Melbourne's best blockbuster events

From stunning art exhibits, to vibrant festivals and unmissable theatre shows. Grab the diary – you’ll want to lock in every one of these events this festive season.

A group of friends picnicking at the Music Bowl.
A river show with lights, water and a giant bauble.

Christmas in the city

There's no better place to feel all the festivities of Christmas than the city. Catch a dazzling river show and chase thrills at the carnival. See huge stunning light projections at Town Hall and St Paul's Cathedral. Then check out the massive 17.5 metre high Christmas tree. Plus look out for pop-up markets, parties and more.

A wide shot of a crowd sitting on picnic blankets and bean bags at an outdoor cinema on a grassy lawn during golden hour, with the Melbourne city skyline in the background.

Moonlight Cinema

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Melbourne's beloved movies in the gardens are back. Pack a picnic and head to the Royal Botanic Gardens this summer to enjoy new releases and old flicks under the stars. See blockbusters like Sense and Sensibility, or catch the latest entry in the Hunger Games series.

A basketballer leaping into the air for a dunk while the crowd watch on.

King of the Court World 3v3 Streetball Finals

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Some of the world's best street ballers are bringing their A-game to Melbourne for a massive tournament. Catch intense 3x3 matches, DJ sets and fashion pop-ups. Then shop for rare merch and feast at the street food stalls.

A giant thumb statue outside a gallery.

NGV Triennial

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A huddle of inflatable penguins, giant game of chess, 100-metre mural and giant pink tree. Triennial is set to make its triumphant debut at NGV International this December. Discover more than 100 works exploring the theme of change and transformation at this entirely free exhibition.

A stage with a grand facade to look like a building, with crowds waiting for a band to come on stage.

The ultimate Melbourne live gig guide

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. See Leon Bridges, The Avalanches, DMA's and more in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Check out live jazz at Bird's Basement and Mill Place Merchants. Or swing past St Paul's Cathedral for free lunch time concerts.

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. A lavish recreation of My Fair Lady is coming to the newly refurbished Ian Potter State Theatre. Head to the Princess Theatre to watch the hilarious musical, Mrs Doubtfire. Summer is the perfect time for Shakespeare in the gardens. Catch Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream or The Wind in the Willows. Plus book kid-friendly stage shows like The Very Cranky Bear and a Peter Pan ballet.

More of the best events on now and coming soon

A team of people holding up a long Chinese dragon at an outdoor festival.
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Colours of Asia: Garden of Wonders

Come and discover where cultures bloom, stories come alive, and wonders await.

An outdoor open-air cinema featuring queen- and king-sized beds set up under the stars.
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Mov'in Bed Cinema

In bed under the stars, Melbourne, get ready for the comfiest movie night you've never had.

Portrait of a woman with her face painted blue and embellished with gold stars, wearing a colourful, fan-like headdress.
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Passage: The Art of Atong Atem

NGV presents the first-ever major solo exhibition of contemporary artist Atong Atem.

People looking up at the trees on a guided walk in the Royal Botanic Gardens.
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Aboriginal Heritage Walk

Wominjeka: journey into Melbourne Gardens with an Aboriginal guide.

Two young adults observing a sculpture in a gallery space with digital and scupltural displays.
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EMERGENCE[Y]

An exhibition exploring how adaptation in a world of flux unfolds in every layer of life.

Two theatrical costumes on display in front of a red curtain, featured in the ENCORE! exhibition at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts.
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Encore!

50 Objects. 50 Years. One Collection. Treasures from the Australian Museum of Performing Arts.

Performer on stage doing circus tricks, acrobats hanging in the air.
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Fijian Flying Circus

A world-first fusion of Fijian storytelling and contemporary circus.

A circus performer in red satin shorts and a red bandana holding two silver hoops behind his back.
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La Ronde

The best circus performers from across the globe up close and personal.

A contemporary Indigenous artwork featuring a black cockatoo against a vibrant pink and marbled background.
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Future Dreaming

Explore 217 original small artworks by First Nations artists in Victoria’s prisons.

Two young women in school uniform in a purple room, one holding forward an American football.
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Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical

Packed with teen drama and iconic throwback hits.

A couple in Polish traditional dress in Federation Square.

Polish Festival

Experience the colour, flavours and spirit of Poland.

Last updated on Thu 12 Nov 2026

Christmas

Christmas starts only in the city
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A man and woman dancing next to a woman dressed in a Santa outfit who is using a DJ deck.

Christmas things to do

The city’s wrapped and ready with magical moments, twinkling lights and festive fun.

A man and woman sitting at a table full of food with a Christmas tree in the background.

Christmas eat and drink

Savour the city’s festive flavours with rooftop bars and menus made for merry moments.

Two women holding several shopping bags while they walk through a shopping arcade decorated for Christmas.

Christmas shopping

Start ticking off your list in the city’s iconic laneways, arcades and malls.

Start here

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A laneway lit up with hanging fairy lights

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People are enjoying a carnival with carnival games and a skyflyer ride in the background

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A woman looking at a display of Formula 1 racing suits in an exhibition.

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Crowds thronging a street with leafy trees, tent stalls and stage with lighting and live performance as part of the Antipodes Greek Festival.
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Antipodes Festival

Lonsdale Street comes alive with Greek food, live music, dancing and entertainment for all ages.