Bundle up and set out on an exploration of Gertrude Street. The Projection Festival features both…read moresmall and large scale projections - from small works lighting up shop windows to whole sides of buildings awash in colourful light. There are plenty of cosy venues along the route to duck into for a warming drink or a cold beer if you're feeling the chill in the air. The scale and 'wow factor' aren't as massive as the Christmas and White Night projections, but the crowds aren't as big either. This event is more suited to conversation and casual strolling at your own pace. With the bright lights and friends & families roaming the street, it almost feels like Christmas... in July!

This festival of light happens annually in July on Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. I first heard about…read moreit through tram advertising and then read more advertising in the local street press. I highly recommend becoming a viewer next year. Whole buildings are turned into projection screens that have static and moving light displays. Also used are smaller projections within store windows and even projections on to the footpath and trees. No space is spared and the imagination of the artist is limitless. I love the concept of light as art and this festival has chosen wisely and collaborated with some fantastic artists. It is a fun and innovative festival that is free for the general public to view. Normally a five-minute walk form Nicholson St to Smith St - this exhibition takes about an hour to take in and appreciate. A small amount of time that will leave a large impression.

The first thing you will notice about the Melbourne Recital Centre is of course the facisnating…read morearchitecture of its exterior. The location of the Centre proved to be quite a challenge to designer Ashton Raggatt McDougall, being situated on post war sloping hills and uneven ground he had to come up with something special in order to achieve acoustic quality. The building seems to be covered in an irregular honeycomb shaped pattern giving it a shell like texture. At night time light escapes through some of these shells and makes for a beautiful structural appearance. The Recital Centre showcases a range of different performances from stage shows to music performances and even has some amazing artwork displayed on level 1. You can organise to have a guided tour of the MRC in which you will be atken throughout the building and can learn all about the design of the performance spaces, appreciate the artwork and explore backstage. The tours will set you back $15 full price and $10 for concession and they last usually about 1 hour, well worth it if you have time and are wanting to explore Melbourne.

Very nice and confortable place to listen a concert, the sound is so good…read more I went for a classic piano recital and it was amazing!

Small time gallery space in Richmond - close enough to be across the road from the train station -…read moreis nearly on the corner yet feels tucked away. The single black painted room will house a variety of shows - from illustrations and books to drama pieces to paintings. Opening nights for events see the place fill to the brim with people, and these are often catered well with local brews and single snack pieces made warm through the kitchen out the back. This is a great place to start a Thursday or Friday night, and being so close to the train station you can be back in the city or away again at a moments notice.

The Blue Tile Lounge probably would be considered a dive bar. First and foremost though it is a…read morevenue all about live music with bands or some kind of live entertainment every night of the week. The bar itself is very narrow and long with the central focus being on the stage. The decor is pretty cool with a range of impressive street art on the walls. They range of events is really impressive with art exhibitions, open mic nights, comedy nights and lots and lots of live music. We saw a night of bands headlined by the Buzzards, the atmosphere was relaxed and good times were had all around. They have happy hours beers every night of the week from 5-7pm and the drinks prices are pretty good all night long. Check out their website and you'll get a great feel for what this place is all about.

I'm not sure who added blue tile lounge to Yelp.com but there's no way anyone would classify their…read morecounter top as a "full bar". A few weeks ago, I dragged my house mates out to see my mate's band, The Wolfs play before some random American DJ. It was rainy and gross out so we had to hop in a cab which sucked but it was worth it once we arrived at this little venue. The place was packed and the sound was quality! All in all great vibes other then my bar complaints, I loved this place maybe because of the FREE live music. Be sure to check out the bathroom. I'd love to know who the artist was because the graffiti is really sweet. There was also a lounge area closer to the back a bit away from the music which would be good for people who want to talk inside. Though it's right on the street there are a few chairs and tables out front for smokers but it's a bit of a squeeze since there's not much walking room in between the front door, the smoking area, and the street.

While visiting from the US we came to see the Book of Mormon, the show is a must see and so funny!…read moreThe theatre is a workout if you're sitting upstairs, so many stairs, if there was an elevator it's tucked away. I was definitely irritated and out of breath by the time I made it to my seat lol. If you require one, definitely ask before you start walking. I saw people with drinks, water, and cocktails during intermission. The venue has charm I'm just unsure about its accessibility.

Harry Potter is playing in this beautiful & ornate theater. The Princess Theatre, is a 1452-seat…read moretheatre in Melbourne. It was built in 1854 and rebuilt in 1886 to a design by noted Melbourne architect William Pitt, it is the oldest surviving entertainment site on mainland Australia.

To put it simply, one hundredth gallery is special…read more Not special in a short-school-bus / wears-a-helmet-when-not-engaged-in-dangerous-activities sort of way, but special in a you-won't-find-another-like-it kind of way. Opened not so very long ago in May 2011, one hundredth gallery exhibits artists that other galleries are too scared to go near - the emerging, new, aspiring and unknown. The gallery isn't shy about supporting an enormous array of styles and media, from abstract paintings to expressionist sculptors, experimental film to fictional photographers... this gallery covers it all. Centred around the belief that art doesn't have to be highbrow and can just be about what you enjoy, curator Charles lets you wander at your leisure, can show you pieces that are hidden away and brew you a cup of tea. With the vast majority of pieces for sale under $2,000, it's arguably Melbourne's year-round Affordable Art Fair.

I love the rotating exhibitions at one hundredth gallery. There's always something new to look at,…read morelust over or ponder and there's a big focus on emerging artists and those I'm not too familiar with. The opening nights are a great way to meet fellow art lovers, sip a glass of bubbles and get a chance to buy the art (sometimes at reduced prices) before the public sets their peepers on them. Signing up to the mailing list is the way to go as you then get early notice of new exhibits and opening nights.

Revolt art space is a wonderful, amazing venue located in the suburb of Kensington, which is about…read more10 minutes away from the CBD. When I first came here it was to see one of my favorite bands (Bonjah) play on Australia day 2010. I was blown away. The huge 'factory' is abundant with art. It's visual candy - everywhere. There are separate rooms with couches filled with sculptures and paintings. It has a main stage with with ample room for standing to watch a band or performer. Performers vary from dancers to mimes to comedians to actors. Revolt is open most days - it has a chill atmosphere you can just call in have a coffee and read a book or attend one of the many events which can be found on their website. The staff at Revolt are a family - literally. They took lease of the space in 2009 and have worked hard to make it what it is today. I was lucky enough to volunteer during the 2011 Fringe Festival which was a great experience. I encourage you all to call into Revolt & check it out, if only for the visual experience. You will be amazed at this place & wonder why you have never visited there before. They serve alcohol & have bar food. http://www.revoltproductions.com/home/

Revolt is a secret pirate cave of wonderment. I want to say more, but I don't think I could capture…read morethe excitement of the first time I entered and wandered around the many rooms and spaces that have amassed in this new performing arts centre in Kensington. It's a maze, designed with both performers and audience in mind. The crew make sure you're getting a truly unique experience by either attending or using Revolt to stage your event. What's more (and the bit I think I like the most) is their philosophy of supporting new artists. For someone with a great idea but not a big plan on how to market that idea, this is possibly the place to approach to stage it. It's a bit of a secret, really, tucked down a back street in an unassuming warehouse district, but not one that should stay so.

I've been here twice, once for King Kong and once for Wicked and both of these visits were…read morefantastic! What they do with the stage in these shows is just phenomenal! The old theatre is beautiful - be sure to stand in the lobby and look up at the gorgeous ceiling and chandeliers. The theatre is well located with many nearby eateries for before and after shows. A fantastic venue for the brilliant shows that are performed within the walls!

A lovely old theatre. Have been here several times to various live shows over the years including…read morePhantom of the Opera, Cats, Wizard of Oz and We will Rock You. Not a huge theater but still not small. Parking can be the fun bit especially if your not familiar with the area, always good to check out the option prior to getting there. They have a good selection of foods And drinks to enjoy while watching the show they are a little on the expensive side but it's what you expect when going out really. The seats are a bit old but are in theme with the decor of the theater. The other facilities are nice, there clean and easily accessible depending on the crowd at the time. Would happily come back and see another show.