Melbourne's unmissable 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.

Winter Night Market

Until 27 Aug

Melbourne’s iconic Winter Night Market is back. Rug up and head to this free festival at Queen Victoria Market. Then tuck into sizzling street food and sip on hot drinks like mulled wine and spiced Milo. Once your belly is full, head to the market’s sheds and laneways and browse more than 60 stalls offering one-of-a-kind goodies. Think vinyl records, vintage fashion, handmade jewellery and more. Or join the Silent Disco crew and have a boogie with your mates.

An art gallery with red walls and a chandelier hanging from the ceiling. There is a painting of two people dancing hanging on the wall.

French Impressionism

Until 5 Oct

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.

Outside an art deco movie theatre at night with a glowing red and yellow sign saying CAPITOL.

Melbourne International Film Festival

Until 24 Aug

Melbourne's International Film Festival is back in August. Get ready for must-see screenings, premieres, talks and more in iconic venues like The Capitol, Forum Melbourne and ACMI. Browse the huge city-wide program featuring over 250 movies when it's released in full on 10 July.

A person is standing in a building draped in a red fabric installation

Now or Never

21 – 31 Aug

Melbourne's huge winter arts festival returns with immersive art, insightful talks and must-see gigs. See the State Library Victoria like never before as it transforms into an after-dark party with glowing projections and performances. Explore MATRIA for free and see a gigantic cocoon-like installation take over the Royal Exhibition Building. Or catch Einder at Melbourne Town Hall and watch mesmerising waves of rippling fabric move above you. Explore the program for more unmissable events.

A mannequin in a gallery wearing a gown made of purple tartan fabric and a tartan veil.

Westwood | Kawakubo

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.

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. 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 The Jungle Book: The Next Chapter, Cirque du Soleil and Dog Man.