WHAT’S ON: The best events happening in Melbourne this July | New Idea

The Finders Keepers Design Market is returning to the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton this July! For three days, 270 of Australia’s best independent designers, makers and foodies will bring their creativity to one place. Filled with live local DJs, fresh food, bars, and so many market stalls you can’t even imagine, this design market is the perfect way to connect with the community. Entry is $6 however kids under 13 can enter free! Here are the market opening hours:

• Friday, July 12: 4pm – 9pm
• Saturday, July 13: 10am – 5pm
• Sunday, July 14: 10am – 5pm

Returning to Melbourne for the third year is the city’s favourite illumination event, Lightscape. From June 14 to August 4 the Royal Botanic Gardens will be filled with luminous pathways, lit-up tree canopies, soothing soundscapes, and brand new installations.

The trail begins at Observatory Gate and ends at Oak Lawn Gate (off Birdwood Ave, opposite the Shrine of Remembrance) – don’t forget to enjoy some delicious food at the welcome zone, as well as indulge in some treats at the Terrace Food Hall.

If you live in Melbourne, we are sure you’ve either heard of or visited the Winter Night Market that happens at Queen Victoria Market every year… well, it’s officially that time! From June 5 to August 28, you can spend your Wednesday evenings surrounded by entertainment and open fires all while trying to choose what to eat from the wide selection of global street food stalls, trucks, carts, and bars.

Presented by the City of Melbourne and supported by Event Partners China Airlines, Mandylights and Marvel Stadium, the Firelight Labyrinth gives you the exciting opportunity to explore the expanse beneath Melbourne’s iconic Marvel Stadium. As part of the Firelight Festival, the immersive multimedia experience is a world premiere using production technology not seen before in Australia.

As you walk through three different rooms, you are told a modern version of the mythology of Theseus and the Minotaur via cutting-edge technology, dynamic audio, and an array of over 144,000 lights. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable experience! Tickets start at just $37.50.

A stunning art exhibition that features over 180 original artworks from street artist and political activist Banksy has opened in Melbourne. The exhibition features more than 70 original artworks out of the over 180 on display, such as prints, sculptures, installations, murals, and more. With tickets starting at just $27, you don’t want to miss this one. Learn more here.

The Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience has to be one of the best events happening in Melbourne this July! This interactive, family-friendly, and outdoor event is set in a beautiful woodland and celebrates some of the most iconic forest scenes from the beloved film series. If you’re keen to walk into the depths of an illuminated forest and discover magical creatures and iconic Wizarding World moments, get in quick because tickets are almost sold out!

Disney’s new production of Beauty and the Beast is coming to Her Majesty’s Theatre for it’s highly anticipated Melbourne season. The beloved classic has already shown in Sydney and Brisbane and now it’s Melbourne’s turn! From the producers of Aladdin, The Lion King, Mary Poppins and Frozen, the enchanting and timeless tale of Belle and her Beast is one we are all familiar with, however, the musical production brings their story to life.

Tickets are available for as low as $50 (with no additional transaction fee). Those looking for the best value tickets are encouraged to look at mid-week and Sunday evening performances and during school terms in October and November.

If you are a lover of music and looking for something fun to do with your friends or family, there are numerous candlelight concerts taking place this year across Australia. Here are the concerts taking place in Melbourne this July:

• North Melbourne vs. Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium on July 6. Get your tickets here.
• Geelong Cats vs. Hawthorn at GMHBA Stadium on July 6. Get your tickets here.
• S Kilda vs. Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium on July 7. Get your tickets here.
• Western Bulldogs vs. Carlton on July 13. Get your tickets here.
• Essendon vs. Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on July 19. Get your tickets here.
• St Kilda vs. West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium on July 20. Get your tickets here.
• Geelong Cats vs. Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium on July 20. Get your tickets here.
• Carlton vs. North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on July 21. Get your tickets here.
• Carlton vs. Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on July 26. Get your tickets here.
• St Kilda vs. Essendon at Marvel Stadium on July 27. Get your tickets here.

• Boney M. at Palais Theatre on July 2. Get your tickets here.
• The Animals at The Palms at Crown on July 2. Get your tickets here.
• The Wiggles at Palais Theatre on July 4, 5, 6 and 7 Get your tickets here.
• Elly-May Barnes at Bird’s Basement on July 4. Get your tickets here.
• Vacations at Corner Hotel on July 4 and 5. Get your tickets here.
• Conan Gray at John Cain Area on July 11. Get your tickets here.
• Teddy Swims at Margaret Court Arena on July 14. Get your tickets here.
• girl in red at Margaret Court Arena on July 17. Get your tickets here.
• Lizzy McAlpine at Margaret Court Arena on July 18. Get your tickets here.
• Tenacious D at Rod Laver Arena on July 20. Get your tickets here.
• Fletcher at Festival Hall on July 23. Get your tickets here.

Tribute Concerts

• Don’t Change – Ultimate INXS at The Espy on July 5. Get your tickets here.
• Don’t Change – Ultimate INXS at Matthew Flinders Hotel on July 6. Get your tickets here.
• Pink Floyd’s: Evolution at Plenty Ranges Arts & Convention Centre on July 18. Get your tickets here.
• Pink Floyd’s: Evolution at Binjil Place on July 19. Get your tickets here.
• Pink Floyd’s: Evolution at Melbourne Recital Centre on July 20. Get your tickets here.