Melbourne has always been a city of arts and there is a wealth of entertainment to offer all year round. Major art events and festivals are held every year such as the International Festival of the Arts and Moomba. There are also an abundance of cinemas, art-houses, jazz and rock pubs, as well as discos dotted all over the city.

Melbourne also has a strong tradition of outdoor and street entertainment. In summer, there is a broad theater and music program for both adults and children in most major parks and gardens. Most of these performances in summer are held in the evenings at sunset. The main spot in the city center for regular street performances is the Bourke Street Mall, outside Myer and David Jones department stores. Southgate and the Victorian Arts Centre also have regular programs featuring free weekend street entertainment.

The best guide to the range of events in Melbourne is the entertainment guide in the Age, published each Friday. The tabloid newspaper Herald Sun also offers good sources of information and reviews, as in the national broadsheet The Australian. There is a vast range of free publications covering arts, entertainment, and the nightclub scene. These publications can be obtained from retailers and cafes in main inner-city precincts such as Fitzroy and St Kilda. The Victorian Arts Centre has a bi-monthly diary, which is mailed out free of charge, covering all up-to-date events at the complex.

Most venues have access and facilities for disabled visitors. However, it is always advisable to phone in before arriving at the venue.

Directory of Entertainment Centers :

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