Around Melbourne

You know what may have knocked out the previous iteration of Asia TOPA (aka the Asia-Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts), the vast multi-disciplinary festival combining theatre, music, dance and more from across the Asia-Pacific region. But as the ancient Chinese proverb from the Huainanzi puts it, “Bad luck often brings good luck.”  All good things come to those who wait, after all, and the 2025 program is absolutely stacked with astounding works of wonder. Radiating out across the city from the festival’s hub at Arts Centre Melbourne, the three-week celebration of cultural collaboration is spread across three key streams. Kicking off the festival is a free block party-style event in the heart of the CBD, in a crossover with Fed Square. Glass Beams are headlining a diverse night of live music, with their hypnotic mix of cosmic rock, jazz and psychedelic-funk that combines Indian and western sounds. The trio will be joined by Japanese born, Melbourne-based DJ Shio and Tokyo-based experimental pop band Tam Tam. Judging by the high vibes at other recent free gigs at Fed Square recently, it's sure to be a evening with big energy, find all the deets here.  Nightlife kicks off an exciting new focus on connecting younger audiences to the arts through a big Brat summer vibe, including a dedicated dance party space at the Arts Centre dubbed Club 8 after the floor on which it’s located and its luckiness in Chinese numerology.  The go-off nights will be curated by a revolving...

Forks at the ready! The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is returning with its annual jam-packed program from March 21 to March 30. Featuring a star-studded line-up of chefs, local food heroes and special dining experiences, it's a full-throated celebration of Melbourne’s food and drink scene – and we couldn't be more excited (or hungry!). The ten-day event kicks off with the festival's signature World’s Longest Lunch, spearheaded this year by none other than Melbourne-born culinary legend Curtis Stone. Another favourite is the World's Longest Brunch, which this year is being reimagined by beloved author and food personality, Julia Busuttil Nishimura – expect a moving feast celebrating the city's brunch culture. Other highlights include Dim City, which celebrates 80 years of the delicious pork parcel (fun fact: dim sims were invented in Melbourne) with a giveaway of dimmies by chefs Rosheen Kaul (Etta), John Rivera (Askal) and Eun Hee An (Moon Mart). Best of all, it's free! And you won't want to miss Something Saucy, a pasta pop-up in Whitehart Lane or Tacos and Toum, which will see Raph Rashid team up with hummus king Tom Sarafian to explore these two grand culinary traditions. Also returning for its third year is Baker's Dozen. The free event at Fed Square brings together the city's finest bakers and cakers – including Madeleine de Proust, Lune, Tarts Anon, All Are Welcome and Baker Bleu – to whip up some delicious creations. Plus, if you love a cheeky cardamom bun,...

Are you ready to laugh so hard it hurts? One of the largest comedy festivals in the world, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) returns next month with a program that promises to be as entertaining as it is expansive.  Since being launched in 1987 by Barry Humphries and Peter Cook, the festival has since grown to become Australia's largest cultural ticketed event offering both family entertainment and show-stopping adult performances. After Montreal's Just for Laughs and the Edinburgh Fringe, MICF is the third-largest comedy festival in the world and attracts the crème de la crème of comedians from across Australia and around the globe.  In 2025, you can expect a mammoth line-up of international performers such as Ruby Wax (UK/US), Amy Gledhill (UK), Jin Hao Li (Singapore/UK), Ahir Shah (UK), Melanie Bracewell (NZ), Anirban Dasgupta (India), Schalk Bezuidenhout (South Africa) and more.  As for local acts, you can see the likes of Bron Lewis, Claire Hooper, Geraldine Hickey, Gillian Cosgriff, He Huang, Jenny Tian, John Safran, Lous Wall, Nazeem Hussain, Zoë Coombs Marr and so many more. Much-loved annual events such as the 35th Annual Great Debate and Upfront return, alongside the Raw Comedy competition, Deadly Funny and Class Clowns. The new Asian Allstars Gala will return for a second edition, showcasing extroadinary talent from Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore and more. Running from March 26-April 20 2025, the program is chock-full of stand-up comedy,...

The top-secret affair that is Le Dîner en Blanc is back in Melbourne for another evening of fun, frivolity and fetching festivities. Launched in Paris more than 30 years ago, this dreamy, made-for-the-'gram pop-up party allows guests to show off their all-white wardrobe and join in on an exclusive dinner party brimming with elegance, beauty and a certain sense of French je ne sais quoi. Taking place on Saturday, March 29, guests will rally at points across the city and be guided by Dîner en Blanc volunteers to an undisclosed setting – and if past locations are anything to go by (Treasury Gardens, Melbourne Museum, Birrarung Marr), expect one of the city’s most beautiful public spaces.  The soirée will begin after the traditional waving of the cloth napkin, with bubbly, sparklers and a fabulous feast following suit. Remember to BYO chairs, a table and a tablecloth, as well as your own picnic basket with fine food and even finer dinnerware. If you’d like Dîner en Blanc to wine and dine you instead, a catered picnic basket option can be reserved in advance on the website. Champagne and wine must also be reserved through the e-store as well.  The location will be revealed to guests upon arrival, and registration for tickets is now open. Head to the Dîner en Blanc’s website to take part in this one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Want more fabulous drinking and dining options? Check out the best restaurants and best bars in Melbourne.