Melbourne's essential night-time events
From hidden laneway events to epic pop-ups, Melbourne gets lit once the lights go out. Put these events and adventures in your diary for the ultimate night out.
Free night-time fun
Einder
Look up, the roaring sea meets the sky in an aerial dance in a fabric installation by Boris Acket.
Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu
Each month, watch a movie on the big screen, including contemporary, classic and documentary films.
Strum and Sing Ukulele Group
A weekly free event for ukulele players and singers, for seasoned strummers or beginners.
Theatre & shows
Cirque du Soleil: Corteo
A theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity in a festive parade imagined by a clown.
Dying: A Memoir
Equally moving and hilarious, Cory Taylor’s last work has been adapted by Benjamin Law.
Trophy Boys
A queer black comedy and drag extravaganza about power, privilege, and high school debating.
Carnival of Karactors
A monthly cabaret show featuring sexy and silly circus artists, comedians and magic performers.
Kings of Comedy: Underground, Uncensored, Unrivalled
Enjoy stand-up comedy from future stars and celebrity guest headliners.
More evening events to book right now
Melbourne International Film Festival
Melbourne International Film Festival lights up Melbourne this winter with over 250 titles.
NGV Friday Nights: French Impressionism
Enjoy an after-hours exploration of French Impressionism at NGV International.
Nocturnal: Museum After Dark
Step into a world of wonder at an after-hours Melbourne Museum experience just for adults.
Ostro x Einder
Julia Busuttil Nishimura crafts a feast beneath the striking installation, Einder by Boris Acket.
RISING: Swingers — The Art of Mini Golf
The art of mini-golf, for anyone who swings outside the lines.
Young Marco / Logic1000 / Big Ever / KDV Performance Group
A night of deep feeling, delirious levels of up-tempo energy and full-sensory release.
Marie Davidson / OK EG / KDV Performance Group
Three singular forces converge for a night of radical artistic expression in sound and movement
DJ Python / DJ Plead B2B rRoxymore / Yarra
This one’s for the rhythm-obsessed and the dance-floor faithful.
Ryoji Ikeda ultratronics / CORIN presents DIWA
Two visionaries of live AV bend time and space in one transcendent night of sensory immersion.
Melbourne Museum Family Sleepover
Join Melbourne Museum premium sleepover for a once-in-a-lifetime night with your family.
Melbourne Museum Adult Sleepover
Join a premium sleepover at Melbourne Museum and IMAX for a once-in-a-lifetime night with your crew.
The Whitlams with the MSO
The Whitlams joins the MSO in a one-off performance of their renowned symphonic collaboration.
Flavours of Melbourne Night Trail
An evening of culinary delights, cultural exploration and memorable moments.
Ghosts? What Ghosts! Night Tour
Brace yourself for bone-strumming tales of unexplained sights after dark.
Polly Woodside Open Day
Climb aboard and roam the decks of one of Australia’s last surviving 19th-century tall ships.
Melbourne Hidden Bars Walking Tour
Discover Melbourne's hidden bars – down alleys, in basements and behind closed doors.
Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour
Take a walking tour of haunted pubs and learn about the city's dark history.
Where to eat and drink after dark
The ultimate guide to late-night dining in Melbourne
These late-night venues and iconic restaurants are best visited well after dark.
The best pre- and post-theatre dining in Melbourne
Fuel up before a big show or extend your city visit at these local eateries.
Melbourne’s most romantic date-night restaurants
Find the best restaurants to book for birthdays, anniversaries or just because.
Melbourne's best rooftop bars
Schedule in a rooftop sesh at Morris House, Good Heavens, Fable, Ocean 12 and more.
After dark dessert bars
Discover Melbourne's best cakes, cocktails and sweet treats after the lights go down.
The best first date bars in Melbourne
These cute hidden gems and fun date-night spots will give you something to talk about.
Unique first date ideas in Melbourne
Ban boring dates with these cute night spots and fun activities for two.
The best late-night bars and music venues in Melbourne
Find intimate vinyl bars, iconic band rooms and live music bars open late.
Gimlet at Cavendish House
An elegant cocktail bar and dining room from renowned chef Andrew McConnell.
Bodega Underground
Bodega is a late night taqueria and underground mezcaleria in the basement of the Crossley Hotel.
Dragon Hot Pot
Choose your base stock, then pick from over 100 fresh ingredients to make your own unique hotpot.
The Carlton Hotel
Offers a rooftop bar, dining, a cocktail bar and nightclub, right in the heart of the city.
Johnny's Green Room
A rooftop bar above King & Godfree with great views, tunes and Italian inspired food and drinks.
Last updated on Mon 11 Aug 2025
Only In The City
Listening Acts | Performance
Two visionaries of live AV bend time and space in one transcendent night of sensory immersion.
Discover more
Only in the City
This city hums with energy - with hidden laneway cafes, rooftop bars, art and culture at every turn.
Melbourne’s most Instagrammable experiences
You won't need filters at the city's most photogenic spots.
Things you can only do in the city
There's only one place to find these rare Melbourne experiences and secret spots.