bonanza, a coast-to-coast celebration kicking off this November, fresh off the back of their triumphant comeback year last year. With their 2024 album Whatever, Whatever earning them an ARIA nomination and their previous tour Whatever Whenever Wherever racking up 45 sold-out shows, Grinspoon are doubling down with a victory lap that dives deep into their entire discography. Fans can expect everything from Guide to Better Living and Thrills, Kills & Sunday Pills to the hard-hitting new material…
Melbourne’s photography enthusiasts are in for a treat as Polaroid launches its boldest instant camera yet – the Polaroid Flip – alongside an immersive pop-up experience at Fitzroy’s WALKENS House of Film. From Tuesday 27 May, visitors can step into a hands-on celebration of analog photography, testing the camera’s cutting-edge features while capturing real, tangible memories in a digital-saturated world. The space will feature a retro-inspired setup, inviting locals to come in-store, learn about and test out the new Polaroid Flip, and capture a real moment on film. Whether they’re creatives, nostalgic at heart, or just looking to take a…
Following its triumphant Sydney season, the electrifying MJ The Musical will take over Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre from September 2025, producers announced today. The Olivier and four-time Tony Award-winning show, celebrating the life and artistry of Michael Jackson, has captivated global audiences – and now Melbourne will experience its high-energy spectacle. Since its Broadway debut in 2022, MJ has wowed crowds in London, Germany, and across the US. The Australian production, led by producer Michael Cassel alongside Broadway’s Lia Vollack, John Branca, and John McClain, premiered in Sydney on 8 March to roaring acclaim—including three standing ovations, two of which happened mid-show. “We’ve…
Melbourne will be the home of the Men’s Australian Open for the next two years with Rory McIlroy headlining, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulous this morning joined Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland to announce the 2025 Australian Open will be held at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club on the Melbourne Sandbelt from December 4-7 with next year’s tournament at Kingston Heath Golf Club. Winner of The Masters and five-time major Champion Rory McIlroy will headline a contingent of world-class golfers testing themselves on Melbourne’s famed Sandbelt courses. World number two McIlroy will play in both, challenging…
Melbourne’s beloved Donut Festival is making a sweet return to Queen Victoria Market on Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June 2025. This free, two-day event will run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the market’s iconic C and D Sheds, offering a delightful experience for donut enthusiasts of all ages . Indulge in a diverse array of donut creations from some of Melbourne’s top bakers. Highlights include gluten-free and vegan options from G-Free Donuts and OMG! Decadent Donuts, classic hot jam donuts from Jamm’d Dessert Bar, and innovative offerings like mac and cheese donuts from Pasta Face . Newcomers such as Walker’s…
The 2025 Central Victorian Indigenous Film Festival which takes place from May 27 to June 3, during National Reconciliation Week, will celebrate its ninth year with a feast of films, videos and activities at venues in Bendigo, Castlemaine, Heathcote and Yandoit. This year’s festival showcases an exciting range of activities, discussions and First Nations films, documentaries and videos starring and telling stories about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People from Central Victoria and across Australia The festival officially kicks off at 4.30pm Tuesday May 27 at Bendigo Library with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. There will be an…