A crowd of people sitting on picnic blankets at an outdoor cinema at sunset.

The best pop-up and outdoor cinemas in Melbourne

Pop-up cinema season is back! Check out these yearly events and brand new blockbuster experiences.

People sitting on the grass watching a movie in the gardens at sunset.

Moonlight Cinema

Until

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 Wicked: For Good, or catch the latest entry in the epic Avatar series. There's also regular screenings of cult classics. Think Shrek, Back to the Future and The Parent Trap.

More of the best TV and film events in Melbourne

A still from the film Jurassic Park, showing a man trying to distract a large dinosaur away from a vehicle by waving a coloured red flare light.
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Jurassic Park in Concert

Experience Jurassic Park projected in HD with the MSO performing the iconic score live.

Five smiling people standing in front of a yellow wall that has the words CINEMA 1 in black letters partially visible.

People of Passion International Film Festival

A feel-good festival celebrating fresh voices and inspiring films from all over the globe.

A movie still from the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets on a large screen at Hamer Hall, while an orchestra play the live score seated on the stage underneath the film screening.
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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert

Relive every magical moment as the music brings life to a story that has enchanted the world.

A still image from the movie How to Train your Dragon 2, showing a boy riding a dragon with other dragons flying around them.
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How to Train Your Dragon 2 in Concert

An awe-inspiring experience for the whole family.

A still from an animated film showing a black cat sitting on the bow of a small boat as it floats down a canal between Venetian Gothic buildings.
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Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu

Each month, watch a movie on the big screen, including contemporary, classic and documentary films.

Movie still from 'Paris, Texas' of actor Harry Dean Stanton, a man wearing a suit, tie and red baseball cap, standing in a barren desert landscape.
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Focus on Wim Wenders

Visit ACMI cinema for a trip through the filmography of Wim Wenders.

Four Indian tourists standing in front of an old tour bus in the desert.

How To Talk Australians: Premiere Screening

The premiere screening of a Dubbo detour comedy with the cast in attendance.

A still from a film showing a family celebrating around a woman sitting in front of a birthday cake.
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Matinees at ACMI Cinemas

Celebrate cinema at a sensible hour with ACMI's thoughtfully curated line-up of films.

A camera monitor displays the silhouettes of two people against a bright purple backdrop, with a composition grid overlay.
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Funny Shorts

Catch Australia’s funniest short films at ACMI Cinemas, showcasing competition finalists.

A still from the film Floating Life showing a family of three all looking upwards wearing sunglasses inside.

Asian Cinema Collective: Floating Life

Join the Asian Cinema Collective for a special screening of Floating Life (1996).

Still from a film of three people viewed from behind, standing on a shore or dock, looking out across a body of water towards a distant fire or explosion on the opposite bank.
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Focus on Lav Diaz

Experience the transcendental and political films from the Filipino master of slow cinema.

A bearded man and a young woman standing side by side in front of a red brick building.

Grass with Live Score by ZÖJ

Experience one of cinema's great silent documentaries, Grass, with live score by ZÖJ.

Iranian-Australian music duo ZÖJ.

Grass: A Nation’s Battle for Life with Live Score by ZÖJ

Silent film Grass returns with haunting live score by Iranian-Australian duo ZÖJ.

A live musical performance featuring a cellist creating a dramatic shadow effect against a wall while a scenic landscape is projected on a large screen behind them.

Where Song Began

Experience a cinematic concert celebrating songbirds

Last updated on Tue 6 Jan 2026

Only In The City

Only in this City of Ours
A view of the Southbank city skyline and Yarra River at night.

Win a $2400 school holiday staycation

Score a luxe hotel stay, shopping vouchers and more, only in the city.

A family of four standing in a grand library with antique desks, large white walls and a dome ceiling.

Things you can only do in the city

There's only one place to find these rare Melbourne experiences and secret spots.

A Ferris wheel in the city at sunset with colourful reflections on the river.

Melbourne’s most Instagrammable experiences

You won't need filters at the city's most photogenic spots.

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Two friends are walking out of an arcade

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The best cocktail deals, cheap eats and low-cost activities in Melbourne.

People drinking coffe in an arcade

Melbourne's best cafes that open late

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People milling around Fed Square at night.

Melbourne's essential night-time events

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A swimming pool at night lit up in blue lights

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