Music festivals in Melbourne: our summer guide

Returning for a third year after stellar seasons in 2022 and 2023, Always Live has ripped the lid of its 2024 line-up, revealing both international heavyweights and some of our finest homegrown talents. The statewide slate of events will include large-scale shows, one-off gigs and intimate sets that traverse genres. Happening from November 22 through to December 8, Always Live is absolutely huge, featuring 289 artists across more than 65 events, including 208 artists from the state of Victoria. 

The festival, which is supported by the Victorian government, is a statewide celebration taking place all across Victoria. In fact, 35 per cent of this year’s program is happening in regional Victoria, from Ballarat and Bendigo to Gippsland and Geelong. Alongside the big venues, grassroots and local venues are centre stage for Always Live.

A special party called Tramp, produced in conjunction with Summer Camp, will feature Rico Nasty, Big Wet and Absolute and more. 

Fans of the White Stripes rejoice, because Jack White will play an intimate gig at the Corner Hotel, as well as popping up at Ballarat Town Hall. Elsewhere, we'll also be treated to performances from the one and only Tina Arena, alternative powerhouse St Vincent and a special set from Chet Faker, live at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Also at the gardens, Tash Sultana will play a rare Aussie set. 

Those looking for something heavier can rock it out with Californian punk-rock legends The Offspring, or enjoy some nostalgia with Missy Higgins as she celebrates the 20th anniversary of The Sound of White. 

For the ravers among us, master of TikTok-viral visual installations Anyma will take over Flemington Racecourse, fresh off a sold-out residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas.

For more information about tickets, your best bet is to check out individual events over on the Always Live website.

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Here are the best gigs happening in Melbourne this month

Mark your calendars because the countdown for Meredith Music Festival is officially on. Set to make a glorious return to the Supernatural Amphitheatre for its 32nd birthday; the festival has announced its line-up for 2024, with Jamie xx, Genesis Owusu and Waxahatchee as the main headliners. We’re also particularly excited for Princess Superstar (Saltburn singalong, anyone?) and The Dare (if Charli XCX thinks he’s with it, so do we). 

Running between December 6-8 2024, Meredith Music festival is held near the town of Meredith in the shire of Golden Plains, Victoria.

The line-up includes: Jamie xx, Waxahatchee, Genesis Owusu, Mk.gee, Zapp, Angie McMahon, The Dare, Glass Beams, Fat White Family, Mannequin Pussy, Princess Superstar, Barkaa, Frenzee, Leo Sayer, Olof Dreijer, Good Morning, Mike, Party Dozen, Mainline Magic Orchestra, DJ PGZ, Essendon Airport, Ayebatonye, Yara, Precious Bloom, The Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir, In2stellar, Keanu Nelson, Billiam and The Split Bills and the City Of Ballarat Municipal Brass Band.

Meredith Thirty Two tickets are $488 (including booking fee), and the price includes all camping and parking, as well as access to the full three days and two nights of Meredith. We’re pleased to note that the ticket price hasn’t increased from last year, despite the cozzie livs. 

As usual, most tickets to Meredith Thirty Two are available via the Subscriber Ticket Ballot before they go on public sale. To secure tickets through the ballot, become a subscriber if you aren’t already and click here to enter before 10:32pm on Tuesday, August 20. 

After the Ballot, there will be online sales on Wednesday, August 28 at 11am AEST. Make sure you’re logged into your Supernatural Ticket Centre account before 11am. You can buy up to three tickets per person. A small amount of tickets will also be made available via Aunty’s Last Chance. To learn more about ticketing for this year’s festival, visit the Meredith website here.

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Got itchy feet just thinking about Meredith? Let off some steam and check out the best nightclubs in Melbourne.