Creative gathering expands with live painting as crowds flock to chill, create and connect outdoors.
Melbourne’s parks are becoming the city’s most vibrant cultural living rooms thanks to inthegardens, a free community-focused live music series that’s quickly carving out its own space in the local scene.
What started as a small improvised outdoor session has blossomed into a genuine grassroots movement, drawing music lovers, artists, students and families together for afternoons of pure shared creativity.
Inthegardens 003
- 14 June 2026
- The Sunken Gardens, Moonee Ponds
- Entry is free
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The next chapter, inthegardens 003, ups the ante with live painting unfolding alongside the improvised music performances. Attendees are encouraged to bring books, journals, sketchpads or instruments and simply vibe in the open air while the sounds flow. It’s the kind of accessible, no-barrier event that feels refreshing in an increasingly ticketed city.
Born from an intimate improvised jam, the project has grown organically into a recurring cultural gathering. The last event saw punters sprawled across the grass reading, painting, studying, making music and striking up conversations – a beautiful snapshot of what Melbourne does best when you strip away the barriers.
Inthegardens is deliberately loose, inclusive and focused on turning everyday parks into temporary creative sanctuaries. With live music providing the heartbeat, the series continues to evolve while staying true to its roots: pure community energy in beautiful public spaces.
Moonee Valley City Council’s support through a grant has helped the events scale sustainably, allowing the organisers to dream bigger without compromising the free entry model that makes it special. As Melbourne heads into the cooler months, these park gatherings offer a warm reminder of the city’s thriving independent spirit.
For a music and arts scene that thrives on connection, inthegardens is quietly building something meaningful. Keep your eyes on socials for the exact location of 003 – this is one to slide into your calendar and bring your crew (and your sketchpad) along to.
For more information on inthegardens 003, head here.
