Melbourne Music Week (MMW) is here again for another mammoth week of live music, urban exploration and celebration of the worlds (2nd) most liveable city! We have been reporting on MMW since 2012 and truly believe it’s one of the best events on the calendar for music lovers in Australia. This year there will be 250 acts and 85 events taking place from 16-24 November across many different locations. Here are our top 3 events that you absolutely must see, and trust us, with over 250 acts playing over the week it was VERY hard to narrow this down!
The Festival Hub at ACMI
While not technically an event in itself, the festival hub is always a highlight for us to see some free acts and get amongst the amazing MMW atmosphere. In 2012 we were blessed with an abandoned ‘Where?House’ in the middle of the city and in 2013 a giant sphere built on Birarung Mar. Following that the team chose a Melbourne icon in the Queen Victoria Market, the basement of the old womens hospital (super creepy and amazing), a church, and even the State Library of Victoria (without any librarians telling us to “shhhh”. This season be sure to check out ACMI at Fed Square as the festival hub before it’s multi-million dollar transformation next year.
Heaps Gay opening night
As one of Melbourne’s top LGBTQI+ party starters, Heaps Gay are no stranger to MMW. We reported on their amazing Thursday night party a few years ago and noted that it really should have been on a weekend. Well our wishes were granted and now the gays will be taking over the opening event! Allies and lovers are more than welcome.
Live Music Safari
A highlight of every MMW is the amazing Live Music Safari. For one special night only, check out multiple venues throwing free gigs, block parties and pop-up activities. Make a night of it and grab some food along the way. Just remember that Laneway Bar’s laneway always packs out and it’s good to get there early if you are desperate to see a particular performer there!
There’s plenty of free shows on offer, and ticketed events are very affordable. Keep an eye on our social pages over the week for some of the highlights from the festival.
