Sydney

Gigs: Being nature-lovin’ folk as much as party animals here at TNT Magazine, we’re urging you to head to the Oxford Arts Factory (38-46 Oxford St, Darlinghurst) for a fundraiser with bands as long as your tail. Raising money for the orang-utans of Borneo, catch Soft Tigers, Lions At Your Door, Bumblebeez DJs (that does it for animal names), Apsci and Sydney’s hippest party starters like Kato, Anna Lunoe, Ajax, Ro Sham Bo and the girls of Hoops and SYLK. Tix are available through http://www.moshtix.com.au for an easy $15 for a huge night of jungle fun (actually more electro, indie and hip-hop.) You gonna say no to this lil’ fella (pictured)? Event: Fans of Mickey, Homer and Cartman unite! The Australian International Animation Festival @ Caught Short celebrates a host of animated short films from Oz, UK and further afield. It’s all on Thursday 6 at TAP Gallery (278 Palmer St, Darlo). Tix $10, doors open 7.30. Visit http://www.aiaf.com.au for more deets.

Melbourne

Gigs: Denmark’s Trentemoller returns to Australia spinning his brand of electro-techno. He plays the Prince of Wales (29 Fitzroy St) on Wednesday 5, tix $35+bf. Seminal Aussie punk rock band Hard-Ons have had more success in Europe than at home. Catch them and upstarts Regular John at the Ding Dong Lounge (Level 1, 18 Market La) on Friday 7, tix $12. The following night at Ding Dong Lounge see Pete Doherty’s favourite band, Cut Off Your Hands and Mercy Arms – who last year supported the Strokes – for a good dose of indie rock. You may need pepper spray to keep the hype at bay. Tix $13+bf. Event: Peddling its two-wheeled video nasties in Melbourne, the Bicycle Film Festival rolls into Melbourne from Wednesday 5-Sunday 9 with films from all over the world featuring the wondrous bicycle in all its many forms. Check out the bike parade on Sunday 9 at the Tattersalls Lane, off Section 8 Container Bar and closing party at the rooftop cinema. For more info visit Bicycle Film Festival

Perth

Gigs: if you’ve been immersing yourself in Australian music and radio you might be familiar with Triple J’s breakfast show hosts, Jay and the Doctor. Well, before they were waking up at 4am, they were in punk rock band Frenzal Rhomb and not getting to bed until 4am (they’re just going to get burnt out). Frenzal play Capitol (385 Murray St) on Saturday 8, with 3 Days Later and The Decline, tix $20+bf. Canada’s sister act, Tegan & Sara play the Metropolis Concert Club (58 South Tce) on Monday 10, tix $50+bf. Event: Hey techno-geeks, audio-visual club members and gamers, the Byte Me Festival celebrates all things to do with digital art and runs until Sunday 9 at Perth Town Hall and other venues covering The Lord of the Rings, Happy Feet and more. Details at http://ByteMe.net.au.

Brisbane

Event: American comedian Arj Barker continues his claim to refugee status – he just doesn’t seem to want to leave Oz. Good for us though. Catch his hilarity at the Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse (119 Lamington St) on Sunday 9, tix $32. Gigs: Brisbane has a long heritage of indie-pop, starting with the Go-betweens, through to Custard. Now acts like I Heart Hiroshima and Iron On are the custodians. See Iron On at the Zoo (711 Ann St) Saturday 8 December for a patry $13. However, if you’re in the lovely tropics catch Australian singer/songwriter Lior at the Clink Theatre, Port Douglas ($25) on Friday 7 and TANKS Arts Centre, Cairns ($30) on Saturday 8.

Adelaide

Gigs: Missy Higgins continues her merry way around Australia performing tracks from this year’s On A Clear Night. She’s supported by the brilliant Tim Rogers. Catch ’em at Adelaide Ent. Centre (Port Rd) on Friday 7, tix $63+bf.

Darwin

Event: Jimeoin enjoys the craic. An Irish Australian, he’s had his own TV show and films and is one of the most successful comedians in the country. Playing the Darwin Ent Centre on Saturday 8, see his show for $36 ($32 conc) or grab dinner too for $53.

Hobart

Gigs: Meat Katie (UK) plays Halo (37A Elizabeth St) on Wednesday 5, Sir Elton John tickles the ivories at Aurora Stadium (York Park) Launceston on Thursday 6, for a mere $125. Architecture in Helsinki play Tassie Uni Friday 7, $22+bf.

Canberra

Gig: Carus & The True Believers play blues and roots music and are definitely worth checking out. On Saturday 8 December they play the Green Room (UC Bar Haydon Dr), tix are $12+bf or $16 at the door.