Melbourne Karaoke Festival

Overview

If, when it comes to karaoke, you consider yourself a bit of a pro, you'll be damn pleased to hear that Melbourne is getting it's very own festival dedicated to your favourite pastime. Run by the same people who brought us last year's hugely successful Melbourne Dumpling Festival, the Melbourne Karaoke Festival is guaranteed to be a whole lot of fun — for singers and spectators alike.

The festivities will kick off at 5pm on Friday, April 28, and will involve a series of sing-offs between karaoke hopefuls across three categories: solos, duets and bands. A panel of judges will award a handsome $1000 cash prize to the best competitor from each category, so start warming up your vocal chords to be in with a shot. For those who'd prefer to keep your singing skills confined to the safety of your shower (we hear ya), you can still have a chance at winning a sweet karaoke package worth over $1500. You just need to name your ultimate karaoke song and back it up in 25 words or less.

Of course, liquid courage will be readily available, with Collingwood's Sample Brew at your service all night. If you're one of the first 400 to visit their pop-up, you'll even score a free beer. And what's karaoke and beer without dumplings? To complete the trifecta, take your pick from some of Melbourne's best CBD Chinese restaurants, including Tim Ho Wan, China Red, China Chilli and Dragon Boat. Follow it all up with limited edition disco doughnuts by St. Gerry's. If you don't feel like paying, don't — just hit the high notes and your dessert is on the house.

The event is being held at 206 Bourke Street, which is the retail precinct Tim Ho Wan is located in and connects Bourke Street with Chinatown.