The best pop-up and outdoor cinemas in Melbourne

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

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

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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 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, Loving Vincent, showing a painted portrait of Vincent Van Gogh in the style of Van Gogh and painted predominantly with blue.
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Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu

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

Capitol Cinema with red and orange lighting, seated audience in front of large screen with signage.
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Christmas Cinema

See festive films in the stunning Capitol Theatre.

People gathered at Fed Square watching a movie on the large outdoor screen, some in deckchairs, with a blue sky and tall city buildings in the background.
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Christmas Outdoor Cinema

In the lead-up to Christmas Day, enjoy free Christmas and festive films at Fed Square.

Close-up of actress Kim Go-eun from the film Exhuma, looking upward with protective spiritual characters written across her face in a forest setting at sunset.

Asian Cinema Collective: Exhuma

Join the Asian Cinema Collective for a screening of the Korean supernatural film Exhuma.

View of Melbourne from across the Yarra River

The Plastic Country: Community Screening and Conversation

Watch a new documentary film exploring impact of plastics and solutions to tackle it.

Still from Love Actually, Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon waving awkwardly while snow falls.

Love Actually In Concert

The ultimate romantic comedy, with a live symphony orchestra.

View of Melbourne from across the Yarra River

Evenings with DADo: F for Fake

Join for a screening of F for Fake with an introduction by Dr AnnMarie Brennan.

Whoopi Goldberg dressed as a nun from the film Sister Act, a row of nuns behind her.

Capitol Theatre Orchestra and Sister Act

Sit back and enjoy an afternoon of lively music and a classic movie.

A still from a Korean horror film showing two police officers in shock.
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Spotlight on South Korean Horror

From The Wailing to Bong Joon Ho’s The Host, see how South Korean horror still terrifies.

The Big Screen at Federation Square with an orange ad showing.

The Other Film Festival on the Big Screen

Celebrate International Day of People with Disability at The Other Film Festival and Alter State.

A still from the film Picnic at Hanging Rock, depicting four teenage girls wearing white Edwardian-style dresses huddling close together outdoors against a backdrop of dark, volcanic rocks.

Picnic at Hanging Rock

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a screening of Peter Weir's classic mystery, Picnic at Hanging Rock.

A still image from a Korean film showing a woman holding on to a man on a motorcycle.
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Focus on the Taiwan New Wave

See celebrated Taiwanese early films and late-career masterpieces.

On a film set with a crew member shooting stop motion figures.
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Lifelike

Lifelike is a major new exhibition celebrating the magic of movie puppetry in all its forms.

An Edwardian-era man stands against a split background in front of a First World War battlefield on the left to a peaceful river valley on the right, with a faint musical score overlay and a gold medal at the bottom.

Remembering 'Sep' Kelly

An afternoon of music, remembrance and a remarkable Australian story.

Last updated on Tue 6 Jan 2026

Christmas

Christmas starts only in the city
Start here
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, laneways 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

Discover more

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The best things to do under $20 in Melbourne

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People milling around Fed Square at night.

Melbourne's unmissable after-dark events

From hidden laneway markets to epic pop-ups, Melbourne gets lit once the lights go out.

People drinking coffe in an arcade

Melbourne's best cafes that open late

These Melbourne cafes are open late for evening coffee runs.

A swimming pool at night lit up in blue lights

The best hotels in Melbourne for families

Check out our list of family-friendly hotel stays