Things to do

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A group of friends picnicking at the Music Bowl.

Melbourne's best blockbuster events

The best major events on in Melbourne this year.

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.

Crowds looking at a festival stage in the city.

The best free festivals in Melbourne

The best free festivals you need to visit in Melbourne this year

Melbourne for free

The grand, ornate domed interior of 333 Collins Street building, with a red poppy projection on the ceiling.

Remembrance Day at 333 Collins

A striking poppy projection beneath the heritage 1890s dome, honouring Remembrance Day.

Two women at a secondhand staff with posters and graffiti on the wall behind them.

Southbank Secondhand Treasure Trail

Come along for a morning of pre-loved gems and vintage treasures at this secondhand market.

Person's face hidden behind the pile of clothing they're holding, next to racks of clothing.

Stock Up Vintage Market

A curated, culture-led vintage market, with music from DJs playing records.

Selection of market goods including packets of teas and biscuits.
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Kensington Market

An eclectic mix of homewares, culinary treats, ceramics, sustainable goods and visual art.

Entertainment

Comedian Celia Pacquola talking into a microphone she holds in her hand, performing live on stage.
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Main Stage: Stand-Up Comedy

Have a laugh with stand-up comedy from Australia's best comedians, plus international drop-ins.

Performer on stage doing circus tricks, acrobats hanging in the air.
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Fijian Flying Circus

A world-first fusion of Fijian storytelling and contemporary circus.

Nellie Noble, a burlesque performer and jazz singer posed in a chair in a club, wearing classic feather and fan burlesque garments, holding a cocktail in one hand.
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The Thursday Tease

The Thursday Tease is a weekly live burlesque show at Mill Place Merchants.

Japanese actors Takako Matsu and Hokuto Matsumura standing side by side outdoors against a green leafy backdrop, in a still from the romantic drama film 1st Kiss.
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Japanese Film Festival

Celebrate three decades of Japanese cinema on Australian screens at the Japanese Film Festival.

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 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

Family and kids

A smiling man holds a cheerful toddler in his arms as the child reaches toward a large, textured, teardrop-shaped gourd hanging from the ceiling; part of an interactive installation at ArtPlay.
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Exhibition: Obang 오방

Step into a Korean grandmother's home while she is away visiting her grandchildren overseas.

Young children and their parents listening to a story book being read aloud in a colourful environment with large dinosaur cutouts.
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Dino Days

Young dinosaur enthusiasts, aged 3-5 years, are invited to explore all things dinosaur.

A standing and seated row of children in a large bright room, all holding up artworks they've created.
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Art Classes for Kids

A guided art class for children, led by an artist and educator, held at The Hub at Docklands.

A plate of fluffy pancakes with ice-cream and chocolate over the top.
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Chocolate Family Adventure Day

Enjoy an all-inclusive, stress-free family outing filled with fun, creativity, and delicious treats.

Melbourne walks and tours

Man holding an old-fashioned lantern outside illuminated Flinders St Station at night, wearing a suit and cap.
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Hidden Melbourne: Ghosts, Murder and Mystery

Take a spine-chilling journey back in time to explore the rich paranormal realm of Old Melbourne.

The retro interior of a 1950s home with red carpet and amber chairs.
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Walsh Street Guided Tour

Explore Robin Boyd’s iconic residence at 290 Walsh Street on a guided tour.

Four hot air balloons floating in front of the Melbourne city skyline during sunrise, with skyscrapers visible in the background.
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Melbourne Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight

Float over Melbourne's iconic landmarks in a sunrise hot air balloon flight.

Four people on a tour of Arts Centre Melbourne, seated in a foyer, with a large mural behind them.
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Arts Centre Melbourne Tours

Explore the rich heritage and striking architecture of Victoria’s performing arts icon.

Coming soon

Looking through the Queen Victoria Market to city buildings in the background, hundreds of people gathered.
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The Christmas Night Market

Old-world Christmas charm, Melbourne style.

Barbie dolls from an exhibition, specifically featuring a light-skinned doll with a 1959-inspired look and a dark-skinned doll with braided hair, against a pink background.
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Barbie: The Exhibition at Melbourne Museum

Barbie: The Exhibition makes its Australian debut at the Melbourne Museum.

Coloured pink lights illuminate water sprays high in the air on the Yarra River at night with a crowd watching from the promenade.
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Crown Christmas River Show

Be dazzled by a spectacular water, laser and light show on the Yarra River.

A still from a futuristic looking film showing a woman in a green suit running down a green toned streer.
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NGV Triennial

NGV Triennial unfolds across all floors of NGV International, showcasing over 80 works.

Discover more

The NGV and Arts Centre lit up on a winter night.

What's on this weekend in Melbourne

Discover things to do in Melbourne this weekend, from free events to exhibitions.

The city reflecting colourful lights over the river at night.

What's on this week in Melbourne

Discover things to do in Melbourne this week, from free events to exhibitions.

A night tennis match at Rod Laver Arena.

Major events

From the Australian Open to the Melbourne Cup, major events take centre stage throughout the year.

Man and woman taking a photo of the CBD while standing on a bridge over the Yarra River.

Attractions and sights

Explore Melbourne's attractions, from laneways and street art to lush parks and grand galleries.