Melbourne's best blockbuster events

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. Connection opens 23 June.

A love letter to Melbourne, this massive free exhibition highlights over 200 local artists and creatives. See the second iteration of Melbourne Now taking over all levels of the Ian Potter Centre, ten years after it premiered. Explore a neon-lit temple. Walk among towering sculptures. And check out some of the coolest designs to ever come out of Melbourne.

What if Shakespeare's tragic story of star crossed lovers had a happy ending? Will Juliet find love after Romeo? Find out what comes next in this blockbuster new musical. From the writer behind Schitt's Creek, this feel-good show is studded with pop hits from Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Kelly Clarkson and more.

A glowing new immersive experience has landed in Docklands. Family-favourite exhibition Imaginaria has been reimagined as Imaginator, complete with brand new sound and light scapes. Bring the little ones to roam, play and interact with the futuristic spaces. Step inside a giant inflatable bubble, explore a light maze and let your imagination take over.

Another glorious exhibition is coming to the NGV this winter, celebrating an all-time great of the art world. Rembrandt: True to Life is an ode to the the seventeenth-century Dutch artist's finest paintings, etchings and drawings. Step inside the 'cabinet of curiosities’ to uncover artefacts and rare natural objects from Europe and Asia.

The doors to Flinders Street Station's mysterious hidden ballroom are opening once again. Step inside the abandoned third-floor space to see it transformed with stunning First Nations art for RISING. Featuring works from 30 Australian artists, the exhibition travels through time to trace stories, history and knowledge.

Our favourite late-night winter festival rises again this June. Expect 12 epic days of music, food, art and culture. Think immersive film, a galactic ice-skating rink and a reality-bending car park with karaoke and tinnies aplenty. Check out The ultimate guide to RISING and explore the full RISING program of events to plan your voyage.

It's official: Lightscape is coming back to Melbourne this year! The new, 2.1km trail will be a glorious glowing winter wonderland set to light up the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens. Expect colour-changing installations, large-scale illuminated sculptures and all new pop-up bars and food trucks.

The NGV's blockbuster Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition celebrates the work of French painter Pierre Bonnard. Be transported to the streets of Paris, the French Riviera and beyond with a kaleidoscope of colours across 100 works. The exhibition was designed by India Mahdavi who brings the art to life with immersive scenography.

Can-can your way down to the Regent Theatre when this sparkling spectacular returns to Melbourne this August. 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.

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.

These award-winning productions are set to take over the city with iconic songs, dazzling set design and world-class performances. Catch the revitalised one-night production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child before it leaves Melbourne in July. And marvel at the magical Mary Poppins and Midnight The Musical.