CHEAT SHEET
Don’t miss the best of Melbourne’s sizzling summer
Jean-michel Basquiat|keith Haring: Crossing Lines
Discover two of New York’s biggest artists of the 1980s at the NGV International.
Until Apr 13.
Kiss of the Spider Woman
Not to be confused with the Spider-man musical, this Kander and Ebb classic about freedom and dreaming arrives in Oz at last.
àuntil Dec 28.
Australian Tattoo Expo
Thinking ink? Explore your options at Melbourne’s massive tattstravaganza.
Dec 6-8.
Christmas Gin Market
Australia’s best craft gin producers spruik their festive juniper gifts at Craft and Co.
Dec 7-8.
Elton John
The Rocketman plays his farewell shows at Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
Dec 10-15.
Chicago
It’s murder, fame, and all that jazz when the steamy musical returns.
Dec 14-Feb 21.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
The saga brings back old friends and foes for a Forceful finale. àopens Dec 19.
Carols by Candlelight
Singing celebs promise the opposite of a silent night at Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
Tue Dec 24.
Jojo Rabbit
Taika Waititi’s bittersweet comedy of extreme prejudice is Boxing Day’s hottest movie ticket.
Dec 26.
The Choir of Man
Blokes belt out pop hits on a recreated-pub set. It’s cathartic, can’t-miss fun.
28-Jan 12.
The Big Bounce
Rebound from your stressful 2019 with the world’s biggest jumping castle and more. à Jan 3-19.
Mov’in Bed Cinema
What’s better than outdoor movies? Outdoor movies in bed.
Jan 4-Feb 23.
NGV Kids Summer Festival
Bring the littlies to the gallery to unleash their artistic potential.
Jan 11-19.
Midsumma Festival
LGBTQIA culture and pride are ready for their close up.
Jan 19-Feb 9.
Australian Open
Catch all the grand-slamming ace action at Melbourne Park. àjan 20-Feb 2.
Zoo Twilights
Randy Newman, Mavis Staples, Meg Mac, 10CC and more play Melbourne Zoo. àjan 24-Mar 7.
Fatboy Slim
See the legendary British DJ live and praise him like you should.
Fri Jan 24.
2001: A Space Odyssey in Concert
Orchestral cinema takes an evolutionary leap with the MSO.
Sat Jan 25.
The Inflatable Regatta
The Yarra’s biggest pleasure paddle offers everyone a cool summer splash.
Feb 1 & 29.
The Lighthouse
The Dafoe/pattinson starrer is a bright light on the indie film horizon.
Opens Feb 6.
St Kilda Festival
Homegrown music luminaries play live and for free by the beach. àsun Feb 9
5km Foam Fest
Adults and kids can join in the foamiest fun run around. àfeb 15-16.
Billy Elliot the Musical
Elton’s musical about a brilliant misfit jetés straight into the Regent Theatre. àfeb 20-Apr 19.
Black Ties
Trans-tasman First Nations nuptials are put to the test in this OZ-NZ wedding comedy. à Feb 21-29.
Margaret Atwood
Blessed be the fruit of the Canadian author’s imagination – now see her live in conversation. à Sun Feb 23.
A O Lang Pho
A Vietnamese twist on Cirque du Soleil uses acrobatics to tell a South East Asian story. à Feb 27-29.