Melbourne Zoo Twilights 2019

Overview

UPDATE: JANUARY 8, 2019 — Melbourne Zoo's 2019 Twilights program is closing with a big one. The summer music series has just announced its final act for the season, playing on Saturday, March 9, and it's The Presets. The ARIA Award-winning duo is known for its catchy electro tunes, such as 'My People' and 'Do What You Want', which are played throughout Aussie clubs and festivals. Tickets go on sale at 8am on Thursday, January 10.

No longer just the realms of year three excursions where your mum came as chaperone, Melbourne Zoo Twilights — the after-hours live music series that boasts perhaps one of the best summer nights out, as well as lots of adorable animals — has proven it's got some real cred when it comes to hosting outdoor gigs in the past few years. After all, the event has hosted headliners such as Kurt Vile, José González and Ben Folds over the last few years. And this summer the event will return with a series of live sets every weekend from Friday, January 25 through Saturday, March 9.

The full 2019 program has been released but, as is custom for Zoo Twilights, shows have already started selling out. Headlining is Cat Power — her first show is full, but a second one has been added on Sunday, February 9. Client Liaison will kick off the series (hope you already got a ticket to that one)  Pastel pop duo Client Liaison kick off the program, and are joined on the lineup by other loved local acts rapper Briggs and Sampa the Great. New Zealand balladeer Marlon Williams will fly over across the ditch for a night, while R&B singer Aloe Blacc and neo-soul group The Internet will make the journey down from the States.

Only one more show is left to be announced, with the final performance still a secret. Bringing your own picnic is encouraged, but there'll also be handy gourmet hampers available on-site, as well as a slew of food trucks to choose nosh from. Either way, it's one of the best dates in Melbourne. Plus, all proceeds from Zoo Twilights go back into Zoo Victoria's ongoing conservation work to help fight the extinction of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot.

MELBOURNE ZOO TWILIGHTS 2019 PROGRAM

Friday, January 25 – Client Liaison, supported by Kira Puru SOLD OUT
Saturday, January 26 – Briggs and Archie Roach, supported by Alice Sky
Friday, February 1 – Sampa the Great and REMI, supported by Thando
Saturday, February 2 – Daryl Braithwaite and Ross Wilson SOLD OUT
Friday, February 8 – Vera Blue, supported by Kesmar SOLD OUT
Saturday, February 9 and Sunday, February 10 – Cat Power, with special guests SOLD OUT
Friday, February 15, Saturday, February 16 and Sunday, February 17 – The Cat Empire, supported by The Meltdown SOLD OUT
Friday, February 22 – Aloe Blacc, supported by Kaiit
Saturday, February 23 — Rufus Wainwright, supported by Mojo Juju SOLD OUT
Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2 – Hanson, with special guests SOLD OUT
Sunday, March 3 – The Internet, with special guests SOLD OUT
Friday, March 8 – Marlon Williams, supported by Laura Jean
Saturday, March 9 — The Presets with special guest

Image: Ian Laidlaw.