Shimmerlands is Melbourne’s two-month outdoor festival filled with music, films and food.
Shimmerlands milkshake brings all boys (and girls) to the yard with live music from international acts, indie, cult and music documentary films, and the best of Melbourne’s kitchens for al fresco dining. The crew from Shadow Electric are responsible for this inaugural event. You may know them from their amazing month long outdoor cinema experiences at Abbotsford Convent. This year they’re taking things to whole new level at a whole new venue. Set in the grounds of the University of Melbourne in Parkville this two-month long festival will kick off in January. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect from Shimmerlands this summer.
Music
With music programming from the likes of Supple Fox (Dark Mofo) and Andee Frost (Toff in Town) you can expect a fist-pumping line up of international headliners, national and local bands and djs. Brooklyn-based rockers Parquet Courts kicks off the first of Shimmerlands’ six large outdoor gigs scheduled for the summer. The program will include free and ticketed gigs all summer long. That’s music to our ears.
Films
Shadow Electric know how to program a great cinema experience and will bring curated collection of films to Shimmerlands. Complementing the music line up, music docos will feature heavily in the program. Settle in for some rock n roll reveals from films featuring The Rolling Stones, Nick Cave, the late Sharon Jones, LCD Soundsystem, James Lavelle and Oasis. There will also be major releases, cult classics and contemporary indie films
Dining
Twenty of Melbourne’s best kitchens have been invited to take it outside, offering alfresco dining options throughout Shimmerlands’ two-month program. Curated by Jess Ho (Smalls wine bar) the dining offering is a Melbourne foodie’s dream. Look out for dumpling dame Shandong MaMa, Burn City Smokers, Pidapipo Gelateria and 17 other renowned eateries. Alfresco dining is open from 5pm every evening throughout the festival and is free entry all summer long.
Shimmerlands
2 January – 25 February
University of Melbourne, 156-292 Grattan St, Parkville, 3010
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