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.

A dragon parade winding through crowd in Chinatown past restaurants and shops.

Lunar New Year

2 Feb

Ring in the Lunar New Year at Chinatown and Fed Square. See lion dances, join a tai chi class or grab a bite to eat at the bustling food stalls. Complete the Year of the Snake celebrations with a viewing of the iconic Millennium Dragon parade.

A woman is inside a gallery surrounded by giant red spotty sculptures.

Yayoi Kusama

Until 21 Apr

Iconic Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama has taken over the NGV with almost 200 works. The new, exclusive exhibition features world-premiere work. Think mirrored infinity rooms, towering sculptures, giant floating balloon installations and more across the entire ground floor of the NGV.

Van Gogh

Until 1 Jun

The LUME has brought back its beloved van Gogh exhibition for a limited summer season. Explore this 3,000 square metre projection art gallery featuring floor-to-ceiling digital displays. See gigantic paintings like Starry Night come to life. And be among the first to try the brand new VR art experience.

Melbourne Park arenas lit up at twilight, with city building skyline in the background.

Australian Open

6 – 26 Jan

Melbourne's premier summer sporting event returns with the 2025 Australian Open. Catch the action courtside, on the AO Hilltop or live at Fed Square. A ground pass gets you access to the all-new Topcourt precinct. Immerse yourself in interactive games or hit the court at Padel Arena.

A large crowd at an outdoor stage with rainbow picnic umbrellas in the foreground and the Melbourne city skyline in the background.

Midsumma Carnival

19 Jan

Celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities with this huge city-wide festival featuring live music, cabaret, exhibitions, parties and more. Kick off the party with the free Midsumma Carnival at Alexandra Gardens. There'll be live music, performances, loads of food trucks, lip sync competitions and even a dog show!

Outdoor dining event in a park with long tables and white umbrellas with trees and city buildings in the background.

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

21 – 30 Mar

Australia's culinary capital comes alive for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. This 10-day feast culminates in over 170 dining pop-ups. Pull up a chair at the World's Longest Brunch. Try viral chef Motokichi Yukimura's world famous omurice. Or taste re-imagined takes on the beloved Melbourne-born dim sim.

Melbourne Town Hall at night with pink lights illuminating the front facade and a tram passing by.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

26 Mar – 20 Apr

Get ready for a month of laughs at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Catch open mic nights and star-studded stand-up shows. Don't miss the fan favourite Annual Great Debate and second Asian Allstars Gala. Check out the full program.

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. Relive the timeless tale of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Hear the life story of the Queen of Rock at the Tina Turner Musical. Or witness the moving coming-of-age story in Dear Evan Hansen.