Arts Centre Melbourne’s annual Live at the Bowl festival returns for the upcoming summer season at Victoria’s most iconic outdoor venue, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

Spanning January to April, the four-month long festival has become a calendar highlight for Victorians as the heart of the city comes to life.

“It’s a joy to see the return of Live at the Bowl for a third year. To me, the breadth of the upcoming program shows exactly why this city thrives and how much it contributes to the live performance sector. It’s such a wonderful way to gather with your favourite people to see some world-class artists. I can’t wait to be sitting up on the hill with you all enjoying some great live music,” said Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Karen Quinlan AM.

This year’s blockbuster line-up features some of the best home-grown acts and international artists across music, dance, community-led and family-friendly events.

Arctic Monkeys – Bon Iver – Boris Brejcha – Darren Hayes – Kehlani – Lorde – Melbourne Symphony Orchestra – Midsumma Extravaganza – SYNTHONY NO.3 – Teeny Tiny Stevies

With something happening multiple days and nights of the week, plus weekends, Live at the Bowl is truly a festival for everyone.

“Live at the Bowl has quickly become a summer tradition in Melbourne and I’m excited to welcome it back for another season. The Victorian Government is proud to deliver major events to Victoria, creating jobs and ensuring it maintains its status as a world class destination for entertainment,” said Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos.

Hit makers Arctic Monkeys, Bon Iver, Boris Brejcha, Darren Hayes, Kehlani and Lorde will wow audiences as well as the ever-so-popular MSO free concerts, which return for three nights of musical bliss under the stars. Experience the passionate and exhilarating music of the great composer Tchaikovsky featuring some of his best known works on Wednesday 8 February, celebrate the breadth and diversity of Melbourne in Mosaics on Wednesday 15 February as an array of dynamic artists take the stage to perform original works. Then on Saturday 18 February, like the great crashing gods bursting through the skies to wake the dead, the thundering Carmina Burana comes to glorious fruition.

Now in its fifth fabulous year, the Midsumma Extravaganza is kicking off Australia’s largest pride season ever with a fabulous evening of divine queer excellence under the stars. Hosted by queer comedy royalty Joel Creasey and RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under favourite Kween Kong, this year’s Extravaganza promises to be the biggest yet.

Comedians Nina Oyama, Rhys Nicholson and Scout Boxall will be the gracing Extravaganza stage alongside musical performances from Courtney Act, Kira Puru, Mama Alto, Dolly Diamond, Tash York, Tina Del Twist and the hilarious Steven Oliver, all accompanied by our house band under the expert guidance of musical director James Simpson.

One of the feature acts in the Midsumma Extravaganza will be a tribute to the late matriarch of Melbourne drag, Miss Candee who passed away earlier this year after 50 years of performing in Melbourne’s queer venues. Miss Candee’s memorial at the St Kilda Town Hall was attended by 2,000 mourners with thousands more watching from home.

22 Drag artists including Art Simone, Philmah Bocks, Dorreen Manganini, Sue Ridge, Fifi Bardot, Millie Minogue, Nova China, Laura Gravity, Taylor Made, Amena Jay Alura, Miss Jay, Pashion Couture, Ruby Slippers, Tequila Mockingbird, Polly Filla, Justin Teliqure, Freddie Merkin, Lexi Gaga, Leasa Mann, Aurora Arsenic and Granny Bingo will take to the stage to recreate some of Miss Candee’s most iconic moments in a medley of her favourite songs.

For families, join the much-loved ARIA Award-winning children’s band Teeny Tiny Stevies in a very special and hugely fun outdoor concert. Cheer, dance and sing along as they perform songs from their latest ARIA nominated album How To Be Creative along with a range of fan favourites including ‘I Ate a Rainbow’, ‘On the Toilet’ and ‘Boss of My Own Body’ as seen on ABC Kids.

SYNTHONY is thrilled to return to Australia this summer with its brand-new show SYNTHONY NO.3 featuring music from Disclosure, Eric Prydz, Flume, Calvin Harris, Wilkinson and many more acclaimed artists. The star-studded line-up will be announced soon which includes an epic mix of live orchestra, vocalists, instrumentalists and DJs. This instalment will feed the soul with joy as it conjures dance memories with reimagined iconic club anthems and future classics.


The Sidney Myer Music Bowl offers multiple food and beverage options to please every palate. Whether it’s a small snack, a cold drink, or a full feast, we are proud to program a rotation of Melbourne’s finest food trucks at every performance, ensuring delicious options for every taste. With five bars across the entire site, refreshments are never too far from reach. Enjoy a curated selection of wine, beer, cider, premium spirits, cocktails and seltzers, alongside a non-alcoholic offering of beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks.

So come together on the hill, take in symphonies at sunset or dance the night away to your favourite bands and DJs.

For more information visit artscentremelbourne.com.au