A handy little guide to some of the best entertainment coming your way this month.
Do you hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring tingle tingling too? Then consider this. There is a Finnish word poronkusema that translates to ‘reindeer’s urine’. It is a measurement of approximately 5-7km, the distance a reindeer can travel without needing to urinate. Now, I don’t know how ol’ Santa deals with this predicament when he is delivering presents to the world’s children, as that is a great many pit stops for Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and, of course, Rudolph. Just be careful looking up on Christmas Eve would be our recommendation.
We hope your December festivals are most joyous…
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Chopped
Carisbrook Racecourse & Recreation Reserve, Carisbrook – December 2-4
Kick the tires and light the fires
The live dirt drags return. Step inside for the indoors Chop ‘A’ RamA motorcycle show. Check out the hot rods, choppers and customs. Best of all, the souped-up sounds of Chopped will be matched with the equally decibel-crunching line-up of Amyl & the Sniffers, Andy Golledge, C.O.F.F.I.N. Grindhouse, Smoke Witch, Parsnip, Nick Nuisance & the Delinquents, Last Quokka, DOWNGIRL, Garlic Nun, Papa Pilko & the Binrats, Smooch, Levitating Churches, Blonde Revolver and more.
More through chopped.com.au
Chopped Festival – Amyl and the Sniffers, Andy Golledge, C.O.F.F.I.N and more
Melbourne Tattoo Expo
MCEC – December 2-4
I love mum tattoos welcome
More than 300 of Australia’s best tattoo artists are set to bunker down in Melbourne for the Melbourne Tattoo Expo. The event includes tattoo competitions, tattoo and body piercing merchandise and curated entertainment. You can also book an appointment to get some fresh ink. Or, simply come along to learn about tattoo genres, histories and techniques while taking in some amazing body art.
More through tattooexpo.com.au
Spilt Milk
Victoria Park, Ballarat – December 3
Clean up on aisle three
Your calcium-rich festival comes with the line-up of A Girl, Beddy Rays, Billy Xane, Fisher, Flume, G Flip, Genesis Owusu, Hayden James, King Stingray, Kobie Dee, Latifa Tee, Little Fritter, Mallrat, Mansionair, Ninajirachi, Peach PRC, Spacey Jane, Stand Atlantic, Steve Lacy, Telenova, The Wombats, YNG Martyr, Young Franco and 1300. Exclusive to Ballarat will be Corey Ryan, Dean Turnley, GANGZ, Mason Flint and Sweat Dreams DJs.
More through spilt-milk.com.au
Expression Deaf Festival
DCA Melbourne – December 3
Express yourself
All community members, allies, friends and family of the deaf community are welcome to come along and enjoy a day of various activities. Win bragging rights with nine-hole mini golf, have your face painted and check out the market stalls as you enjoy a good ol’ sausage sizzle. And perhaps luck will be on your side with the raffle.
More through expression.com.au
Daylesford Highland Gathering
Daylesford – December 3
A Scot with the lot
Held annually on the first Saturday in December, the Daylesford Highland Gathering brings a wee touch of Scotland to the township. The main street will host the Street March, while drumming, piping and dancing will fill Victoria Park.
More through daylesfordhighland.com
Victorian Medieval Festival
Kryal Castlemaine, Ballarat – December 3 & 4
It’s called a lance, hello?
A re-enactment village, a jousting tournament, a Tastes of History evening, a sword fighting display, trebuchet demonstrations and the Birds of Prey display are among the activities to enjoy at the Victorian Medieval Festival.
More through kryalcastle.com.au
A world-class Medieval Festival is happening in regional Victoria this December
Potato Shed Season Launch
Potato Shed, Drysdale – December 7
They’ll see you tater
Otto and Astrid, Issi Dye, Stewart Reeves, Colin Mockett, Anna-Lee Robertson and Kieran Carroll are among the guests in store at the Potato Shed’s 2023 Season Launch. Café Zoo will be on deck for catering, with drinks at the bar.
More through geelongaustralia.com.au
Decibells
Barwon Club, Geelong – December 7
Here’s to bright futures
A stack of young and talented bands and artists will rock your socks off as the Advanced Diploma Students from Oxygen College celebrate graduation. Performers include Jasmine Matthews, Jonathan Dunn, Connor Lynam, Gabby Steel, Crimson Maiden, Reliable Contact, Borrick, The King’s Poet and Small Lizard Big Brain.
More through barwonclub.com.au
Solid Gold POOF DOOF
Warehouse, Ballarat – December 9
Gold as far as the eye can see
Following a successful rave at Kryal Castle in 2021, POOF DOOF and ChillOut have combined their powers for a rad rave meets Christmas ChillOut fundraiser. POOF DOOF DJs DuJour, Jimi the Kween and Tonky will get down with Solid Gold’s Polly Filla, Gabriella Labucci and Elektra Lite. A Solid Gold Charity Auction will also take place.
More through chilloutfestival.com.au
Meredith Music Festival
Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, Meredith – December 9-11
Much merriment and mirth at Meredith
The band is back together, bringing with it a line-up including Caribou, Yothu Yindi, Courtney Barnett, The Comet is Coming, Dry Cleaning, Tkay Maidza, Sharon Van Etten, Nu Genea, DJ Quik, Erika de Casier, Babe Rainbow, Derrick Carter, Private Function, SHOUSE, CLAMM, Minami Deutsch, Tasman Keith, Surprise Chef, Our Carlson, Darcy Justice, POOKIE, Rot TV, OK EG, Allara, Rubi Du and Daphni.
More through mmf.com.au
The Killers – A Day on the Green
Mt Duneed Estate, Waurn Ponds – December 10
A killer show for sure
The Killers hit Australian shores for the first time since 2018, playing a mix of arenas and outdoor shows as part of their ‘Imploding the Mirage’ tour.
More through mtduneedestate.com.au
The Killers To Implode Mt Duneed Estate for A Day On The Green
Jamaican Music & Food Festival
Seaworks Maritime Precinct, Williamstown – December 10
Feel the rhythm
Reggae, dub, rocksteady and dancehall will fill your soul at the family-friendly celebration straight out of Jamaica. Performers include Bart Willoughby, Turbelance, Rubi Du and 1Lawdgad.
More through jmff.com.au
Thrashfest
Pelly Bar, South Frankston – December 10
Takin’ out the thrash
It’s a big day of ear-splitting tunes as a new wave of Australian thrash metal bands unleash their goods. The line-up features Harlott, Mason, Purenvy, The Ascended, Incrypt, Lethal Vendetta, Livewire, Thrash Bandicoot, Reaver, Warrior Within, Clarity of Chaos and Rawtism.
More through eventbrite.com.au
Ocean Sounds Music Festival
Phillip Island – December 10
Gorgeous music, gorgeous view
A picturesque backdrop will greet you at Ocean Sounds Music Festival. The line-up features Tash Sultana, Pierce Brothers, Kim Churchill, Kee’ahn, Little Green and Mark Howard.
More through oceansoundsfestival.com.au
Festival of the Cows
Hare Krishna Valley, Bambra – December 11
For all the cows
The Festival of the Cows celebrates the significance of the cow and bull in traditional and modern culture. With origins 5000 years old, the festival will be honoured by the Hare Krishna community of Victoria. Beginning with a blessing ceremony, attendees are encouraged to walk with the cows accompanied by singing and musical instruments. This is then followed by gifting the cows garlands and treats. Finally, a vegan/vegetarian feast will take place as everyone mingles as family.
More through eventbrite.com.au
Jamhuri Day Celebration
Heko Farm, West Lara – December 11
A celebration of Kenyan culture
Celebrated annually, Jamhuri Day, or ‘Republic Day’, marks the date when Kenya became a republic – December 12, 1964. Presented by Rasta Lion Wear, a local celebration is taking place where one and all are invited to enjoy celebrations while experiencing Kenyan culture. Performers include Sauti Sol, Turbulence, Musaimo, Shaffie Weru, DAN (aka Daniel Gichuki) and DHS Kalonje and Double Trouble.
More through eventbrite.com.au
12×12 Plays
Potato Shed, Drysdale – December 12
See how it plays out
Local writers and performers from across the Bellarine perform a dozen original plays, each clocking in at 12 minutes. It will be a mixed bag, with some tackling the darker side of life, while others will tickle your funny bone.
More through geelongaustralia.com.au
Macleod Village Christmas Fair
Macleod Village Rotunda, Macleod – December 17
See their faces light up
Here is an early Christmas treat for the little ones. Purchase a ticket, then redeem it for a wristband, and your child or children can enjoy four hours of unlimited ride, including Cup and Saucer Ride, 20 Seater Chair-o-Plane, Animal Safari Inflatable and Ocean Adventure Slide. Funds raised go towards staging more events in 2023.
More through eventbrite.com.au
Geelong’s Best Busker
Various locations, Geelong – December 17
Stars of the future
Ed Sheeran, Passenger and Tracy Chapman got their start busking, while locally The Pierce Brothers and Tones and I are among those who earned their stripes playing for the public. Held in and around Little Malop Street, Malop Street West and the Geelong Foreshore, Geelong’s Best Busker gives unsigned talent the opportunity to perform in front of an appreciative audience. Some great prizes are up for grabs for the artists, while the audience gets the big win in seeing the unearthing of new talent.
More through geelongaustralia.com.au
Little Korea Christmas Festival
Healeys Lane, Melbourne – December 18
The soul of Seoul
Picture yourself on the streets of Seoul at Christmastime – the hustle and bustle atmosphere, the festive decorations, street entertainment and all the other trimmings. Now picture treating yourself to fried chicken, bibimbap, tteokbokki and more.
More through eventbrite.com.au
Carols by Candlelight
Johnstone Park, Geelong – December 24
We wish you a Merry Christmas
Some of Geelong’s best artists and choirs will be joined by a concert band for a traditional carols program. The concert commences at 8pm, but feel free to browse the Christmas stalls beforehand from 3-7pm.
More through geelongaustralia.com.au
The Falls
Melbourne – December 29-31
A new way to experience an old favourite
The Falls may have a new look and location this year, but they’re the same lovable scamp we’ve always known. The line-up includes Arctic Monkeys, Lil Nas X, Peggy Gou, Chvrches, Jamie xx, Aminé, Ocean Alley, CamelPhat, Spacey Jane, DMA’s, G Flip, PinkPantheress, Rico Nasty, Amyl & the Sniffers, Mall Grab, Ben Böhmer, DJ Seinfeld, Genesis Owusu, CC:Disco!, TSHA, Young Franco, Anna Lunoe, Luude, Lastlings, MAY-A, Choomba, The Vanns, King Stingray, Peach PRC, Beddy Rays, Jean Dawson and Telenova.
More through fallsfestival.com
Beyond the Valley
Barunah Plains – December 28-January 1
They’re going above and beyond
Three custom-designed stages welcome a huge line-up of local and international talent, including the Australian exclusive of Nelly Furtado. Other artists include Charlotte de Witte, Denzel Curry, Diplo, Lime Cordiale, Flight Facilities, Benee, Bicep, Honey Dijon, Cassettes for Kids, Juicy Romance, Cloonee, Confidence Man, San Cisco, Vera Blue, Laura King and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers.
New in 2022 is the Beyond the Valley Podcast Stage, featuring Making of a Hoodie, Coming Out, Blak, Happy Hour with Lucy and Nikki and more.
More through beyondthevalley.com.au
