The city of culture has plenty on offer to see us into 2012. There is definitely something for everyone here. And these events are more so presented in date order, not necessarily in order of preference.
1. Summadayze
A fantastic way to bring in 2012, on new year's day, is one of Melbourne's most popular outdoor dance events called
Summadayze which will be held at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Think Ministry of Sound, and you will need to put your best dancing shoes on to really appreciate.
2. Royal Botanical GardensA great chill out oasis (as per image above) for a great recovery from all of your new year's celebrations. I think you get the drift.
3. Midsumma Festival2012 will mark the 24th year of the
Midsumma Festival where Melbourne's position as the prime city of arts and culture is celebrated and enjoyed. The festival kicks off at Birrarung Marr along the Yarra near Fed Square from the 15th of January 2012.
4. Australian Open TennisMelbourne is regarded as the city of culture, yet let's add sports to this as we are sports loving people. The
Australian Open is the only grand slam tennis event of the Asia Pacific region, and Melbourne is home to this event once more. Further insights can be read on a review I have previously written on this event by clicking
here.
5. Melbourne Zoo Twilight ConcertsEnjoy animals, music and joy under the stars once again at the
Melbourne Zoo Twilight Concert for 2012.
6. Chinese New Year CelebrationsChinatown and the city (as well as at Crown) will once again display live performances of Chinese cultural activities, dances and karaoke competitions to name among lion dances and dragon parades (how appropriate) to bring in the year of the Dragon. There will be lucky bamboo plants and other Chinese New Year momentos and feng shui items for sale along the Yarra at Southbank. Further information is available at
That's Melbourne.
7. Eltham Jazz, Food and Wine Festival It is so peaceful visiting Eltham, and the
Eltham Jazz, Food and Wine Festival is a great cultural event in order to start 2012 on the right note (sorry, terrible pun). This festival promises vibrant jazz, blues and gospel music performances.
8. Australia Day FireworksOf course the
Australia Day Fireworks will be displayed right near Federation Square and the Yarra from 9:15pm until 9:30pm on Australia Day.
9. Big Day Out
Last but not least I could not forget the
Big Day Out. An annual music event of today's alternative music live at Flemington Racecourse. 2012 will mark the 20th anniversary of this event.
And this is only January. The February events will be covered in separate articles so watch this space. Melbourne is also going to have a busy March in 2012. Awesome.
