Can’t make it to Splendour this year but keen to dust off your festival shoes after a lockdown-induced hiatus?

Well, Melbourne Park has just the ticket (minus the plane ride), with official Splendour In The Grass sideshows from Gorillaz, and The Strokes, plus headline tours by Glass Animals, Tyler, the Creator and more gracing the stages of the precinct for an awesome, eight-night gig fest this July and August.

Just like the real deal, Melbourne Park’s festival spin-off will promise acts from a diverse swath of the genre field to keep music fans satisfied. Dance along to indie-electro darlings Glass Animals or unleash your inner emo to the pop-punk sounds of YUNGBLUD. More of a rock purist? Get your torches out for former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher or witness rock royalty, The Strokes, bring down the house at John Cain Arena. Is your taste more boy band than indie rock? Get along to see One Direction heartthrob, Louis Tomlinson, finally onto the Aussie leg of his pandemic postponed World Tour.

Although the incoming acts at Melbourne Park are world-renowned, we all know festivals are about more than just music; it’s the *vibe* that keeps us coming back. The colour, the excitement, the drinks with friends, the late-night snacks that taste so good when you’re exhausted from dancing; it’s all part of the experience. Think that can only happen in Byron? Think again as this year, Rod Laver Arena’s rooftop bar, the Upper Deck, will transport guests into an eclectic, festival-inspired wonderland, all without leaving the city.

With up-and-coming DJs gracing the decks, the neon-fringed, tropical garden-inspired surrounds of the Upper Deck Bar will bring the pre-show vibes, transporting punters to the North Byron Parklands-inspired paradise (without the portaloos or broken tents).

Slinging an impressive street food-style menu with offerings from the likes of playful Japanese-fusion heroes Mr. Miyagi (did someone say Japanese Gravy Fries), and exclusive cocktails from renowned Melbourne cocktail bar, The Everleigh, the Upper Deck will quench revellers’ thirsts and stoke energy levels for the ultimate festival night out.

Director of Venues at Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Danielle Bleazby: “We know it’s been a tough few years for festival lovers, with the live music scene hit hard throughout extended lockdowns. With such amazing live acts gracing the stages of Melbourne Park this year, we really wanted to create an authentic festival atmosphere and immersive gig experience for guests. The Upper Deck space has been incredibly transformed and combined with the up-and-coming DJs and boutique food and beverage offerings; it really will be the home of live music in Melbourne this winter.”