Melbourne pageant information: Victorian occasions in September

Words by Ben Lamb and CHESTER OGILVIE

Your Melbourne festival calendar, with all the live events, parties, celebrations and cultural gatherings happening across Victoria updated every month.

Melbourne festivals in September

Here’s your Melbourne festivals guide for September, featuring all some international music festivals, food festivals, ukulele festivals and cultural goings-on.

As we quickly make out way through the year, there’s more and more festivals on the horizon, we’re actually pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to Victorian and Melbourne festivals. No matter what you’re into, there’s bound to be a celebration for it, festival curators have been doing some cool and interesting things after the last few years of no festivals.

This September, we’ve got some cool different things down here in the Big V, from international rap festivals to celebrations of international writers to local ukulele festivals and calm celebrations, we’ve diving into a list of some of the best events to experience this September.

Music festivals

Listen Out

 

International festivals have well and truly made their return to Australia, with Listen Out happening this September. There are some great internationals and locals involved, to name a few, the lineup features internationals like AJ Tracey, Doechii and Tove Lo, on top of a stacked local lineup with legends like Stace Cadet and The Jungle Giants.  Listen Out is happening at Catani Gardens on September 23. You can check out some more info, the rest of the lineup and grab your tickets here.

On Demand Winter Festival

 

Winter may be over, but the cold weather is still here, people are looking for reasons to head in. The Toff in Town will be home to a cool festival this September, called the On Demand Winter Festival, featuring some of the coolest up-and-comers within the Melbourne music world. Some of the artists involved include Babyface Mal, OGM, and Boy Ace, among many more. Check out more info and grab your tickets here.

Transmission Festival

 

If you’re an electronic fan, this is the festival for you. The world of electronica is mixed with special effects, great equipment, and much more. There’ll also be some mind-boggling audio-visual shows that will likely be the highlight of the night. Some of the great acts involved include Marlo, Rank 1, Vini Vinci, and plenty more. The Transmission Festival is happening at the Flemington Racecourse on the 17th of September. Tickets start from $187.45, check out more info here.

Boroondara Ukulele Festival

Yes, a whole festival dedicated to the little brother of the guitar is happening this month. Located in the Melbourne suburbs, the Boroondara Ukulele Festival will have performances, classes, and much more. Some of the people involved include Dan MacEoin, Chantelle Riordan, and Margaret Crichton.  You can even go in the running to win a whiz bang ukulele worth over $300. It’s taking place on September 18, check out more info on the Boroondara Ukulele Festival here.

Australian Tap Dance Festival

The Australian Tap Dance Festival brings all the elements of the style into a week-long celebration. Talented professional dancers from Australia and New Zealand will be in attendance, sharing their expertise with adoring Aussie crowds, leading talks and classes. Some of the stars involved are Peta Anderson, Jack Egan, and Jessie Cram, among many more. The Australian Tap Dance Festival will be taking place in Melbourne from September 24. Check out more info and grab your tickets here.

Cultural Festivals

Tesselaar Tulip Festival

If you’ve ever wanted to see around 1 million tulips, you’ll feel right at home with the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. On top of flowers, attendees will be able to enjoy live entertainment, quality food, and much more. It’s taking place in the Suburb of Silvan, just past the Dandenong Ranges, perfect for a scenic drive. The Tesselaar Tulip Festival is happening in Silvan from September 10. Tickets start at $28.50, check out more info and grab your tickets here.

Melbourne Belly Dance Festival

Yet another dance festival is making its way to Melbourne this month, this time celebrating all things Belly Dance. Teachers and students from Melbourne and wider Australia will be in attendance showing why they’re experts in the field. Opening night will take place on Friday September 9, and will include some great nibbles and drinks. The Melbourne Belly Dance Festival is taking place across Brunswick from Friday September 9 until Sunday September 11. Check out what it’s all about and grab your tickets here.

Melbourne Writers Festival

Another massive festival is making its way to Melbourne’s shores this month, the Melbourne Writers Festival. Some of the greatest minds from across the world will be live and beamed into many Melbourne venues, sharing their knowledge, and giving a deeper look at their books. Some of the writers involve include Dennis Altman, Brian Cox, and Anita Hill. The Melbourne Writers Festival will be happening across Melbourne from September 8 until September 11. Check out what else is on and grab your tickets here.

IKEA Festival

 

Everyone’s biggest dream has come true, a festival celebrating everyone’s favourite Swedish furniture manufacturer. The Ikea Festival is taking place at all the Ikea’s across Melbourne, and some of the events include food sampling, a dance party, a bear hunt, and a lot more. Check out some more info and what’s happening at your local Ikea here.

Wanderlust True North Festival

 

If you want to get away from the stress and anxiety of the world, Melbourne’s never short of events to help you. The event will calm you down and “reignite your wellbeing”. There’s a star-studded group there ready to assist you, Nick Littlemore from Pnau, Tahl Rinsky, Adam Goodes, Sarah Todd, and plenty more. It’s happening on Friday September 23 at the Royal Exhibition Building. Check out more info and book in your tickets to Wanderlust here.

Asian Fun Festival

Melbourne’s a great melting pot for a variety of different backgrounds, each having some great opportunities to share their amazing history with Aussie locals. The Asian Fun Festival is said to transport you back to ancient times, through food, performances, and people. Some of the events will include a dress-up show, K-Pop show, and a drum performance too. The Asian Fun festival is taking place at the Meat Market from September 10 until September 11.

Zero Waste Festival

There’s no question that disposing of things in a good way is a big story at the moment. We’ve heard a lot about the world and its need for recycling. Zero Waste Festival makes it a big thing and tries to cut out waste completely. There’ll be a clothes swap, so you don’t chuck out your clothes, a repair café, to stop any disposal of items that may still have a life, and much more. Check out more info on the Zero Waste Festival here.

Film Festivals

Youth Justice Film Festival

If you’re the type of person who wants to see the world change, this is the type of film festival for you. The Youth Justice Film Festival will celebrate what it means to be young or young at heart. There’ll be some great short films on display, with amazing talks, food, guest speakers, and lots more. It’s happening as this month is Youth Festival month in Victoria and the Australian Red Cross’ Youth Justice Advisory Group is working to put this event on. It’ll be taking place at the beautiful Kino Cinema, check out some more info and book in your free ticket here.

Food & Drink Festivals

Tequila and Mezcal Festival

 

As the weather starts to warm up, the time for some great tequila is here. There’ll be presenters on show, sharing their extensive knowledge of the world of tequila and mezcal. With tastings taking place in an old tram, it’s an experience that doesn’t come along too often. If you’re a tequila expert, be prepared to be blown away with the rare finds that will be available. Yes, there’ll be some great Mexican-inspired food on offer too, so you won’t go hungry. The Tequila and Mezcal festival will be happening at Retropolis on Sunday September 17. Grab your tickets here.

Malaysian Hawker Festival

If you’ve ever been to Singapore, Malaysia or Thailand, you’ll be well versed in the world of Hawker food. Now you can get a little bit of a taste of it at home, with the Malaysian Hawker Festival. Queen Vic Market will be transformed into a Hawker centre, complete with hawker food, entertainment, lanterns, mooncakes, and plenty more cool things. The Malaysian Hawker Festival be taking place from Saturday September 10 until Sunday September 11 at the Queen Vic Market, check out more info on Queen Vic’s website here.

Wine & Vine Festival

We’re pretty lucky here in Australia, we’ve got some of the greatest wine regions across the world. This festival celebrates exactly that, bringing together some of Australia’s greatest winemakers under one roof. There’s said to be around 30 wineries on display, and there’ll be around 150 wines ready for you to taste. It’s taking place on Saturday September 10, grab your tickets here.

 

 

 

 

Melbourne festivals in August

Your Melbourne festivals guide for August, featuring all the music festivals, food festivals, film festivals (including the mighty MIFF) and cultural goings-on.

As we hurtle and hurdle through the year, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Victorian and Melbourne festivals. While our friends up north have had some music festival joy with Splendour in The Grass, we’ve got some cool different things down here in the Big V. From film festivals to celebrations of young entrepreneurs, we’ve got a list of the best events to experience this August.

Food, wine and beer festivals

Winter Night Market

It’s hard to believe we’ve only got one more month of winter, but that means we get one more month of Queen Vic’s Winter Night Market. It’s been one of the most popular spots over the last few months, with attendees loving the great food and entertainment.

The fun will continue into August with some silent discos, magic shows, and lots more. Check out what else is happening here.

Lunaverse

This is the perfect type of festival for these warmer months, some of Melbourne’s best breweries are banding together for an event unlike any other. Beer makers from Bodriggy, Hop Nation, Molly Rose and many more will each be on show, presenting some of the coolest and warmest new brews.

On top of that, you’ll get to hear music from some of Anti Fade Records’ best, groups like Foggy Nation and Mightiest of Guns. Check out some more info and booking details over on Bodriggy’s website here.

Film festivals

Scandinavian Film Festival

The wider Nordic region is renowned for some high-quality cinema, and we’ll be able to catch the best new flicks when the Scandinavian Film Festival takes place in Melbourne this August.

The region isn’t afraid to get a little different with its on-screen efforts, often pushing the boundaries of what is expected, and creating some really memorable works. Cinemas such as the Palace, Kino, and Pentridge will all be involved. Check out what’s on and book your tickets here.

Melbourne Cineverse Film Festival

August is a great month to be a movie fan in Melbourne, we’ve got the Scandinavian Film Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival, and the Melbourne Cinaverse Film Festival.

This festival will be taking place at the great Backlot Studios in South Melbourne, where attendees will get to catch comes of the greatest features and short films. Best of all, tickets start at an easy $5 for students. Check out some more info and book in your tickets here.

Melbourne International Film Festival

The premier event for all things movies makes its triumphant return to Melbourne this year, and it’s got a stacked program that’ll be one to remember for years to come. 2022’s incarnation marks the 70th year of the festival, and to celebrate there’ll be even more things to dive into, talks, masterclasses, premieres, and a whole lot more. There’s bound to be something up your alley. Some of the key movies to keep an eye on are Seriously Red, Three Thousand Years of Longing and Before Now & Then.

There’ll also be a bunch of interesting talks, Mark Coles Smith will dive into the world of acting, Katie Milwright will chat about Cinematography, and Katie Flaxman will bring you behind the curtain of editing, among much more. The festival is happening across select cinemas in Melbourne. It runs from August 4 until August 21. Check out the rest of the program and book it in here.

Fashion festivals

Melbourne Retail Festival

Are you a designer or wholesaler? This is the event for you. The Exhibition Building will be jam-packed with some of the world’s coolest up-and-coming brands that want to feature in your shop. You’ll be able to chat with them and see their works displayed on the runway.

Like all good festivals out there, the Melbourne Retail Festival will feature talks, workshops, and a whole lot more. This festival is taking place at Royal Exhibition Building on August 24 and August 25. Dive into more information and grab your tickets here.

Music festivals

WinterWild

These cooler months make a lot of us stay in, but every now and then, an event comes along that leans into that, and makes coming out sound great. The Winterwild festival will light up the Apollo Bay region this August, with events that’ll definitely warm you up.

Ahead of their successful US run, you can catch Aussie rockers Amyl and The Sniffers, an outdoor Wildfeast with some outdoor barbecues, or even some horror-themed events. This festival will be taking place across a number of locations across Apollo Bay. It runs from August 12 until August 28. Check out more info and grab your tickets here.

Crossroads Guitar Festival

No, it’s not the annual Eric Clapton festival, but an amazing Aussie festival of the same name. There’ll be some of our best guitarists on show, Kathleen Halloran, who performed with Kate Ceberano, Daniel Spencer, who played with Jimmy Barnes, and Dai Jones, among many more.

There are some ticket options, first-tier tickets involving a three-course meal, and the second-tier as a general admission ticket. It’s happening on Thursday, August 18 at the Transit Rooftop. Check out some more info and book your tickets here.

Monolith Festival

Border closures saw a bunch of Aussie-only line-ups, it was a great time for local musos. After things have been open for a few months, we’ve seen international headliners come back, and Aussie fill supporting roles.

But Monolith is bringing that back with an all-Aussie affair, Karnivool, Cog, and Ocean Grove will be hard rocking their way into Melburnian ears when Monolith hits Melbourne this August. Supporting these bands will be up-and-comers Plini, sleepmakeswaves, Reliqa & Yomi Ship, you can’t get more metal than this. The Monolith Festival is taking place at Port Melbourne Industrial Centre for the Arts on August 27, tickets are selling fast, grab them here.

General festivals

Lightscape

This August sees Lightscape, a journey through all things lights. The Royal Botanic Gardens will be literally lit up during the festival, attendees will get to experience a 1.8km trail of beautiful installations.

There’s said to be around 500,000 lights featured within the festival, giving a fresh and original vibe to the region, making it perfect for some great Insta-worthy pics. Check out some more information and book in your tickets to Lightscape here.

Re-Generation Youth Festival

If you’re a younger reader of Beat and looking to get out there in the world, this festival is the one for you. The Re-Generation Youth Festival allows our most business-minded youth to have a platform to share their interesting ideas and ways of thinking.

There’ll be film pitch competitions, concerts, and a whole heap more. It’s happening Friday August 12, check out some more information here. 

Melbourne Houseplant Festival

You probably can’t get anything more Melbourne sounding than this. A festival dedicated to houseplants. In this day and age, plants are becoming children, people are caring for them with their lives, so why not celebrate that?

The Melbourne Houseplant Festival will feature talks, workshops, and lots more, you’ll leave knowing a whole lot more about your green friends. Tickets start from an easy $9, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t head to this.

If you’re a plant lover, there’s even a VIP option, for $199, you can grab a premium ticket, which’ll get you a discount at stalls, workshop access, and much more. This show is taking place at Brunswick’s The Wool Mill on August 21. Grab your tickets here.

Boho Luxe Market

It mightn’t seem like one, but this could definitely be considered a festival, over some dates this August, Melbourne will transform into a little Byron Bay. Attendees can grab some beautiful clothing, jewellery, homewares, and lots more, it’s truly like you’re walking in a Byron Bay shopping centre.

On top of that, you’ll also get to experience an enjoyable sound healing session, so you can relax and get into the moment.  This show is taking place at the Royal Exhibition Building, Nicholson St and Carlton, running from August 26 until August 28 respectively. Check out some more info here.

MS Melbourne Run + Ride Festival

The Melbourne Run and Ride festival is open for athletes of all talents, there’s options from a 2.5km family ride to a whopping 50km ride, and everything in between. You can sign up over on their website and raise some money for MS, the great cause that this festival goes towards to.

For certain goals in the fundraising space, you’ll go into the running for some great prizes, including a holiday, a bike, or a visit to a brewery. It’s taking place on August 28, dive into some more info here.

Teej Festival

The Didi Bahini Samaj Victoria (DBSV) is a group of independent Nepalese women who work to get better opportunities and a better world for women. They’ll be putting on the TEEJ Festival, which will have food, dancing, talks, interactive experiences, and a whole lot more.

Tickets are only $20, grab them and check out some more information here.

Moama Lights

Echuca Moama – Until August 21

Let them light up your life

Red gum bushland and the Murray River provide a gorgeous backdrop for Moama Lights. Production and lighting company Mandylights are the brains behind the immersive experience, which takes place in Horseshoe Lagoon. Follow the trail of lit-up red gums and venture into the bushland towards a triumphant finale.

More through echucamoama.com

Borealis on the Lake

Daylesford – throughout August

Northern lights filled our skies, empty nights synchronised

The northern lights are illumining Daylesford throughout August and early September. The creation of Switzerland-based artivist Dan Acher, art and technology meet when laser beams and theatrical auroras are beamed across Lake Daylesford. Set to a tranquil soundtrack, Borealis on the Lake is a place for strangers to connect.

More through borealisau.com

Hot Chocolate Festival

Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie, Bellbrae – August 1-31

Drink ’em while they’re hot

With hot chocolates so decadent you will need to go to confessional, the Hot Chocolate Festival is serving up a month-long festival of deliciousness. Choose from 31 different flavours, including boozy creations. You can also enjoy tasting sessions, or purchase DIY kits for sipping at home in your PJs.

More through gorci.com.au

Unheard Stories Film Festival

Cameo Cinema, Belgrave – August 4 & WPACC, Wangaratta – August 17 Stories that deserves to be heard. Presented by Soundfair, the Unheard Stories Film Festival spotlights deaf and hard-of-hearing storytellers. Films include Hear Me Out, We Hear You, Deafying Gravity and Amplify This!

More through soundfair.org.au

Melbourne International Film Festival

In the City – August 4-21; In the Suburbs – August 12-21; In the Regions – August 12-21

Let’s go to the movies

MIFF returns for its platinum anniversary, forever striving to build an enlightened and engaged society through film. Already selling fast is Hear My Eyes: Chopper x Springtime & Mick Harvey which features Melbourne supergroup Springtime joining forces with Mick Harvey to create a new score for the classic 2000 Australian film, Chopper.

Other films include Berlinale’s Golden Bear for Best Film winner Alcarràs, the Aubrey Plaza vehicle Emily the Criminal, the activist-driven Franklin, an ode to the New York aughts rock renaissance Meet Me in the Bathroom, horror-comedy Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon, coming-of-age road movie Sweet As, an animated retelling of Anne Frank’s story Where is Anne Frank and Riley Stearns’ Dual.

More through miff.com.au

LUNAVERSE

Bodriggy Brewpub, Abbotsford – August 5-7

A toast to independent beers

The “moon to summer’s Electric KoolAid Festival”, LUNAVERSE is a three-day festival that aims to dissolve the lines between sound, space, craft and taste. Performers include Alien Nose Job, Mikey Young, Parsnip, Pious Faults, Cale Sexton, Golden Hour, Foggy Notion, Milo Eastwood, San of the Rambutan, Mightiest of Guns, Mitch Dillon and the Compulsive Ramblers and more.

More through bodriggy.beer

Burning of the Canes

Austin’s Winery, Sutherlands Creek – August 6

A fine time to enjoy a wine

The Burning of the Canes celebrates the end of pruning and the rebirth of vines. Opened to the public for the first time, Nama Please will be cooking up a feast while DJ Edd Fisher will be spinning tunes. Stay toasty warm next to the bonfire of the canes and fire pits.

More through austinswines.com.au

Surf Coast Arts Trail

Surf Coast – August 6 & 7

A picture paints a thousand words

Art lovers have the opportunity to chew the fat about the artistic process with artists across Aireys Inlet, Lorne, Anglesea, Torquay and more at the 10th Surf Coast Arts Trail.

More through surfcoastartstrail.com.au

Ego Expo x District Docklands

The Throwback Lounge – August 6-28

For the hustlers and the homies

Ego Expo is having a winter pop-up throughout August, with two venues set to be transformed into throwback lounges dripping with the ’90s. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be a mix of performances, cereal bar, arcade zone, pop-up stalls, prizes and more. A key event is Westside Apparel’s EgoFest music festival, which will take place on August 27. This is a free, all-ages event – but RSVP is compulsory.

More through egoexpo.com.au

FemmeCon

39 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf – August 12

Full force feminine power

FemmeCon’s aim is to inspire women to embrace their full force feminie power with “zero fucks”. Ten high-profile female speakers, boutique pop-ups, gift bags and interactive experiences will all feature. DJ Claudia Allegro will provide tunes, while the day includes full catering (including breakfast snacks on arrival).

More through femmecon.co/etn/feminine-power

WinterWild

Apollo Bay – August 12-14 & 26-28

Take a walk on the wild side

Victoria’s answer to Dark Mofo, Apollo Bay’s WinterWild was launched in 2017 in response to the 2015 Colac Otway bushfires. Two weekends play host to music, performance, comedy and food, wrapping you up in a big warm blanket of the familiar and unusual. Performers include Amyl & the Sniffers, Cash Savage and the Last Drinks, Emma Donovan & the Putbacks, Leah Senior, Sid O’Neil and Kee’ahn.

More through winterwild.com.au

Melbourne Houseplant Festival

The Wool Mill, Brunswick East – August 21

Spruce up your room with a houseplant

Based on the successful London Houseplant Festival, the Melbourne Houseplant Festival features a line-up of some of the country’s finest plant experts. Learn from the likes of Lauren and Sophia (authors of Leaf Supply & Plantopedia) and Dom (co-founder of Plant Runner, featured in The Block).

More through planthood.com.au

RMIT Pride Week

RMIT University – August 22-26

Hope will never be silent

Teachers, students and alumni come together for RMIT Pride Week, with a series of events aimed to raise awareness of issues and barriers to inclusion for the LGBTIQA+ community. A highlight is the RMIT Pride Film Festival on August 23 (City Campus) and August 24 (Bundoora Campus) which will showcase five short films – Infinito Enquanto Dure (Infinite While it Lasts) Tell-By Date, The Best Men, Falling for Caroline and Congo Cabaret.

More through rmit.edu.au

Melbourne Retail Festival

Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton – August 24 & 25

Find a bargain for everyone

Established and emerging local and international brands will display their goods in categories that include apparel, jewellery, footwear, beauty, home, active, sleep, baby and more. Runway shows and seminar series will also feature.

More through eventbrite.com.au

Monolith Festival

Pica, Melbourne – August 27

An explosion of prog, rock and metal

A big and chunky seven-band line-up, where best of all there is no clashing. The rescheduled date features Karnivool, COG, Ocean Grove, Plini, sleepmakeswaves, Reliqa and Yomi Ship.

More through destroyalllines.com

 

 

 

 

Melbourne festivals in July

From French festivals to comedy repeats, we’ve collated seven fantastic Melbourne festivals to check out in July.

Bastille Day French Festival

Want to head to France but still not keen to jump on a plane? Then check out the amazing Bastille Day French Festival.

It’s jam packed with heaps of cool events, there’ll be things like climate change talks, a French cocktail masterclass, a French trivia night, and a whole heap more that you can dive into here.  There’ll also be a cool French winter market operating alongside the festival, check out more info on that here.

Melbourne Documentary Film Festival

Are you the kind of person who can’t get enough of the documentary section on your streaming service? The Melbourne Documentary Film festival has plenty more ready for you to dive into.

The festival is set to take place at Carlton’s amazing Cinema Nova, and will feature over 100 docos from all corners of the earth; places like Venice, Tribeca and SXSW, among many more that you can dive into here.

Soulful Sounds

Soulful Sounds brings some talented performers out to the suburbs, hitting the Malvern Town Hall this July.

It’s an all-ages show, set to feature music from artists like Jo Eden, Conor Morrissey, Benjamin Trillado and Hana Rosè. This festival is the brainchild of Freeza so you know there’ll be lots of cool things happening alongside the music, and its set to be a drug and alcohol free show, so it’s great for all types of fans, young and old.

Firelight Festival

This is the perfect sort of festival for these warmer months.

As the name suggests, this festival is all about fire. There’ll be fire dancers, light shows, fire sculptures, and of course a whole lot of safe stuff to enjoy. On top of that, there’ll be some great food and drinks on offer, so you can spend as long as you need there. It’s happening from Friday July 1 – Sunday July 3, check out some more info here.

Indian Festival 2022

Melbourne is a beautiful melting pot of all different types of backgrounds from across the world.

Hitting the Queen Vic Market on Saturday July 16 and Sunday July 17, the festival’s set to celebrate all elements of Indian heritage, there’ll be food, drinks, dancing, and a whole lot more. Check out some more info on it and register your free place here.

Tacos, Tequilas, and Margaritas

Hungry?  Tacos, Tequilas and Margaritas is waiting for you.

This is an awesome mostly free festival making its way to Ascot Vale, it’ll be like you’re heading into Little Mexico, the culture will be dripping from the walls. On top of that, for an extra $16.91, you can grab a premium ticket, which involves a tequila tasting masterclass, and a free Margarita as well! There’s no reason why you shouldn’t book tickets to this.

Replay Festival

Missed out on the action from the Melbourne International Comedy festival? The Replay festival has you covered.

This festival is taking over the amazing Comedy Republic stage, and will feature shows from artists like Scout Boxall, Michelle Brasier, Grace Jarvis, and Tom Cashman, among many more.

Melbourne Magic Festival

Various venues around Melbourne and surrounds – Until July 9

Every little thing they do is magic 

More than 130 performances of 30 different shows will take place through the Melbourne Magic Festival’s run. Fans of Penn & Teller: Fool Us may recognise some faces, with some ‘Foolers’ among the festival’s line-up. Workshops will also feature.

More through melbournemagicfestival.com

East Gippsland Winter Festival

East Gippsland – Until July 10

Discover the treasures of East Gippsland

The East Gippsland Winter Festival is set to light up Victoria’s east with more than 80 spectacular events over three weeks.

From a Laneway Party to fine dining experiences, there’s tons of events on over the three weeks – including free lantern-making workshops, cultural ceremonies and experiences led by traditional Indigenous owners, long lunches that showcase local produce and nature activities such as bush walks, yoga and meditation.

More here.

Ballarat Winter Festival

Ballarat – Until July 17

Walking in a winter wonderland 

Come celebrate the city’s signature season through unique events, activities and offerings. Highlights include the Winter Wonderlights, the Pop-Up Ice Rink and the Kryal Castle show, Knights of Fire and Show Queen Neva.

More through visitballarat.com.au

Leaps and Bounds

City of Yarra – Until July 24

High on the hill

Beginning as a way to keep the musical fires burning throughout winter, Leaps and Bounds celebrates the home-grown music world. With something for all ages and budgets, events include Winter Spin, a collection of Record Store Day parties; RAH! RAH! #2.2, a feminist punk rock retrospective; Power to You, a showcase of some of Melbourne’s up-and-coming artists with a focus on female-driven heavier acts; and RocKwiz Live.

More through lbmf.com.au

NAIDOC Week

Across Australia – July 3-10

Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! 

Held in the first week of July, NAIDOC Week is a celebration and recognition of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

More through naidoc.org.au

Melbourne Tartan Festival

Melbourne – July 3-28

Pure dead brilliant 

A celebration of Scottish culture, the Melbourne Tartan festival is haggis-packed with a historical tour and exhibition, a Scottish Connections CBD walking tour, whisky tasting, a haggis supper, music, dance, author talks and much more. Highlights include The Victorian Pipers Association Championships and the Victorian Scottish Dancing Members Association 61st Commonwealth Championships.

More through melbournetartanfestival.com.au

Eureka Arms & Militaria Fair

Ballarat Equestrian Centre, Mount Rowan – July 9 & 10

Looks like the spider caught himself a couple of flies

More than 200 tables and displays will showcase an assortment of antique and modern arms, medals, knives, swords, badges, uniforms, collectable ammo, security equipment, books, memorabilia and much more.

More through ballaratarms.com.au

Mildura Writers Festival

Mildura – July 14-17

La-a-la la-la, they’ve got the book 

Max Allen, Larissa Behrendt, Anna Clark, Gerald Diffey, Reg Dodd, Melinda Hinkson, Yumna Kassab, Anne Keeney, Stuart Kells, Malcolm McKinnon, Krissy Kneen, Clare Wright and Sam Morley are among the guests at Mildura’s four-day festival celebrating the written word.

More through mildurawritersfestival.com

Winter Sounds

Daylesford – July 15-17

Discover your new sound 

Historic churches, gold-rush buildings, village halls and art-deco theatres will play host to a weekend of intimate performances in Daylesford and the surrounding hills. Performers include Emma Donovan & the Putbacks, Fenn Wilson, Cash Savage & the Last Drinks, Blake Scott, Harmony Byrne, C.W. Stoneking, The Luke Sinclair Set, Freya Josephine Hollick and Jazzparty.

More through wintersounds.com.au

Bendigo Queer Film Festival

Bendigo Cinemas – July 15-17

Find a friend in a film  

The Bendigo Queer Film Festival will open with the Danish animated documentary Flee, which won the Grand Jury Prize in the World Cinema Documentary section at Sundance. Other highlights include the BQFF International Short Film Festival and a Sunday morning breakfast special with Adam Richard.

More through bendigoqueerfilmfestival.com.au

Dinosaur Festival Ballarat

Ballarat – July 15-17

It’s going to be Dino-mite

More than 18 animatronic dinosaurs will be on display in an indoor and outdoor educational exhibition. There will also be various amusement rides and dinosaur-themed activities. Free tickets for public school children will be available, but note that children will be required to be in proper uniform and the offer is available on the Friday only on a first come, first served basis.

More through dinofestivalaustralia.com  

Australian Sheep & Wool Show

Bendigo Showgrounds – July 15-17

It’s a slamb dunk

The largest event of its type in the world, the Australian Sheep & Wool Show salutes the mighty sheep. Highlights include the Bendigo Festival of Lamb, Women in Wool and the Australian wool fashion parades. You also have sheep competitions, shearing and much, much more.

More through sheepshow.com

Bastille Day

Melbourne – July 16 & 17

Bien s’amuser

French summer combines with Australian winter as the French-Australian community celebrates France’s national day, Bastille Day.

More through bastilledaymelbourne.com

Mould

The Timber Yard, Port Melbourne – July 22-24

The cheese is old and mouldy 

A collaborative affair between Bruny Island Cheese Co cheesemaker Nick Haddow and the organisers of Pinot Palooza, Mould is a festival dedicated to one of life’s greatest food joys: cheese.

More through mouldcheesefestival.com

Blobfish Festival

Meat Market, North Melbourne – July 23

A celebration of strange beers 

Australia’s first festival dedicated to sour, funky and wild in the beer world. Features 19 breweries from New Zealand and Australia plus food and entertainment, punters are set to sip a diverse range of sours, saisons, barrel-aged brews, fruity concoctions and rare small-batch runs from the likes of NZ’s Garage Project, Sydney’s Wildflower Brewing & Blending, Tasmania’s Van Dieman Brewing, and Ballarat-based sour darlings Dollar Bill Brewing.

More through Moshtix.

Outlaw Winter Wonderland

Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon – July 23

Yoo-hoo, I’ll make ya famous 

A celebration of country, roots and Americana music with an Australian flavour, Outlaw Winter Wonderland welcomes Brooke Taylor & the Poison Spitting Gin Queens, Matt Joe Gow, Smith & Western Jury, Duncan Phillips and Stefanie Duzel. There will also be an Outlaw winter market, comfort food specials and drinks. $5 from every ticket will be donated to the Macedon CFA.

More through macedonrailwayhotel.com.au

Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival

Echuca Moama – July 28-31

The blues tells a story 

After a couple of cancellations, the blues is back. The line-up includes 19 Twenty, Aaron Pollock, Andrew Farrell Piano Wizard, Benny James, Bill Barber, Broderick Smith, Collard Greens & Gravy, Creek Band, Electric Blues Collective, Fools, Frank Sultana, Dan Dinnen, Geoff Achison, The Lachy Doley Group, Heavy Medicine, Ian Collard, Julian James, Jarrod Shaw, Jesse Redwing, Jules Boult, Kelly Auty with Extraordinary Gentlemen, Kings and Associates, Lloyd Spiegel, McNamMarr, Nadia, Nick Charles, Paul Buchanan’s Voodoo Preachers, Pete Cornelius Band, Phil Para, Rambal, Rattlin’ Bones Blackwood, Sammy Owens, Shane Pacey Trio, Spoonful, Stormhorse, Sweet Felicia and The Hoodoo Men.

More through winterblues.com.au

Apollo Bay WORDfest

Mechanics Hall, Apollo Bay – July 28-30

They’ve got a way with words 

Whether you are a casual Wordle player or a proud logophile, WORDfest is there for anyone who finds joy in words.

More through apollobaywordfest.com

Poco Film Festival

Regent Cinemas, Ballarat – July 30

See you on the big screen 

An initiative of Ballarat-based creative agency Mass Motion, the inaugural Poco is a festival for film lovers by film lovers. An online festival will be running simultaneously via Festivee.

More through pocofilmfest.com.au

Top Dog Film Festival

Peninsula Cinemas, Rosebud – July 30 & Astor Theatre, Melbourne – July 31

There’s a good boy 

The Top Dog Film Festival was launched in 2017 as a way to showcase the special bond between humans and their canine friends through independent films.

More through topdogfilmfestival.com.au

 

 

 

 

Melbourne festivals in June

RISING

Melbourne – June 1-12

Rise and shine, campers 

Enjoy a surge of music, performance, theatre, visual art and dance, funded by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and Visit Victoria.

More through rising.melbourne

Castlemaine Jazz Festival

Castlemaine – June 10-12

It’s the notes you don’t play

Your line-up includes Anita Harris Trio, Double Take, Bete Noire, Breakout, Caught in the Act, Christine Manetta, Esstee Big Band, Fat’azz, Harry Coulson, Jade Kerber, Jennifer Salisbury & Mark Morand, Jon & Wendy Wade Swinging Jazz Quartet, King Stone, G&T Jazz, The Magnificence, Meg Corson Sextet, Melba Big Band, Moonlighting Jug Band, The Old Married Couple, Pip Avent’s Mouldy Jazz, Pippa Wilson, The Seduceaphones, Shirazz, Slipper, Steamboat Whistlers, Sweet Ade, Triple Entendre Jazz Cabaret and Windows of Longing.

More through the website.

National Celtic Festival

Portarlington – June 10-13

Step outside with Celtic pride 

Your line-up includes Bush Gothic, Laura Flanagan, Tolka, Hat Fitz & Cara, Fiona Ross & Shane O’Mara, The Ploughboys, Claddagh, Apolline, Rich Davies & the Low Road, Kejafi, La Nina, Trio Fáilte, Sionnach Rua’s Great Irish Songbook, The Bushwhackers, Luke Plumb & Khalida De Ridder, Claymore, Siobhan Owen, The Freewheeler, Austral, The Maggie Carty Band, Melbourne Scottish Fiddlers, The Rummagers, Bo’Ness, Maria Forde, Pete Denahy, The Scanlan Trio and Out of Hand.

More through the website.

Mornington Winter Music Festival

Mornington – June 10-13

A festival to keep you warm 

Enjoy live music and free street entertainment, including Jarrod Shaw, Misty Jenkins, Marcelle, The Warrains, Elisha, Pete Pascoe, Sunny Moo, Chris Annable, Bennsong, Lily Clancy, The Busketeers, Busk Stop, Coco Michelle, Robbie McVean, Damon Stone, Matt Joe Gow, Mornington Brass Youth & Citizens Band, The Soul Rangers, Alejandro Aguanta, Olivia G, Eve Ward, Trevor Bartle, Chris Hoffmann, Madison Daniel, Richard London and more.

More here.

Oz Comic-Con

Melbourne Convention & Entertainment Centre – June 11-12

Best episode ever 

Guests include Aimee Garcia, Kevin Alejandro, Callan McAuliffe and Remy Hii.

More through ozcomiccon.com

Wizards & Witches Festival

Kryal Castle, Ballarat – June 11-13

You’re a wizard, reader 

The inaugural festival will bring a little magic to the region of Ballarat across the long weekend. Performing magicians, live entertainment, a jumping castle and a wand-making exhibition where attendees can make their own wand will be among the entertainment.

More through kryalcastle.com.au

East Gippsland Winter Festival

East Gippsland – June 17 – July 10

Discover the treasures of East Gippsland

The East Gippsland Winter Festival is set to light up Victoria’s east with more than 80 spectacular events over three weeks.

From a Laneway Party to fine dining experiences, there’s tons of events on over the three weeks – including free lantern-making workshops, cultural ceremonies and experiences led by traditional Indigenous owners, long lunches that showcase local produce and nature activities such as bush walks, yoga and meditation.

More here.

Bright Darker Days festival

Bright – June 17 – June 19

Dark beer, live music and high country delights

Victoria’s tranquil (and aptly named) high-country town of Bright will host Darker Days festival from June 17 – 19, transforming the picturesque destination at the base of the Alpine National Park into a fiery celebration of dark beer, live music and country delights. Bob Evans, of Jebediah and solo fame, headlines the fest and will be supported by The Northern Folk and This Way North, Since We Kissed, Matt Katsis, and DJ Several Pleasures.

More here.

Warrnambool Storytelling Festival

Warrnambool – June 17-July 3

Everyone has a story

A 17-day feast of storytelling kicks off at the Lighthouse Theatre on June 17 with a special appearance from singer-songwriter Tom Richardson. Literature, music, culture and performance events will take place throughout the festival’s duration.

More through warrnamboolstorytelling.com.au

Truffle Melbourne Festival

Queen Victoria Markets, Sheds RK-RL, Melbourne – June 18-19

Make a kerfuffle over truffles 

The Truffle Melbourne Festival is the largest truffle celebration outside of Europe. A selection of Melbourne’s best truffle chefs will showcase their skills through truffle soups, tasty truffle pizzas, cheesy raclettes, truffled crepes and more.

More here.

Reclink Community Cup

Victoria Park, Abbotsford – June 19

Up there Cazaly 

Honouring Gunditjmara/Bundjalung singer-songwriter Archie Roach, this cracking Megahertz (PBS and Triple R) vs Rock Dogs (musicians) footy game will be complemented with music from Cash Savage & the Last Drinks, Private Function, Ausecuma Beats, Izy and Parsnip.

More here.

Ballarat Winter Festival

Ballarat – June 25-July 17

Walking in a winter wonderland 

Come celebrate the city’s signature season through unique events, activities and offerings. Highlights include the Winter Wonderlights, the Pop-Up Ice Rink and the Kryal Castle show, Knights of Fire and Show Queen Neva.

More through visitballarat.com.au

GLOW – Bendigo After Dark

Bendigo – June 25 – July 17

An unforgettable sensory experience.

Running every night from 25 June 2022 to 17 July 2022, the heart of Bendigo will come to life through 11 installations that are all unique and aim to showcase stories of Bendigo through a radiant display of light, colour and sound in a spectacular fashion.

More here.

White Night Shepparton

Shepparton – June 25

A visual arts takeover

This visual feast and cultural event will descend on Shepparton on Saturday, June 25 from 6pm to 12am, attracting thousands of locals and visitors to the city and supporting local tourism and hospitality businesses.

The program will feature the best of the best from previous regional White Night events alongside new elements that showcase the region’s landscape, culture, and history. White Night will transform Shepparton through illuminations, projections, music and interactive works from talented local and national artists.

More here.

Dark Festival

Also known as Rave Reconceptualized, Dark Festival is an electronic festival featuring work from international performers Alex Stein, Kai Tracid and Sam Jones to name a few.

The Dark Festival will take place in an aircraft hangar that is no longer used, truly ensuring attendees have a memorable experience. It’ll feature some killer food trucks and market stalls and it’ll be happening on Saturday June 11, tickets start from $103, grab them here.

Glow Winter Arts Festival

Making its way to Prahran Square is the Glow Winter Arts Festival, a display of installations that you’ll never forget.

It’s happening over 10 nights, where attendees can warm up with some food and drink on site, while they immerse themselves in the amazing art pieces on display. It’s happening nightly until 10pm.

Best of all, it’s free to attend! But you’ve got to register, check out more info and do that here.

National Celtic Festival

If you are thinking about heading to Ireland but don’t want to fly just yet, the next best thing can be found in Portarlington this month, the National Celtic Folk Festival.

Celtic performers from across the world will grace the stage, dazzling fans with their unique music and great dancing. Some of the performers involved include Justin Bernasconi, The Raglins, and Siobhan Owen.

Check out some more info and grab your tickets here.