Things to do in Melbourne when it's raining

Melburnians are tough cookies when it comes to rainy weather. If there’s a footy match, a heated rooftop bar or an epic winter festival there's no stopping us.

Rally behind their footy team

Nothing says ‘Melbourne winter uniform’ like your footy team’s woolly scarf and beanie. A stormy night certainly doesn’t stop us from rallying together in support of our AFL superstars. So whether it’s a pilgrimage to the iconic MCG, a game at Marvel Stadium or the pub to watch all the action, we'll be there rain, hail or shine.

Catch a theatre show

Wander past Melbourne’s theatres on any wintery night and there’ll be queues out the door. Get tickets to blockbuster shows at iconic venues like Princess Theatre, Regent Theatre, Her Majesty’s Theatre, Athenaeum Theatre and Hamer Hall. Or discover cabaret, magic, comedy, plays, drag, live music and more at spots like Spiegel Haus, Spleen Bar, Speakeasy Theatre and Club Voltaire. Take a squiz at our theatre guide for more.

Sample street food at the Winter Night Market

Flaming skewers, steaming cauldrons of paella and warming mugs of mulled wine. The Winter Night Market is a staple on the June to September calendar. Hundreds will brave the elements for this annual foodie event to sample, sip and munch their way through the dozens of tasty stalls.

Sip on cocktails at a rooftop bar

When the rain hits, Melbourne’s love of rooftops doesn’t go cold – we just break out the heaters, awnings and warming cocktails. Grab a drink upstairs at Hotel Nacional for a modern-Mexican menu, a retractable roof and heaters. Have a cosy Italian feast, sip on a spritz and snuggle up with a blanket at Johnny’s Greenroom. Or venture up to level 22 and take in the best city views at Flinders Street's tallest rooftop bar, Fleet. Then find more winter rooftop bars.

Wander through Lightscape's winter wonderland

In the cooler months the sprawling Royal Botanic Gardens transforms into a glowing winter wonderland from 12 June to 2 August. Lightscape tickets fly out the door and Melburnians rug up for an after dark outdoor adventure. Pack your umbrella and wander through mystical neon forests, see giant shimmering sculptures and discover interactive displays. There’s even a food hall with all sorts of warming treats. Toast marshmallows on the open fire, sip on hot chocolate and tuck into steamy dumplings.

Venture out to a winter festival

Staying home is not an option when you see the line-up of Melbourne’s winter festivals. RISING livens up all corners of the city from 27 May to 8 June. Check out everything from an epic dancehall at the hidden Flinders Station ballroom to giant glowing projections on the Arts Centre façade. The free Firelight Festival from 4 to 6 July sees Docklands transform with live music, food trucks, glowing installations, fire performers and heaps more. Then from 19 to 30 August, Now or Never offers an epic program of boundary-pushing performances, mind-blowing art and more.

Queue for gelato

A little sweet is a perfect cure for the winter blues. Wander past the neon-lit gelateria after dinner and there’ll be dozens of people sampling flavours and lining up for a scoop or two. After a big Italian feast in Carlton we’ll be heading straight to Pidapipo or Glo Gelato. City-side you’ll find us at Piccolina and Spring Street Grocer. For something a little more adventurous try Mondo Gelato, Kariton Sorbetes, Kōri Ice Cream and Sugarays (it’s plant based!). Check out more of Melbourne's best ice cream shops.