Yoothz

08/06/2026

Last night at Hamer Hall, The Royal Family Dance Crew – Defend the Throne, as part of RISING Festival 2026, delivered an explosive, high-energy performance that completely transformed the space.

👉 Read our full review: https://yoothz.com.au/the-royal-family-dance-crew-at-rising-2026-defend-the-throne-at-hamer-hall/

.melbourne

08/06/2026

Last night at Hamer Hall, The Royal Family Dance Crew – Defend the Throne, as part of RISING Festival 2026, completely transformed the space into an unforgettable event.

From explosive choreography to powerful cinematic transitions, this was a performance that pushed the boundaries of live dance in Melbourne. The Royal Family Dance Crew delivered precision, intensity, and pure stage presence from start to finish.

👉 Read our full review: https://yoothz.com.au/the-royal-family-dance-crew-at-rising-2026-defend-the-throne-at-hamer-hall/

Arts Centre Melbourne Rising

The Royal Family Dance Crew at RISING 2026 – Defend the Throne at Hamer Hall. Read our review from seeing these incredible dancers.

05/06/2026

NOW PLAYING IN MELBOURNE: WAITRESS.

Broadway’s smash-hit musical WAITRESS is now on at Her Majesty’s Theatre Melbourne, a heartfelt, funny and uplifting story that has been winning audiences around the world.

The production stars Natalie Bassingthwaighte as Jenna, with Gabriyel Thomas as Becky and Mackenzie Dunn as Dawn. The cast also includes Rob Mills as Dr Pomatter and John Waters as Joe, alongside a strong Australian ensemble bringing the diner world to life.

At its core, WAITRESS follows Jenna, a small-town waitress and talented pie maker, as she navigates change, friendship, and the courage to start again. With music by Sara Bareilles, it’s a story about resilience, hope, and finding your own path.

🎭 A great pick for older teens and young adults who enjoy live music and storytelling theatre.

📍 Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne
📅 Season: On now until 19 July 2026
🎟️ From $69.90 (fees apply)

30/05/2026

30/05/2026

RISING 2026 has officially begun in Melbourne, and last night we experienced the opening night at Fed Square.

Across three nights, RISING transforms the city with powerful large-scale works, and the opening set the tone beautifully.

At Fed Square, we saw Midéegaadi by Cannupa Hanska Luger — a massive multi-channel video installation lighting up the square with movement, story, and presence. The space becomes something more than a gathering place: heaters, hot drinks, shared food from Killara Foundation, and beanbags under the city glow all invite you to stay, watch, and connect.

Just across the city, Hamer Hall is also transformed for Calling Country: The Land Speaks Back — a striking façade projection series led by First Peoples artists. It opens with works from Djirri Djirri Wurundjeri Women’s Dance Group alongside Cannupa Hanska Luger, sharing deep connections between land, ceremony, dance, and Indigenous futurisms.

It’s a powerful start to the festival — reflective, grounding, and visually unforgettable.

There’s so much more on across RISING this year, including family-friendly picks here 👉 https://kiddiehood.com.au/blog/rising-2026-melbourne-family-friendly-events-at-melbournes-winter-festival/

29/05/2026

MELBOURNE

If you love musical theatre, don’t miss Encore! Songs from the Musicals, now playing at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre until 30 May 2026.

This incredible concert celebrates some of the world’s most iconic musicals, featuring songs from The Phantom of the Opera, Hadestown, West Side Story, Miss Saigon, Evita, Guys & Dolls and more.

One of the things I loved most was hearing the performers share stories about their journeys into the industry and the dreams they had when they were younger. It’s genuinely inspiring for young people who love performing arts, music and theatre to hear how these talented artists followed their passion and turned it into a career.

Featuring musical theatre legend Caroline O’Connor alongside an amazing cast of Australian performers and live music from Orchestra Victoria, it’s a beautiful night at the theatre that will leave you wanting to see every musical all over again.

There are only two performances left, tonight and tomorrow, so be quick!

Opera Australia

27/05/2026

MELBOURNE

Melbourne Theatre Company’s Australian premiere of Retrograde is now playing at Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne.

Set during the McCarthy era, this gripping 90-minute production explores a pivotal moment in the early career of actor Sidney Poitier, transforming a contract meeting into a tense moral standoff about power, identity, ambition, and resistance.

Donné Ngabo delivers a compelling performance as Poitier, while the sharp script and confined mid-century office setting keep the pressure building throughout. The production also balances tension with moments of dark humour, making it both thought-provoking and engaging for teen audiences interested in history, politics, and the arts.

Recommended for ages 14+.

📍 Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne
📅 Until 27 June 2026

Melbourne Theatre Company Arts Centre Melbourne

26/05/2026

Does your young person light up around animals and nature? 🦒💚
The Zoos Victoria Careers Expo is a chance for students to discover real pathways into wildlife, conservation and environmental careers and meet the people already doing it.
📍 Melbourne Zoo
📅 9–10 July

26/05/2026

MELBOURNE

Top Arts has returned to The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia for its 32nd year, showcasing some of the most exciting young artists from across Victoria.

This year’s exhibition features standout VCE student work across painting, photography, fashion, sculpture and digital media, exploring ideas of identity, place, memory and the world around us.

From handcrafted fashion pieces to interactive digital artworks, Top Arts 2026 highlights how young creatives are pushing ideas in new directions.

Date: on until 19 July 2026.
Price: Free entry
Venue: NGV Australia, Fed Square