Best Music Festivals in Melbourne

Melbourne’s Music Scene Rocks! 🤘

If you’re a music lover living in Melbourne or planning to visit the city, you’re in for a treat! Melbourne’s music scene is one of the best in the world, with a diverse range of genres and festivals to choose from. Whether you’re into rock, pop, electronic music, or jazz, there’s something for everyone.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best music festivals in Melbourne that you should definitely not miss, including the most popular ones and some hidden gems that you may not have heard of before.

Get Ready to Rock and Roll! 🎸

Melbourne has a rich history of rock and roll, and its music festivals reflect this. Here are some of the best rock festivals in the city:

1. Download Festival Melbourne

Download Festival Melbourne is part of an international music festival that celebrates all things heavy metal and hard rock. It’s a one-day event that features some of the biggest names in the genre, including Kiss, Slayer, and Judas Priest. If you’re a headbanger, this festival is not to be missed! 🤘

2. St. Kilda Festival

The St. Kilda Festival is one of Melbourne’s longest-running music festivals, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2020. While it’s not exclusively a rock festival, it does feature a diverse range of acts across multiple stages, including both established and up-and-coming local bands. The festival is held on the beach, making it a great day out for families and music lovers alike. 🏖️

3. CherryRock

CherryRock is a boutique rock festival that takes place in AC/DC Lane in Melbourne’s CBD. It features a lineup of local and international rock acts, with a focus on up-and-coming bands. The festival is known for its intimate atmosphere and great vibe, making it a must-attend event for rock fans. 🍒

Electronic Music for the Win! 🎧

Melbourne’s electronic music scene is also thriving, with a number of festivals dedicated to the genre. Here are some of the best electronic music festivals in the city:

4. Pitch Music & Arts

Pitch Music & Arts is a three-day electronic music festival that takes place in the Grampians National Park, about three hours west of Melbourne. The festival features a lineup of international and local techno, house, and electronica artists across multiple stages, as well as art installations and other activities. If you’re looking for a unique festival experience, Pitch is definitely worth checking out. 🏞️

5. Rainbow Serpent

Rainbow Serpent is another three-day electronic music festival that takes place in the town of Lexton, about two hours west of Melbourne. The festival is known for its eclectic lineup, which includes a mix of techno, psytrance, and other genres, as well as its focus on sustainability and community. If you’re into electronic music and want to get away from the city, Rainbow Serpent is the perfect escape. 🌈

6. Let Them Eat Cake

Let Them Eat Cake is a New Year’s Day festival that takes place at the Werribee Mansion, about an hour south of Melbourne. The festival features a mix of electronic music, art, and food, and has a reputation for its high production values and great atmosphere. If you’re looking for a unique way to ring in the new year, Let Them Eat Cake is the way to go. 🎂

Jazz It Up! 🎺

Melbourne has a vibrant jazz scene, with a number of festivals dedicated to the genre. Here are some of the best jazz festivals in the city:

7. Melbourne International Jazz Festival

The Melbourne International Jazz Festival is one of the premier jazz festivals in the world, featuring a lineup of local and international jazz musicians across multiple venues in the city. The festival also includes workshops and masterclasses for aspiring jazz musicians. If you’re a jazz aficionado, this festival is not to be missed. 🎷

8. Stonnington Jazz Festival

The Stonnington Jazz Festival is a smaller festival that takes place in the suburbs of Melbourne, featuring a lineup of local and national jazz acts across multiple venues. The festival has a laid-back, community-oriented vibe, making it a great way to discover new jazz talent. 🎵

9. Wangaratta Jazz Festival

The Wangaratta Jazz Festival is another premier jazz festival in Australia, featuring a lineup of local and international jazz musicians across multiple stages. The festival also includes a jazz awards ceremony, recognizing the best jazz talent in the country. If you’re a serious jazz fan, Wangaratta is the place to be. 🏆

Frequently Asked Questions 🤔

1. When is the Melbourne International Jazz Festival?

The Melbourne International Jazz Festival usually takes place in June, although the exact dates may vary from year to year. Check the festival’s website for more information.

2. What kind of music is featured at St. Kilda Festival?

The St. Kilda Festival features a diverse range of music across multiple stages, including rock, pop, electronic, and more. Check the festival’s website for the full lineup.

3. What is the Let Them Eat Cake festival?

Let Them Eat Cake is a New Year’s Day festival that takes place at the Werribee Mansion, featuring a mix of electronic music, art, and food. It’s known for its high production values and great atmosphere.

4. How do I get to the Rainbow Serpent festival?

Rainbow Serpent takes place in the town of Lexton, about two hours west of Melbourne. You can drive or take a shuttle bus from Melbourne. Check the festival’s website for more information.

5. What is the CherryRock festival?

CherryRock is a boutique rock festival that takes place in AC/DC Lane in Melbourne’s CBD. It features a lineup of local and international rock acts, with a focus on up-and-coming bands.

6. What is the Pitch Music & Arts festival?

Pitch Music & Arts is a three-day electronic music festival that takes place in the Grampians National Park, about three hours west of Melbourne. The festival features a lineup of international and local techno, house, and electronica artists across multiple stages, as well as art installations and other activities.

7. What is the best way to get tickets for music festivals in Melbourne?

Most music festivals in Melbourne sell tickets through their websites or through ticketing agencies like Ticketmaster or Moshtix. Check the festival’s website for more information.

8. What is the Melbourne Music Week festival?

Melbourne Music Week is a festival that takes place across multiple venues in the city, featuring a diverse range of music across multiple genres. The festival aims to showcase Melbourne’s vibrant music scene and support local talent.

9. What is the best way to get to the Wangaratta Jazz Festival?

The Wangaratta Jazz Festival takes place in the town of Wangaratta, about three hours northeast of Melbourne. You can drive or take a train from Melbourne. Check the festival’s website for more information.

10. What kind of music is featured at Rainbow Serpent?

Rainbow Serpent features a mix of electronic music genres, including techno, psytrance, and more. Check the festival’s website for the full lineup.

11. What is the history of the St. Kilda Festival?

The St. Kilda Festival has been running since 1980 and has become one of Melbourne’s most popular music festivals. It was originally created as a way to promote local businesses in St. Kilda and has since grown into a major cultural event.

12. What is the best way to get to the Pitch Music & Arts festival?

Pitch Music & Arts takes place in the Grampians National Park, about three hours west of Melbourne. You can drive or take a shuttle bus from Melbourne. Check the festival’s website for more information.

13. What is the Cherry Bar?

The Cherry Bar is a popular rock bar in Melbourne’s CBD, located on AC/DC Lane. It’s known for its live music, cheap drinks, and great atmosphere, and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Conclusion: Rock on!

Melbourne’s music scene is one of the best in the world, and its festivals are a testament to that. From rock to electronic music to jazz, there’s something for everyone. So get out there and discover new music, make new friends, and have a great time. 🎶

And remember, if you’re planning to attend any of these festivals, make sure to book