Always Live is a major event that celebrates contemporary music across the state. Back for its third year, this live music event promises a stacked line-up. Look forward to over 289 artists, performing in over 65 events. Find music all around Victoria, from Gippsland to Bendigo, and in Melbourne and the surrounding suburbs. As well as music, there will also be a program of free events, talks and workshops. Always Live will run from Friday November 22 to Sunday December 8.
Always Live
Highlights
Anyma presents Genesys – Melbourne/Naarm
In a Victorian exclusive, the genre-defying Anyma will come to Australia for the first time. Anyma is the solo project of Matteo Milleri, and this live production will feature a mesmerising combination of electric music and visual art. Look forward to incredible stage designs and visuals on the largest screen in the Southern Hemisphere. The show will take place at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday November 23.
The Offspring
Californian punk rock legends, The Offspring, will perform a show at The Forum Theatre for one night only. For over three decades, they’ve delivered energetic performances and hits like Pretty Fly (for a White Guy, Self Esteem and The Kids Aren’t Alright. This show will be presented with Destroy All Lines, and will be exclusive to fans in Australia and New Zealand.
Tina Arena
Tina Arena will perform live at Mornington Racecourse on Saturday December 7. This concert will mark the 30th anniversary of her hit album, Don’t Ask. She will perform alongside co-headline Richard Marx (USA), with special guests Daryl Braithwaite, Kate Ceberano, Southern Sons and 1927.
Missy Higgins
Missy Higgins will perform at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, capping off her sold-out national tour. She will be joined by Dan Sultan and Mia Wray on Friday December 6.
TRAMP Warehouse Party
In collaboration with Summer Camp, Irish pop-disco icon Roísín Murphy will headline a club set at TRAMP. This LGBTQIA+ friendly party at Port Melbourne Industrial Centre for the Arts will feature other artists like Rico Nasty (USA), Bimini (UK), Jaguar (UK) and more.
St. Vincent
US rock artist St. Vincent will perform at the Palais Theatre on Monday November 25 and at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat on Tuesday November 26. She will also kick off the Always Live event series, ‘An Intimate Audience With…’ on Thursday November 28. This intimate event will feature a live performance and Q&A at Crown.
Jack White
Jack White (USA) of the White Stripes will play a gig at The Corner Hotel in Richmond on Saturday December 7. The Seven Nation Army performer will also head to Ballarat for a show at Civic Hall on Friday December 6.
More Melbourne events
Don’t miss the new Live at the Gardens concert series in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Look forward to performances from Chet Faker, Tash Sultana and more.
BLACKTIVISM will make a return to Hamer Hall on Friday November 22. This event features a massive line-up of First Nations artists. It will be headlined by Baker Boy, and you can also expect performances from Uncle Bart Willoughby, Yung Warriors and more.
Lulie Tavern in Abbotsford will celebrate the most exciting live music acts of the year with their special event, LULIEPALOOZA. Expect performances from Starcrawler (USA), Cash Savage & The Last Drinks, Battlesnake and more. There will also be offerings from local brewers, producers and food vendors, a mechanical bool and live skate demos.
Have fun with DJs, artists, live music and delicious Jamaican cuisine at the Jamaican Music and Food Festival in Williamstown on Saturday December 7. This event will feature both local and international artists.
Free events
Always Live will kick off with a free public performance at Queen Victoria Market on Friday November 22. An iconic Victorian artist will take the stage for a special, one-off show.
Head to the last stop of some Melbourne train lights in the family-friendly event, End Of The Line. This year, they’re entertaining audiences in Belgrave on November 23 and Frankston on November 30.
Fed Square will light up with a couple of free shows too. On Saturday December 7, pop by for Yerambooee, an inclusive and interactive First Peoples celebration of traditional song and fire. Expect music, projections, lighting, smoke and fire. Fed Square will also host youth music project Garage Band. Watch musicians aged between 16 and 21 perform live on Sunday December 8.
Garage Band will also take place at Bunjil Place on Saturday December 7.
NGV Australia will also present a free show. Head to the Ian Potter Centre in Fed Square and watch Emma Donovan and friends: Live and Acoustic on Sunday November 24.
That’s just scratching the surface of everything you can look forward to this year. Explore the full program, see what’s happening in regional Victoria and find more details here.