What’s On In Melbourne This Week, This Month And Beyond

Looking for what's on in Melbourne in June 2026? From blockbuster food festivals and pop-up markets to immersive art shows, live music gigs and family-friendly events, Melbourne is heaving with must-see happenings.

Here are Urban List's picks for the best things to do in Melbourne this week, all of June and further into 2026.

• June 2026 Food Events And Markets
• June 2026 Art, Culture And Exhibitions
• June 2026 Music, Theatre And Film Events
• What's On In Melbourne Later In 2026

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June 2026 Food Events And Markets

Chotto Motto, Robata and Koi Toy Are Dropping An Unexpected Menu Of Detour Dishes This June

Various Locations | Wednesday 3 June–Wednesday 1 July

Image credit: Urban List

Three of Melbourne’s coolest Japanese restaurants are taking a detour from their usual menu. From 3 June to 1 July, we've tasked the top Melbourne chefs, Kazuyuki Uchida (Chef at Chotto Motto), Lily McGrath (Head Chef at Robata) and Alex Meimetis (Owner of Koi Toy), to whip up an inventive konbini-inspired dish to celebrate our launch into Urban List Osaka with Southern Cross Travel Insurance.

 At Chotto Motto, mozzarella is in the spotlight, with their salty spin on the Kushikatsu. Panko-coated mozzarella is fried up golden and served with a pairing of crispy chilli hot honey, ramping up the dish with an unexpected sweet sidekick. Meanwhile, Robata’s Head Chef Lily McGrath is giving the nostalgic street food bite, Famichiki, an unexpected twist. Juicy boneless chicken thigh is wrapped in an ultra-thin, crisp coating, and plated it with a rich mayo injected with Japanese curry flavours. And over at Koi Toy, they'll be serving immaculate sashimi-grade blue eye fillet with a kaffir and lemongrass-infused crème fraîche, yuzu chilli smoked salmon roe emulsion, prawn floss, nori furikake, shiso, and lemon balm micro herbs.

Swerving in from 3 June to 1 July, the Detour Dishes are here for a good time, not a long time, so get in quick.

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This Fire-Inspired, Chip-Loaded Sando Is Only Available For A Month

Fancy Hank's, 1/79 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD | Thursday 4 June to Saturday 4 July, lunchtime

Image credit: Urban List

Fancy Hank's is dishing up a lunch-only Firemasters Brisket Sandwich inspired by Kettle Firemasters, the new fire-fuelled chip range fuelling good times. Packed with 16-hour smoked Angus brisket, American cheese, red onion pickles, Fancy Hank's Original BBQ Sauce and Kettle Firemasters Beef Brisket & Smokey BBQ Potato Chips in a soft Martin's potato roll, it's only available from Thursday 4 June to Saturday 4 July. 

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Bar Lourinhã Turns 20
Little Collins St, Melbourne | April–November

Image: Bar Lourinhã | Supplied

In a city that never stops opening new restaurants, Bar Lourinhã has done something arguably far more impressive: stuck around. The beloved Little Collins Street institution is turning 20 this May, and founders Matt McConnell and Jo Gamvros are marking the milestone in typical Mediterranean and Iberian style.

A rollicking year-long anniversary program centres around a series of long-table dinners that will revisit 20 years of signature dishes, with themes from Winter Classics to Greek Night, and even a Christmas event. Kicking off with the first Long Table Dinner on 30 April, later celebrations include the Tutti Chic DJ night in July, which will see all wines by the glass go for $16, and a Father's Day croqueta and chorizo party in September.

Take your pick of events and make your booking via the Bar Lourinhã website. For those who can’t make it in person, you can still take a piece of Lourinhã home; McConnell and Gamvros have just released their debut cookbook.

book here

Fondue Chalet Returns To Fed Square 

Skyline At Federation Square | 14 May–28 June

Image: Fondue Chalet | Supplied

The most indulgent winter pop-up is back in Melbourne, and this year it comes with a choice to make (and it’s not easy one). For seven weeks from 14 May, Fondue Chalet is returning to transform Federation Square into a glowing alpine village full of private timber chalets, each named after a French ski resort. 

Brand new in 2026, guests can choose their cheese ritual. Either a bubbling fondue savoyarde with four cheeses, bread and charcuterie for dipping, or a mountain raclette (melted tableside, scraped over potatoes, pickles and cured meats). Both are delicious, and both are paired with mulled wine and a charcuterie board before the main event. Fondue Chalet is taking this very seriously: nearly two tonnes of French cheese has been expressly imported. 

To finish your evening in true alpine fashion, enjoy fire pits, outdoor marshmallow roasting, and an Après-Ski Bar serving digestifs and Koko Black hot chocolate. You can even add a chocolate fondue for dessert, if you’re feeling brave. 

Sessions run Wednesday to Sunday. The early sittings are perfect for families (kids under six eat free), and later bookings are better suited for adults settling in for the night.

book here

It’s Gemini Season At Gemini Wine Bar 

158 Sydney Road, Coburg | 21 May–21 June

Image: Rob Menezes | Supplied

Coburg’s Gemini Wine Bar is outdoing the astrology girls by pulling out all the stops for its namesake astrological season. Running from 21 May to 21 June, Gemini Season is a month-long lineup of winemaker dinners, arty workshops, and parties to celebrate the venue’s birthday with their beloved community. 

The venue itself is getting an immersive transformation at the hands of Melbourne artist Nic McGuffog, whose huge sculptural installation of butterflies, flowers, and birthstones will be suspended above Gemini’s half-moon tables. 

Gemini Season’s headline events include the Dynamic Duo Wine Dinner on 27 May (where you’ll explore chardonnay and pinot noir with Dexter Wines and Tillie J Wines), an immersive tea and soundscape afternoon with Nada Soma on 31 May, and an astrological supper club with the renowned Kristy Gray on 3 June. The Gemini Season Party on 5 June is, of course, the centrepiece of the calendar, featuring roaming canapés, collabs with The Gospel Whiskey, Dutch Rules Distilling and Fleet Wines, along with plenty more surprises on the night.

All month long, look out for the theatrical Mercury Rx cocktail, a bougie happy hour with oysters and champagne, and special birthday offers for Gemini guests.

book here

The Winter Night Market Returns To Queen Vic 

Queen Victoria Market, Queen Street, Melbourne | 5pm–10pm Wednesdays, 3 June–26 August 2026 

Image: Winter Night Market | Supplied

That’s right: Melbourne’s favourite midweek winter ritual is back. The Winter Night Market returns to Queen Victoria Market every Wednesday night from 3 June and as usual, it’s completely free to enter. 

For thirteen weeks in our coldest months, Queen Vic’s historic sheds will be transformed into an open-air sprawl where you can cosy up with street food, a fire pit, live music, and roving performers. Food highlights this year include raclette sandwiches from MELTED, lobster chowder from The Soup Factory, Berlin-style doner kebabs, and crispy soft-shell crab burgers. Of course, the requisite mulled wine and American Doughnut Kitchen’s hot jam doughnuts will be making a comeback. We're also big fans of The Campfire Cocktails Bar for some wintry beverages, and MeowMeow Matcha’s ‘matchamisu’ is a sure-fire hit. 

There’s no shortage of entertainment at the Winter Night Market, either. Throughout June, a Keys to Winter piano series will feature intimate performances designed to help you slow down in the middle of a hectic week. Local makers, artisans, and specialty traders are the cherry on top, so rug up and show up this winter.

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Scone Festival At Mary Eats Cake 

Mary Eats Cake, Montrose & Brunswick | Wednesday 3–Sunday 28 June 2026

Image: Mary Eats Cake | Supplied

Amidst this era of reinventing classic desserts (tiramisu and croissants, we’re looking at you), it’s about time the humble scone got its turn. Mary Eats Cake is bringing back its highly anticipated Scone Festival this June, where guests can build their own scone combinations from a menu of bases, toppings, spreads, and curds—or go straight for a curated specialty board. 

For your scone base, choose from traditional (with raspberry jam), brownie (with house-made chocolate sauce), and white chocolate and raspberry (with lemon curd). Toppings range from Biscoff and pistachio spread to cherry compote and cream cheese mousse, and you can add tasty extras to your creation like crushed Oreo, kataifi, and meringues. 

Decision fatigue is real, we know, so the specialty boards could be the move for you. These set combinations include standouts like the Dubai Chocolate (brownie scone, pistachio spread, kataifi, fresh cream), the Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake (raspberry white chocolate scone, lemon curd, cream cheese mousse, biscuit crumble), and the Pina Colada (traditional scone, pineapple curd, coconut cream, desiccated coconut). 

Single scones start from just $9, with specialty offerings from $25. Find out more and book your spot here.

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The Melbourne Donut Festival Is Back 

Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne | Saturday 13–Sunday 14 June, 9am–4pm

Image: Donut Festival | Supplied

The Melbourne Donut Festival is headed back to Queen Victoria Market this June, and if 20 different traders and free entry doesn’t tempt you, we’re not sure what will. 

Of course, the crowd favourites are returning, like the iconic Pasta Face Hot Honey Chicken Parma Donut, flame-brûléed custard bombs from Crème Brûlée Donuts, Shortstop Coffee & Donuts’ crullers, and St. Gerry’s Greek loukoumades. But some new additions this year might be even better than the returning stars. There’ll be Japanese nama-style donuts from Kare Melbourne, West African puff puffs with pistachio and panna cotta from The Puff Puff Stand, Mr Zeppole’s anchovy zeppole (just trust us on that one), and chewy mochi donuts from Demochi. 

Whether you’re a pink-sprinkle-donut purist like Homer Simpson or keen to get more adventurous, the Donut Festival’s free entry means your stomach is the only limit. See you at Queen Vic.

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Hotel Nacional’s Second Birthday 

23-25 Hardware Lane, Melbourne | 15–19 June

Image: Hotel Nacional | Supplied

Melbourne’s gluten-free rooftop Hotel Nacional is turning two, and we’re all invited to the party. To celebrate its second birthday, it’s offering 50% off its entire food and drinks menu for five days. Yep, half price on everything—even the margaritas. 

From Monday 15 to Friday 19 June, every item at the Hardware Lane go-to spot will be half price, covering cocktails, birria tacos, share plates, desserts, and more. The venue itself is known for its IG-worthy interior, sweeping rooftop CBD views, and a Mexican-inspired menu that’s 100% gluten free. If you’ve never been before, what better time than to celebrate the big two? 

There’s no catch, just a very generous birthday offer. 

book here

High Cheese At The Westin 

205 Collins Street, Melbourne | 5pm–9:30pm Tuesday–Saturday, 26 May–17 October 2026 

Image: The Westin and Supercheese | Supplied

Love the idea of getting dressed up for high tea, but finger sandwiches don’t quite tickle your fancy? The Westin Melbourne has teamed up with Richmond cheesemonger Supercheese to make all your dreams come true. 

High Cheese at The Westin Melbourne is returning for its third year, beginning a five-month residency from 26 May where a three-tier high tea menu heroes cheese at every turn. Cult favourite Supercheese is known for sourcing niche, small-batch cheeses from local and international producers, and executive chef Apoorva Kunte has stayed true to this ethos for their collaboration.

At High Cheese, guests move through a progression of savoury and sweet cheese-forward creations—including a shared centrepiece and sweet finale—each paired with a glass of delicious Punt Road Wine. The menu will be refreshed in August, so you have no reason to not return for a second (or third) cheesy visit in winter. 

Running Tuesday through Saturday, bookings are essential.

book here

Become A Dumpling Master At Chin Chin 

Chin Chin, 125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne | Saturday 20 June & Saturday 4 July, 12–3.30pm

Image: Chin Chin | Supplied

Chin Chin is bringing back its cult-favourite Cooking with Cooper series this winter, and this time around it’s all about dumplings. Executive Chef Benjamin Cooper will take guests behind the pass for a hands-on masterclass, where you’ll learn folding techniques and how to pack flavour into fillings, before everyone sits down to enjoy their creations together.

The ‘Feed Me’ feast after each class begins with kingfish sashimi and the dumplings made fresh by the guests, before moving through a spread of Chin Chin fan favourites and finishing with a chocolate panna cotta. A welcome cocktail and snack on arrival are also include in the tickets, which go for $165 each. 

With only two sessions running, we’re sure this one will sell out. Secure your spot for 20 June here, or 4 July here.

book here

Preston Market’s First Sri Lankan Day 

Preston Market | 28 June

Image: Preston Market | Supplied

Looking for a free day out this winter? Preston Market is dedicating an entire Sunday to celebrating Sri Lankan culture on 28 June, filling the market precinct with traditional food, live music, dancing, and an unbeatable feeling of community. 

The food, of course, will take centre stage. There’ll be pop-up stalls serving hoppers from market-favourite Drums, fragrant curries, sambals, and chopped kottu roti (a real street-food spectacle that can’t be missed). 

Entertainment kicks off at 10am with the Rangana & Udumbara Dance Troupe performing traditional Kandyan and Lowland dances, followed by interactive workshops and the audience-inclusive tradition of the Devil’s Dance. DJ Rush will keep the energy high between performances, and seven-piece band DYNAMIC will finish the day spectacularly. 

Preston Market’s Sri Lankan Day is free for all to attend—just make sure you show up hungry.

more info

May 2026 Art, Culture, Exhibitions And More

Parents, Take A Night Off: Kingpin Is Babysitting 

Kingpin venues nationally | From 4pm, 1–7 June

Image: Kingpin | Landscape

Are you a parent who can’t remember the last time you had a proper night out? Well, you’re not alone. New research from entertainment hotspot Kingpin has found that the average Aussie parent hasn’t had a child-free night in over three whole months, with 77% citing babysitting costs as the main barrier. In fact, if all Australians wanted a night off parenting, it would cost a collective $183.6 million just to cover the babysitting. 

To do something about it, Kingpin has launched their Parents Off Duty initiative to coincide with Global Parents Day. Book an evening at Kingpin between 1–7 June at any of their nine venues nationally, and you’ll receive a $100 babysitting voucher from trusted childcare platform, Kiddo. This should cover up to three hours of childcare while you’re out having fun. 

From $45 per person, the Parents Off Duty package includes two activities and a $20 food and bevs voucher: think AR darts, karaoke, escape rooms, and cocktails. Pick your poison.

Vouchers are limited on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be reserved now via the Kingpin website.

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Winter Lineup At Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria 

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Ave, South Yarra & Cranbourne Gardens | June–August 2026

Image: Royal Botanic Gardens | Supplied

There’s something for everyone this winter across Melbourne’s favourite gardens, from enchanting light trails to The Megaphone Project and NAIDOC celebrations at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. 

Headlining at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is the return of Lightscape’s immersive nighttime trail, which has become a city mainstay in the colder months. The Birdwood Avenue Gardens will also see a range of drop-in craft and music activities for NAIDOC Celebrations. 

For something a bit different, Solar Tours offers a rare look at the sun (minus the squinting) through a beautifully restored 4-inch Photoheliograph telescope. Stellar Nights will take guests even deeper on a guided tour of the Melbourne Observatory, courtesy of the Astronomical Society of Victoria.

Over at Cranbourne Gardens in the south-east, explore the new How to Garden attraction for expert tips on planting Australian natives at home. If you’re after a quieter, more contemplative experience, Forest Therapy or Gardens for Wildlife & Bandicoots might be more up your alley.

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NGV Set To Dazzle With Cartier Exhibition

National Gallery Of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne | Friday 12 June–Sunday 4 October

Image: NGV / Cartier Exhibition | Supplied

Don your petticoat and collect your monocle for this dazzling new exhibition featuring all things sparkly from tiaras to necklaces and timepieces. Cartier is gearing up to grace Melbourne with a never-before-seen exhibit of their finest jewels from June to October in 2026 at The National Gallery of Victoria.

The collection will include the house’s signature ‘Garland style’ tiara, worn by the one and only Rihanna (royalty in her own right) in 2016. And for all the crows out there, worry not, for plenty of other shiny bits that have graced the very heads of Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Margaret, and The Duchess of Windsor will be present.

Cartier currently boasts a whopping 3,500 pieces in a growing collection, and with 300 of those jewels set to visit Melbourne, in a panoply of gems, the exclusive display is one of a kind.

“This exhibition is set to be a brilliant addition to our arts and cultural calendar, providing tourists and locals alike a unique opportunity to see treasures never before seen in Australia,” Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks says.

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Feel, Play, Explore—The Museum of Desire is Calling

92 Rupert Street, Collingwood | Ongoing

Image: Museum of Desire | Supplied

Ever wanted a museum visit to leave you blushing, breathless or just downright tempted? Melbourne’s Museum of Desire is about to make all your aesthetic and erotic dreams come true. This immersive playground of art and intimacy invites you to step into a world where curiosity is currency and touching (some things) is very much encouraged.

From interactive installations that let you orchestrate moans with a laser-controlled instrument to a photo booth where your hands and lips do all the work, this is not your standard “look, don’t touch” exhibition. Expect neon-lit seduction, queer art and experiences designed to make you think, laugh and maybe question why we ever made sex taboo in the first place.

With over 25 spaces to explore, whether you’re here for a date night, a friend adventure or just to see what all the moaning—I mean, buzz—is about, the Museum of Desire guarantees an unforgettable time. Tickets are 18+ and $38 per adult. 

Book HERE

Chadstone's Light To Night Festival

Chadstone Shopping Centre, Malvern East | 11 June–12 July

This winter, Chadstone is launching its inaugural Light to Night Festival, and the program is far more ambitious than you’d expect from your local shopping centre. 

Kicking off on 11 June and running through to 12 July, the month-long festival centres on two huge art commissions: an immersive installation by Australian artist RONE, and a striking glass and lightwork sculpture by emerging artist Dean Norton. RONE’s piece, titled ‘HOME’, will transplant visitors into a disquietingly familiar Aussie weatherboard home that contrasts beauty with decay.

If you’re food-minded at heart, Chadstone is partnering with the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival to host The World’s Longest Dinner. The collaboration will bring 400 guests to one (very) long table for an exquisite four-course meal, with the menu to be written by three of the city’s most exciting young chefs. 

There’s plenty more to the program, including after-dark music performances, wellness events, and an intimate Dinners with Friends series hosted by familiar faces in the food scene.

more info

May 2026 Music, Theatre And Film Events

RISING 2026

Various Locations | 27 May–8 June

Image: Australian Dance Biennale | Supplied

Melbourne's flagship winter festival RISING is back, and the 2026 program is a big ‘un. Set to run from 27 May to 8 June across theatres, galleries, town halls and public squares, it’s bringing over 100 events and 376 artists to the city (not to mention seven world premieres). 

The headline drawcard this year? The inaugural Australian Dance Biennale, which will reopen the historic Flinders Street Station Ballroom as a living dance academy for the festival.

What else? Brooklyn royalty Lil' Kim will take to the stage to celebrate two multiplatinum records that ushered in a new era of rap. Director Florentina Holzinger will also return to Arts Centre Melbourne to present her latest riotous musical-comedy, A Year Without Summer. Check out the full program here.

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Where Song Began Concert 

Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank | Saturday 6 June, 7:30pm

Image: Where Song Began | Supplied

Have you ever wanted to feel like you’re being “sung to by the country”? (Yes, that’s a direct audience quote.) Well, Where Song Began might be the most unexpectedly moving night on your social calendar this winter. 

Described as spectacular in a five-star review by Limelight Magazine, Where Song Began is a cinematic concert from The Bowerbird Collective that celebrates Australian songbirds. The musical program is sweeping, covering 300 years and everything from Bach and Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending to traditional indigenous hymns and newly commissioned works. Plus, the whole show is brought to life by immersive film projections and soundscapes to shine a life on Australia’s precious birdlife. 

The 90-minute performance will also celebrate the 125th birthday of BirdLife Australia, with a Q&A session to follow the show.

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Get Your Gleek On At Lucy Durack's Glee Club 

The Westin Collins | 12:15pm–1pm, 10, 17 and 24 June

Ever get the urge to belt out a show tune in your lunch hour? You’re in luck because Lucy Durack (Australia's very own Glinda) has a June residency at The Westin on Collins Street, bringing her mega fun Glee Club to the city. 

No auditions. No pressure. No solos. Durack describes it as a mid-week mood boost with lovely humans and iconic songs. Think everything from ABBA to Wicked. It's group karaoke without the awkwardness.

Held at Allegro Restaurant (closed for Glee Club), you're also welcome to bring your own lunch to work through between songs. 

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Pinkies Up: British Movie Nights At Bianchetto 

26–28 Cotham Road, Kew | 6:30pm Wednesdays, 10 June–29 July

Image: Bianchetto | Supplied

Thanks to Bianchetto, we’ve all got a very convincing reason to leave the house on a Wednesday night this winter. They’re running eight weeks of classic British cinema each Wednesday from 10 June to 29 July, each paired with quintessentially royal refreshments: a Pimm’s and lemonade on arrival, and a Toad in the Hole appetiser. 

Rest assured, the film lineup has something for everyone. The Italian Job and Alfie kick things off in June, before we turn to crowd favourites Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Love, Actually. The program rounds out with some grittier titles: Snatch, The Full Monty, and Skyfall. 

Whichever commonwealth cinematic creation takes your fancy, doors open at 6:30pm, films start at 7:15pm, and additional food and drinks are available throughout the evening. 

Tickets are $55pp—book your spot here. 

book here

Waitress: The Hit Broadway Musical 

Her Majesty’s Theatre | Until July 12

Image: Waitress The Musical | Instagram

The hit show described by New York Magazine as “sweet, sassy, passionate and delightful", has arrived in Melbourne.

Waitress: The Musical embraces universal themes of hope, resilience and camaraderie as it relays the story of Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie maker trapped in an abusive marriage. Her way out? A baking contest.

The stellar cast includes Natalie Bassingthwaite as Jenna while extraordinary talents Gabriyel Thomas and Mackenzie Dunn tread the boards as Becky and Dawn.

The ever charistmatic Rob Mills is Dr Pomatter and emerging superstar Keanu Gonzalez is Earl.

With strong language and themes of domestic violence, the show is a tale of empowerment, friendship and strength.

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World-Famous Bubble Planet Set To Float into Melbourne This April 

62 Dawson St, Brunswick | Ongoing

Image credit: Bubble Planet | Supplied

Lift your spirits: Bubble Planet is floating into Brunswick on 1 April. Just in time for the Easter school holidays, it’s sure to be a fever dream of colour and play for all ages. 

Bubble Planet has already mesmerised more than ten cities around the world—from London to Los Angeles, and New York to Milan—where it’s drawn over five million visitors. How does it work? Well, guests move through a spherical universe via multiple rooms, each featuring surreal, dream-like landscapes and everything from giant inflatables to floating soapy bubbles. Explore the Giant Bubble Dome, where you can relax on huge inflatable clouds while watching meditative animations above, and the continuous illusions of the Infinity Room. 

There are 11 rooms to discover at Bubble Planet (hosted at Fever Melbourne). Visitors of all ages will love the colourful combination of technology, creativity, and the senses in this floor-to-ceiling sensory experience. 

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What's On In Melbourne Later In 2026

Vera Blue and Melbourne Symphony Orchestre Reunite For One Night Only

Hamer Hall | Saturday 11 July 

Image credit: Supplied

Gather all your Lady Powers, because Vera Blue is joining forces with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for one night only. 

With impressive new arrangements from Alex Turley, who’s worked with everyone from Rüfüs Du Sol to G Flip, it’s sure to be an unmissable collision of scale and intimacy; exactly what we love about our Aussie songstress. 

Vera Blue’s set will be taken to a whole new dimension with the strings, brass, and woodwinds of the MSO; we can only imagine how goosebump-inducing ‘Hold’ will be with an accompanying orchestra. Chills. 

The best part? Alongside her well-loved songs, Vera will be unveiling some brand-new material, so you don’t want to miss this. 

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40 Years of MSO x Elton John

Hamer Hall | Thursday 1 October–Saturday 3 October

Image: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra | Supplied

Forty years ago, Elton John invited the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to join him on a national orchestral tour. This October, the MSO is returning the favour in a special tribute.

The Music of Elton hits Hamer Hall across three nights to bring Sir Elton's most beloved songs to life with the help of a full orchestra, singer/pianist Jason Dean, and his band Superband. At the helm is musical director Chong Lim AM—who is, mind you, the man behind the Qantas’ iconic I Still Call Australia Home ads.

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Strummingbird Festival Ballarat 

Victoria Park, Ballarat | Saturday 10 October

Image: Strummingbird Festival | Supplied

The largest touring country festival in Australia is back, and when the headliner is Post Malone, you know you’re in for a real treat. Strummingbird 2026 has just released its lineup, with the Grammy-nominated shapeshifter leading the charge after his latest Nashville record F-1 Trillion brought country legends Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw, and Luke Combs together. 

He’s joined by multi-platinum rising star Bailey Zimmerman (you know, the one who covered Miley Cyrus at Stagecoach), plus North Carolina’s Cooper Alan, LA’s Stella Lefty, and Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter songwriter, Cam. 

The local Aussie talent is just as impressive, with Sons of the East, Brad Cox, Max Jackson, and Mack Geiger all taking to the stage. We love to see Ballarat artist Lewis Love repping his hometown, and line dancing with Maddison Glover is sure to be a hit.

Strummingbird hits Victoria Park Ballarat on Saturday 10 October, with other stops in Newcastle and the Sunshine Coast if you find yourself out of state. Sign up for presale and grab your tickets here on 13 May to lock in the best price.

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