Some say it’s pretty tough to keep positive when you enter your 30s. You might start wondering if anyone still finds you funny or if your dance moves are any good. But Melbourne Festival is keeping its head held high this year – it’s just turned 30, and man, you’d better be ready for it.

One of the things Melbourne Festival is well known for is its music roster. So here are the top 10 acts Taylor Yates thinks you should be checking out this year at #melbfest

Flight Facilities with The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Flight Facilities, with over 80 musicians on stage with a bunch of guest vocalists and a support gig from George Maple? Count us in. There’s also gonna be a snazzy lighting exhibition going on by French studio Chevalvert, which if you’re a fan of FF’s electronica tunes, you’ll dig massively. The main gig is sold out, but if you missed out on tickets there’s gonna be a live stream at Fed Square – and you can also get tickets to the after party here.

Saturday October 17th
Sidney Myer Music Bowl
SOLD OUT (But you can catch the stream at Federation Square on the night)

Patti Smith’s Horses
Get ready for shaggy hair and lots of. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Patti Smith’s Horses being released, Courtney Barnett, Jen Cloher, Adalita and Gareth Liddiard (The Drones) are teaming up to recreate the magic with a complete cover of the album.

Sunday October 18th
Melbourne Town Hall
Tickets here

The Basics
You probably know of these guys from their main man Gotye or from when it was rumoured that they were going to start a political party last year. They’re releasing their first album in six years, The Age Of Entitlement and you don’t wanna miss out.

Tuesday October 13th & Wednesday October 14th
Foxtel Festival Hub
Tickets here

George Maple
Are smooth vocals meets electro R&B your vibe? You should definitely check out George Maple. After shooting to Triple J fame last year with her single ‘Talk Talk’, the Australian-born, London-based producer/singer is performing one show at the Foxtel Festival Hub aside from her support slot with Flight Facilities.

Tuesday October 20th
Foxtel Festival Hub
Tickets here

Cut Copy DJs
Australia’s iconic dance music band, Cut Copy are back DJing at Melbourne Festival this year, with their shimmering synths and catchy beats. If you were a fan of them before they disappeared off the scene, this is your chance to get your groove on. Tickets here.

Saturday October 24th
Foxtel Festival Hub
Tickets here

Quartets At Sunset
If you’ve got a soft spot for violins (like me), you will be so down with Quartets At Sunset. Especially with the warmer weather finally seeming to kick in. The recitals only run for an hour, but with Orava Quartet, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Haydn Ensemble and Ironwood, you won’t be disappointed.

October 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd
Collins Street Baptist Church
Tickets here

Future Classic Night
The label behind Chet Faker, Flight Facilities, Flume + more are hosting a party, with performances from Charles Murdoch, HWLS, Wafia and Future Classic DJs. The event runs for four hours, so you can dance your heart out with electro/dance vibes all around.

Friday October 16th
Foxtel Festival Hub
Tickets here