Melbourne International Jazz Festival

Friday 1 June to Sunday 10 June

A darkened room, the tinkle of ice and the soothing sounds of jazz music – it must be time for the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. There’s something for everyone, from local musicians jamming at Bennetts Lane to international acts playing the Melbourne Recital Centre. Look for the likes of Katie Noonan, Vince Jones and Dee Dee Bridgewater, in venues such as the Forum, Hi-Fi Bar, Cave, Langham, Palais, Melbourne Town Hall and Fed Square. It's a great way to chill out.

We Sing For Reconciliation

Thursday 31 May

Reconciliation Week comes to a close on Sunday, but there are still plenty of ways to get involved. Songlines Aboriginal Music Corporation presents We Sing For Reconciliation at the Royal Melbourne Hotel in Bourke Street. Featuring Indigenous music pioneers Bart Willoughby, award-winning desert rock reggae group Yabu Band and the Skin Choir, the event spreads the message of culture, community and connection.

First Friday Dance Club

Friday 1 June

Looking for a way to warm up this winter? The First Friday Dance Club should bring some colour to your cheeks as you twirl around Queensbridge Square in Southbank at this free community event. On the first Friday of every month, professional and community dance groups come together to teach people how to dance. There's a new routine and a new genre each time, with classes running from 6pm to 8pm.

Akachochin

Just a few steps from Hilton South Wharf you’ll find the new Japanese restaurant, Akachochin. It's light-drenched, modern and minimalist, with blonde wood-panelled walls and marble benchtops. Named after the bright red lanterns that adorn Japanese eateries, Akachochin’s menu is izakaya in style, which means no wines, except plum wine, but plenty of Japanese beer and sake. It's like a trip to Tokyo without the air fare.

Fox & Found

If a shop is described as typically Melbourne, it’s likely to be an independently run business, hidden down a laneway, with an unassuming door masking the cornucopia of treasures inside. This is true of Fox & Found, a boutique that stocks jewellery, accessories, clothes, shoes and luxury homewares. Look out for it in Drivers Lane, off Little Bourke Street, opposite the rear entrance of the GPO. Easy.