Festivals have long been the go-to way for many Australians to immerse themselves in music, both old and new. From Falls Festival to Splendour in the Grass, these multi-day extravaganzas were considered part of our musical fabric. But now, that fabric appears to be falling apart.
Splendour, one of Australia’s largest music festivals, was cancelled for the second year in a row on Thursday, with its organisers saying it needs “a little more time to recharge”.
The news was a major blow to those who hoped 2025 would mark a turn from last year’s spate of cancellations, beginning with Falls Festival and followed by Groovin’ the Moo, Splendour, Spilt Milk, Yours & Owls, and Bluesfest Byron Bay.
Major music festivals like Splendour in the Grass are in crisis, but there are plenty of other ways Melburnians can groove to tunes this summer.Credit: Matt Jelonek/Getty Images
But as festivals struggle with economic pressures, extreme weather, and rising insurance costs, Melburnians remain as keen as ever for live music. So, here are some other ways you can groove this summer without relying on the increasingly unreliable multi-day gigs (and without breaking the bank).
Fed Square’s free, open-air gigs
From now until March 9, Fed Square will offer a range of free live gigs, including the popular candlelight concerts, which begin on February 4 and feature artists including Ross Wilson and The Peaceniks, Soli, and Teeks.
They will also host an Afro-Caribbean Carnival and opera performances alongside Orchestra Victoria, before wrapping the season up with high-energy gigs from Peach PRC, George Alice and Carla Wehbe.
You can see Peach PRC, as well as other acts, for free at Fed Square this summer.
Pub gigs
You don’t need to travel to regional Victoria to boogie. Many of Melbourne’s nightlife venues feature local and touring bands, offering punters a chance to hear both new and familiar music while enjoying a tipple.
The Tote in Collingwood will host US indie-rock band Marbled Eye on March 21, as well as glam-rock band Wet Kiss (February 28). AC/DC Lane’s Cherry Bar will satisfy any rock and roll cravings, featuring bands like Victoria’s own ska punk group The Resignators.
Elsewhere, The Night Cat in Fitzroy will host the album launch of Melbourne’s soulful Ella Thompson; Richmond’s Corner Hotel will host a Bob Marley birthday bash on February 8; and Northcote Social Club will feature Brisbane alt-rock band Selfish Sons on both February 28 and March 1 (this will be an alcohol-free matinée event). Finally, the Espy in St Kilda will welcome up-and-coming local talent to the Espy Basement, offering free and ticketed gigs.
Local festivals
The word “festival” often conjures images of far-off destinations or multi-day events, but there are some ace festivals in your backyard (or at least close by). The queer-inclusive Midsumma Festival is on until February 9, focusing on the theme “collective identity(s)” . Its Pride Street Party (February 9) will see performances from artists Bec Sandridge, THNDO, and Leroy Macqueen.
Then there’s the St Kilda Festival, which will take place on February 15 and 16. The main stage will welcome names like Jungaji, Charlie Needs Braces, and Kiwat Kennell.
And, of course, Laneway Festival in Flemington Park will round out the festivities between February 6 and 16, welcoming none other than brat icon Charli XCX.
Concerts in the park
Melbourne’s sprawling parks will be the home of several live performances this summer, including Irish singer-songwriter Róisín Murphy and American multi-genre band Lake Street Dive at the Royal Botanic Gardens in March.
Though it sits somewhere between a park and a concert venue, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl also has a jam-packed line-up over the next few months, including Tyler Childers (February 20), New Order (March 8), and US rapper Ice Cube (March 9).
With its sprawling grassy hills, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl is the perfect summer music venue.Credit: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images
The Forum and Rod Laver
Melbourne’s renowned concert venues promise incredible line-ups all year. At The Forum, which has been operating since 1929, you can rock out with Kasabian on March 11, groove with Peach Pit on March 5, and go crazy with Dizzee Rascal on February 2.
Rod Laver Arena is guaranteed to offer some of the best international gigs, including Bryan Adams in February and Billie Eilish in March, as well as some of our best local acts, such as Kylie Minogue on her Tension Tour. Other notable musicians performing this summer are The Killers, Dua Lipa and Cyndi Lauper.
Secret gigs
Searching for something a little more exclusive? The Sofar Sounds app could be the answer. Founded in 2009, Sofar is a music events startup company that creates intimate, secret gigs in unique spaces, including in Melbourne.
Keep checking the events page new listings. This isn’t your average live music experience though – those who buy tickets have no idea who they’re going to see and will receive the street address via email or text about 36 hours before the show, ensuring it remains secret and intimate.
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