C&G’s Guide to Summer Festivals in Melbourne

Local Community

Work’s out and summer’s in – it’s festival season! C&G has compiled a guide to the best festivals in Melbourne. Lock these into your summer social plans!

So Frenchy, So Chic, January 15

Werribee Park transports you to a Parisian summer paradise at the So Frenchy, So Chic festival! European live music, more bread and cheese than you can imagine and bubbly flowing all day and evening, this is the place to kick back and banish any January blues. Tickets can be booked online, and you can also pre-order tasty hampers to complete your Frenchy experience.

St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, January 28

Between the banks of the Maribyrnong river and Footscray Arts Centre, St Jerome’s Laneway Festival is right at home in one of Melbourne’s cultural melting pots. Against the backdrop of the city skyline, live music, tasty food trucks and good vibes are the name of the game at St Jerome’s. Local and international artists are celebrated in the festival’s lineups, with names like Australia’s Jess Kent and IV League and Canada’s White Lung all set to feature.

St Kilda Festival, February 12

Bayside’s annual St Kilda Festival is a free celebration of community spirit. Supporting local talent and honouring its 36-year strong history, St Kilda Festival graces the famous shores of the beachside suburb. The all-day-and-night party features live music, dance, entertainers, art and beach sports and activities. The full program is announced in January, so stay tuned for more info.

The sister to St Kilda Festival, Yalukit Wilum Ngargee is a celebration of indigenous culture held on February 4. Featuring a market, street performers and indigenous musical talent, it’s a free, family-friendly festival that’s worth a visit.

Wonderful Indonesia Beach Festival, January 21-22

Bali comes to Bayside at the Wonderful Indonesia Beach Festival! Escape to culture-rich Indonesia for one weekend only, in this festival celebration of Indonesian food, music and community. Featuring appearances from My Kitchen Rules winners, Balinese sisters Tasia and Gracia, market stalls, beach yoga, music and cultural arts, this Indonesian weekend will bring the South Beach Reserve to life.

Sunset Sounds, January 8-22

Laid on by the City of Stonnington, Sunset Sounds is a series of free music concerts in parks across the southside. Held at Prahran’s Victoria Gardens and Malvern’s Central Park and Malvern Gardens, the concerts feature live music from the jazz, soul, funk and folk genres. Bring along a picnic rug, fill up on tasty food truck favourites and enjoy summer nights at their finest – all for free!