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.

BBC Earth Experience

Until

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.

People exploring a digital art gallery with brightly coloured First Nations paintings projected onto the walls and floors.

THE LUME Melbourne

Until

See THE LUME's breathtaking new exhibition, showcasing First Peoples’ art, music and culture. Connection tells the stories of the world's oldest culture through paintings, songs and photography from more than 110 artists. Explore the 3,000 square metre projection art gallery, swirling with floor-to-ceiling digital displays. Beautiful music from Yothu Yindi, Baker Boy and more Aussie artists elevates the experience to moving new levels.

An empty theatre decorated with a windmill, elephant and heart backdrop for Moulin Rouge!

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Until

Can-can your way down to the Regent Theatre and watch this sparkling spectacular show. Following a sold-out premiere season, the show is back for more glitz and glamour. Join the bohemians and sing along to the iconic soundtrack. Plus listen out for new additions from Adele, Katy Perry, Sia, Beyonce and Rihanna.

Melbourne Park arenas lit up at twilight, with city building skyline in the background.

Australian Open

Calling all tennis fans. The Australian Open is set to serve an action packed two weeks of tennis this January. Catch the most entertaining matches with some of the best names in the game at Melbourne Park. Book online for as little as $10 and don't forget to pack your sunscreen and hat.

The Friends Experience

Until

Could we BE more excited for this pop-up? District Docklands is hosting the ultimate immersive experience for Friends fans. Snap a pic in Monica's kitchen or re-enact the opening credits in front of the fountain. See costumes from the show and pick up a gigantic Central Perk mug. Then grab a seat on the iconic orange couch and decide once and for all whether Ross and Rachel were on a break.

Crowd of people inside a music venue, many with their arms raised in the air, enjoying listening to a band playing on a stage.

ALWAYS LIVE

Until

Experience some of the best local and international sounds at Always Live. From head banging mosh pits to Taylor Swift tributes, and iconic Aussie artists, there's definitely something for everyone. Visit venues like Fed Square, The Forum, NGV and more to witness the best summer concerts. Tickets range from free to $200.

Hour of the Wolf

Until

After a sell-out season of Because the Night, Malthouse Theatre is back with another immersive theatre show. Hour of the Wolf takes place on the longest night of the year, as curious events begin to unfold. It's an epic choose-your-own-adventure experience. Pick which of the eleven characters to follow and unlock the town's chilling secrets.

View of a person from behind, standing in front of a display of swirling cosmic patterns and colours on a wall.

Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature

Until

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.

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. Have an ABBA-fuelled night out at Mamma Mia! The Musical. Plan ahead for the razzle Chicago the Musical when it returns to Melbourne next year. Or check out a tribute to 'the king' in Elvis: A Musical Revolution at Athenaeum Theatre.

Giant curving screens showing colourful scenes in a dark room.

NGV Triennial

Until

Robot dogs, animatronic mice, hydraulic press performance art, towering sculptures and massive new commissions. Triennial 2023 is set to make its triumphant debut at NGV International this December. Discover more than 100 works exploring the theme of magic, matter and memory at this entirely free exhibition.

Christmas in the City

There's no better place to feel all the festivities of Christmas than the city. There's pop-up dining, market stalls and interactive events for the whole family. See huge stunning light projections at Town Hall and the State Library. Then check out the massive 17.5 metre high Christmas tree. You can even meet Santa and his elves.

A view over Melbourne by night, with buildings lit up.

New Year's Eve in Melbourne

Say farewell to 2023 and celebrate New Year's Eve in Melbourne. Make a booking to ring in the new year on a rooftop bar with your favourite people. Or find luxe feasts, family-friendly restaurants, pop-up parties and fireworks. Plan ahead and book a hotel room for the evening. Driving in? Book a convenient spot for your vehicle and enjoy the night stress free.

The best free festivals in Melbourne

Moomba

Moomba

An annual free festival held along the banks of the Yarra River.

The best free festivals in Melbourne

The best free festivals in Melbourne

The best free festivals you need to visit in Melbourne this year

Vida: Melbourne Latin Summer Festival

Vida: Melbourne Latin Summer Festival

Enjoy a weekend festival of art, culture, food and entertainment celebrating Latin America.

More of the best events on in 2023

Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade

Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade

The Royal Exhibition Building opens its doors to a unique view unseen for 100 years.

School holidays

School holidays

Entertain the whole family over the school holidays with these kid-friendly events and activities.

RELICS: A New World Rises
Until

RELICS: A New World Rises

A unique new exhibition where real-world artefacts meet the ingenious world of LEGO!

Last updated on Mon 4 Dec 2023

Christmas

Christmas events

Christmas events

Explore a wonderland of events and dazzling decorations as the city comes to life this Christmas.

Christmas eat and drink

Christmas eat and drink

Savour the season with festive feasts and rooftop drinks. Read on for Christmas catch-up ideas.

Christmas shopping

Christmas shopping

Wrap up your Christmas list and find the perfect pressies with thousands of shops to choose from.

Discover more

The best free and cheap family activities

The best free and cheap family activities

Find family-friendly fun and free events in Melbourne.

What's free in Melbourne this month

What's free in Melbourne this month

Everything to see, do and enjoy in Melbourne for free this month.

Melbourne's essential night-time events

Melbourne's essential night-time events

From hidden laneway markets to winter wonderlands, Melbourne gets lit once the lights go out.

Only in the City

Only in the City

Melbourne’s most unmissable moments are yours to explore, only in the city.