Melbourne's best blockbuster events

Get ready to go sports mad for the AFL Footy Finals! Take the family to the free Footy Festival at Yarra Park from 24-27 September. There'll be player appearances, giveaways, dodgem cars, music and heaps of food trucks. If you’re lucky enough to score tickets to the Grand Final, fuel up pre- and post-game at restaurants near the MCG. Or head to Melbourne’s best pubs and bars to watch the game on the big screen and enjoy special offers. 

Melbourne’s huge city-wide Fringe Festival returns for another year. Catch theatre shows, circus acts, stand-up comedy, live music and heaps more. Queen Victoria Market will once again transform into a buzzing free night market on Wednesdays during the festival. Check out some of the best acts featured in the program. Then grab a bite to eat at the food stalls. Try everything from flaming skewers and Spanish paella to crème brûlée donuts and fresh strawberries smothered in chocolate.  

Get set to celebrate one of the biggest events on the Indian calendar on 11 October. Head to Marvel Stadium for a huge free party and catch cultural performances, traditional music and dance. There’ll also be heaps of tasty food to try and a bunch of interactive activities for the whole family. Or make your way to Fed Square for a free festival right in the heart of the city. Enjoy Bollywood dance workshops, kid-friendly craft activities, legit street food and even a magic show.

Groove along to smooth tunes at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Kick off with Night Crawl on 17 October. This massive opening night features live performances from some of the best jazz musicians across 11 venues. Then enjoy 10 days of music including a show with the iconic Harry Connick Jr at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. There’ll also be films, artist talks, free events, family-friendly fun and more.

National Gallery of Victoria’s winter exhibition is back with a French Impressionism showcase. Wander through ten themed sections and discover work by the world’s most famous artists. See Monet’s beautiful waterlilies. Discover colourful still life paintings by Cezanne. And be transported to vibrant Parisian scenes by Renoir. Dive a little deeper into this must-see exhibition with expert talks, after-dark experiences and more.

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. Open from 7 December.

As the men's season comes to a close, the women's season is in full swing! Keep your footy fandom going and catch an epic season as 18 teams battle it out. Best of all, kids go free. Adult tickets are only $15, making it a cheap night out. Enjoy a match at Ikon Park or Arden Street Oval to catch all the action. Check out the full season fixture.

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. Catch Eddy Current Suppression Ring playing a free show at Fed Square. See Melbourne Symphony Orchestra perform music from My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away at the stunning Hamer Hall. Enjoy nostalgic hits by Queen at a tribute concert by candlelight. Or pop into St Paul's Cathedral for a free concert on your lunch break.

These award-winning productions have taken over the city with iconic songs, dazzling set design and world-class performances. Check out Tony Award-nominated Beetlejuice The Musical and everyone's favourite childhood classic Annie. Or treat your little ones to family-friendly shows like Dog Man.