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.

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People exploring a digital art gallery white black and white portraits.

THE LUME Melbourne

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 woman walking through a neon light temple art exhibition.

Melbourne Now

Until

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.

A woman on a dark blue toned stage with headphones on sits slumped against an altar.

& Juliet

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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 boy exploring a futuristic mirrored art installation.

Imaginator

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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.

Three people walking into a large arched entrance to a gallery.

Rembrandt: True to Life

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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.

Flinders Street Station at night illuminated with blue lights and the word RISING attached to the exterior.

Shadow Spirit

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.

People exploring a large room filled with various screens showing films.

RISING

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.

A person standing beneath an archway made from fairy lights

Lightscape

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.

A bright painting of a person leaning into the window of an orange room with a table holding three plates.

Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Madhavi

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.

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

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

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.

Giant curving screens showing colourful scenes in a dark room.

NGV Triennial

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.

A theatre pre-show with red tiered seats and a backdrop that says Mary Poppins.

More unmissable theatre and performance

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.

The best free festivals in Melbourne

Taste of Portugal

Taste of Portugal

Showcasing food and entertainment from Portuguese-speaking countries.

Bastille Day French Festival

Bastille Day French Festival

The joie de vivre returns to Melbourne this July, launching celebrations of the French National Day!

African Festival

African Festival

Enjoy a cultural immersion in all things Africa.

More of the best events on in 2023

NGV Architecture Commission: Temple of Boom
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NGV Architecture Commission: Temple of Boom

An outdoor installation in the NGV garden inspired by the The Parthenon.

FIFA Women's World Cup Fan Festival

FIFA Women's World Cup Fan Festival

Enjoy all the matches on the big screen, interactive experiences, plus food and drinks.

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.

Once
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Once

An unforgettable story about reaching for your dreams and the power of music to connect us all.

School holidays

School holidays

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

The Rocky Horror Show
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The Rocky Horror Show

One of the world's favourite musicals is coming to Melbourne this May.

Melbourne's Annual Wedding Expo

Melbourne's Annual Wedding Expo

Featuring over 120 of Melbourne’s most creative and popular wedding suppliers and vendors.

Melbourne Vixens v Collingwood Magpies

Melbourne Vixens v Collingwood Magpies

Watch the Vixens unleash live at John Cain Arena for the 2023 season.

Last updated on Tue 30 May 2023

Melbourne’s most unmissable moments

There’s more to explore, only in the city.

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Goddess Nights
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Goddess Nights

Celebrate and experience the collective power of Goddess after dark.

Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion
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Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion

An exhibition of on and off screen trailblazers, nonconformists, rebels, agitators and instigators.

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.

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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.

The best free and cheap family activities

The best free and cheap family activities

Find family-friendly fun and free events in Melbourne.

Epic events

Epic events

Explore all-day art exhibitions, big matches, free festivals and blockbuster theatre.

Only in the City

Only in the City

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