What's on in January

Until 1 Feb

Darkfield

Be immersed in an audio experience inside a shipping container as Darkfield returns for the summer.

Until 22 Feb

Loving: Photographs of Men in Love 1850s to 1950s

A rare collection of vintage images depicting male couples between the 1850s and 1950s.

31 Jan – 1 Feb

Melbourne Ice Women vs Adelaide Rush

The Melbourne Ice Women are the team to beat in the league.

Until 1 Feb

Australian Open

The summer stage for epic tennis, music, entertainment and unforgettable fan moments.

Until 5 Apr

Moonlight Cinema

Kick back with a film under the stars at Melbourne’s most spectacular open-air cinema.

Until 28 Mar

Weekend Showcase: Basement Comedy Club

See the very best of Australian standup comedians perform four days a week during the holidays.

Until Dec 2026

The Story of the Moving Image

A permanent exhibition that journeys through the past, present and future of the moving image.

Until 28 Jan

School holidays

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

Until 17 Apr

NGV Friday Nights

Experience the NGV as it comes alive after dark

Until 30 Apr

Mystery Sidedoor City: Wine and Asian Fusion Bites

Enjoy off-menu bites and paired drinks at a hidden Melbourne venue on this guided tasting adventure.

Until 28 Feb

Secret Life of Birds

Spot water birds nesting around Ornamental Lake at Melbourne Gardens on this guided walk.

30 Jan – 28 Feb

Piccolo Teatro: Magic Theatre

Specialising in astonishing magic shows and immersive live entertainment.

Until 30 Jun

Yarra: Stories of Melbourne's River

Explores the chequered history of the stream we call the ‘city’s river’.

Until 28 Feb

Transmutation: Our Origin Stories

Journey into stories of origin, transformation and cultural inheritance.

Until 27 Jan

School Holiday Explorer Bus

Children ride for half-price on the Kids Explorer Bus during the school holidays.

24 Jan

The Fantasy Ball

Midsumma’s first official ball arrives.

Until 30 Apr

Serene Terrarium: Workshop for Beginners

Create your mini plant world while enjoying a soothing cuppa and a calming environment.

Until 25 May

Mosaic Art Classes: Turkish Lamp Workshop

Make beautiful mosaic lamps at this Turkish lamp workshop in Melbourne!

Until 16 Apr

Best of NGV International Tour

Join an expert for a guided tour to uncover the unexpected and overlooked within the NGV Collection.

Until 10 Feb

Social Sixes Cricket

Grab your friends and come along for a free social cricket program.

30 Jan – 1 Feb

Strip The Life Fantastic

An intimate, immersive cabaret where the stage becomes a diary and the audience co-conspirators.

31 Jan – 28 Mar

Travel Sketching with Watercolour Pencil

Talk a walk around East Melbourne, sketching and learning tips and techniques along the way.

Until Dec 2026

Cabaret Ridiculous

An hour of variety entertainment that’s as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.

From 29 Aug

G3 Game

Experience gaming like never before, with state-of-the-art facilities.

24 Jan

MoCo: Summer Break

Experience the new-wave of Naarm drag for one night only.

Until 23 Jan

No Scripts Given: An Improvised Comedy

Watch some of Melbourne's finest improvisers turn their tragic tales into an improvised comedy.

31 Jan

Jade Odyssey: The Inaugural Ball

Competitors, performers, DJs and judges come together to showcase Melbourne’s Ballroom community.

Until 30 Jun

Laneways Discovery Running Tour

Run Melbourne’s laneways, street art and history on this 8km tour with stories, sights and coffee.

Until 25 Jan

Folded Forest

Fold by fold the forest grows – one crease, one creature, one colourful creation at a time.

Until 27 Jan

Rainbow Storytime

Do you love stories, songs and a bit of sparkle?

Until 11 Jul

Run the Tan: Run Club

Start the weekend off on the right foot with a run around the Tan.

Until 21 Mar

Comedy at the Coopers Inn

A comedy club featuring the best local, interstate and international stand-up comedians.

Until 26 Apr

DIVA

From opera stars to pop icons, celebrate the power and creativity of the diva.

Until 9 Jun

A Taste of Melbourne: Laneways, Boroughs, Bites and Brews

Taste the best of Melbourne on a half day city food and drink tour, departing morning or afternoon.

Until 30 Jun

History and Donuts Walking Tour

History, laneways and donuts – explore Melbourne’s sweet side on this 2.5-hour walking tour.

22 Jan

The History of Printed Textiles

Join Janet O'Dell for a lecture on the origins and challenges of printed textiles in Europe.

Until 27 Jan

Bloom: By Melbourne Central x Melissa Likes Sushi

Step inside the immersive installation wrapping the historic Shot Tower in vibrant greenery.

Until 1 Feb

Rigg Design Prize: Next in Design

The Rigg Design Prize is Australia’s most prestigious accolade for contemporary design.

Until 23 Jul

Linguas Melbourne Language Exchange Social

Meet new people and practise speaking another language, weekly nights at Diesel Bar.

Until 8 Feb

Midsumma Festival

Australia's premier queer arts and cultural organisation returns.