Ashleigh Hastings

The Malthouse might be smack-bang in the middle of Southbank, but the Merlyn Theatre stage is set to transform into an idyllic Hepburn holiday house this July. Ash Flanders, the caustic comedy extraordinaire behind SS Metaphor and The Sovereign Wife, has mined his own life to write This is Living, a semi-autobiographical play that promises to make audiences laugh ‘til they hurt. With direction from Malthouse Theatre artistic director Matthew Lutton and featuring an all-star cast, this heartwarming play explores what happens and how we cope when life doesn’t quite turn out like the white picket fence dream we’ve all been sold. It’s a tale of chosen family and unconventional life paths that will tug at your heartstrings, yet ultimately leave you feeling whole. Because sometimes, falling apart can bring you together. So, what actually goes down in This is Living? Hugh (Marcus McKenzie) has organised an exquisite weekend getaway for his partner and their best girlfriends in Hepburn Springs, aka spa country. Surely, he thinks, soaking in spring water and consuming copious amounts of deli meats will be just the thing to help them all escape the year from hell? Unfortunately, there’s no amount of premium snacks that can erase the tribulations of one’s thirties, forties and fifties. And try as these holidaymakers might to float on the surface, life is apt to boil over.  This is Living will play at the Merlyn Theatre from July 7-30 and the impressive cast includes Wil King, Belinda Mc

Pretty much every Melburnian has a special place reserved in their hearts just for the Esplanade Hotel, known by locals simply as ‘the Espy’. Whether you’ve sat outside for a beer or had a boogie to your favourite band in the Gershwin Room, this mainstay venue hosts activities to suit every vibe. During the winter months, the hotel transforms into a warm, cosy haven perfect for a low-key midweek night out with friends. In fact, there’s something different (and often free) to check out every night of the week. Here’s our breakdown of what to do at the Espy this winter… Monday: Comedy club Start the week off right with some belly laughs at the comedy club in the Espy Basement. Grab your drink of choice, settle in downstairs and prepare to have your funny bone tickled by host Ty Gray and Melbourne’s next generation of rising comedy stars. Doors open at 7pm and the acts kick off at 7.30pm. Tuesday: Open mic night Whether you’re brand-new to playing tunes in front of an audience, or you’re working your way towards hitting the big time, everyone’s welcome at the Espy’s open mic night. Fill in the online form to get in on the action from 7.30pm each Tuesday.  Wednesday: Trivia night There’s nothing better to keep your mind sharp as we head into the icy winter months than a weekly dose of trivia. Gather your most knowledgeable pals, book a table in the Public Bar and order a pub meal to help fuel your brain for the workout ahead. It’s booze, banter and brains every week at 7pm. Bonus

It has been almost 30 years since Christos Tsiolkas’ debut novel Loaded first resonated with migrant and queer communities in Australia and beyond. The book was adapted to become the award-winning feature film Head On back in 1998, before being reimagined as an audio adaptation by Malthouse in 2020.  Now Malthouse is about to become home to another iteration of this  perpetually relevant narrative. For the first time, Loaded will come to life as a stage play at the Malthouse’s Beckett Theatre. From May 5-28, fans of Tsiolkas’ novel (or of his hugely successful novel The Slap) and those new to the narrative will have the chance to witness this nihilistic coming-of-age story in a brand new format. Loaded’s misanthropic protagonist is Ari, a 19-year-old gay man from a Greek Migrant family. This honest and raw story portrays the messiness of self-discovery among Collingwood’s gay clubs in a world of drag queens and one night stands. Ari’s odyssey sees him travel to four corners of Melbourne in a journey that is as recognisable and relevant today as it was in 1998.  Christos Tsiolkas and Dan Giovannoni have adapted the novel to the stage, with direction from Stephen Nicolazzo. Danny Ball (A Beginner’s Guide to Grief) will star as Ari. Standard tickets are $80 and concession holders can secure one for $50. You’d best pick yours up soon, because we wouldn’t be surprised if this hotly anticipated adaptation sells out. Head to the Malthouse Theatre website to get your ticket to Loaded

Not only does Ballarat have a rich cultural history, but it's full of so many exciting events for everyone to enjoy. One of those events is the Ballarat Heritage Festival, a two week extravaganza of more than 40 events. Visit Ballarat from May 17-26 to watch the city come alive with free interactive exhibits, city tours and installations. Here are five of our top picks from this year’s Ballarat Heritage Festival.

Paging McDreamy, we have a funny bone emergency! Hundreds of comedians from every corner of Australia and the globe have descended upon the capital for the Southern Hemisphere's largest LOLapalooza: the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. With more than 650 shows to choose from, it's hard to pick out the best and the best, so we've put together a list of the shows our team of expert reviewers have awarded with a five-star rating. Here are our top shows to see at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, so book those seats – and stat! Want to support some rising stars of the scene? We've got a list for them, too!

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is well and truly in full swing, with more than 650 shows lighting up 133 performance spaces across the city. With so comedians to see and not enough time, we have sent out a batch of reviewers to dig deep and suss out the best of the fest this year. Whether it's a weird and wonderful show, a national treasure or a rising star, check out our reviews and see what tickles your fancy.  Want to review the show over a drink? Check out the best late-night bars in Melbourne.  

After hard launching in 1987, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has swelled into the world's largest stand-alone comedy festival. Dozens of festivals down the line, Melbourne continues to be an international hive for comedy, with veteran and fledgling performers swarming to the city year after year.  This year’s comedy bonanza runs from March 27 until April 21, during which time more than 800 performers will put on more than 650 shows and more than 7,800 individual performances. Amid so many options, you’d be forgiven for finding it hard to choose. For the quirky among you, we’ve catalogued some of the weirdest, wackiest and most wonderful shows from this year’s line-up – enjoy! Still can't decide who to see? Check out our favourite local legends. 

It's called the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, but the biggest highlights frequently come from our very own locals. This year's line-up features more than 800 performers putting on more than 650 shows, from fan favourites to festival first-timers. We've put together some of our favourite local legends to see this year. Can't decide who to see? Check out our ultimate guide to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024.

April 2024: Melbourne's theatre scene is hunkering down for autumn, and by that we mean continuing to host a world-class theatrical feast. While much of the city's focus this month is on the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, there's still so much going on in our theatres. From the razzle-dazzle of Chicago to the nuanced themes of The Almighty Sometimes, there's something for every mood. From the toe-tapping to the cathartic, consider this your ultimate guide to all the best theatre and musicals happening this April. When stuck for things to do between shows, you can also always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of 101 things to do in Melbourne before you die.  Want something else to do this month? Check out our gig guide.

Everybody has to start somewhere, and if you're an aspiring comedian, that somewhere often means quaking behind an open-mic in front of an unnerving crowd. Still, year after year, budding stand-up comics continue to flock to comedy hubs like Edinburgh and Melbourne to see if they have what it takes to bring the house down. Still, don't be disparaged, as lists like this can attest that anyone from anywhere could have what it takes to be the next big thing. While there are a lot of gigantic name performers at this year's Melbourne International Comedy Festival, there is also a bunch of up-and-coming talent that you should bookmark, stat. If you fancy trying your hand, don't forget that there is also RAW, Australia's biggest open-mic competition. Past competitors include the likes of Hannah Gadsby, Anne Edmonds and Aaron Chen. You can register here. Not sure what to add to your comedy calendar? Check out our ultimate insider's guide to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024.

April 2024: Summer has officially ended, but that doesn’t mean things are cooling down – neither literally nor in the Melbourne music calendar.  When stuck for things to do between live gigs, you can also always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of 101 things to do in Melbourne before you die.  Craving a pint with your favourite local band? Here are the best live music pubs in Melbourne.

From musicals based on much-loved and seriously messed up kids’ TV shows to gothic horror reimagined via icons returning to the stage after decades away, this year in theatre is shaping up to be one of the strongest we’ve seen in quite some time.Here are a few shows we know you’ll want to catch before it’s too late to say you were there. RECOMMENDED: Culture vultures, come and get your fix at these top Australian art galleries. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

The past few years have seen Icelandic-Chinese singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Laufey ascend from social media fame into the realm of major league pop artists.  Laufey, who is known for her soul-soothing vocals infused with the elegant air of eras past, draws inspiration from greats of the classical and jazz scenes. However, this is not the music your parents or grandparents listened to – despite her wonderfully warm and nostalgic sound, Laufey writes from a distinctly 21st century, 20-something point of view.  Having released her debut album Everything I Know About Love (not to be confused with the hit Dolly Alderton book of the same name) back in 2022, Laufey has risen to global fame in just a handful of years. She blessed our ears with her third album Bewitched in September 2023, which hit number one on Billboard’s Jazz Chart and scored a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. Off the back of that stunning success, Laufey is bringing her Bewitched: The Goddess Tour to Australia’s East Coast this September. She’d originally planned on playing just one Melbourne show, but has now added two more thanks to popular demand. Fans will now have the chance to be enchanted by Laufey on September 6, 7 and 9 at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda. These Melbourne shows will kick off the tour, before she heads to QPAC Concert Hall in Brisbane and the Sydney Opera House.  Tickets are on sale from today, so run, don’t walk over to Ticketek to secure yours.  Stay in

If you spend any time on Pinterest, Instagram or really just out and about in the past few years, you’ve probably noticed that the mid century modern aesthetic is having a big ol’ moment in Australia. From architecture and art to furniture and colour palettes, everything mid-century is once again en vogue. What better timing then, for the Art Gallery of Ballarat to host a multidisciplinary exhibition that will take you on a trip to the striking mid-century neighbourhoods of the Californian Coachella Desert. Lost in Palm Springs will bring together fourteen internationally recognised photographers and creatives from the United States and Australia to capture and reimagine the distinctive yet enchanting nature of the famous Californian resort city. As Ballarat enters its coldest season, Melburnians are invited to take the short train trip to get a taste of summer and a glimpse into the magical qualities of Palm Springs. You might even learn that this desert destination has more in common with Aussie suburbs than you think. The exhibition, which was developed by the Gold Coast’s Home of the Arts, explores the link between the post-war ‘great Australian dream’ of mass affordable housing, and the sprawling mid-century architectural imaginings seen in Palm Springs. Lost in Palm Springs will feature works from acclaimed creators, including Aussies Kate Ballis, Tom Blachford, Anna Carey, Sam Cranstoun, Paul Davies, Rosi Griffin, Vicki Stravrou, Robyn Sweaney and Gosia Wlodarczak. Alo

If you haven’t heard of Hawkeye Vintage by now, honestly where have you been? As one of Melbourne’s most respected purveyors of designer pre-loved goods, Hawkeye Vintage is famous for holding blink-and-you’ll-miss-it sales where you can nab luxury items for less.  Well good news, Hawkeye Vintage is hosting one of their famous pop-up sales in South Yarra next weekend — with luxury items coming out the wazoo. Expect to see pieces from brands like Hermes, Chanel, Fendi, Celine, Gucci and Louis Vuitton with a 100% authenticity guarantee.  As for the price range, those looking for something a little more wallet-friendly will find handbags under $1,000 — which is worth it if you've always wanted to elevate your style with something designer. In fact, pairing a designer item with what you already have in your wardrobe is a really effortless way to make any outfit look put together. Just head down to Ovolo in South Yarra on Friday, May 3 or Saturday, May 4 and explore Hawkeye Vintage’s exclusive range of designer items in-person. Entry is $10, so register online to get your designer-fix at the website here.

“I thought you were going to tell me I didn’t need the pills anymore,” says eighteen-year-old Anna (Max McKenna) to her child psychiatrist, Vivienne (Louisa Mignone). Anna has completely misread the tenor of the conversation, which was actually about the need for her to transition towards seeing a therapist trained to work with adults. This early moment encapsulates the key struggles of The Almighty Sometimes, a coming-of-age story illustrating a young woman torn between emancipation and comfort, with the reality of a never-defined yet ever-present mental illness adding layers of complexity to what would otherwise be a universally relatable tale.  This multi-award-winning drama by Kendall Feaver has been staged in Australia before by Queensland Theatre and Griffin Theatre Company, yet the issues explored in this iteration from Melbourne Theatre Company feel topical and fresh with tight direction from Hannah Goodwin.   Screen legend Nadine Garner (Savage River, Neighbours, City Homicide) plays Renee, a school teacher and dedicated mum to ‘troubled’ daughter Anna. Alongside Anna’s new boyfriend Oliver (Karl Richmond) and her psychiatrist, Renee grapples with supporting her daughter as she pushes against the routines and limits that kept her safe during her adolescence.  Having recently rediscovered pages upon pages of her childhood writings, Anna has begun to wonder if the version of her that existed before she went on medication was a child prodigy destined for literary greatn

Make your way through the shiny copper-hued doors of QT Melbourne, through the elegant foyer and all the way up in one of the elevators, and you’ll find what has long been one of Melbourne’s hipper rooftop bars. Sitting high above the boutique hotel’s Russell Street facade is Rooftop at QT, an indoor-outdoor rooftop haven with expansive views of our picturesque skyline. Levitated luxury has always been the order of the day at this lofty destination, but now Rooftop at QT has unveiled a brand-new chapter – we’re talking a full transformation with new food, new cocktails and a vibrant new look. It’s a new era, and the venue has officially turned over a new leaf.  Newly appointed executive chef Nic Wood has curated a fresh Mediterranean-inspired menu designed to be shared from sunshine to sundown. You’ll be able to dig into new signature dishes including snapper cannoli, lobster cocktail, or even a cheeky ice cream sandwich for dessert.  If you’re thirsty, food and beverage director Chris Stock has you more than covered with a refreshed cocktail offering created with a balance of nostalgia and bold ingredients in mind. Forget your standard Espresso Martini, because Rooftop at QT will be shaking up the Bulleit Punch instead – an updated version made with Bulleit Rye whiskey, Mr Black coffee liqueur, orange and miso syrup and clarified cream. The new drinks menu also promises ‘Instagrammable moments’, but we’ll have to keep you updated on that once we’ve seen for ourselves. As for

It’s no exaggeration to say that hair has been imbued with cultural significance since time immemorial. Sure, it’s a biological reality with practical functions like regulating our body temperature and keeping debris from getting into various nooks and crannies, but hair means so much more than that in contemporary society. A new exhibition opening at the Heide Museum of Modern Art on May 4 is centered around the social significance of our strands. Hair Pieces will bring together artworks spanning five decades from nine different countries in an effort to interrogate the ways in which hair is figuratively interwoven with social mores. More than 30 artists from countries including China, Belgium, Japan, South America and Australia will be shown in the exhibition, which will run through until October 2024.  Hair has long been tied up in deeply held ideas around gender, beauty, feminism, mythology, status and power. Through an impressive collection of Australian and international art, Hair Pieces seeks to tease out these ideas to question stereotypes. ‘Untitled (Facial Hair Transplant)’ is a work by Cuban American performance artist Ana Medieta, and is sure to be an exhibition highlight. As a 1970s exercise in experimentation, the work shows Medieta methodically glueing strands of her friend’s beard to her own upper lip.  Belgian artist Edith Dekyndt’s video work ‘Indigenous Shadow’ promises to be another exhibition standout. Visitors will see what appears to be a flag created f

Last year was a huge one for Ali Wong. The Emmy Award-winning actor and comedian shot even further into prominence when the dark comedy Beef was released in April 2023 to widespread acclaim, and she’s only continued to fly since then. Wong spent the rest of the year taking her stand-up show Ali Wong: Live all around the United States to rave reviews. Now, some of us Melburnians will soon be lucky enough to see her in real life. That’s right: on July 11, 12, 14 and 15, Ali Wong will be in our city, performing her trademark brand of stand-up at the Palais Theatre. Originally only one show was planned, but Melburnians have been champing at the bit to see her so much that the dates have quadrupled. After her stint in Melbourne, Wong will continue her tour up through Sydney and Brisbane.  Tickets start from $102 and range up to $274 – check out what’s available here. In the meantime, study up by watching one of Wong’s three Netflix specials, the first of which came out back in 2016. After more rib-splitting laughs? Check out who's performing at the 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

The Force will return to the magnificent Hamer Hall when the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) takes to the stage to present Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert. Off the back of the popular Star Wars in Concert Series, Melburnians will once again have the chance to enjoy the classic 1983 film on a huge screen, as they listen to John Williams’ renowned score brought to life with the full force of the mighty MSO.   The intergalactic event will screen the entire film from start to finish, and highlights include legendary scenes like the near-death of Luke Skywalker at Jabba the Hutt's desert fortress (which also features Princess Leia in her famous two-piece), as well as the final battle between Skywalker, Darth Vader and the Emperor. And sorry to the haters, but there will also be plenty of Ewok content to enjoy, too.  Conductor Nicholas Buc will once again lead the MSO during this spectacular sonic journey to a galaxy far, far away. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert will run across June 6-8, so we’d suggest you secure your tickets before they sell out. You can also check out the MSO's 2024 program here.

Calling all crate diggers far and wide, the annual celebration of the record store is back to celebrate independent music merchants around the globe with in-store performances, extended trading days, banging deals and special releases across stores in Melbourne.  Since its inception in 2008, Record Store Day has become a time to salute the people who keep a record store spinning – the staff, the customers and the artists – and to celebrate the store's culture within the wider community. This year, you can expect  special releases from the likes of The Wiggles, Montaigne, Tasman Keith, The Terrys, Ian Moss and heaps more artists. You can discover the full list of official international releases scheduled for Record Store Day here. Stores all across Melbourne have signed on to participate on the day, including Rocksteady Records in the CBD, Skydiver Records in Collingwood and Greville Records in Prahran.  The nostalgic among you will be happy to learn that a host of Aussie legends including The Meanies, Magic Dirt, Sunset Strip, and The Mad Turks have also joined forces for a double LP compilation called Time Capsule. Australian Sounds 1985-1994. Rock up to your fave store on the day and they might even be hosting performances from local artists. For example, Northside Records will host sets from Emma Donovan and Lord Knows, while Rocksteady Records will be graced by the Sugar-fed Leopards.  While we love a deal as much as anyone else, it’s also worth remembering that Record St

Calling all insomniacs with a penchant for round-the-clock revelry: Sleepless Footscray Festival is returning for a third edition this May. This festival of public art, music and unexpected activations will bring dormant laneways and forgotten indoor spaces to life, transforming them into inviting nightscapes.  The heart of vibrant Footscray will play host to a series of adventurous events celebrating the world-class diversity and creativity coming out of Melbourne’s Inner West. Running from May 4-19, the festival will consist of an eclectic line-up including music, film screenings, art installations, theatre and more.   For lovers of offbeat cinema, the Melbourne Nocturnal Film Festival will bring the weirdest and most wonderful local shorts to Footscray’s Bluestone Church Arts Space for three days.  For those aiming for auditory delights, the Melbourne Trap Orchestra will play a high-energy greatest hits set at Kindred Studios. Over at Footscray Records, Cowpunk band Goatlaw and post-punk disco groovers Carpal Tunnel will play for one night only. If it’s a musical journey you’re after, Astra Choir will literally transport you from the chambers of commerce to the halls of higher powers.  Festival artistic director Troy Rainbow says Sleepless will give Melburnians an opportunity to support the arts during a difficult time for the live entertainment industry. “By making Sleepless as accessible as possible, we’re giving music and arts lovers the opportunity to support the incr

Broad Encounters, the folks behind last year’s large-scale, free-roam production Love Lust Lost and 2019’s A Midnight Visit, have announced another immersive show opening this June. This time around, they’re embracing the immediacy of a smaller-scale space, with their latest show billed as an intimate soirée for small groups. When Night Comes is a multi-sensory theatrical experience that promises to be intoxicating in more ways than one. Set in a heavenly yet hedonistic realm, those who dare to enter will be introduced to a dark, decadent and delicious den where the cocktails are as enticing as the gazes of the cast.  Expect sublime sounds, visions, tastes and feelings – it’s all part of the celestial show. The production is set within a section of Collingwood’s Austral Theatre, one of Melbourne’s original beloved dance halls which first opened in 1921. The building will be demolished soon to make way for apartments, so this could be one of your last chances to take a peek inside Melbourne’s history. Head over to Collingwood from June 11-29 to catch When Night Comes. Tickets start from $63 and presale will begin at 9am on Monday, April 15 at the website. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.  Feeling theatrical? Check out the best theatre and musicals happening in Melbourne right now.

If you’re a country music fan, you’re almost guaranteed to be familiar with Chris Stapleton. For those of you who are less familiar, let us assure you that Stapleton is a certified big name on the scene. He’s collaborated with Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran, not to mention his work with Taylor Swift for the re-recorded version of her song ‘I Bet You Think About Me’.  The Kentucky-born star has won ten Grammys, 15 Country Music Association awards and 10 Academy of Country Music awards – placing him amongst the most celebrated musicians in the United States. Now, Chris Stapleton has announced that he’s finally touring Australia and New Zealand for the first time ever in early 2025.  When is Chris Stapleton in Melbourne? The legendary country muso will start his tour Down Under by playing two shows at Rod Laver Arena on February 25 and 26, 2025. After his Melbourne show, he’ll also pop into Brisbane and Sydney for two shows each.  How can I get tickets to the Melbourne Chris Stapleton shows and how much do they cost? The Live Nation presale starts at 11am on Thursday, April 11 – keen country beans can register here. General sales kick off on Friday, April 12 via Ticketek, also at 11am.  What will the Chris Stapleton Melbourne show be like? We’re expecting Chris Stapleton’s Melbourne show to be like a massive campfire singalong, if reviews of the US leg of his All American Road Show tour are anything to go by. There’ll likely be a mix of acoustic songs and full band

Cutting-edge Grammy-winning singer-songwriter SZA is officially on Aussie soil, and fans across Oz are playing her S.O.S album on repeat to prepare for her upcoming Melbourne shows. The genre-spanning powerhouse – whose musical style combines elements of R’n’B, hip-hop, soul, and chill electronica – announced the initial dates for the Australian leg of her S.O.S Tour back in February. She was set to take over Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena for two consecutive nights, but after the first two shows sold out in moments, SZA added an additional show in early May.  So, why are SZA fans so hungry to see this musician perform live? We chatted to Sydney-based fan Ava, who saw SZA back in 2018, and they told us: "She was everything." Aside from the chance to sing along to hit songs like 'Kill Bill' and 'I Hate U' with a whole stadium of people, Ava explained that SZA creates a space that is really special for the queer community, and "especially for sapphics and POC folks who don't often feel represented in those spaces". Slay. Here's what we know so far about SZA's upcoming Melbourne shows. When is SZA’s S.O.S Tour in Melbourne? SZA will take to the stage at Rod Laver Arena (after previously hitting up Brisbane for two nights and Sydney for four nights) on Monday, April 29, Tuesday, April 30 and Thursday, May 2. These three Melbourne shows are the last stop on her tour Down Under. What time will SZA come on stage in Melbourne? Rod Laver Arena is yet to confirm what time gates will open,

Melburnians, it’s time to get dotty, because it’s just been announced that NGV International will play host to the largest collection of Yayoi Kusama’s work ever seen in Australia. The exhibition (aptly named Yayoi Kusama) will take over the entire ground floor of the NGV, with works from the artist best known for her unique use of dots. Opening on December 15, this world-premiere exhibition will feature more than 180 works, including an NGV-specific piece transforming the iconic Waterwall and an installation of giant balloons in the Great Hall called 'Dots Obsession'.  Many of the works coming to Melbourne for this impressive exhibition have never been seen locally before, including the Australian debut of 'Dancing Pumpkin', a towering five-metre-tall bronze sculpture that visitors can view by walking underneath. As if five metres wasn’t tall enough, Melbourne will also score the Aussie premiere of Kusama’s six-metre-tall tentacle-esque sculpture, named 'The Hope of the Polkadots Buried in Infinity Will Eternally Cover the Universe'.  We’re particularly excited about the global premiere of a brand new Yayoi Kusama infinity room work, which will be part of a collection of immersive spaces included in the exhibition. Kusama’s infinity rooms employ the clever use of mirrors to create an illusion of never-ending space, making for a fun and mind-bending experience for visitors of all ages. Right now, the artist is in the process of developing a fresh infinity room just for Melbou

It’s no secret that Melbourne is known for its flourishing street art scene. The city’s unofficial outdoor galleries are always evolving, from kaleidoscopic laneways in the centre of town to countless hidden nooks and crannies throughout the suburbs. Hotspots like AC/DC Lane, Rankins Lane and the beloved Everfresh Fitzroy mural have long been providing the perfect Instagram photo backdrop for Melbourne’s tourists (and let's be honest, for lots of locals, too). Now, all the creativity of Melbourne's street art history has been quantified, with a new study from Betway officially naming Melbourne as the third best city for street art in the world. The study analysed 132 cities from around the globe based on multiple metrics, including the number of murals, social media data, online engagement and search traffic. We always knew Melbourne’s street art scene was top-notch, but we’re pretty stoked that we’ve trumped some famously arty European cities including Berlin (fourth place) and Amsterdam (seventh place). Perhaps most importantly, we came in waaaaaaay above Sydney, who barely edged into the global top ten down in eighth place. Photograph: Bianca O'Neill So, which cities beat us? According to the study, Paris is the top city for street art in the world, with London taking out second place. With such illustriously arty cities coming first and second, we really can’t complain about coming in third.  While we ranked third in the overall global rankings, we also managed to secur

Longing for a tropical island getaway but feeling the pinch of those overseas flights? Well, keep dreaming, because the (second best) travel gurus have ranked one of Australia’s very own pieces of island paradise as a must-visit destination in 2024. In the lead-up to the new year, global travel guide Lonely Planet released its Best in Travel rankings for 2024, and Kangaroo Island (Karta Pintingga) in South Australia made the number two spot for must-visit regions. As Australia’s third largest island, this sequestered treasure of a holiday spot boasts an abundance of native wildlife (yes, including a bunch of kangaroos), as well as a staggering length of scenic coastline. The shores of Kangaroo Island stretch more than 540km, and the island itself is six times larger than Singapore, yet has a tiny population of about 4,800. Lonely Planet cited Kangaroo Island’s “otherworldliness”, “unique local produce” and “adorable wildlife” as key drawcards, alongside a “ridiculous amount of stunning coastline”.  Photograph: Rebecca Walsh | Unsplash | Kangaroo Island Despite its remote feel, the island is actually pretty easy to reach, sitting 112km southwest of Adelaide and 13km off the closest inland shoreline. You can fly to Kangaroo Island from Adelaide in just 30 to 40 minutes, or hop on the ferry from Cape Jervis and you’ll be in paradise in just 45 minutes. Once you’re there, you can enjoy the local food and wine scene, the natural wonders galore, and the adrenaline-pumping activit

Rising returns to warm Melburnians’ spirits this winter from June 1-16, and this year’s sizzling line-up has just been announced. A chill tends to settle over our city in June, but thankfully Melbourne’s flagship arts and culture festival has cooked up 105 events to help heat things up. Get ready to revel in a plethora of wintry festivities across sixteen nights and three weekends, as Rising bathes our landmarks and labyrinthine laneways in a new light.  More than 480 artists from Australia and the world will converge on the city to present 32 new commissions, eight Australian premieres and six world premieres. A mix of free and ticketed events spanning contemporary music, dance, theatre and art will stretch down the spine of Swanston Street and beyond, well into the night. Spend an evening (or two, or many) wandering between large-scale installations, micro-bars and pop-up events around Birrarung Marr and the CBD.  This year, the festival’s action-packed Night Trade hub will sprawl through the laneways around the Capitol Theatre to Howey Place, featuring interactive art, dumplings, dance and more. Down the road, Fed Square will play host to The Blak Infinite, a vibrant free program of First People’s art and politics. Kimberley Moulton (the curator behind last year’s Shadow Spirit installation) has curated the expansive exhibition, anchored by EMBASSY, Richard Bell’s installation inspired by the original Aboriginal Tent Embassy pitched in Canberra in 1972. Immersive projectio

Mona Foma, the annual festival of summer hijinks from Hobart’s provocative Museum of Old and New Art, has once again brought a smorgasbord of shenanigans to the tail end of the Tasmanian summer. The festival’s sixteenth edition took place over three luscious weekends across nipaluna/Hobart and Launceston, bringing together more than 500 performers from around the world. We were lucky enough to pop over to Hobart for weekend two and there was so much to see. Here’s a roundup of our favourite moments.  The Hyperbolic Psychedelic Mind Melting Tunnel of Light If the name felt a little dramatic before entering this one-person-only laser tunnel, it seemed perfectly accurate after my allotted three minutes were up. Audiovisual artist Robin Fox has created a splendid sensory overload of light and sound, controlled by the viewer via a simple joystick. Three minutes ought to feel like an age alone in a tunnel of light, but it was over in a flash (or more accurately, thousands of them). Mogwai Relaxing on the Mona lawns each evening to take in performances from illustrious international acts is a Mona Foma must-do. Scottish post-rock legends Mogwai were a highlight of these Mona Sessions, making it easy to lose track of time on the rolling lawns. A rapt fascination spread across the crowd in response to the band’s thunderous sonic journey, enhanced by a stellar light show. Photograph: Mona/Jesse Hunniford Faux Mo After a good Mona Session, it would be rude not to head straight to the

He’s the London-born classical composer, turned producer to the stars, turned global dance music juggernaut, famed for his boisterous surprise shows. Whether you know Fred again.. from his audio diary-esque dance tracks recorded during lockdown, or the fact that he dropped into Revs for a casual 9am surprise set last Sunday, it’s safe to say that at this point he’s taken Australia by storm. We’re sure you’re curious about what went down at the first full stadium show of his surprise Aussie tour, so we stayed out past our bedtime on a Monday night to provide the goods. Consider yourself warned – there are spoilers up ahead. What were the best moments of Fred again..’s Melbourne show? Ranking these would be impossible, so here they are in no particular order: When Fred calmly walked through the middle of the crowd to get to a stage in the centre and everyone was cool about it. Every singalong of the night, including a tribute to Aussie legend Angie McMahon and the two sides of the stadium serenading each other with the help of Henry from Joy (Anonymous).  When Fred showed that video of the girl dancing at his recent Timber Yard gig on the big screen – if you know, you know. The roof lowering down over Fred during his stint in the middle of the stadium. When the dramatic lighting made us feel like we were in church. Seeing hundreds and hundreds of people hug their friends to the lyrics “put your loving arms around me”. When the screens on the ceiling started showing live footag

In case you missed it, Fred again.. is back on Aussie soil. He’s the London-born classical composer, turned producer to the stars, turned global dance music juggernaut famed for his boisterous surprise shows. Whether you know Fred again.. from his audio diary-esque dance tracks recorded during lockdown, or the fact that he dropped into Club 77 for a casual 8.30pm surprise set last Thursday, February 29, it’s safe to say that at this point he’s taken Australia by storm. And though our Sydney team (along with a million other Sydneysiders) missed out on making it to the pop-up shows he played while he was in the Emerald City, we’re lucky enough to have feet on the ground down in Melbourne. Ashleigh Hastings, Arts and Culture Editor at Time Out Melbourne, stayed up past her bedtime on Monday night to shine a little light on what to expect at a Fred Again.. arena show. Consider yourself warned – there are spoilers ahead. What were the best moments of Fred again..’s Melbourne show? Ranking these would be impossible, so here they are in no particular order: When Fred calmly walked through the middle of the crowd to get to a stage in the centre and everyone was cool about it. Every singalong of the night, including a tribute to Aussie legend Angie McMahon and the two sides of the stadium serenading each other with the help of Henry from Joy (Anonymous).  When Fred showed that video of the girl dancing at his recent Timber Yard gig on the big screen – if you know, you know. The roof

UPDATE, FEB 28: Find out more about Fred again..'s March shows at Qudos Bank Arena over here. UPDATE, FEB 27, 10.30AM: Fred again.. has announced he will play a surprise set at the Sydney Opera House tonight – that's Tuesday, February 27. After days of cryptic clues, he posted to Instagram this morning announcing that he has not only touched down in Australia, but that he will be playing at the country's most iconic performing arts venue on this very evening! Tickets are now on sale via the Sydney Opera House website over here. These hot tickets are guaranteed to sell out in a hurry, so don't dawdle! FROM EARLIER: If you’re any kind of electronic music lover, you'll know that Fred again... is a fan of a secret show. The wildly famous English producer toured Australia as part of Laneway Festival in early 2023, quickly decided his sideshows weren’t enough, and wreaked havoc by announcing a last-minute secret show. A year later, rumours are rife that the producer, known for his hit dance tracks including ‘Jungle’ and ‘Marea (we’ve lost dancing)’, is on his way Down Under for a series of as-yet unannounced shows. Personally, we’re locating our earplugs and laying out our comfiest dancing shoes just in case, because if the theories swirling around the internet are to be believed, Fred again.. could be playing in Sydney as soon as this week. To be clear, nothing official has come to light just yet, but Fred has definitely been hinting at something over on his Instagram. First, he p

Update Wednesday, February 28: It's finally happened! Fred again.. has just announced three Melbourne shows at Rod Laver Arena next week. This news comes after days of hints and a surprise show at Sydney Opera House. Keep reading for all the details. When is Fred again.. playing in Melbourne? Fred again.. is playing in Melbourne on Monday-Wednesday March 4-6. The rumours were true: all three shows are taking place at Rod Laver Arena. Old mate Fred is also playing shows on the Gold Coast and in Sydney. How can I get tickets to the Melbourne Fred Again.. shows and how much do they cost? Tickets to Fred again..'s Melbourne shows will go on sale at 9am tomorrow (February 29) via Ticketek, with a limit of four tickets per person. Here's that all important link. As for how much they cost, these bad boys ain't cheap. Tickets come in at $180. What will the Fred again.. Melbourne shows be like? Details are thin on the ground so far, but we do know that the shows are being billed to start at 7.30pm. If they're anything like his previous shows, you can expect a high-energy affair. Speculation about supporting acts is rife and so far our money is on Joy (Anonymous).  From earlier:   If you’re any kind of electronic music lover, you likely know the story of Fred again..’s first-ever tour to Melbourne. The wildly famous English producer toured Australia as part of Laneway Festival in February 2023, quickly decided his sideshows weren’t enough, and wreaked havoc by announcing a last-minute

Taylor Swift is in Sydney. She arrived during Monday's huge thunder storm that caused havoc around Sydney – and ever since, she's been causing a Taylor storm, stepping out at restaurants and the zoo – and yesterday, just a day before her first Sydney show, she's released MORE additional tickets.  It looks like those of us who have tickets are in for a real treat when she hits the stage at Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park for four nights this week, from Friday, February 23 to Monday, February 26. Time Out Melbourne Editor Leah Glynn was at one of her Melbourne shows, and says, "Believe the hype, folks. Taylor Swift's Eras Tour is everything you are hoping it to be: magical, emotional, spectacular, transformative. It's three-and-a-half hours of pure musical joy, best enjoyed with 96,000 of your closest friends (the stadium atmosphere at the MCG was unlike anything I've ever experienced before). I laughed, I cried, I sang and danced my little heart out – and I'd do it all again if anyone has a spare ticket. All hail, Queen Taylor."  If you were lucky enough to nab a ticket, here's everything you need to know about her Sydney shows...  When is Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Sydney? Tay Tay will take to the stage at Accor Stadium (after hitting Melbourne up for three shows) for her first Sydney Eras Tour concert on Friday, February 23. She will also perform on Saturday 24, Sunday 25 and Monday 26 before heading to Singapore to sing her heart out for a whole SIX shows. (Here’s whe

Taylor fever has hit Sydney in a big way in the lead up to our city's leg of the Eras Tour. She's reportedly staying in this villa. She's been spotted eating out at our favourite Italian restaurant. And the city has been taken over with Taylor Swift-related events and specials. If you’re anything like us, the final countdown to Swift’s four massive shows at Accor Stadium has probably got you thinking about everything you need to know ahead of and for the Taylor Swift concert days. But here's our guide to merch...  When is Taylor Swift playing the Sydney leg of her Eras Tour? ICYMI (i.e. living under a rock), the Sydney leg of the Eras Tour is happening for four nights from February 23-26, 2024. Hopefully by this point we’ve all got our rhinestone outfits sorted and gathered some friendship bracelet-making supplies – but what about that coveted Eras Tour merch? Where to buy official Taylor Swift merch in Sydney? Tay Tay is known for her quirky and prolific merch offerings, from cardigans to coffee cups. But the popularity of her merch also means that getting your hands on the goods can be a whole mission of its own. So, what’s the secret when it comes to buying official Taylor Swift merchandise in Sydney? Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park held two merch pre-sale days in Sydney (on Wednesday, February 21 and Thursday, February 22), but they're done and dusted now.  Now what you can do is get your merch early on the day of your concert. If you're wondering about concert timi