Things to do

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Free things to do in Melbourne every day

Have a grand day out on a budget at Melbourne's best free experiences, attractions and exhibits.

A three tiered tray of cakes and sandwiches surrounded by cocktails.

The best places for high tea in Melbourne

Where to find fancy high tea, dessert high tea, gluten free high tea and more.

Two friends are reading a book in a modern hotel room. There is a view of Melbourne city behind them.

The best hotels for your staycation in Melbourne

The ultimate holiday destination is right on your doorstep.

Melbourne for free

A crowd of people enjoying an after hours party at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.

ACCA Up Late

Grab the chance to explore the gallery after hours, with a secret performance and dance floor.

A man holding a piece of paper with a satchel on his shoulder, pointing his arm towards brightly lit shops on the other side of the road behind him.
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Being Human Festival

Bringing Australian humanities research to life in imaginative and engaging ways.

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.

Looking over a blurred shoulder at a table with books displayed.
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World of the Book

Experience the rare, the sacred and the iconic in this one-of-a-kind exibition.

Entertainment

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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

A team of people holding up a long Chinese dragon at an outdoor festival.
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Colours of Asia: Garden of Wonders

Come and discover where cultures bloom, stories come alive, and wonders await.

A couple in Polish traditional dress in Federation Square.

Polish Festival

Experience the colour, flavours and spirit of Poland.

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.

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.