WHAT’S ON: Events in Melbourne this August

Where: The Langham, Melbourne

Step into a world where dining meets magic with Le Petit Chef at The Langham. This enchanting experience gives you the opportunity to experience dining like never before, mixing cutting-edge 3D animation with gourmet cuisine. As you sit down for a delicious meal, your table becomes a stage for a whimsical virtual chef whose comedic kitchen dances will keep you entertained. Once the meal arrives, the performance will fade as you enjoy a selection of regional and international dishes such as Burrata Salad, a Mediterranean Style Seafood Soup, Beef Tenderloin, and Vanilla Saffron Brulee for dessert. Tickets start at $175pp. Learn more here.

Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne

Returning to Melbourne for the third year is the city’s favourite illumination event, Lightscape. From June 14 to August 4 the Royal Botanic Gardens will be filled with luminous pathways, lit-up tree canopies, soothing soundscapes, and brand new installations.

The trail begins at Observatory Gate and ends at Oak Lawn Gate (off Birdwood Ave, opposite the Shrine of Remembrance) – don’t forget to enjoy some delicious food at the welcome zone, as well as indulge in some treats at the Terrace Food Hall.

Where: The District Docklands

A stunning art exhibition that features over 180 original artworks from street artist and political activist Banksy has opened in Melbourne. The exhibition features more than 70 original artworks out of the over 180 on display, such as prints, sculptures, installations, murals, and more. With tickets starting at just $27, you don’t want to miss this one. Learn more here.

Where: Queen Victoria Market

If you live in Melbourne, we are sure you’ve either heard of or visited the Winter Night Market that happens at Queen Victoria Market every year… well, it’s officially that time! From June 5 to August 28, you can spend your Wednesday evenings surrounded by entertainment and open fires all while trying to choose what to eat from the wide selection of global street food stalls, trucks, carts, and bars.

Where: The District Docklands

An amazing new Australian-first augmented reality entertainment complex called Dreamskape is coming to Docklands! The new complex will feature six activity zones with over 100 games and 50 immersive experiences. Another cool feature? Dreamskape also has a glassless 3D cinema, where the story unfolds around you. If this cool experience is right up your alley, you’ll be happy to know that this exciting complex is here to stay! Tickets start at $25 per person. Learn more here.

Where: The Princess Theatre

If you loved Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, you will love this gripping stage adaptation produced by Shake & Stir Theatre Co and John Frost for Crossroads Live. Coming to Melbourne this August, this authentic retelling of the literary classic is described as “a hauntingly, captivating masterpiece.” Tickets start at just $69 and are selling fast so be sure to get in quick!

Where: Various various across Melbourne CBD

Back again for another year, the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) presents the most talked about films of the year. This year, the program showcases top international films, local premieres, short films, XR experiences, curated retrospectives, talks, special events, and guest appearances from around the world. There are also various places to eat and drink at MIFF. You can enjoy cocktails at the Campari Cinema Lounge in ACMI or visit the new space to eat, drink, and relax – the MIFF Festival Hub. This designated area presented by Challenger features food from Miss Pearl, coffee from St ALi, and drinks from Yering Station, Asahi, and Campari.

The festival has also partnered with several of Melbourne’s top restaurants for the perfect food and film experience. These include Bar Lourinhã, Victoria by Farmer’s Daughter, Cumulus Inc., Miss Pearl at the Festival Hub, Supernormal, Sunda and Bossley Restaurant and Bar. Browse the film program here.

Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre

Disney’s new production of Beauty and the Beast is coming to Her Majesty’s Theatre for it’s highly anticipated Melbourne season. The beloved classic has already shown in Sydney and Brisbane and now it’s Melbourne’s turn! From the producers of Aladdin, The Lion King, Mary Poppins and Frozen, the enchanting and timeless tale of Belle and her Beast is one we are all familiar with, however, the musical production brings their story to life.

Tickets are available for as low as $50 (with no additional transaction fee). Those looking for the best value tickets are encouraged to look at mid-week and Sunday evening performances and during school terms in October and November.

Where: Love Machine

Feel The Magic: Magic Men offers the ultimate night out, bringing the “hottest hunks” to Melbourne accompanied by a sizzling performance. Located in the Prahan nightclub, the two-hour show is split into three parts with two dance breaks and is said to “leave you breathless.” Tickets start from $50 and include a glass of sparkling and complimentary finger food served by hunky waiters. It’ll be a night you’ll never forget to say the least!

Where: Various venues across Melbourne

If you are a lover of music and looking for something fun to do with your friends or family, there are numerous candlelight concerts taking place this year across Australia. Here are the concerts taking place in Melbourne this August. There is an endless list of concerts held in Fitzroy Town Hall, Collingwood Town Hall, The Athenaeum Theatre, Ormond Collective, Flinders Civic Hall, and even Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. Here are some of our top picks:

• Hollywood Movie Soundtracks: August 1 (Collingwood Town Hall)
• A Tribute to Queen: August 3 (Collingwood Town Hall)
• A Tribute to Adele: August 8 (The Athenaeum Theatre)
• A Tribute to Ed Sheeran: August 9 (The Athenaeum Theatre)
• A Tribute to Gorillaz and Blur: August 10 (The Athenaeum Theatre)
• A Tribute to Taylor Swift: August 15 (Ormond Collective)
• A Tribute to Coldplay: August 17 (Ormond Collective)
• A Tribute to ABBA: August 29 (Fitzroy Town Hall)

Where: Various venues across Melbourne

Support the Australian live Music industry and attend a concert! Whether you can manage to get your hands on tickets for a big artist or want to support local artists, you can’t beat a live show!

• Emma Donovan at Sooki Lounge on August 1. Get your tickets here.
• DIVEBAR YOUTH at The Gosemeter Hotel on August 2. Get your tickets here.
• Taylor Henderson at The Toff on August 2. Get your tickets here.
• The Devil Wears Prada at the Forum on August 3. Get your tickets here.
• The Jesus and Mary Chain at the Forum on August 4. Get your tickets here.
• Girl and Girl at the Howler on August 10. Get your tickets here.
• Angus and Julia Stone at Palais Theatre on August 14 and 15. Get your tickets here.
• The Mezingers at The Croxton Bandroom on August 16. Get your tickets here.
• Greta Van Fleet on August 27 at Margaret Court Arena. Get your tickets here.
• Inhaler at the Prince Bandroom on August 30. Get your tickets here.