Melbourne's unmissable blockbuster events

See the night sky sparkle as 350 drones light up Docklands and trace stories in the air. This dazzling free show runs twice nightly at Victor Harbour. First up, watch a love letter to Melbourne, featuring a poem about rediscovering our city. Then from 25 January, see the Wurundjeri creation story of how the platypus was made.

Two weeks of ace action awaits at the Aus Open. Catch sporting stars all over Melbourne Park, and get in early (or stay late!) for a luxe champagne bar, epic foodie laneways, live music and a pop-up beach house oasis. Little mates will love the AO Ballpark, complete with rides, adventure equipment and stage shows. Better yet? Kids ground passes are only five bucks!

Get ready to Van Gogh-off Melbourne: this 3,000 square metre projection art gallery is finally open! Explore endless rooms swirling with floor-to-ceiling digital displays based on iconic artworks by Vincent van Gogh. Then snap the ultimate selfie in a mirrored sunflower wonderland.

Knock offs never looked better than with the NGV's extended summer sessions. Visit after-hours to explore the pink pond, then wander through the full roster of free gallery exhibits. Thirsty? The pop-up Four Pillars gin bar has you covered. There's even an entire season of French-themed movies on in the Great Hall.

Live music is back in a big way at this iconic annual outdoor event. See Shaun the Sheep in circus form, catch Flight Facilities and Crowded House or kick on for all-day festivals like Ultra and Piknik Electronik. Stay tuned for updates on the beloved MSO free concert series, set to take the stage in February.

More than 160 free activities will take over Fed Square this summer, starting with the mesmerising Cupid's Koi Garden. Created by ENESS, the sea of inflatable fountain fish will be an unmissable photo spot in Melbourne. Don't miss the Urban Art Silo trail, live music pop-ups, free films, candlelight concerts and more as the program unfolds.

Fresh from Paris, this exclusive exhibition makes it's national premiere at the NGV in December. Curated by resident Chanel experts, a stunning display of designs, along with pieces from public and private collections, will take over the gallery for more than four months. Never-before-seen acquisitions include evening dresses and silk capes from the 1920s and 1930s.

After years in the dark, the mysterious Flinders Street Station ballroom has finally reopened to visitors. Inside you'll find an epic exhibition by renowned artist Patricia Piccinini. Wander endless rooms filled with eerie creatures, towering installations and hauntingly beautiful displays.

Brickman is back for dinosaur lovers young and old. Visit the blockbuster exhibit for a Jurassic World themed journey. The display features more than 50 models, made from over 6 million individual bricks by LEGO artist Ryan McNaught. From the towering T-Rex to rambunctious raptors, prepare to be amazed.

Can-can your way out of lockdown at Moulin Rouge! The Musical, see history like never before at Hamilton and release your inner child inside the world of Frozen. These award-winning productions are set to take over the city with iconic songs, dazzling set design and more.

This epic creative program is off and racing with heaps of new laneway pieces to explore. While some events are on pause, you can still see these stunning new street art pieces on your city walk. Tick off lesser known laneways like Lang's Lane, Rainbow Alley, Lee's Place, Finlay Alley and more. Check out our guide to the completed works so far.