PSI PHI + Tarcutta
PSI PHI and Tarcutta team up for a double-header Hammond bonanza of tonewheel-drenched prog, psych, post and space rock.
PSI PHI and Tarcutta are joining forces on Saturday December 13 at Cross Street Music Hall to bring you their different perspectives on the spectrum of progressive and psychadelic rock. The Hammond and Leslie sound defines both groups, albeit in completely different ways – you will be treated to its full growling, spitting, churning and screaming glory in the hands of these two bands. It’s going to be an excellent night of prog, space, psych and post rock in the cozy confines of Cross St. The drinks are cheap and the chairs are comfy – come settle in and prepare to be transported to the far reaches of the cosmos and back again.
Here’s a bit about your hosts:
PSI PHI
Drawing inspiration from the gatefold-era of 70s prog and psych rock hedonistic excess, PSI PHI is Sam Cope on Hammond & keys (Blue King Brown, The Badloves), Kumar Shome on guitar (The Punkawallas, Ajax Kwai), Will Hull-Brown on drums (The Cat Empire) and Ryan Monro on bass (The Cat Empire, The Meltdown). This supergroup boasts a burgeoning repertoire of originals, blended with some iconic and formidable covers. PSI PHI evoke the gods & monsters of the golden age of rock with virtuosity and intensity. Their new single with a-side “Freddie Hates Red Lights” and b-side “Future Gaze / Redshift” is out now on Bandcamp and full album coming early 2026.
TARCUTTA
Featuring Justin Wheelahan (Hammond), Justin Buckley (guitar, electric piano) and Pete Barrett (drums), Tarcutta are a Naarm-based instrumental trio who take a 1934 Model A Hammond to the outer reaches of space rock and bastard jazz, shaping textured, analogue-driven pieces that move in sensibility from Debussy to The Dirty Three, from Mogwai to Can and then back again in the twitch of a tone bar. Live performances are visceral sound baths, provoking audience reactions ranging from “Listening to ‘Afterburner’ and looking at the lights gave me flashbacks to taking ayahuasca in Mexico” and “I found it very emotionally manipulative,” to “I thought I was coming to see, like, a dad band but they were actual musicians.”
Their latest album Rain In Space was recently released independently and is out now on Bandcamp, vinyl, and streaming platforms.
An Afternoon with Basscamp
Sunday balcony parties, all summer long.
Sunday balcony parties are here to stay, all summer long. Next up, the inimitable Basscamp with a one hour live set, supported by Frankifettucini & Ham. Bleeps and bloops, sun, yummy wine from Das Juice.
Dancing encouraged.
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation as the traditional custodians of the land on which we hold this event, and their relationship to food and the environment which spans millennia. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to all other First Nations people.
Mumford & Sons are bringing their Prizefighter Tour to Australian arenas in 2026
British folk-rock favourites Mumford & Sons are heading back to Australia and New Zealand for arena shows in 2026.
The Grammy-winning four-piece will bring their Prizefighter Tour down under in April and May, hitting Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney and Spark Arena in Auckland. Mumford & Sons will be joined by special guests Folk Bitch Trio across all three dates, making for a pretty stacked lineup of folk-leaning acts.
Mumford & Sons Prizefighter Tour
- Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne – 24, 25 April
- Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney – 29 April
- Spark Arena, Auckland – 2 May
Check out our gig guide here.
The tour follows a sold-out one-night-only appearance at the Sydney Opera House back in March, but this time around the band are bringing the full arena production. It’s been a busy period for the West London group, who have somehow managed to squeeze two albums into a 12-month window.
The Prizefighter Tour supports their forthcoming sixth studio album of the same name, landing 13 February via Gentlemen of the Road/Island Records. The record was co-produced with The National’s Aaron Dessner at his Long Pond Studio and features guest appearances from Hozier, Gracie Abrams, Chris Stapleton and Gigi Perez. It arrives hot on the heels of Rushmere, which dropped earlier this year and debuted at number one in the UK.
Since forming in 2008, Mumford & Sons have gone from small London pub gigs to headlining festivals and topping charts globally. They’ve collaborated with the likes of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Brandi Carlile along the way.
Tickets go on sale Friday 5 December at 11am local time, with various presales kicking off from Wednesday 3 December. One dollar from every ticket sold will go to War Child, supporting children affected by war.
For more information, head here.
Metro Tunnel draws 70,000 as five new stations open
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams announced the milestone following Sunday’s launch of the five new underground stations. Representing the biggest transformation of Melbourne’s public transport system in four decades, the Metro Tunnel has doubled the size of the city’s underground rail network.
More than 1100 customer service staff were deployed across the stations as 54 trains travelled 486 kilometres through the tunnel. State Library station proved most popular with over 22,000 passengers, followed by Town Hall with more than 16,000, Anzac with around 13,000, Parkville with approximately 12,000 and Arden with more than 8,000.
Metro Tunnel
- State Library Station, Town Hall Station, Anzac Station, Parkville Station, Arden Station
- Now open with free weekend travel until Sunday, 1 February
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
View this post on Instagram
Summer Start timetable changes for the Metro Tunnel have introduced 240 additional weekly services along the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury lines. This testing phase allows crews to identify and resolve issues before the full network integration on 1 February, which will deliver an additional 1,000 weekly services across the system.
Free weekend travel continues until 1 February as part of the opening celebrations. Passengers can plan their Metro Tunnel journeys and check timetables through the PTV website.
Victorian government funding delivered the project after federal opposition declined to contribute. Construction faced various political challenges throughout its development, but the infrastructure is now operational and serving commuters across Melbourne’s northern, western and southeastern suburbs.
New cross-city connections mean passengers can travel between previously disconnected lines without changing at the City Loop. University students, healthcare workers and office employees travelling to Parkville institutions benefit from direct access, while southeastern suburbs gain faster routes into the CBD through the tunnel’s dedicated tracks.
Testing will continue throughout summer as the system prepares for full integration into Melbourne’s broader rail network early next year.
For more information, head here.
From Good Things sideshows to fae gatherings, Stay Gold goes big in December
Located on the corner of Sydney Rd and Union St in Brunswick, Stay Gold has a reputation for punk, metal and underground hip hop gigs. They’ll deliver in all three categories this December, while also welcoming comedians, draglesque faes, and paying tribute to indie titans The Strokes.
The calendar is teeming with live music and late night parties all month long, so rally your crew and get down to Stay Gold.
Check out our gig guide here.
South Arcade
View this post on Instagram
- 3 December
- Tickets
English viral rock band South Arcade are in town for this year’s Good Things festival, and they’ll be swinging by Stay Gold for a pre-fest sideshow. The four-piece just released their second EP, Play!, and they’re returning to Australia after their support tour with Bilmuri earlier in 2025.
Fever 333
View this post on Instagram
- 4 December
- Tickets
US punk, hardcore and hip hop supergroup Fever 333 will headline Stay Gold on the eve of their performance at Good Things. The band, which features former letlive. vocalist Jason Aalon Butler, former The Chariot guitarist Stephen Harrison and former The Mars Volta drummer Thomas Pridgen, will perform songs from their latest album, Darker White. Following Fever 333, emo party experts AM//PM will host the official Good Things pre-party.
AM//PM Emo Night: Good Things 2025 Pre-Party
View this post on Instagram
- 4 December
- Free entry
AM//PM Emo Night is hosting the official Good Things 2025 pre-party at Stay Gold the night before the festival kicks off at Flemington Racecourse. After Fever 333 wrap up their sideshow, AM//PM take over the decks and keep things going late into the night with a mix of emo, pop-punk, rock, metal and alternative. If you’re in town early for the festival and want to get warmed up with like-minded punters, this is your spot.
Good Things Official Afterparty
View this post on Instagram
- 5 December
- Tickets
The 2025 Good Things tour kicks off on December 5 at Flemington Racecourse. From 9 pm onwards, the official afterparty comes to Stay Gold, courtesy of Australia’s biggest touring emo night, AM//PM. You can expect to hear songs from acts on the Good Things lineup plus all your emo, pop-punk, rock and metal favourites.
WICKED SMILE
View this post on Instagram
- 6 December
- Tickets
Melbourne based heavy rockers WICKED SMILE are launching two singles, WHEN NIGHT FALLS and FACE OF THE WICKED, at Stay Gold. Both tracks will appear on the band’s new album, When Night Falls, due in February 2026. They’re fresh off the plane from a tour of Japan and premiering tracks from the new record ahead of its release.
Room on Fire: The Strokes Appreciation Night
View this post on Instagram
- 6 December
- Tickets
Next year marks 25 years since the release of The Strokes’ debut album, Is This It. You can expect to hear the record’s best-known tracks, such as Someday, Last Nite, New York City Cops and Take It Or Leave It, at Transmission’s Strokes appreciation night. The Transmission DJs will also be playing songs from Strokes side projects and beloved indie bangers by Arctic Monkeys, Phoenix, Two Door Cinema Club, The Cure, Cage The Elephant, MGMT, The Drums and more.
The Omnific
View this post on Instagram
- 7 December
- Tickets
Bass-driven instrumental prog rock act, The Omnific, asked the question, how much bass is too much? The answer? There’s never too much bass. The Melbourne trio, featuring duelling bassists Matt Fack and Toby Peterson-Stewart and drummer Jerome Lematua, bring their progressive rock with a dash of djent and a sprinkle of funk to Stay Gold.
PRESIDENT
View this post on Instagram
- 12 December
- Tickets
PRESIDENT are an anonymous English band that emerged in 2025. The band’s debut EP, King of Terrors, combines heavy guitar music with electronic experimentation and cinematic atmosphere. The band members are staying tight-lipped about their identities, but this is not hindering their popularity, with every track on King of Terrors notching up several million streams to date.
Ironstone
View this post on Instagram
- 13 December
- Tickets
Melbourne quintet Ironstone are celebrating the release of their EP, A Shadow Of My Former Self. It’s an intense and dramatic seven-track release of progressive deathcore. They’ll have Support from Liar and Bitter Kind.
Twenty One Pilots Appreciation Night
View this post on Instagram
- 13 December
- Tickets
Kicking off at 11pm is the Twenty One Pilots appreciation night, with DJs spinning tracks from across the US duo’s eight-album back catalogue. The band’s latest, Breach, came out in September. You can also expect to hear pop-punk and emo anthems from Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, Paramore, blink-182, Panic! At The Disco and more.
UDG Mosh
View this post on Instagram
- 14 December
- Tickets
4orttune and Jords headline the next edition of UDG Mosh, a showcase of underground beats and MCs. The lineup also includes SMNDIF, Ballbassjohn, L0ne, Yurg, Blxcksterling, Shaco, Nate6, Hutcho, W2bjoey and Zxer. There’ll be clothing from Antifakes and wares from other new local brands.
Stupid Fuck and The Silly Clowns
View this post on Instagram
- 18 December
- Tickets
Stupid Fuck and The Silly Clowns have been the talk of the local punk scene this year. Why? Well, among other reasons, they’re a group of clowns who take the stage wearing circus clown makeup and jester hats. They’re also a surprisingly tight punk and post-punk band, led by a satirical goofball called Stupid Fuck.
Kadikoy Sunset: Christmas Party
View this post on Instagram
- 19 December
- Tickets
Kadıköy is a neighbourhood in Turkey’s biggest city, Istanbul. Melbourne-based party crew, Kadikoy Night, bring the local community together for events dedicated to Turkish hits. The Christmas party will feature live performances, neon lights, Turkish beats, and the real Kadikoy energy.
PhaseOne
View this post on Instagram
- 20 December
- Tickets
Dubstep meets metal in the music of Sydney DJ and producer PhaseOne. He’s back in Australia for a national tour celebrating the release of his second album, Terranova. PhaseOne brings his unique sound, which has been described as “a symphony of filth”, to Stay Gold with support from US producer Beastboi.
The Great Debate – Holiday Edition
View this post on Instagram
- 21 December
- Tickets
Nothing says Christmas like a passionate, staunch and ill-advised debate. To get you prepared for the big day, the folks at Duck! Comedy are assembling two teams of comedians to go head to head in a holiday debate, will mediation provided by hosts Josh and Cal.
Fae Underground
View this post on Instagram
- 27 December
- Tickets
Fae Underground held its inaugural event at Stay Gold in October. Local representatives of the fairy realm showed up in such large numbers that they’re running it back two days after Christmas. Expect a lineup of draglesque performers, DJs, and a night market full of fae curiosities.
No Scrubs NYE Party
View this post on Instagram
- 31 December
- Tickets
There’ll be nothing but 90s and early 00s bangers blaring through the Stay Gold sound system on NYE courtesy of DJ GK. Expect everything from Usher and Outkast to Fergie, 50 Cent, Destiny’s Child and The Black Eyed Peas. If you’re lucky, you might even hear Las Ketchup’s The Ketchup Song. ¡Aserejé!
Keep up with everything happening at Stay Gold here.
This article was made in partnership with Stay Gold.
The Bergy Bandroom has you covered for shiny pop, alt-rock, metalcore, funk and psych rock in December
There’ll be a showcase of rising pop stars, single launches for a few local indie and alt rock acts, a groove heavy Christmas special, and a post-Christmas sludge metal throw down.
In December, as with every month of the year, the Bergy is the place to be.
Check out our gig guide here.
REVERIE ROOM
View this post on Instagram
- Thursday 4 December
- Tickets
REVERIE ROOM makes its Melbourne debut at the Bergy Bandroom with a pop-centric lineup. Leading the bill is pop and R&B singer and disability advocate r.em.edy, along with DIY popstar in the making Robert Baxter, emotive pop singer-songwriter Tom Nethersole, and electronic and experimental pop artist Stocker.
Casino Daylight
View this post on Instagram
- Friday, 5 December
- Tickets
Alt-rock trio Casino Daylight are launching their new single Wasting My Days with support from emerging acts Dead Ed, Oliver Silo & Tokyo Club and Spin4U. Wasting My Days follows Casino Daylight’s previous singles, Never Leaving and Thinking Of. The band’s latest spotlights a raw and dynamic alt-rock sound.
Red Heart Rising
View this post on Instagram
- Saturday 6 December
- Tickets
Saturday 6 December is goth night at the Bergy Bandroom. Red Heart Rising brings drag and pole acts to the venue, plus live performances from Howling Mountain, One Whole Hand, Blood in the Champagne and Violet Tendencies. Red Heart Rising began as a fundraiser for the event organisers’ friend Hazel’s gender-affirming care. This time it’s Hazel’s birthday, and the dress up theme is death and mortality. There’ll be prizes for best-dressed.
RSOM Celebration Night 2025
View this post on Instagram
- Sunday, 7 December
- Tickets
The end of year bash for Real Songwriters of Melbourne (RSOM) will include a networking session, an awards show, and live performances from Annie & the Make Believe, Chris Surgey, Mossrose and Anuja. They’ll be handing out awards for songwriter of the year, top 5 songs of the year, the community award and the outstanding achievement award. The whole event is designed as a celebration of Melbourne’s rising songwriters.
Babchia
View this post on Instagram
- Wednesday 10 December
- Tickets
Babchia’s first ever gig was at the Bergy in 2024, so it’s only right that the band are launching their debut single on the Bandroom stage. They’ll be playing a bunch of new material, having spent the last few months in the rehearsal room bashing out songs featuring screaming guitars and face melting drums. The bill is rounded out by some other heavy guitar acts, Restraint, Tenderheart and Margaret.
Laura Ingram
View this post on Instagram
- Thursday 11 December
- Tickets
Not Another Fool is the long-awaited new single from Naarm-based soul and southern rock artist Laura Ingram. The song is a departure from Ingram’s jazz roots, but her soaring vocals remain at its core. Ingram’s past achievements include support slots with Clare Bowditch and Caiti Baker and plenty of community radio airplay.
Slay Belles 3
View this post on Instagram
- Friday 12 December
- Tickets
Think of the 3rd Annual Slay Belles Christmas show as an alternative holiday party. Instead of carols and tinsel there’ll be heavy guitar riffs and heavier lead vocals. Headline duties will be split between grungey doom crew A Gazillion Angry Mexicans and metal and hardcore outfit Nephalem, with support from high energy rockers Two Headed Dog and Ahrbeka.
TAKEE
View this post on Instagram
- Saturday 13 December
- Tickets
Indie-pop singer-songwriter TAKEE (fka Takee Alif) will preside over an afternoon of live music on Saturday 13 December, with support from Adam Mendum and Mila + Lucas. TAKEE is a bit of a multi-threat, starting out on classical violin and infusing his originals with his mother’s treasured traditional Bengali music. He’ll be premiering songs from his debut album, which is due in 2026.
LOUD WOMEN Fest
View this post on Instagram
- Sunday 14 December
- Tickets
Based in London, LOUD WOMEN is an international intersectional feminist organisation. The organisation’s flagship event LOUD WOMEN Fest returns to Melbourne on Sunday 14 December, and the lineup is a whopper. Internationals Bitter Tits (USA), I, Doris (UK) and Vagina Dry (NZ) lead the way. They’ll be joined by the best of the Australian rock, punk and alternative scene, including Charlie Needs Braces, Ghost Mutt, Hail Mary Jane, Pelvis, R.U.B., Sacred, Second Idol, The Maggie Pills, Whip! and Whoroboros.
Cider Sundays
View this post on Instagram
- Wednesday 17 December
- Tickets
Baking bread is not as hard as it seems. Just ask indie rock trio Cider Sundays, who’re so confident in their sourdough technique that they named their latest single Baking Bread. But should we be surprised? Confidence is Cider Sundays’ entire MO – they’re not shy about their intention to be the best band on the planet. Not to be outdone, they’ll be joined at the Bergy by special guests Paper Daisy and Ethereal Gone Kids.
Unspoken Rule
View this post on Instagram
- Thursday 18 December
- Tickets
It’s been a big year for guitar wielding four-piece Unspoken Rule. The old school rockers released their debut EP, Wasted Potential, earlier this year, and they’ll be saying goodbye to 2025 with one last hurrah at the Bergy Bandroom. They’ve recruited three of their favourite local acts as support acts: nostalgic indie rock quintet Rayven, high energy indie punk trio Wrendive, and singer-songwriter and thespian John Yanko.
Future Static
View this post on Instagram
- Friday 19 December
- Tickets
Metalcore five-piece Future Static are bringing the riff to the mistletoe one week before Christmas. It’s been a couple of years since Future Static released their debut LP, Liminality, and they’ve since supported the likes of Babymetal, Electric Callboy, Jinjer, Enter Shikari and Don Broco, and played headline shows in the UK and Europe. The band’s new single, There’s Nowhere Else To Go, features a more polished sound, but their live shows are no less fierce. They’ll have support from Lune, BenchCup and Adelaide metalcore crew LUMENS.
The Seven Ups Christmas Special
View this post on Instagram
- Saturday 20 December
- Tickets
Cosmic heavy groove. That’s how The Seven Ups like to describe their blend of funk, psych, jazz fusion, Afrobeat and synth rock. The band’s repertoire keeps growing, with each of their five albums delving deeper into long-form psychedelia. They’ve got a few new tunes to play at the Bergy as well as plenty of old favourites. Joining them are psych rockers Buried Feather and funk octet Derty Bird.
Flower Field Folly and Friends
View this post on Instagram
- Saturday 27 December
- Tickets
You might wanna wear a hazmat suit to this one, as headliners Flower Field Folly make alt-metal that’s heavy on sludge. It’s a bit of trip too, and of course it bloody is considering the band arose from the swampy suburbs of the Dandenongs. Joining them at this post-Christmas wake are guerrilla hardcore band MKNAOMI, proto-punk twosome Oil Rig, and spooky psych outfit Skybelly.
Check out everything happening at the Bergy Bandroom here.
This article was made in partnership with the Bergy Bandroom.
Group sing-alongs, classic pop tributes and a jazzy NYE – it’s all happening at MEMO
Coming up at MEMO in December you’ve got Celtic rock and hard-hitting blues, a George Michael tribute from an ARIA winning pop singer, Australia’s most beloved ABBA show, and plenty of convivial, festive sing-alongs.
So, head on down to Acland St and see the year out in style.
Check out our gig guide here.
Singsongs: The Magic of Christmas
- 3 December
- Tickets
Singsongs invite singers of all ages to celebrate the magic of Christmas. Hosted by Gary Brown of the LandDownUnder Band, Singsongs is a group sing-along with lyrics displayed on a big screen. Brown will be joined by Scott Griffiths on piano and guitar for a night of Christmas classics, from carols and Santa songs to pop hits such as Last Christmas, All I Want For Christmas Is You and Happy Xmas (War Is Over).
Eugene Hamilton & The Money
View this post on Instagram
- 5 December
- Tickets
Eugene Hamilton is bringing the funk to the festive season. The local vocalist and band leader will be joined by a six-piece ensemble to re-wrap and re-gift plenty of crowd favourites, ranging from ‘60s soul to noughties pop hits. Hamilton is known to give everything a funky tweak with a splash of country and the odd Latin tangent.
BABBA
View this post on Instagram
- 6 December
- Tickets
What rhymes with ABBA but is an active touring band known for its repertoire of Swedish pop classics? BABBA, of course. Hailed as one of the world’s most musically accurate tributes to ABBA – and with a stamp of approval from ABBA’s Benny Andersson himself – BABBA stop by MEMO for one last hurrah before 2025 comes to a close.
Claymore’s Celtic Christmas
View this post on Instagram
- 7 December
- Tickets
Anyone keen on high-energy Celtic rock and magic dance need look no further than festival favourites Claymore, who’ll be bringing the holiday fun and a sleigh-load of special guests to MEMO on 7 December. Drawing on Celtic folk traditions and armed with guitars, mandolins, fiddles and bagpipes, a Claymore show comes with a promise of music, mischief and magic.
Checkerboard Lounge & Opelousas
View this post on Instagram
- 12 December
- Tickets
Checkerboard Lounge and Opelousas, two leaders of Australia’s contemporary blues and roots scene, have dubbed this twin headline at MEMO a “big bad blues party”. Singing drummer Carl Pannuzzo will lead the four-piece Checkerboard Lounge through a set of blues, classic soul and roots originals, while the Opelousas trio will put on a masterclass in urgent, lively blues rock, led by vocalist Kerri Simpson.
Andrew De Silva’s Dedication to George Michael
View this post on Instagram
- 13 December
- Tickets
Remember CDB? The 90s Australian boy band who had a massive hit with a cover of Earth, Wind & Fire’s Let’s Groove circa 1996? The group’s leader Andrew De Silva went on to win Australia’s Got Talent Winner in 2012, and lately he’s been indulging his love of George Michael. Expect to hear all of Michael’s many hits at this tribute show, including Faith, Careless Whisper, Freedom, and Last Christmas.
Relax With Max
- 19 December
- Tickets
How many musicians does it take to create a tantalising blend of funk, soul, Afrobeat, R&B and gospel? The answer is ten. At least, that’s how many musicians cram onto the stage at a Relax With Max show. The band, led by former Night Cat owner Max Vella, have been at it since 1984, supporting the likes of Wilson Picket, Maxi Priest and Seun Kuti’s Egypt 80 along the way. Expect horns, percussion and non-stop rhythm.
The Mighty Wilde Xmas
View this post on Instagram
- 21 December
- Tickets
Saxophonist and band leader Wilbur Wilde wants to get MEMO rocking for Christmas. He’s enlisted his band the Troublemakers to carry out the task, featuring members of Skyhooks, Men at Work and Bootleg Family. Wilde himself has been a member with Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons and Ol’ 55, and was a prominent member of the Hey Hey it’s Saturday house band. Wilde and The Troublemakers will be playing classic hits and crowd favourites representing their combined career efforts.
NYE with JAZZPARTY
- 31 December
- Tickets
It’s going to be a party at MEMO on New Year’s Eve. Specifically, a JAZZPARTY. The local eight-piece have spent the last decade doing exactly as their name suggests, creating a loose and occasionally chaotic atmosphere courtesy of pounding drums, ecstatic horns, vocal harmonies, and the lead vocals of powerhouse Loretta Miller. As if that wasn’t enough, on New Year’s they’ll have support from Nitida of Don’t Thank Me Spank Me! and DJ Aperol Ritz.
To keep up with everything on at Memo Music Hall, head here.
This article was made in partnership with Memo Music Hall.
OK Charlton hits double digits with Lambrini Girls, Cosmic Psychos and a pool party
OK Charlton is heading back to the small town with a big heart on 20 and 21 February, bringing one of its most stacked lineups yet. The two-day gathering, presented by OK Motels and Triple R, celebrates everything that makes regional festivals special: live music, local food, unexpected moments and the kind of friendships that only form when you’re dancing in a motel car park at midnight.
Leading the charge this year are UK punk favourites Lambrini Girls, Montreal dream pop outfit TOPS, and a whole heap of Australian talent including Floodlights, Cosmic Psychos, Spike Fuck, Frenzee, Harmony, The Pretty Littles, The Empty Threats, Swapmeet, Immy Owusu, James Range Band, Palm Springs, Sunny Morris, Xylourides and Yordja.
OK Charlton
- Charlton, VIC
- 20 and 21 February 2026
- Tickets on sale now via okmotels.com.au
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
View this post on Instagram
Pool party gets loud
For the first time in OK Charlton history, the pool party will feature live music. Cosmic Psychos, James Range Band and The Pretty Littles will soundtrack your Saturday afternoon session poolside. The usual favourites return too, including Tell Your Friends You Love Them with Friend Songs & Dedications, the OK Tuck Shop (now with even more salad rolls and mixed lollies), and ice cream sundaes courtesy of the Charlton Youth Group.
More food, more chaos
This edition brings expanded eating options. Fitzroy favourites Tortas and Tacos will set up in the Charlton Motel function room for dinner and late-night feeds. Local legend Kim Bian is running a pop-up serving Chinese dumplings and meals, with a portion of profits supporting the Dux of Charlton College for further education.
Elsewhere, Marry Your Friends returns with newlyweds parading through town on farmer Bill’s flatbed truck. The Charlton Club transforms into the official OK Clubhouse with Palm Springs performing live, karaoke, board games, bloody marys and party pies. Win and Ian from Charlton Vintage are opening their backyard for a veggie-garden set by Xylourides, complete with Greek BBQ and an ouzo bar. And Disco Rodeo are bringing line dancing to the motel car park.
Shuttles will run from the Union Hotel in Fitzroy on Friday morning, plus there’s transport from Wedderburn for those staying outside town.
For more information, head here.
Chris Williamson: Mostly Wise Tour
The acclaimed Modern Wisdom host delivers an evening of sharp insights, raw honesty, and unexpected lessons, challenging audiences to get curious, think deeper, and discover new perspectives.
Following the success of his sold-out North American live tour, British podcaster, writer, and host of Modern Wisdom – one of the world’s biggest podcasts – CHRIS WILLIAMSON brings his signature blend of storytelling, philosophy, and insight to Australia, New Zealand, and Bali in 2026 with the MOSTLY WISE live tour, hitting theatres across each territory in March and April.
Through a dynamic mix of storytelling, sharp insights, and practical takeaways, Williamson explores the tension between what we think we know and what we’re still figuring out. From the traps of hustle culture to the truths uncovered in silence, Mostly Wise offers an evening of insights, face-palm clarity, and unexpected discoveries. Audiences can expect a show that is deeply reflective, gut-punchingly honest, and unapologetically points the finger at the lessons you need to hear but have been ignoring. Whether you’re a long-time listener or just stepping into the world of personal growth, this tour invites you to get curious, challenge your assumptions, and walk away with a fresh perspective.
Acid Chess Club Presents: EOY Celebration
Let’s celebrate the year that was in the only way we know how! A chess Battle Royale!
Acid Rain, Chess films, Club kingdoms, our world ever expands as ones mind does over a life time. With the newest addition to our world of Acid Chess CLUB airing in AMSTERDAM (Thanks to @Tal) and the end of 2025 nearing, we are hosting our final competition of the year to send us off into the holiday break.
The END OF YEAR COMP for 2025 is here, with all the bells and whistles.
It will be hosted at CY VENUE below Runner up just like the chesstivus. Don’t worry, our gracious hosts will be finessing this one even more than the last.
64 PERSON CHILL COMPETITION
This is for chess players ranging no ELO to 1250 rated.
64 PERSON HECTIC COMPETITION
This is for chess players ranging with a higher rating that 1250 (although, all players welcomed).
Our aural suppliers for the evening start with the jazzy sounds from LCO, moving through to the catchy grooves of PAPRIKA, all intermingled with our favourite mind warping liquorice spin dad BABA NOIR.
Always remember, being a part of the Acid Chess Club world is more than chess in of itself, more than the music or the booze; we are a place of connection, a community of believers of strategy and good times. Respect each other, not only on the board but off the board, make new friends or maybe even lovers if you’re lucky enough to play your cards right (respectfully).
‘Money will be lost, Glory will be won, friendship and humility will prevail’ – (direct quote from 2024 EOY comp
The Acid Chess Club takes place on the unceded lands of the Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. As we gather to play in community, we recognise the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors who have done so for 70,000 years before us.
The Acid Chess Club endeavours to be a safe space for all. We respectfully acknowledge any First Nations people who join us and pay our respects to Elders past and present. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.
HECTIC COMP PRIZES
— 1st place ~ RRP $1,335
— 2nd place ~ RRP $400
— 3rd Place — RRP $210
— 4th Place — 1 Drink from Runner Up
CHILL COMP PRIZES
— 1st place ~ RRP $555
— 2nd place ~ RRP $400
— 3rd Place — RRP $195
— 4th Place — 1 Drink from Runner Up
Ikigai & Daisy Records: Edition 1
Spin Doctors
Legendary alt-rockers Spin Doctors are heading to Australia and New Zealand for a massive 11-date run celebrating the 35th anniversary of their iconic 1991 debut album, Pocket Full Of Kryptonite. Returning to Australia for the first time since 1993, the band will not only visit all major cities but also take their electrifying live show to key regional Australian markets, giving fans across the country a chance to celebrate three and a half decades of funk-infused rock, soaring hooks, and the infectious energy that have defined their career.
Armed with two massive singles that helped define the 90s, “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong”, Spin Doctors became one of the most recognisable bands of the era. Pocket Full Of Kryptonite was a global smash, hitting #1 in both Australia and New Zealand, achieving Platinum status in Australia and Gold in New Zealand, and topping charts in multiple countries worldwide.
Spin Doctors
Legendary alt-rockers Spin Doctors are heading to Australia and New Zealand for a massive 11-date run celebrating the 35th anniversary of their iconic 1991 debut album, Pocket Full Of Kryptonite. Returning to Australia for the first time since 1993, the band will not only visit all major cities but also take their electrifying live show to key regional Australian markets, giving fans across the country a chance to celebrate three and a half decades of funk-infused rock, soaring hooks, and the infectious energy that have defined their career.
Armed with two massive singles that helped define the 90s, “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong”, Spin Doctors became one of the most recognisable bands of the era. Pocket Full Of Kryptonite was a global smash, hitting #1 in both Australia and New Zealand, achieving Platinum status in Australia and Gold in New Zealand, and topping charts in multiple countries worldwide.
Spin Doctors
Legendary alt-rockers Spin Doctors are heading to Australia and New Zealand for a massive 11-date run celebrating the 35th anniversary of their iconic 1991 debut album, Pocket Full Of Kryptonite. Returning to Australia for the first time since 1993, the band will not only visit all major cities but also take their electrifying live show to key regional Australian markets, giving fans across the country a chance to celebrate three and a half decades of funk-infused rock, soaring hooks, and the infectious energy that have defined their career.
Armed with two massive singles that helped define the 90s, “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong”, Spin Doctors became one of the most recognisable bands of the era. Pocket Full Of Kryptonite was a global smash, hitting #1 in both Australia and New Zealand, achieving Platinum status in Australia and Gold in New Zealand, and topping charts in multiple countries worldwide.
Spin Doctors
Legendary alt-rockers Spin Doctors are heading to Australia and New Zealand for a massive 11-date run celebrating the 35th anniversary of their iconic 1991 debut album, Pocket Full Of Kryptonite. Returning to Australia for the first time since 1993, the band will not only visit all major cities but also take their electrifying live show to key regional Australian markets, giving fans across the country a chance to celebrate three and a half decades of funk-infused rock, soaring hooks, and the infectious energy that have defined their career.
Armed with two massive singles that helped define the 90s, “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong”, Spin Doctors became one of the most recognisable bands of the era. Pocket Full Of Kryptonite was a global smash, hitting #1 in both Australia and New Zealand, achieving Platinum status in Australia and Gold in New Zealand, and topping charts in multiple countries worldwide.
Spin Doctors
Legendary alt-rockers Spin Doctors are heading to Australia and New Zealand for a massive 11-date run celebrating the 35th anniversary of their iconic 1991 debut album, Pocket Full Of Kryptonite. Returning to Australia for the first time since 1993, the band will not only visit all major cities but also take their electrifying live show to key regional Australian markets, giving fans across the country a chance to celebrate three and a half decades of funk-infused rock, soaring hooks, and the infectious energy that have defined their career.
Armed with two massive singles that helped define the 90s, “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong”, Spin Doctors became one of the most recognisable bands of the era. Pocket Full Of Kryptonite was a global smash, hitting #1 in both Australia and New Zealand, achieving Platinum status in Australia and Gold in New Zealand, and topping charts in multiple countries worldwide.
Spin Doctors
Legendary alt-rockers Spin Doctors are heading to Australia and New Zealand for a massive 11-date run celebrating the 35th anniversary of their iconic 1991 debut album, Pocket Full Of Kryptonite. Returning to Australia for the first time since 1993, the band will not only visit all major cities but also take their electrifying live show to key regional Australian markets, giving fans across the country a chance to celebrate three and a half decades of funk-infused rock, soaring hooks, and the infectious energy that have defined their career.
Armed with two massive singles that helped define the 90s, “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong”, Spin Doctors became one of the most recognisable bands of the era. Pocket Full Of Kryptonite was a global smash, hitting #1 in both Australia and New Zealand, achieving Platinum status in Australia and Gold in New Zealand, and topping charts in multiple countries worldwide.
Spin Doctors
Legendary alt-rockers Spin Doctors are heading to Australia and New Zealand for a massive 11-date run celebrating the 35th anniversary of their iconic 1991 debut album, Pocket Full Of Kryptonite. Returning to Australia for the first time since 1993, the band will not only visit all major cities but also take their electrifying live show to key regional Australian markets, giving fans across the country a chance to celebrate three and a half decades of funk-infused rock, soaring hooks, and the infectious energy that have defined their career.
Armed with two massive singles that helped define the 90s, “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong”, Spin Doctors became one of the most recognisable bands of the era. Pocket Full Of Kryptonite was a global smash, hitting #1 in both Australia and New Zealand, achieving Platinum status in Australia and Gold in New Zealand, and topping charts in multiple countries worldwide.