Leah Glynn

Fancy yourself a bit of a general knowledge whiz? Put your brains to the test at these pub trivia nights, where questions on anything from film to sport are supplemented by cool beers and food specials. Nearly all of them are free to join, and fun prizes like bar tabs or jugs are up for grabs. Pub trivia isn't the only fun you can have while drinking – check out our top bars for dancing, first dates and live music.

Every day is a special day at Lune, purveyor of the world’s best croissants (well at least many people believe this to be true – this writer included), and Lune's April specials are as tempting as ever. Yes, even after that post-Easter sugar coma, we're still craving our Lune fix.You'll find all the latest specials below, and because they vary between locations make sure to check out what's available at each store beforehand to avoid disappointment when you finally get to the front of that never-ending line.  Need more buttery goodness in your life? These are the best patisseries in Melbourne.

The venerable American theatre critic Jonathan Kalb once remarked that the only way to really enjoy theatre was in large doses. The playwright Terrence McNally recommends three nights a week at a minimum. Excellent advice! But what about your precious doubloons? That much theatre doesn't come cheap – not unless you strategise. And we're here to help in that endeavour, with tips and tricks to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to seeing the best theatre, musicals and plays. Want to roll on after a show? Check out the best nightclubs and late-night bars in Melbourne.

Prahran – and that's Pran not Praahn – might be best known for its stretch of Chapel Street, but there's plenty more to love about the inner south suburb. It's here you'll find some of Melbourne most exciting restaurants, fun bars and quirky shops. Not to mention the spectacular Chapel Off Chapel performing arts space and the beloved den of sin that is Revs. New to the area? Here are the best things to do in Prahran. Nearby make sure you check out the best things to do in South Yarra or Elsternwick.  Looking for more fun? Here are the best things to do this weekend.

Technically, The Man says that buying takeaway booze on Good Friday is not on. But unlike our strict friends in NSW, we have a little more wiggle room down here. We've put together a list of bottle shops that are open on Good Friday to ensure your long weekend is well lubricated.  Looking for more things to do this long weekend? Check out the best things happening in Melbourne this Easter.

Ticking off the main tourist attractions on a city break is all well and good, but it’s only when you veer off down a side street or stumble across a leafy avenue that you really get a glimpse of a city’s true character. Streets are the heart of local life; they’re where communities come together, where new local businesses become go-to staples and where urbanites go out, hang out and have fun.  So what are the world’s coolest streets worth a stroll right now? To find the answer, we reached out to our global team of local expert editors and contributors, who each made a case for the coolest street in their city. We then narrowed down the selection to create a definitive ranking of the best avenues, thoroughfares, backstreets and boulevards on the planet. And so you have it: the coolest streets in the world’s best cities. Over the last few years, street life has gone through something of an evolution. Outdoor drinking and dining, at one point a temporary measure, has become a staple on many of the streets on our hotlist; only bolstered by green initiatives like pedestrianisation and low-traffic avenues. In other words, these streets have become much more walkable and pleasant places to spend our time. On every street on this list, there are bold, creative new ventures in food, drink, nightlife and culture: from listening bars to repurposed heritage buildings, these streets are where you’ll find a city’s most exciting cultural trends. Ready for a wander?  RECOMMENDED: 🏘️ The w

What makes a city great? Some would say it’s all about buzzing neighbourhoods, affordable food and drink and a mighty selection of things to do, from art galleries and museums to live music and theatre. Others might highlight things like the happiness of its locals, access to green space and strong community vibes. We factor in all that and more in our annual survey, which asks city-dwellers around the world to tell us what it’s like to live, work and play in their hometowns right now. Thanks to the opinions and insights of locals on the ground and our global network of city experts, we’re able to create a global ranking of the world’s best cities – and the 2024 results are in. As in previous years, the basis of the ranking remains our global survey of the people who know their city best: the locals. Working with research company Potentia Insight, we surveyed thousands of city-dwellers about the quality and affordability of food, culture and nightlife in their city. We also asked locals how their city makes them feel: are they happy there? Is it a beautiful place? Is it easy to make social connections? Their thousands of responses gave us a unique insight into the reality of living in the world’s greatest cities right now. Now that international travel is forecast to bounce back to the highest levels since 2019, many travellers will be planning a city break this year – so in 2024, we added a little extra weight to a city’s global appeal. Each survey respondent was asked which

It’s that time again. Every year, we ask thousands of city-dwellers to tell us the coolest spots in their cities. What are the places locals love and visitors flock to? Where are the exciting new openings across food, drink and culture? Where are people going out, hanging out and having fun? For the sixth year running, the results are in. Over 12,000 people had their say in this year’s shortlist, naming the neighbourhoods in their hometowns where everyone wants to be right now. Then, we narrowed down the selection with the insight and expertise of city editors and local experts who know their cities better than anyone else. To create and rank the final list, we considered factors including community and social ventures, access to open and green space, and thriving street life. In 2023, our neighbourhoods are more global than ever before. The rise and rise in post-pandemic digital nomadism has led to an explosion of brand-new community spaces, multi-purpose culture centres and more cafés than we can count on two hands. But while most of these neighbourhoods have experienced a transformation over recent years, they remain resolutely local at heart. Slick new developments and cool cafés might bring in new crowds, but neighbourhood stalwarts – from old pubs to family greengrocers – keep it real.  The world’s coolest neighbourhoods this year are, therefore, places with big personalities. Each area’s diversity is reflected in its food, culture and festivals. Community is key: local

Melbourne is a city full of surprises, but while we've become used to the unexpected, there are a few things you'll never catch Melburnians saying. We've rounded up 33 phrases below, and after having a scroll, check out our guide to the things that make you a true Melburnian.  "I just felt like dressing in the colours of the rainbow today."  "Oh, this old thing? I bought it at Chaddy."  "I just prefer drinking closer to the ground." "Sure, I'm happy to work a shift the morning after Meredith!" "Holy shit, it's Tony Armstrong! Do you think he'll get a selfie with me?"  "Are you kidding me? For $22 I could've made this Negroni at home!"  "I've saved up enough money for a home loan!"  "Don't stress, I'm sure we'll have no problem finding a table at the Queen Vic Night Market."  "I reckon we'll pass on the burrata, but thanks!" "Sorry, I don't drink skin-contact wine." "Those Extinction Rebellion people have a fair point, and I respect their right to protest." "I'm so sick of deli sandwiches." "Let's have a massive one in Travancore tonight." "I miss Stereosonic." "Mel-born." "I love that mullets are back in style." "I don't like to dress like everyone else, so I buy my clothes from Gorman."  "Look! Melbourne Skydeck!"  "Do you have anything with gluten?" "I'm so glad that the ugly old pub at the end of my street is turning into apartments."  "Who buys a house these days?" "I've got this revolutionary idea to open a burger joint on wheels! A truck that sells food, if you will!"

What’s not to love about a doughy, spicy, fruity, buttery ball of joy, warmed to perfection in the toaster or the microwave, and slathered liberally with salted butter? Melbourne has a wealth of brilliant bakers, all of whom have been elbow-deep in flour, sugar and spice, perfecting their recipes for Easter. We’ve rounded up our favourite floury heroes and how to get them below. Knead more dough? These are the best bakeries in Melbourne.

If you're looking for a break from the inner-city grid, there's no better cure than a day trip from Melbourne. The state of Victoria is full of friendly neighbourhood towns, whether you're in the mood for a winery tour, a road trip or a national park to explore. These one-day escapes are just what the doctor ordered, so get out there and explore Melbourne's beautiful backyard.  Keen to stretch your legs? These are the best day hikes from Melbourne. Looking for somewhere to stay? Here are five road trip-worthy motels.

Since its inaugural celebration more than a century ago, International Women's Day has become an annual rallying point for women around the world to come together in solidarity. It's a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, but also to recognise the challenges that women continue to face to this day.  This year, the theme is Inspire Inclusion – it's all about working to inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, in order to forge a better world. Because when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment. To help you celebrate and support female-identifying persons in our community and worldwide, we've selected our pick of the best businesses to shop at, seminars to catch and events to attend. Looking to read empowering stories about women in Melbourne? Check out our chats with Flex Mami and Kic founders Laura Henshaw and Steph Claire Smith.

It’s time to fire up the kiln because the Three Day Clay Market is happening again from May 10-12. Three Day Clay – established in 2019 by a group of ceramicists with an aim to connect Melbourne’s local clay community – will be hosting the special pop-up event at Pauli Concept Space on Sydney Road in Brunswick. The line-up of 13 artists showcasing their wares includes Benna Co, Dawn Vachon, Arcadia Scott, Eun Ceramics, Yen Qin and Asobimasu Clay, plus plenty more. From tableware and vases to sculpture and wall art, there's a clay creation for everyone to appreciate. And considering the market happens to fall over the Mother's Day weekend, it would be rude not to treat your mum to a one-off or limited-edition ceramic piece. Plus, if you visit on the Friday evening, you'll even get to enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling. For more information, head to the website. Love hitting up a good market? These are Melbourne’s best art, craft and design markets.

Looking for a regional getaway alternative to the Mornington Peninsula or Yarra Valley? Let us introduce the township of Milawa, an almost three-hour drive up the Hume Highway from Melbourne. Set among the mountains, valleys and rivers of the High Country, it’s home to a delicious smorgasbord of local businesses, including cellar doors, cafés, a top-notch bakery, a specialist mustard store and even a cheese factory. And the jewel in its crown? Lancemore Milawa – a two-storey, 40-room boutique accommodation that recently underwent a multi-million dollar transformation. Access is via a quiet country road flanked by rows of vines (that belong to none other than the famed Brown Brothers winery, which is just a short walk from the hotel), and upon entering the property you’ll discover a bright and sophisticated space with an abundance of natural light thanks to the many floor-to-ceiling windows. The Stellar Collective is the stylish mastermind behind the interior details, and the award-winning design studio has created a Mediterranean-inspired oasis complete with neutral tones, bespoke timber joinery, polished concrete flooring and custom artwork. There are also multiple common areas to discover, all of which feature cosy couches, fireplaces and an impressive selection of coffee table books. Venture through to the outdoor back plaza which overlooks even more vines, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve somehow been transported to a Tuscan villa. There’s a pond, a fountain, ham

If you needed another excuse to visit the Mornington Peninsula (you know, aside from the incredible wineries, restaurants and beaches), here it is: Alba Thermal Springs, a sustainable, $90 million wellness sanctuary that boasts a collection geothermal pools within its perfectly manicured 15-hectare grounds, is now open. Located in Fingal, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, this relaxation destination has been meticulously curated to evoke calm and tranquility from the moment you enter through its curved, concrete entranceway complete with a moat-like water feature. Fluffy robes and slippers greet you upon arrival (don’t worry, there are secure lockers to store all your belongings – this is a phone-free zone, after all), and then it’s time to leave your worries behind and enter the open-air bathing complex. There are 31 pools dotted among the undulating landscape – some intimate and private, others large and more social – and they range from geothermal pools and cold plunge pools to herbal-infused botanical pools and invigorating rain pools. There’s also a private rooftop salt pool that allows you to experience total weightlessness, plus steam rooms and saunas. Wandering along the snaking path to find each pool is almost (almost) as fun as immersing yourself in the restorative waters – and trust us when we say it’s way too easy to spend hours hopping from pool to pool. Alba uses 100 per cent geothermal water that is heated between 37-degrees Celsius and 43-degrees Celsius, a

It's the news we've all been waiting for: after being cut short last year due to flooding, the spectacular Moama Lights event is returning to the Echuca-Moama region bigger and brighter than ever. Running from July 5-28 (across Thursday to Sunday nights), Moama Lights is an immersive sound and light trail comprising state-of-the-art installations, projections and cutting-edge moving light technology.  This year's theme is Enchanted Nights: A Celebration of Light, and it will honor the captivating beauty of Horseshoe Lagoon and the surrounding bushland. Using Banjo Paterson's evocative poem 'The Daylight is Dying' as inspiration, the trail will shine a light (quite literally) on the elements of nature that come to life when the sun sets. Visitors can expect to see illuminated ripples on the lagoon's surface, projections of children's art, glowing red gums and incredible indigenous works by First Nations artists Warrick Keen and Alkina Edwards. Also returning is the ice skating rink and the American Hotel beer garden, where you can load up on hearty food and drink options. There will also be additional food trucks and kids' entertainment. Tickets are on sale now for this glowing wonderland, you can book them via the website. Keen to see some more winter lights? Check out our list of everything lit up, glowing and illuminated in Melbourne this month, or our list of winter light festivals in regional Victoria.

Attention all dog lovers, this is not a drill: a pop-up café filled with real-life puppies is coming to Melbourne for one glorious day only. And you're invited to come and shower them with pats and ear scritches. On Wednesday, April 24, Guide Dogs Victoria is throwing a paw-fect party for all those who enjoy frolicking with labrador puppies for a good cause. You'll be able to pose in a pooch-themed photobooth, watch pups-in-training, listen to a panel discussion and speak with handlers about the important role guide dogs play in our community. The event will coincide with International Guide Dogs Day and aims to raise awareness about the wonderful work that Guide Dogs Victoria does for those living with vision impairment. There will even be door prizes and a competition to name your very own puppy. Your morning coffee pick-up has never been more adorable – tickets to the 'pup-up' café start at $10 for children and $30 for adults. It's taking place at Studley Grounds Café in Kew from 10.30am to 12pm.  You can learn more and snap up tickets over here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Love spending time with your pooch? Check out the best dog-friendly pubs in Melbourne.

The Big Design Market returns to Melbourne with it's latest edition, easing us into the coldest season with plenty of pretty wares that'll warm our souls. The Royal Exhibition Building is set to be transformed into a shopper's haven for three big days in May for the market's 'Almost Winter' iteration, where shoppers will wander through a forest filled with twinkling lights as they browse stalls.  From May 24 to 26, you can peruse more than 200 stallholders from Australia and New Zealand selling ethically made ceramics, jewellery, homewares, clothing, lifestyle products, stationery, limited-edition art prints, pet wares and so much more. Plus, at midday on the second day of the event there's a full-on fashion show, with a choreographed parade showcasing more than 20 local designers.  All that shopping can be hungry work, so fuel up with treats from some of the country's best culinary connoisseurs, including the likes of Wonder Pies, La Tortilleria, Casa Nata, That's Amore Cheese, Claw and Tail, Wonderbao, Mork Chocolate and Billy Van Creamery. On the beverage front, St Ali will be slinging coffee to keep your energy levels up, while Pizzini Wines, Penni Ave Distillery, Marnong Estate Wines, Molly Rose Brewery and Archie Rose Distilling Co will be on hand to whip up something a tad stronger.  This time around, shoppers will also be treated to the vibrant works of Indigenous artist Emma Hollingsworth, with her brand Mulganai featuring contemporary Aboriginal art as the market's

Fans of sneaky street art, rejoice! The acclaimed works of Banksy, the mysterious master of graffiti, are coming to Australia, and you won't even need to scour the city's laneways to see them for yourself. The Art of Banksy: Without Limits is a blockbuster exhibition that will feature murals, sculptures, photos, mapping shows (aka images or animations projected onto irregularly shaped surfaces), installations (including an “infinity room” filled with mirrors) and a simulation of ‘Dismaland Bemusement Park’ (for those who’ve never heard of it, it’s a gritty, dark theme park that was created by Banksy in 2015). It will also include a mix of replicas and originals of some of the artist's most famous works, like 'Rude Copper', 'Flower Thrower' and the instantly recognisable 'Girl with Balloon'. But wait, that's not all: Banky's recent Ukraine murals will be referenced, and there’s even a space that pays homage to the MV Louise Michel, the high-speed boat that Banksy financially keeps afloat in the Mediterranean Sea to rescue refugees. The exhibition began in Brisbane, before heading to Adelaide and Sydney. Soon, the exhibiton will finally reach Melbourne in June 2024, with ticket sales commencing on Thursday, April 18 (you can join the waitlist here for tickets). The exhibition will take place at The Disctrict Docklands, but we're still waiting in suspense of the exact dates to be announced. Will Banksy be in attendance? Is this the moment Banksy's real identity will be revealed

Rhys Nicholson has good reason to celebrate: the past few years have seen the much-loved comedian’s profile continue to rise, thanks to a star-making turn as a judge on Ru Paul’s Drag Race Down Under, plum acting gigs and a run of award-winning stand-up shows. Oh, and they also recently got married to long-term partner Kyran Wheatley (a writer, broadcaster, comedian and producer in his own right). So it’s fitting that Nicholson’s 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival show is titled Huge Big Party Congratulations. There’s an anticipatory party vibe in the air as we wait for Nicholson to ascend to the Comedy Republic stage – which is semi-surprising given the early 6pm time slot on a Tuesday evening. But a bangin’ soundtrack, bright red spotlight and a pointed opening crack that we’re all tightasses for being here on cheap Tuesday sets the scene for an hour of high-powered hilarity.  The set moves at a sizzling pace – gags come in thick and fast about audiences in other states (people are “proud” in Perth and “weird” on the Gold Coast), whether or not Nicholson would get work done, and how it’s “a tiny bit funny” when billionaires get themselves into trouble, à la the Titanic submersible saga. But there are a few recurring themes in what initially seems like an off-the-cuff livestream of Nicholson’s inner thoughts. Marriage is one of them, as is the inevitable follow-up question: do you want kids? While Nicholson’s deliberately perplexing go-to answer is “we’re childless

It's baaack! After two hugely popular winter seasons, Melbourne's favourite illuminated event is returning in 2024. From June 14 to August 4, take a nighttime stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens and experience luminous pathways, lit-up tree canopies, soothing soundscapes and brand new installations. "We are thrilled to see Lightscape returning for its third year. The Gardens provide an exquisite canvas for us to create a magical world of light, nature and wonder," said David Harland, director and chief executive of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. "In 2024 we have a few surprises up our sleeve as we build on the experience to make it exhilarating for both returning and first-time visitors." For the upcoming season, you can expect a reimagined 2.2km trail accompanied by stunning lakeside reflections, large-scale illuminated sculptures and other wonders, with more than 100,000 tiny lights on display. New in 2024 is 'Submerged', an immersive work where you walk through thousands of suspended lights as the installation changes colour in response to the movement. Also making its Australian debut is 'Lily' by French artistic studio Tilt – it's a series of abstract, three-metre-tall glowing flowers that will captivate people of all ages. Most importantly, you'll also be able to grab a bite to eat and warming drinks at the Welcome Zone or along the trail. They say that Melbourne is at its best in winter and events like Lightscape, where you can rug up and join friends for a m

When revolutionaries stormed and captured the Bastille fortress – which was used to imprison political and religious dissidents – on July 14, 1789, it was considered the start of the French Revolution and the beginning of the end for the French monarchy. That fateful day became known as Bastille Day, and celebrations are held annually all across France. If you're keen to join in on the fun, swap your beanie for a beret and head over to Queen Victoria Market on July 13 and 14.  Sheds C and D will transport you to a wintery French town square complete with vendors peddling cheeses, crêpes, Champagne and pastries (it wouldn't be a Gallic celebration without the scent of croissants in the air). While you feast, live entertainment like acrobatic performances, dancers and jazz musicians will take over the main stage.  Ticketed talks, walking tours and masterclasses will also run over the two days – and if you can't make it in person, you can still tune into some Bastille Day-themed online events. Best of all, think of it as an opportunity to practice your French language skills amongst French expats, Francophones and Francophiles – oui, oui! For more information, visit the Bastille Day French Festival website. Craving French food? Consult our guide to the best French restaurants Melbourne has to offer. Plus, here are Melbourne's best patisseries.

Having had the pleasure of catching Mel O’Brien and Samantha Andrews’ High Pony at last year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival (a completely unhinged hour of queer energy and catchy musical bops), I returned once again to the Toff in Town, fully prepared for whatever insane magic this powerhouse pair has cooked up. And with The Platonic Human Centipede, it’s clear they didn’t come to play it safe. The opening number quickly sets the tone for the evening, taking things from zero to 100 real quick. ‘Eat My Ass’ is a nod to the show title’s filmic inspiration and features the instantly quotable lyrics: “Eat my ass, not like yum but more like I love you”. Add a choreographed high-kick moment, and there’s not a person in the room who isn’t going feral for these two.  The show's overarching theme is unsung duos of the modern world – we’re talking Bart and Lisa Simpson, Willy Wonka and Charlie Bucket, and Santa Claus and Mrs Claus. The latter feature in a hilarious couples therapy skit that unpacks their love languages. Spoiler alert: ol’ Saint Nick is a words of affirmation guy. But it’s an especially cheeky duet starring Mel and Sam as Robert and Bindi Irwin singing to their dearly departed father up in heaven (RIP) that elicits a can’t-believe-they-went-there response from the shrieking faux-horrified audience. Oh, they went there alright, and we’re all the better off for hearing them belt out “Is it slay? Do they play The Crocodile Hunter on Blu-Ray?” in perfect unison.

Julian O'Shea cuts a striking figure at his debut Melbourne International Comedy Festival show. The popular online content creator, university lecturer and one-time participant in Moomba’s Birdman Rally strides onto the stage at the DoubleTree by Hilton wearing a brightly coloured road map jumper that resembles those cartoon rugs once found in playrooms across the country (IYKYK). This playful attire, combined with O’Shea’s palpable enthusiasm at the prospect of performing in front of a sold-out crowd, sets the scene for an hour of fun facts, chaotic anecdotes and plenty of laughs. The premise of O’Shea’s show, M is for Melbourne: The World’s Mostly* Liveable City, is simple: it’s an A to Z of Melbourne, highlighting all that is cool, quirky and kinda weird. It’s also a roll call of reasons why Melbourne is worthy of snatching back its World’s Most Liveable City crown from Vienna (cue a couple of cheeky jabs at the Austrian capital littered throughout the set).  All the obvious topics are present: F is for the free tram zone, H is for hook turns and M is for the Montague Street Bridge (a “true Melbourne icon”, according to O’Shea). But it’s the slightly left-of-field inclusions that allow for O’Shea’s truly comprehensive local knowledge to shine. A deep dive into the City of Melbourne’s decision to assign email addresses to all 70,000 of its trees (E is for emailing trees) is as genuinely intriguing as it is funny, and provides O’Shea with an opportunity to tell any audience

Update April 23 2024: After months of confusion following the announcement in November last year that the Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn tour was postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances”, it has just been revealed that the entire run of sold-out Aussie gigs have been cancelled. For more information (including how you can get a refund) check out our explainer here. Has the Weekend cancelled his Australian tour in 2024? Due to "unforeseen circumstances", all of his Australian shows – including his Melbourne dates – have been cancelled. Is the Weeknd touring Australia in 2024? Not anymore. Ticketek has announced the Weeknd will not be rescheduling any of his 2023 dates for his After Hours Til Dawn tour. When is the Weeknd coming to Melbourne? The Weeknd was originally set to perform in Melbourne on December 1, 2, 4 and 5, 2023. These shows have now been cancelled.  How much are the Weeknd tickets for Melbourne?  Ticket prices will range from $102.87-$306.75, but prices may be subject to change.  What stadium will the Weeknd play at in Melbourne?  The Weeknd was scheduled to play at Marvel Stadium in Docklands, near the CBD.  Where else is the Weeknd playing in Australia as part of the 2023 After Hours til Dawn tour? In addition to his Melbourne show, the Weeknd was scheduled to perform at Accor Stadium in Sydney on November 24, 25 and 27, and Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on November 20 and 21. All of these dates have now been cancelled. When do the Weeknd tickets Melbourne go o

Nooo! After months of confusion following the announcement in November last year that the Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn tour was postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances”, it has just been revealed that the entire run of sold-out Aussie gigs have been cancelled. The Weeknd (aka Abel Tesfaye) had been scheduled to play four epic shows at Marvel Stadium on December 1, 2, 4 and 5, 2023, with performances also confirmed in both Sydney and Brisbane. None of these will go ahead now, with Ticketek confirming that full refunds will be issued to all ticketholders “Whilst we continue to work through the rescheduling process with the artist, tickets for the existing 2023 tour will be cancelled. All purchased tickets will receive a full refund,” reads a statement on the ticketing company’s website. It’s expected that refunds will take approximately 30 days to appear in the accounts of ticketholders. And if the Weeknd does indeed decide to head Down Under again (c’mon, we gotta hold out hope), those people will be able to access a priority pre-sale purchase window for new tickets. If sitting in that stressful Ticketek waiting room is something you’d do all over again just to see the Starboy in real life, there’s a waitlist you can join here. There’s been no word from the Weeknd himself regarding the Aussie cancellations, and he didn’t publicly comment on the initial postponement – so we’re not holding out hope for statement (or apology!). All those tears you were saving for another day?

Nooo! After months of confusion following the announcement in November last year that the Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn tour was postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances”, it has just been revealed that the entire run of sold-out Aussie gigs has been cancelled. The Weeknd (aka Abel Tesfaye) had been scheduled to play three epic shows at Sydney's Accor Stadium on November 24, 25 and 27, with performances also confirmed in both Melbourne and Brisbane. None of these will go ahead now, with Ticketek confirming that full refunds will be issued to all ticketholders.  “Whilst we continue to work through the rescheduling process with the artist, tickets for the existing 2023 tour will be cancelled. All purchased tickets will receive a full refund,” reads a statement on the ticketing company’s website. It’s expected that refunds will take approximately 30 days to appear in the accounts of ticketholders. And if The Weeknd does indeed decide to head Down Under again (c’mon, we gotta hold out hope) those people will be able to access a priority pre-sale purchase window for new tickets. If sitting in that stressful Ticketek waiting room is something you’d do all over again just to see the Starboy in real life, there’s a waitlist you can join here. There’s been no word from the Weeknd himself regarding the Aussie cancellations, and he didn’t publicly comment on the initial postponement – so we’re not holding out hope for statement (or apology!). All those tears you were saving for anot

We’re back, baby! The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index just dropped, and Melbourne has done us proud, soaring up the list and landing a bronze medal.  Once the darling of this annual inventory (remember when Melbourne was crowned the world’s most liveable city for seven years in a row?), the Victorian capital fell to tenth in 2022, with the prolonged effects of Covid-19 to blame. But it’s only taken one year to shake off those pandemic blues, with Melbourne coming in hot behind Vienna and Copenhagen, both of which retained their positions in the number one and two spots. Melbourne’s main local rival, Sydney, also recovered well – coming in fourth, a solid upswing from 13th in 2022. And the strong rankings were shared right across the country, with Perth and Adelaide at equal 12th (up from 32nd and 30th) and Brisbane 16th (up from 27th). “From the most locked-down city to the world’s third most liveable city is pretty darn good,” said lord mayor Sally Capp. “It’s cute to see Sydney nipping at our heels, and we’ll leverage this competition to push us to do better, work harder and achieve our rightful position at the top once again.” The annual report evaluated the best and worst living conditions of 173 cities based on five major categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure. Melbourne scored extremely high in education and culture (100 and 95.8, respectively), giving it the edge over Sydney. Both cities achieved

If you ask us, Melbourne is a pretty desirable place to live. We’ve got epic restaurants, a top-notch street art scene and enough quality bars to ensure you never go thirsty. And who doesn’t want to live in a city that boasts the coolest street in the whole dang world? Yep, consider us rightfully smug. But what suburb exactly do Melburnians consider the ultimate spot to live? You know, if things like money or the work commute weren’t a factor. To find this out, we consulted the results of Time Out’s city-dwellers survey, which is used to calculate the annual Coolest Neighourhoods ranking (shout out to Brunswick East, the world’s sixth coolest in 2023). It also asks the question: where would you like to move in your city? Drumroll, please: according to the results, the majority of people want to live in Brunswick. And look, we get it. As a hipster hub of art, culture, bars and music venues, it’s long been a true gem of the north. Some of our favourite spots include A1 Bakery (IYKYK), That Paper Joint and Howler. And there’s no better time to soak up the sights and sounds than during the Sydney Road Street Party.  Photograph: Anthony Littlechild But (perhaps surprisingly) the northern suburbs didn’t dominate the list. Landing at second place on the list was the bayside haven of Port Melbourne, followed by Fitzroy, South Melbourne and Brighton. The final two locations to score a mention were South Yarra and Docklands (yes, we’re just as shocked as you are). Now that’s a pretty

It’s official – Australia is officially home to the coolest street on the planet right now. Every year, Time Out releases our annual ranking of the Coolest Streets in the World. The list is chosen with the help of our global network of local experts and contributors, who each made a case for their city’s most happening street.  There are thousands of streets in Australia that make our country the best. However, some just rise above the rest for their exciting new ventures in food, drink, nightlife and culture, making them the coolest spots you’ll want to hang out this year. It’s no secret that Melbourne’s inner north is dominated by some pretty epic thoroughfares (both Smith Street and Gertrude Street have landed on this list in the past – in first and second place, no less), but in 2024, there’s another contender nipping at their heels. Enter High Street, which weaves through the ultra-trendy suburbs of Northcote, Thornbury and Preston, and steals the crown from Hollywood Road in Hong Kong, East Eleventh in Austin, Guatemala Street in Buenos Aires and Commercial Drive in Vancouver (which rounded out the top five, respectively).  So what makes High Street so damn cool? This is a strip that has cemented its gold medal status thanks to an abundance of offerings that appeal to both locals and visitors alike. Craving the best lasagne of your life? You need 1800 Lasagne on speed dial. Keen to take in sweeping views of suburbia at sunset with a Spritz in hand? Head to Gigi Rooftop,

In news that is sure to make every Melburnian swell with pride, it has just been revealed that none other than High Street in the city’s inner north has been crowned the coolest street in the world right now. Yes, you read that right: lil’ old High Street, which weaves through the suburbs of Northcote, Thornbury and Preston, has landed in the number one position, stealing the crown from Hollywood Road in Hong Kong, East Eleventh in Austin, Guatemala Street in Buenos Aires and Commercial Drive in Vancouver (which rounded out the top five, respectively). Excuse us while we go shout it from the rooftops. To determine the rankings, Time Out reached out to its global team of local expert editors and contributors, who each made a case for the coolest street in their city. The selection was then narrowed down to create a definitive list of the best avenues, thoroughfares, backstreets and boulevards on the planet. Every street to make the cut represents a destination with exciting new ventures in food, drink, nightlife and culture, aka the coolest spots you’ll want to hang out this year. So what makes High Street so damn cool? This is a strip that has cemented its gold medal status thanks to an abundance of offerings that appeal to both locals and visitors alike. Craving the best lasagne of your life? You need 1800 Lasagne on speed dial. Keen to take in sweeping views of suburbia at sunset with a Spritz in hand? Head to Gigi Rooftop, a teeny spot accessible only via an espresso bar.

Need more proof that Melbourne is one of the best cities for culture right now? The public artworks set to adorn the new stations that make up the Metro Tunnel have been unveiled, and they’re pretty darn spectacular. The permanent works have been created by some of Australia’s leading artists, who were chosen by an expert panel comprising key figures from Victoria’s creative industries. The line-up of artists includes Abdul Abdullah (Arden Station), Patricia Piccinini (Parkville Station), Danie Mellor (State Library Station) and Raafat Ishak (Anzac Station).  The large-scale creations range from two giant aluminium hands reaching out for one another, to eight-metre-high etched glass panels starring historical photographic portraits of Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung women. Other designs include a colourful abstract piece that celebrates the cultural landmarks of the St Kilda Road precinct, and a ceramic tile installation that will (hopefully) provide a moment of calm during your hectic commute.   Render: Department of Transport   Each of the artists collaborated with the architects to ensure their works would complement the design of the individual stations. That means the particular location of the pieces will vary – some appearing above ground at the entrance, others found down below on the platforms. Celebrated Victorian First Nations artist Maree Clarke will also have her vast floor mosaics featured in all of the new stations. ‘Tracks’ is a collection of 35 footprints of native

Deep breaths, everyone – today is the day Blondie officially kicks off the Aussie leg of her Eras Tour, and if you're anything like us, this week has been a blur of making friendship bracelets, memorising the setlist and lining up for official merch. But, it's also time to fine-tune all the important details – like planning your route to the MCG, and figuring out exactly where your seats are. So pop on your heart-shaped sunnies, add a coat of red lippie and grab your bag (with a maximum of two compartments, and smaller than A4 size), here's everything you need to know if you’re headed to see Swift at the MCG. What’s the Taylor Swift MCG seating plan?  The MCG has issued a colour-coded map illustrating the seating plan for Swift's three concerts. There are seven key areas across the arena floor and stadium seating bays. It will remain the same for all shows.  A Reserve – Red B Reserve – Pink C Reserve – Orange D Reserve – Blue E Reserve – Purple F Reserve – Green G Reserve – Yellow Every single seat at the Melbourne nights of the Eras Tour is assigned, so there's no need to line up early to score a front-row spot (anyone having flashbacks to last year's Harry Styles concerts can breathe a huge sigh of relief). What’s the MCG's capacity?  The MCG is enormous, with capacity for 100,000 people. It's expected that 260,000 Swifties will pour through the gates over the three dates– that's an average of 86,000 a night. The current record holder for the biggest concert crowd at the '

In another blow to Australia's music festival scene, it's just been announced that Groovin' the Moo (GTM) has been cancelled for 2024 – only two weeks on from the initial line-up reveal. The festival was due to kick off in Adelaide in April, followed by massive shows in Canberra, Bendigo, Newcastle, Sunshine Coast and Bunbury. Headliners originally slated to perform included Sporty Spice herself, Mel C, as well as indie rockers The Kooks, electronic producer Mura Masa and GZA from Wu Tang. On the local front, DMAs, Hot Dub Time Machine, The Jungle Giants, Mallrat and San Cisco were also set to appear. Organisers have singled out poor ticket sales as the major deciding factor in cancelling the festival, which haven't been strong enough to support the costs associated with running the nationally touring event. "We are extremely disappointed to announce that the Groovin' the Moo 2024 tour has been forced to cancel," said the GTM team. "Ticket sales have not been sufficient to deliver a regional festival of this kind. All tickets will be refunded automatically. "Thank you to everybody who has supported the festival. We hope to be able to bring Groovin' the Moo back to regional communities in the future." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Groovin the Moo (@groovinthemoo) The beloved musical extravaganza first began in regional New South Wales in 2005, and quickly established itself as a hugely popular event on the local festival circuit. It ran annuall

Missed out on Taylor Swift tickets back in June? Haven't got your hands on any official merch yet? Never fear, because our queen has just announced that she's dropping a fresh batch of extra tickets for her Melbourne shows. Yes, our wildest dreams have come true – and just in the nick of time. The new tickets will be released today (Tuesday, February 13). The Melbourne shows initially sold out within hours – it was estimated four million fans jumped online with hopes of getting up close and personal with the sequin-studded sensation. But now Melbourne Swifties are getting one last chance to experience Tay Tay's magic in person. The tickets will be made available via Ticketek at 2pm AEDT until the allocation is exhausted, with prices starting at a glittering $65.90 (full disclosure: some of these tickets are for seats with restricted views). All three of Swift's shows will be held at the iconic MCG, and it's expected that she will break the MCG’s record for the most tickets sold by one artist at the venue. So make sure to clear your meetings and set an alarm – these extra tickets aren't going to last long. RECOMMENDED: How to buy official Taylor Swift merch ahead of the Eras Tour Taking public transport to the concert? Here's everything you need to know Plus, your guide to all the Swift-themed events happening in Melbourne

Hands up if you’ve ever lost hours scrolling through Airbnb’s Insta feed, daydreaming about all the incredible properties you’d like to stay at. Us too. Well, among the feed of cosy snow-capped chalets, luxe waterfront mansions and jungle hideaways, a little Aussie accommodation has made its mark.  Airbnb has released a list of homes that accumulated the most likes on its Instagram page in 2023, and an uber chic, minimalist refuge in South Gippsland was the only Australian property to rank in the top ten. How good is that?! The private residence (named Jacky Winter Waters) is located in Walkerville North, and is hidden among limestone cliffs with jaw-dropping coastal views across Waratah Bay and Wilsons Prom. With room for just one to two people (and a pooch – it’s dog friendly!) and private access to the beach, it’s the ideal oasis to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It was designed by Imogen Pullar Architecture, and the brief was to create a space that left very minimal impact on the natural surroundings. In challenging conditions (steep terrain, site erosion and no supply to town water or sewerage) it was a big ask – but the house now boasts low toxicity materials, complete insulation, a heat recovery ventilation system that provides fresh filtered air to the building and a total timber construction. Not to mention a huge outdoor deck for relaxing, reading and wistfully staring off into the distance. Essentially, it’s the self-sufficient hideaway of your dreams.