Melbourne's best blockbuster events

Royal Botanic Gardens has transformed into a winter wonderland for Lightscape. And the best part is this year’s experience features twenty magical new installations. Wander through glowing floral canopies. Discover illuminated neon forests. And immerse yourself in dreamy soundscapes. There's also a cosy food hall offering up all sorts of warming treats like hot chocolate, mulled wine and more. 

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.

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.

Get rare access to Melbourne's most beautiful buildings at Open House Melbourne. Visit Melbourne Recital Centre and explore this stunning live music venue. Check out impressive modern design at Koorie Heritage Trust's Birrarung Building. Or tour Melbourne Town Hall and stand on the portico balcony where The Beatles waved to the crowd below!

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.

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.

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.

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.