Summer is here, and it’s a brand new year – and with that comes a plethora of awesome events here in Melbourne. It can be hard to sift through the mountain of amazing things to do to occupy your time, so we’ve done the hard work for you and assembled a shortlist of very fun things you can do over the coming days in Melbourne.

THURSDAY – Parquet Courts + Tyrannamen + Ausmuteants + Terry @ Melbourne University 

In conjunction with Milestone, Shadow Electric have announced their 2017 summer project Shimmerlands, taking place as part of a collaboration with The University of Melbourne. Shimmerlands will activate The University of Melbourne campus with two months of top shelf music programming, starting this Thursday with Parquet Courts, Tyrannamen and Ausmuteants. Touring Australia with Falls Festival on the back of their critically acclaimed new record Human Performance, the Brooklyn based Parquet Courts are set to ignite the campus with their unique brand of alternative DIY punk.

Get yourself some tickets here. 

FRIDAY – Peter Bibby’s Dog Act + Lost Talk + Cool Band @ Ding Dong 

You can’t really go wrong with a Peter Bibby show. The Western Australian talent and Spinning Top label member is the seminal voice of modern Australian folk, with his anecdotal songs referencing everything from goon bags to Ford Falcons. It’s been a while since he has graced Melbourne with his high energy, bombastic performances, and he’s bringing along his band Dog Act, as well as Lost Talk and Cool Band for the ride. The best part is that this awesome night of local talent will only set you back $10, this Friday the 6th of January at Ding Dong Lounge.

Grab a ticket here. 

SATURDAY – Dispossessed + Habits + Friendships + Many More 

This Saturday the 7th of January, The Tote will play host to Dispossessed, a multi-media project which strives to beyond the aesthetic of punk, and articulate the grief of the dystopian present. Dispossessed blend together a melting pot of heavy music ideologies, and the result is something truly attention grabbing, which has raised heads across the world since the release of their demo Insurgency in March last year. They’ve been hailed as “the most important band on the continent” and this kind of claim isn’t that far-fetched considering the quality of their music. Their bringing along Habits, fresh off supporting Peaches around Australia, as well as seminal visual art rave project Friendships. Additionally, there will be DJ sets, and live performances from GELD and Divide & Dissolve. All of the proceeds will be be going towards Warriors Of The Aboriginal Resistance, an organization committed to the cause of Aboriginal nationalism.

Get a ticket here. 

SUNDAY – Daydreams Is Back At The Gaso, Baby. 

One of the highlights of Melbourne’s summer calendar is, without a doubt, the weekly Daydreams celebration at the Gasometer Hotel. Every Sunday, the roof is open, the Aperol Spritz is flowing, free watermelon slices abound, the tunes are as feel good as they could be, and the vibes are electric as the sun shines down on the friendliest group of people in the city. Though it’s usually a free affair, this opening Daydreams party will set you back $10, though it couldn’t be more worth it. Featuring sets from Brooke Powers, Daydreams DJ’s, Nite Fleit and Lady Soul, the start of the Daydreams season is not to be missed. Tickets on the door from 4pm, get down early to avoid the massive queue that always accumulates at these fantastic parties.

MONDAY – Jazz Party At The Ev 

It goes without saying that Jazz Party is a phenomenal experience. If you haven’t experienced the feel good vibes of this bi-monthly residency, you’re missing out. Jazz Party recruit a revolving door of talented musicians for an intimate performance featuring covers of jazz standards, and some of the best musical skill, riffing and jamming you can come across for free. Rather than gracing the stage, the Jazz Party members are eye level on the floor with the crowd, and there are few better venues for it than The Evelyn Hotel in Fitzroy. Head on down on a Monday night for two back to back sets, and you won’t be disappointed.