We'd be lion if we said that Zoo Twilights wasn't our summer highlight.
The concert series kicks off in January and attracts some pretty big names in music. Kicking things off on January 24 is Aussie duo Confidence Man supported by party starters Wax’o Paradiso. The next night audiences will be treated to a special performance from Iva Davies and Aussie music royalty Icehouse.
Influential Jamaican reggae troup Toots and the Maytals will also hit the stage this summer, as well as a run of Aussie favourites like Missy Higgins, the Cat Empire, Methyl Ethel, Meg Mac and Julia Jacklin. ‘I’m Not in Love’ singers 10cc are also gracing the line-up, as is UK art pop pioneers Stereolab.
Randy Newman, whose inescapably hummable 'You've Got a Friend in Me' anchors the Toy Story film series, will hit the stage as part of his Australian tour. The festival will close on Saturday, March 7 with a performance from living legend and soul queen Mavis Staples.
Topping the line-up, of course, are the Zoo's wild residents. All proceeds from the Zoo Twilights summer concert series will be going back towards the zoo's conservation work, including work to save the critically endangered mountain-pygmy possum from extinction.
No Zoo Twilights night is complete without a gourmet picnic – pre-order a hamper with your tickets or check out the Taste of Twilights food zone on the night for street eats from some of Melbourne's best food trucks. Zoo Twilights tickets also include exclusive zoo entry from 5.30-7pm before the show (Zoo Twilights tickets do not include entry to the zoo prior to 5.30pm).
See the full line-up below:
Fri Jan 24 – Confidence Man, supported by Wax’o Paradiso
Sat Jan 25 – Icehouse, with special guests [SOLD OUT]
Fri Jan 31 – Toots and The Maytals, supported by Systa BB [CANCELLED]
Sat Feb 1 – An Evening With Randy Newman [CANCELLED]
Fri Feb 7 – Missy Higgins, supported by William Crighton [SOLD OUT]
Fri Feb 14 – The Cat Empire, supported by Emily Wurramara [SOLD OUT]
Fri Feb 21 – 10cc, supported by Russell Morris
Sat Feb 22 – Methyl Ethel, supported by Hatchie
Fri Feb 28 – Julia Jacklin, supported by Weyes Blood [SOLD OUT]
Sat Feb 29 – Meg Mac, supported by Fergus James [SOLD OUT]
Fri Mar 6 – Stereolab, supported by Mildlife
Sat Mar 7 – Mavis Staples, supported by Emma Donovan and The Putbacks
Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, October 22.