Melbourne’s events calendar is hotter than ever. From stunning art exhibits, to vibrant festivals and adrenaline-pumping sports. Grab the diary – you’ll want to lock in every one of these major events.

Driving in?

With more than 70,000 car spaces in the city, you’re never far from Melbourne’s best events. Book ahead at key parking providers to get the best deal.

Inside a large digital gallery with a projection of Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man

Leonardo Da Vinci

Until

Explore this 3,000 square metre projection art gallery featuring floor-to-ceiling digital displays. Enter the newest big exhibition at The LUME featuring work by Leonardo da Vinci. See gigantic paintings of the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper and more iconic works from this legendary artist. Want 20 per cent off tickets? Simply use the code 'WHATSON' when you book before 17 March for sessions up until 30 April.

Melbourne Town Hall lit up at night with a neon blue light, with a crowd of people in front of the entrance waiting for a comedy show to start.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Prepare for some big belly laughs at one of the biggest comedy festivals in the world. For three and a half weeks Melbourne invites the best comedians from Australia and around the globe for stand up shows, cabaret, theatre, street performance and more. This year, catch international headliners Carl Donnelly from the UK and Atsuko Okatsuka from the US. Or see hilarious stand up from local legends including Josh Thomas and Claire Hooper.

A woman is looking at a digital projection art work

NGV Triennial

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Robot dogs, animatronic mice, hydraulic press performance art, towering sculptures and massive new commissions. The huge Triennial 2023 exhibition has taken over NGV International. Discover more than 100 works exploring the theme of magic, matter and memory at this entirely free art experience.

Two friends are interacting with a giant glowing projection art work

Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature

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Step through a sensory journey beyond your imagination at Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature. Explore human connection to nature through guided meditation, large scale artworks and stunning light projections. Make your experience even more immersive with a VR headset for just $10.

BBC Earth Experience

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Discover an immersive interactive projection experience narrated by the legendary David Attenborough. BBC Earth Experience gives you the chance to move through breath-taking footage like never before. See everything from glittering fireflies to snub nosed monkeys and more.

Flinders train station at a busy intersection lit up in blue with the words 'RISING' on the front

RISING

Our favourite winter festival rises again in June. This huge city-wide event features dozens of art exhibitions, live gigs, performances and more. Check out a fun free party in a secret laneway. Get rowdy with a massive choir in an iconic cathedral. Or check out a 24-hour rock show.

An ornate theatre interior with people milling around before a show.

More unmissable theatre

These award-winning productions are set to take over the city with iconic songs, dazzling set design and world-class performances. Come dressed in your '50s finest leather pants and pink jackets for Grease the Musical. Relive '90s cult classic movie with Groundhog Day the Musical. Plan ahead for the razzle Chicago the Musical when it returns to Melbourne in 2024. Or check out coming of age story Seventeen at Southbank Theatre.

The best free festivals in Melbourne

Korea Festival

Korea Festival

Head to Fed Square to experience the best of Korean culture at this free family festival.

The Alliance Française French Film Festival
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The Alliance Française French Film Festival

Explore a unique programme of French cinema, from a range of film makers, genres and styles.

PHOTO 2024: International Festival of Photography
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PHOTO 2024: International Festival of Photography

An art trail of 100 free photography exhibitions and outdoor artworks to explore in Melbourne.

Eid Festival

Eid Festival

Join in celebrating Eid, the biggest celebration in the Islamic calendar.

More of the best events on in 2024

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
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Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

Melbourne, it’s time to hit the city and taste the flavour.

Nocturnal: Museum After Dark
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Nocturnal: Museum After Dark

Step into a world of wonder at an after-hours Melbourne Museum experience just for adults.

Cirque du Soleil: Luzia

Cirque du Soleil: Luzia

Go on a vibrant journey through worlds filled with wonders and artistry with Cirque du Soleil.

Joy
Until

Joy

Experience an emotive adventure where creativity, colour and storytelling join forces.

Last updated on Fri 15 Mar 2024

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