Sunset Sounds Bringing Free Summer Gigs to Melbourne

At this time of year, many of us are feeling the pinch. The organisers of Sunset Sounds understands this, so they’re brightening your summer with a series of hot free gigs across Melbourne.

The three free gigs will see the likes of Saskwatch, The Bamboos, and Jazz Party playing for local music lovers. Some of Melbourne’s most popular food trucks will also attend to keep everyone well fed.

“Stonnington has some of the most sensational parks and gardens, and it brings me great joy to see residents and visitors enjoying them” Mayor Stefanopoulos said. “Pack a picnic basket, and your dancing shoes, and head down for a summers afternoon with some of Australia’s finest talent.”

Sunset Sounds 2018 kicks off on January 7 and runs every Sunday for three weeks.

7 January 2018 – Saskwatch & Alexander Biggs, Victoria Gardens @ Prahran
14 January 2018 – The Bamboos & Jazz Party, Central Park @ Malvern East
21 January 2018 – Hot Potato Band & 30/70, Malvern Gardens @ Malvern

Image used with permission from Little Giant

Cub Sport and Middle Kids Announce Free Summer Shows

As the countdowns tell us Christmas is less than 100 days away, it’s probably time to start knuckling down and saving a bit of money. You don’t need to sacrifice some time out though, with Cub Sport and Middle Kids joining forces for a string of free gigs next month thanks to Summer Bright Lager. The Aussie acts will travel around together playing free afternoon gigs through October and November.

These shows come at an exciting time for both bands. Cub Sport has just released the album BATS, featuring the singles “O Lord” and “Chasin” while Middle Kids are fresh off the plane from three months touring in the United States. The headliners will be joined by a local up-and-coming act each afternoon, so make sure you get out early to discover the talent in your own back yard.

Mark the dates on your calendar and head to the Summer Bright Lager website for more details.

21 October 2017 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Wollongong (from 3pm)
22 October 2017 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (from 3pm)
28 October 2017 – The Bucket List, Sydney (from 1pm)
29 October 2017 – Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta (from 3pm)
4 November 2017 – Tasman Way, Byron Bay (from 1pm)
5 November 2017 – Secret Location, Sunshine Coast (from 1pm)

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Melbourne’s Best Free Concert Series

The gigs at Etihad Stadium and Rod Laver Arena might cost a small fortune, but Melbourne also offers some fabulous free shows. Treat yourself to some fabulous tunes on a budget at these free Melbourne concert series.

Fed Square Live: Free Tunes at Federation Square

Photo by Gagascat via Trover.com

Enjoy some of Melbourne’s best up-and-coming acts unplugged at Federation Square as part of Fed Square Live. This free concert series runs from early November to late March every year, with the current season wrapping up on March 26. Shows run from 5:30 to 7:30pm every Thursday, which makes them perfect for an after-work pick-me-up. Tourists will also find the events ideally located near many Melbourne hotels, including The Westin Melbourne and Citigate Melbourne.

Sunset Series: Free Alternative Music at Sundown

If your tastes veer towards the alternative, then the annual Sunset Series is for you. The free cultural event takes over Fitzroy Garden’s Stage Lawn in the second and third weekend of January. The 2015 line-up was awesome, with acclaimed local quartet APES, South American Roots band Madre Monte, and genre-bending five-piece The Tiger and Me all taking the stage. Bring a picnic or grab a bite to eat from the growing fleet of food trucks during the 2016 season.

Sidney Myer Free Concerts: Free Nights with MSO

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra brings culture to the masses with its Sidney Myer Free Concerts in the Myer Music Bowl. Presented in conjunction with the University of Melbourne, these themed events feature timeless music performed by one of the most celebrated symphonies in Australia. There are typically three shows in February every year. They usually kick off at 7pm, but are so popular that it’s worth being there when gates open at 4.

Winter Music in the Valley: Essendon Symphony Orchestra’s Winter Warmers

The Essendon Symphony Orchestra believes that free concert series shouldn’t be restricted to the warmer weather. Its Winter Music in the Valley concert series brings classical music to a range of historic suburban Melbourne venues during the cooler months. This year’s series will be held every Sunday from June 15 to July 6. It kicks off at St Martin de Porres in Avondale Heights before travelling to St George’s in Travancore, followed by St John’s Uniting Church in Essendon. The ESO will play the final Winter Music in the Valley concert at Moonee Ponds’ Clocktower Centre.

Fairfield Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series: Free Entertainment Outside the CDB

If you feel like getting out of the hustle and bustle of innercity Melbourne, head to suburban Fairfield for the Fairfield Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series. Shows run from 5pm to 7:30 pm every Sunday in February, so they’re ideally suited to families. Each gig features a range of world music acts who will take you on an aural journey from Eastern Africa to the American South. The Fairfield Ampitheatre is an easy five-minute walk from Fairfield Station. The train trip from Melbourne to Fairfield takes just 16 minutes.

This post was written as part of the #HipmunkCityLove project. Which free shows do you love in Melbourne?