What's on in January

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Large crowd of people watching a concert at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

Discover things to do in Melbourne in January, from free events to exhibitions, attractions and places to visit.

A scene from the musical My Fair Lady with Eliza Doolittle in a pink dress and hat and Henry Higgins in a tweed three-piece suit.
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My Fair Lady

Celebrating 70 glorious years since its debut, Lerner and Loewe's My Fair Lady returns to Melbourne.

A wide shot of a crowd sitting on picnic blankets and bean bags at an outdoor cinema on a grassy lawn during golden hour, with the Melbourne city skyline in the background.
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Moonlight Cinema

Spend summer nights with new releases, cult classics and family favourites under the stars.

A scene from Mrs Doubtfire The Musical with the protagonist dancing with three children.
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Mrs Doubtfire

It's a feel-good musical, poppets.

A scene from the Myer Christmas Windows showing the toys from Toy Story in a child's bedroom.
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Myer Christmas Windows

The beloved Bourke Street tradition will return with a new festive theme for the 71st season.

Participants on the State Library Victoria Unlocked guided morning tour inside the iconic dome at State Library Victoria in Melbourne.
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State Library Victoria Unlocked

Join an exclusive guided tour and experience State Library Victoria before the doors open.

A child posing in an alcove in a rainbow mural.
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School holidays

Entertain the whole family over the school holidays with these kid-friendly events and activities.

Installation view of the Spartans & Anzacs exhibition at the Shrine of Remembrance, with people walking around the space, reading panels and looking at displays.
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Spartans & Anzacs

This exhibition invites reflection on the enduring values forged in conflict.

A green linocut of a flower and foliage printed on paper and a fabric tote bag.
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Tote Bag Block Printing Workshop

Style your bag just the way you like it with block printing in this beginner's workshop.

A children's themed three-tiered platter of high tea treats, alongside a teddy bear, drinks and Christmas baubles.
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Le Petit FestiviTea

Little ones can join the festive celebrations with a high tea just for them.

Ice hockey players on the ice during a match.
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Melbourne Ice Women: Australian Women's Ice Hockey League

The Australian Women's Ice Hockey League takes over O'Brien Icehouse in a formidable on-ice battle.

Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston in a desert setting leaning against a tree wearing sunglasses.

An Evening with Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul

Join Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, live in conversation.

A black and white photograph of a family eating a meal at the family dining table circa 1950.
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You Have a New Memory

An exhibition that explores how and why we remember, through the lens of the Library's collections.

Two female singers, portraying country music icons, as part of the tribute show Dolly and Friends.

Dolly & Friends: Roots & Rhinestones

A candlelight acoustic celebration of the music of Dolly Parton.

Egg yolk pouring out of a long sub sandwich with cheese and salad.
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Gourmet Sandwich Hunt

Elevate your sandwich style with celebrity chef Darren Purchese.

Light grey textured bark fragments placed on a warm, golden-brown metallic or painted surface.
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Jessica Row: If a tree falls in the urban forest

An exhibition by Jessica Row inspired by the trees in naarm/Melbourne.

Oil painting of a still life featuring red flowers in a dark vase, paired with ceramic jars, a red book, and scattered red apples on a red tabletop.
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The Victorian Artists Society Studio

Showcase of the range of artistic practices that continue to be taught in the historic VAS Studio.

Art photograph of a female floating on water viewed from above.
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Physis: Elemental Bodies

An exhibition of works by photographic artist Lilli Waters.

Kids on the grass outside the Shrine of Memorial, holding kit bags and smiling.
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Shrine Kids

Embark on a family adventure with this engaging program designed for discovery at every turn.

Picnic table set for dining with cushions, umbrella and dining settings, in a garden location.
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Laneways Mystery Picnic with Luxury End Location Setup

Follow clues to secret foodie stops and end at a luxury picnic location.

Painting of a large brick building on a corner with a tree in the foreground and some parked cars.
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Victorian Artists Society Christmas Salon

This showcase celebrates small and affordable artworks perfect for holiday gifting.

Mick Jagger tribute artist, singing into a microphone backlit by purple and pink lights.

Totally Stonez: The Rolling Stones Show

Capturing the sound, look and attitude that defined generations.

Someone painting a mural depicting a jar of Vegemite on a wall saying g'day mate instead of vegemite.
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Better than Sydney: Melbourne Walking Tour

An irreverent walking tour exploring the joys of Melbourne.

Byzantine icons of Jesus, Mary and John the Baptist, their heads haloed in gold.
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Divine Thresholds: Icons and the Orthodox Christian World

Discover centuries of craftsmanship, devotion and momentous history in this new landmark exhibition.

A woman with light brown hair and purple lipstick smiles against a bright pink background.

Elly Poletti sings the music of Amy, Adele, Aretha & Alicia

Elly Poletti is a Melbourne based performer known for her powerful and soulful vocals.

People standing at the front of a riverboat at dusk, with a bridge on the horizon and city buildings to the side.
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Golden Hour Cruises

Experience the magic of summer's golden hour aboard this cruise.

Heart-shaped sunglasses with green reflections.
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CabErotiq

Like a glimpse into a bacchanalia celebration, mysteries await in an old bank vault.

A cylindrical mosaic glass table lamp featuring a colourful orange and yellow daisy pattern, being made at a craft workshop.
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Mosaic Lamp Making Workshop for Beginners

Create your own glowing mosaic lamp in a class suitable for beginners.

Tour leader showing three walking tour participants a page from an open notebook he holds, on a Melbourne city footpath.
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Deeper Melbourne Walking Tours

Walking tours burrowing into history and culture, drawing on local knowledge.

Bright animated art installations displayed around the historic Coop's Shot Tower inside Melbourne Central.
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Cosmic Summer: By Melbourne Central & DONCARRRLOS

Dive into a cosmic summer as Melbourne Central transforms into an underwater world.

An illustration from the book The Very Cranky Bear, showing a black bear with hands on hips looking cranky against a blue background.
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The Very Cranky Bear

A grumpy bear, four unlikely friends and one brilliant sheep.

Jazz vocalists Jackie Bornstein and Jeremy Hopkins pose together back to back in front of a white backdrop.

Duets: The Crooners by Jackie Bornstein & Jeremy Hopkins

Jackie and Jeremy sing smooth swing and love songs, celebrating the crooners.

Hands holding up coastal seashell wind chimes featuring delicate floral painted designs on the bottom scallop shells.
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Decoupage Seashell Wind Chime Workshop

Create your seashell wind chime in this relaxing, beginner-friendly decoupage workshop in Docklands.

Performer breathing fire with head tilted at an angle.
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The Vaudeville Revue: Cabaret, Comedy and Burlesque

Experience Melbourne's most intimate variety show in a hidden gem of the city.

A decorated lampshade featuring homemade paper and pressed flowers.
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Pressed Flower Hanging Lantern Workshop for Beginners

Create a magical botanical lantern using real pressed flowers, handmade paper, and warm LED lights.

A large hanging piece of art showing a person lying back on a rock.
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a/part: Hoda Afshar

A selection of photographic and video projects by Melbourne-based artist Hoda Afshar.

Interior of a bar decorated with colourful lamps, small paintings hanging on the red walls, with small tables and chairs arranged in the space.
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Melbourne Hidden Bars Walking Tour

Discover Melbourne's hidden bars – down alleys, in basements and behind closed doors.

A dancer wears a vibrant green, light-up ballerina-style tutu dress with a matching crown, and large, glowing translucent fairy wings spread out behind her, standing against a dark background.
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Ballet of Lights: Peter Pan in a Sparkling Show

Peter Pan lights up Neverland in a dazzling dance spectacle.

Paper with sketches of an ornate Louis chair and a decorated teacup, pencils arranged over the sketch.

Summer Sketching with Alissa Duke

Learn to sketch on location in the historic exhibition house of Fairhall.

Grilled cheese toastie on a plate.
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Vego Toastie Hunt

Elevate your vego sandwich with celebrity chef Darren Purchese.

Portrait of a woman with her face painted blue and embellished with gold stars, wearing a colourful, fan-like headdress.
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Passage: The Art of Atong Atem

NGV presents the first-ever major solo exhibition of contemporary artist Atong Atem.

See all events in January

Discover more

Crowd of people seated on the grass watching the Moonlight Cinema in the Royal Botanic Gardens.
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What's on in February

Things to do in Melbourne in February, from free events to exhibitions and places to visit.

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.

Young child, in front of an artsy background, looking up at something.

Family and kids

Find things to do with the kids, from family-friendly events to fun attractions and workshops.

Young kid sitting on the shoulders of an adult in a large crowd of people watching a show.

Melbourne for free

Discover free things to do in Melbourne, including galleries, museums, events and festivals.