If there is any Australian city that has the potential to match or even outclass the capital or most of the cities in the world, it is the city of Melbourne. With colourful festivals, interactive exhibitions, incredible displays and laid-back lifestyle, the city has a lot to offer in terms of thrill and excitement. Here are a few July events you should attend and don’t forget to book coach hire in Melbourne for convenient commute!
Koolin Ngargee – NAIDOC Family Celebration Day
Scheduled to be held at the Melbourne Gardens on the 6th of July, the Koolin Ngargee is an annual celebration of aboriginal language and culture during NAIDOC week on the ancient lands of Koolin people. Uncle Ron and Aunty Faye will treat you with traditional stories as you gather for a smoking ceremony. Enjoy a delectable cup of lemon myrtle tea, as you craft an ochre hand print or decorate your own boomerang to take home. The captivating stories are sure to help you understand the lifestyles of many indigenous people across the nation.
Boho Luxe Market
This is more of a lifestyle event that will bring creativity and charm of Byron Bay to the city on the 9th of July. Soak up the ambiance and appreciate a wide range of wares, with racks of bohemian fashion, eclectic range of jewellery and individual homewares. This is not a marketplace of random selection, as each item has been curated carefully to make sure they are of highest quality, keeping up with the characteristic bohemian nature. Only the finest premium materials would be put on display!
Chinese Museum And Chinatown Visitor Centre Program
The five floors of Chinese Museum display the culture and heritage of Australian Chinese Community. Chinatown is the oldest region of Chinese settlement in the western part of the world. Three generations of dragons are displayed in the dragon valley, including the largest one in the world, being the Millennium Dragon. Portrayed through a variety of artefacts, the gallery of Chinese Australians showcases 200 years of Chinese immigration history. You can learn more about culture and history of China at the Exploratorium, with programs, guided tours and workshops. Come along with your friends and family for a day of exploration.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at Frankston Arts Centre
This famous phrase has been taken from the award-winning picture book by Michael Rosen, and will be illustrated on the 12th of July at the Frankston Arts Centre. The stage adaptation of this wonderful book, enjoyed by children all over the world, is surely going to entertain you and your kids. ‘We are going on a beer hunt’ features a cast, which follow the story of family day out on the hunt for a roaring bear. The family traverses through thick gloopy mud, battle a snowstorm and wander through long swishy grass before spotting the growling bear in a big dark cave. The 55-minute show is full of adventurous narrative and recognisable characters.
Oz Drag-Con Queer Expo
For the first time, Australian drag queen will be called upon to doll up in their swankiest best for the celebration of variety at Oz-Drag Con Queen Expo from 14th to 16th of July. This glamorous spectacle will be the very first LGBTI Pop Culture Expo in Australia. This is a welcoming event where all genders, creeds, sexualities and races are welcome. From sweeping false lashes to feather boas, the Queer Expo is a friendly event, where you can bash throughout the weekend. The official launch party will feature performance by a star-studded line up including Haus of Edwards, Latrice Royale, Art Simone, Charlie Hides and Philma Bocks.
The Merchant Of Venice
As they say, money makes the world go round. Shylock lends it, Bassanio wants it Portia has it, and Antonio knows the value of it. This uncompromising theatrical production will take the centre-stage at the Arts Centre from 19th to 21st of July in Melbourne exploring the tense prejudices and relationship between those that have, and the ones who don’t. Bawdy in romantic hijinks and dark in humour, the Merchant of Venice takes you on a journey of justice, mercy and love.
The Gertrude Street Projection Festival
Starting 21st of July, the Gertrude Street will turn into an illuminated outdoor gallery with unique free celebration of projected media. Length of the street will be transformed with project art from community groups and projection artists. Music, events and workshops will be the course of the day, as art will be projected onto surfaces where you least expect to see it.
Amadeus Live in Concert
Adapted from the unforgettable play by the late Peter Shaffer about the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his battle for supremacy, this live accompaniment of Milos Forman’s incredible 1984 film will be the key highlight of this season happening on 22nd and 23rd of July. In this live concert, the MSO will showcase the original soundtrack, allowing the audiences to observe the mechanics of a cinematic symphony orchestra. The concert is sure to be thrilling, following the previous success of MSO.
Stormzy – Australian Tour 2017
Stormzy is coming all the way from South London to set the stage on fire on 28th July in Melbourne. They will be on a tour to promote ‘Gang Signs & Prayers’. Michael Omari had a record-breaking YouTube series, and has also received the Best International Artist award. He has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry, including the likes of Kehlani and Ed Sheeran.
Open House Melbourne 2017
Open House Weekend on the 29th and 30th of July invites you to discover historical buildings which are normally hidden from public view. Set your foot into as many as 200 private residences, ancient houses, business premises with stunning architecture and places of religious worship. It may not be possible to witness each of these structures, but you can always build an itinerary for your favourite ones. It is quite a busy event, with as many as 100,000 visitors exploring the open buildings!