Slap on the sunscreen for six weeks of summertime entertainment!
This summer, get ready for an unforgettable experience as Bunjil Place in Narre Warren rolls out Summer Stage. For six glorious weeks in January and February, the outdoor Plaza will transform into a buzzing mini festival jam-packed with events and entertainment, and everyone’s invited.
Between Saturday January 20 and Wednesday February 28, the summer oasis for the whole community will come alive with diverse performances, yummy treats and family-friendly activities that will have everyone relaxing in the balmy open air.
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The festival kicked off with an opening party under the stars on January 20 with live music by The Scrims, a DJ set by Sandra Majoka, a Kids Disco Party session, roving entertainment including a magician and free face painting. After this taster, return each weekend for the sounds of Sunday Sessions as exciting musicians take the stage at the free family-friendly event. On-site vendors will fuel you to dance all afternoon in the ample outdoor space.
While there’s so, so, SO much on offer (we’ll get to that in a minute), the highlight of the program will undoubtedly be Summer Sounds, taking place on February 24.
The freshly announced lineup is a doubleheader featuring some of Melbourne’s most coveted acts: the jangling guitar pop combo RVG (lead by Preston’s own Romy Vager) and the wildly talented songwriter and performer Jen Cloher, with support by the up-and-coming Play Lunch. Taking place in the weatherproofed outdoor shipping container precinct, it’s guaranteed to be a night of talent, community, cool drinks and good vibes. Tickets are on sale now – grab yours before they’re gone.
The festival also offers free and ticketed events; families can bond over a curated selection of shows and activities, while grown-up crowds can unwind to live music events, outdoor film screenings, and comedy, cabaret, and trivia nights. Plan your summer days with:
- Gravity Dolls jaw dropping circus performance LEVEL UP! on January 23.
- On January 24, young audiences can enjoy Team Dream’s live show ’Party Yeah!’. The 2022 and 2023 ‘What’s On 4 Kids Awards’ winners, they know how to belt out a tune that gets the kids moving, singing and laughing.
- Kids can take a Hip Hop Class or get their groove on at free Kids Disco Parties on January 25.
- There’s still more for the young ones! Come for Deep Sea Creatures After School Workshop on 5 and 6 February to stretch the imagination to the bottom of the ocean. On 12 and 13 February, return for Reflect On This After School Workshop to learn more about the art of observation. Kidstruments After School Workshop on 19 and 20 February gives the chance to make and play your own musical instruments. Wrap up summer with Musical Plants After School Workshop on 26 and 27 to bring together music, nature and technology in ways you’ve never thought possible.
- Adults can escape to Night MODE: Ripple Edition on January 25 to see the PRESSURE exhibition by Ash Keating afterhours and enjoy a variety of activations including artist led hands-on workshops, film screenings, and performances for free-but get your ticket.
- If it’s films you love, The Melbourne International Film Festival returns to Bunjil Place to present some of the best from the 2023 festival over four nights from 1-4 February, complete with live performances, Q&As with filmmakers and delicious bites and beverages.
- Gotta stretch? Join a free Summer Stage Yoga experience every Friday in February. Then, every Wednesday morning, come for Summer Stage Pilates. You’ll be feeling flexible and healthy all summer long.It’s not all stretching in the sun, though. You need to move at night too. Change out of those leggings and into your sparkly dress for Glitter Groove: The South East’s Summer Queer Party on February 9. Presented by Midsummer Festival, the night will be full of energetic performances by drag performers, singers, DJs and MC Brenda Bressed!
- Don’t miss an amazing night of Australia’s funniest comedians and cabaret performers at the Funny Mummies Cabaret Spectacular on February 8.
- Keep the tunes popping with the Summer K-Pop Party on February 15 for Melbourne’s favourite dance cover groups and singers (plus dance workshops and glitter makeovers – say no more!)
- For something more low-key but just as fun, roll into the plaza for Comedy Bites: Summer Stage Edition on February 16 with Bron Lewis and some of Melbourne’s leading comedians. Then, return on February 22 for more good times with Quiz Meisters Trivia Night for pub trivia in the summer air and pre-show entertainment with DJ Alexandré Permal.
There is no need to break the bank with budget-friendly tickets ranging between free and $33. Visit Bunjil Place’s website for the complete program and further details.
For more info, visit the Summer Stage website here. For accessibility bookings or other box office inquiries, send an email to [email protected] or ring 03 9709 9700.
