The best gigs happening in Melbourne this month

Head to the Curtin this Sunday for a stacked line-up of artists from Papua New Guinea and First Nations Australia. Before the end of the last ice age, Australia and Papua were joined as one massive land mass called Meganesia, and the songlines of North Australia reflect a time when the two lands were connected. This gig celebrates the sounds of both lands with a line-up including Sorong Samarai, Sprigga Mek, Kee’ahn, Tasman Keith, Desiz, Deline Briscoe, Siala, Airileke and special guests from Blaktivism.

Melburnians, it’s high time to grab a pair of drumsticks and head out for a bev, because the godfathers of Aussie pub rock have announced a tour. Cold Chisel is going on a national tour around Oz to celebrate their 50th anniversary, and we’re pleased to say it’s stopping in Melbourne. The legendary band will perform in 11 cities and regional towns across the country throughout October and November 2024.

So, when is the band performing in Melbourne? Cold Chisel is playing at Flemington Racecourse on Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26. So strong was demand for the band in Melbourne, they've decided to circle back around for two more shows at Sidney Myer Music Bowl on November 22 and 23. 

Sydney-based indie rockers The Cruel Sea and the multi-talented musician and singer Karen Lee Andrews, will be the supporting acts for both sets of dates.

These shows are just about certain to sell out, so find out more and grab your tickets at the Cold Chisel website.

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The multi-award-winning Queenscliff Music Festival is back with a three-day celebration of live music, locally sourced produce and beverages and kid-friendly activities. Take the easy drive down to Queenscliff and enjoy the relaxed beachy atmosphere during the festival, which takes place across three days from November 22-24. 

As usual, this year’s Queenscliff Musical line-up has been curated to showcase Aussie talent across rock, folk, indie, blues, country and more, with a sprinkling of international flavours. 

Standout artists include Michael Franti and Spearhead, indie folk star Marlon Williams, acclaimed country singer Kasey Chambers, Aussie great Xavier Rudd, vocal powerhouse Grace Cummings and Melbourne heavyweights Cash Savage and The Last Drinks. And don’t worry, the kiddies will be delighted by the legendary Wiggles Sound System. 

Ticket varieties abound, including single day passes, camping tickets, glamping options and multi-day passes on offer. You can find more line-up and ticketing information here.

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

Live at the Gardens is a brand new gig series popping up in Melbourne, where the lush, expansive lawns of the Royal Botanic Gardens will host up to 5,000 people for an eclectic mix of musical acts. The concerts will kick off across two weekends in November, with more gigs planned for March in what is set to become an ongoing series.

If your TikTok algorithm looks anything like ours, you’ve likely seen more than a few captivating videos of a techno DJ/producer playing in front of massive visuals of otherworldly beings. As the music hits its crescendo, the beings kick into gear, reaching, running and seemingly interacting with the rapt crowds below.

The techno luminary in question is Anyma and he’s about to make his Australasian debut. This November, Always Live and Untitled Group have joined forces to bring the viral ‘Genesys’ show to Melbourne. On Saturday, November 23, Flemington Racecourse will host Anyma’s distinctive multidisciplinary art – it’ll be a feast for your eyes as well as your ears.

Dearest gentle readers, it's our pleasure to reveal that the Bridgerton Candlelight Concert is almost upon us. The highlight of the ton's season, the concert will feature hits from the beloved Netflix series brought to life by a local string quartet. The live multi-sensory experience will light up Collingwood Town Hall with thousands of candles and bundles of blossoms, transporting guests back to England's Regency era.

From ‘You're Beautiful’ to ‘Goodbye My Lover’, James Blunt has been beside us as we walked through the rain, wrestling with our emotions and finding musical remedies to our heartache. Kinda dramatic and emotional? Sorry, that's just the vibe he gives us. And now, the British star is heading to Australia for a massive tour in 2024.