Melbourne Town Hall with a line out the front for Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Melbourne's best blockbuster events

Melbourne’s events calendar is hotter than ever. From stunning art exhibits, to vibrant festivals and unmissable theatre shows. 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.

A person taking a photo of two mannequins dressed in colourful clothing in a fashion exhibition.

Westwood | Kawakubo

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Calling all fashion-lovers! Explore work by Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons at NGV's blockbuster exhibition this summer. See rare garments sourced from private collections. Learn about the history of these two ground-breaking designers. And see vintage photography, film and runway footage.

Outside the Melbourne Town Hall with Comedy Festival banners hung out the front. It is lit up in purple and pink lights.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

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The world’s best comedians are heading to Melbourne for the 40th International Comedy Festival. Get ready for an entire month of laughs at some of the city’s coolest and most iconic venues. Choose from hundreds of shows with local and international stars like Shaun Micallef, Guy Williams, Geraldine Hickey and Hannah Gasby. Plus there’ll be family-friendly events, a comedy competition with the funniest First Nations talent and loads more hilarious fun.

A stage with a grand facade to look like a building, with crowds waiting for a band to come on stage.

The ultimate Melbourne live gig guide

Melbourne is home to dozens of iconic music venues. From the historic Forum to basement gems like Max Watt's, this city is buzzing with live music of every genre. Bring a picnic rug and enjoy a night of free music with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's Sidney Myer Music Bowl concerts. And don't miss big acts like Marlon Williams and Bliss N Eso as Royal Botanic Gardens transforms into a music venue for Live at the Gardens.

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

Unmissable theatre shows

These award-winning productions have taken over the city with iconic songs, dazzling set design and world-class performances. The popular Book of Mormon is back in Melbourne for another season at Princess Theatre. See the most magical modern take on Cinderella at The Capitol. Be the first to see the world premiere of a bold new dance collaboration, Flora, at Regent Theatre. Then head to Her Majesty's Theatre for a spectacular ballet adaptation of The Great Gatsby.

More of the best events on now and coming soon

Three long narrow boats with people seated in them and a guide standing at the rear of each boat, punting on the lake at Royal Botanic Gardens.
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Punting on the Lake

Glide between the bays and islands of Ornamental Lake on a guided boat cruise.

Elton John in the 1970s wearing large spectacles and satin suit with Cher wearing Bob Mackie midriff-revealing strappy gown and Diana Ross wearing feather and sequin gown.
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DIVA

From opera stars to pop icons, celebrate the power and creativity of the diva.

An ancient Roman marble bust with its nose chipped off, displayed on a small square plinth.
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Rome: Empire, Power, People

This Melbourne-exclusive exhibition is a vibrant exploration of Ancient Rome.

Last updated on Mon 16 Mar 2026

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A family of four standing in a grand library with antique desks, large white walls and a dome ceiling.

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A Ferris wheel in the city at sunset with colourful reflections on the river.

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People including a man in a wheelchair heading down a laneway past a large tropical-themed wall mural with city buildings in the background.

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Side-by-side Renaissance-style paintings of a naked male and a naked female, both with olive branches over their private parts, and both holding a modern microphone.
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Rainbow lights on water jets and a giant bauble on the river at night.

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