Best of May 2016: everything to put into your diaries

Melbourne continues its prominence as the cultural capitol of Australia, and it’s not hard to see why. Some of our favourites of the year are on this month, from beer to jazz festivals to Eurovision. We’re hard-pressed with what we’re looking forward to most.

Here are our hand-picked events that we think you should be penciling into your diaries for May:

  1. Next Wave festival (5-25 May)
    The Next Wave Festival is an experimental festival that is unique to Melbourne, running 5 –22 May. Read our guide to the month of performances, dance, art installations, photography and experiences that will get you thinking.
  2. Human Rights Arts & Film Festival (5 May to 8 June)
    The HRAFF showcases an incredible selection of documentaries, narrative films, animated features, and shorts. Check out our guide to the best of the fest.
  3. Brutalist Block Party (6-25 May)
    “Brutalist Block Party is a May-long program of talks, workshops, lunches, dinners, social situations and a weekly produce market – presented by Assemble Papers and Open House Melbourne in a vast concrete-fronted warehouse in Clifton Hill.”
  4. Good Beer Week (12-26 May)
    With 270 events in the festival this year, there is an awesome range of everything from barrel aged and wild beers, home brewing competitions, and a mind-boggling amount of beer and food pairings! Read our highlights to wet your whistle.
  5. Stonnington Jazz Festival (12-22 May)
    The City of Stonnington has convinced the superstars of Australia’s jazz elite to descend upon Prahran, South Yarra and Windsor for an eleven-day jazz extravaganza. The festival runs 12-22 May 2016 and promises to showcase our local talent through a veritable bevy of unique events. Read our guide.
  6. The Boon Companions: A Voiceless Party (Fri. 13 May)
    We loved their Dance Magic Dance: Cast Party event, and now The Boon Companions are back with an entirely silent party. No speaking for three hours!
  7. Eurovision @ Bella Union (Sun. 15 May)
    It wouldn’t be Eurovision without heading to Bella Union for their annual Eurovision blowout. Special cocktail names reference contestants, and there’s live entertainment. Dress in your finest sequins.
  8. GABS (20-22 May)
    We love GABS. The Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPular is “a unique celebration of craft beer held each year in Melbourne, Sydney and now Auckland. It showcases hundreds of beers – including 120 ‘Festival Beers’ brewed specifically for the event, brewery stands, leading food vendors, beer and food education, fun activities, great entertainment – even an indoor Ferris wheel.”
  9. Pint of Science (23-25 May)
    “Pint of Science is a festival that aims to make science accessible and fun by bringing current scientific research to the welcoming atmosphere of the pub.” It’s only $5 for a night of entertainment from great speakers at three Melbourne locations.
  10. Festival of Steve (Sat. 28 May)
    “Festival Of Steve, City Precinct’s flagship event will return for 2016. The new look event will be held at Taxi Riverside, Federation Square, on 28 May. The event will continue to promote the variety and quality of men’s fashion, grooming and entertainment found in and around the City Precinct.”
  11. Italian Wine and Food Festival (Sat. 29 May)
    Italians do it better! Presenting the first Melbourne Italian Wine and Food Festival, featuring wine tasting by the region, cooking demonstrations, cheese + pasta making, wine masterclasses, a food market, pop-up Bar Americano, olive oil workshops, sommelier tours, wine gardens, live music and more.

Whatever you do this month, we hope you have a great time!

-Team TPO

Disclosure: The Plus Ones are invited guests of Purple Media, Asha Holmes PR, Zilla & Brook, Good Beer Week, City of Stonnington, The Boon Companions, Under One Roof, and the Italian Wine and Food Festival.
Image credit: The Commons, Melbourne. Photo by Thach Tran courtesy of Open House Melbourne/Brutalist Block Party.