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Popular events in Melbourne
Melbourne, known as Australia’s cultural capital, offers a vibrant calendar packed with world-class events. From sports to family events, there’s always something happening in Melbourne. It’s rich event calendar ensures that there’s always a reason to celebrate, learn, or be entertained. So whether you line in the city or a visitor, each month offers a chance to experience the city’s dynamic culture and community.
We have put together this guide to the popular events in Melbourne.
Australian Open
The Australian Open is one of tennis’s most prestigious Grand Slam tournaments which captures the attention of sports enthusiasts around the globe every January. It is always held in Melbourne. This iconic event combines world-class tennis with a festival-like atmosphere, complete with giant screens, live music, food stalls and activities. The area is transformed into a vibrant carnival for tennis lovers and casual attendees, making it a highlight of Australia’s sporting calendar.
The Australian Open is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, alongside Wimbledon, the French Open, and the US Open. Hence it is also one of your greatest opportunities to watch popular and top-seeded tennis players competing live in the stadium.
The tournament is hosted at Melbourne Park, a state-of-the-art venue with cutting-edge facilities. The most famous courts include: Rod Laver Arena, with a retractable roof for all-weather play, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena.
As the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open sets the tone for the tennis calendar and attracts millions of viewers worldwide.
So if you are in Melbourne in January, you should experience this event in person.
Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix
Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is Melbourne’s premier racing event, which is held every year in March in Melbourne. Melbourne roars to life as the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix takes center stage, transforming the city into a haven for motorsport enthusiasts.
The venue for this popular event is Albert Park Circuit, a temporary street track surrounding Albert Park Lake, is one of the most picturesque settings in Formula 1. Combining city streets with purpose-built sections, this 5.28 km(3.28 miles) track challenges drivers with its fast straights, tight turns, and scenic backdrop of Melbourne’s skyline.
The Australian Grand Prix is more than just a race—it’s a multi-day festival of motorsport, entertainment, and culture. The event typically features: practice, qualifying, and race day. Over three days, drivers test their skills, secure pole positions, and battle for glory in the main race.
There is also a fan zone which is an interactive areas that offer opportunities to meet drivers, explore F1 technology, and participate in fun activities.
You can also enjoy the off-track events like live music, food stalls, and entertainment, making it a celebration for all ages.
The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is a celebration of speed, engineering, and human endurance. Whether you’re a die-hard F1 fan or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, the combination of adrenaline-pumping action, scenic surroundings, and Melbourne’s vibrant atmosphere makes it an event that shouldn’t be missed.
Moomba Festival
The Moomba festival is one of Melbourne’s most beloved and iconic events, celebrated annually in March along the banks of the Yarra River. So if you are in Melbourne in March, you can attend the Moomba festival. It is known for its family-friendly activities, vibrant atmosphere, and long-standing traditions.
Since its inception, the Moomba Festival has grown into one of the largest free community festivals in Australia.
The festival attracts locals and visitors of all ages,. You can enjoy a wide range of activities, thrilling rides and entertainment, from exciting water sports to colorful parades.
Some of the popular activities at the Moomba festival are:
Moomba Parade, a centerpiece of the festival, the parade features an array of floats, performers, and community groups winding through Melbourne’s streets. It’s a visual spectacle celebrating the city’s diversity.
Birdman Rally, a quirky and much-loved tradition, where participants attempt to “fly” homemade contraptions off a platform into the Yarra River, all in the name of fun and charity.
Carnival rides and games, is probably the most popular activities among the visitors, happening all day with various types of thrilling rides, games, and food stalls that light up the riverbank. It certainly offers fun for families and thrill-seekers.
Water Sports, from water skiing championships to wakeboarding displays, the Yarra River becomes a hub for adrenaline-pumping aquatic activities.
Live Music and Performances, local and international artists often take to the stage, providing a festive soundtrack to the celebrations.
Fireworks, each evening concludes with spectacular fireworks that light up Melbourne’s night sky, creating a magical ending to the day.
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Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF)
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is one of the largest and most prominent comedy events in the world. This festival transforms the city into a global stage for humor, creativity, and entertainment. MICF is an essential cultural event for the city, attracting performers and audiences from around the globe.
It is also one of the three largest comedy festivals in the world, beside Montreal’s Just for Laughs and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
This festival is usually held in Melbourne and usually in late March to April, spanning approximately four weeks. It takes place over numerous venues, from the grand Melbourne Town Hall (festival hub) to small, various spaces across the city.
You can enjoy a diverse lineup of international stars, local legends, and emerging talent, delivering everything from stand-up to improv, satire, sketch comedy, and cabaret.
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is not just an event—it’s a celebration of humor, human connection, and Melbourne’s vibrant cultural scene. Its ability to bring together artists and audiences from around the world highlights the unifying power of laughter.
Whether you are a seasoned festival-goers or first-time attendees, MICF offers an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF)
The Melbourne International Film Festival is one of the most iconic film festivals in the world, renowned for celebrating cinematic excellence and innovation. It is held annually in Melbourne during the month of August. It’s more than just a festival—it’s a platform for filmmakers, an inspiration for audiences, and a celebration of storytelling through film.
As one of the world’s longest-running film festivals, MIFF has consistently showcased a wide variety of films, offering audiences an opportunity to explore cinema that transcends boundaries. You can enjoy feature films, documentaries, short films, retrospectives and tributes.
Festival highlights opening and closing nights, international premieres, spotlight on Australian cinema and industry program.
MIFF often serves as the Australian debut for award-winning films from major global festivals, such as Cannes, Berlin, and Venice.
If you are one those who appreciate the magic of cinema, attending MIFF is an essential journey into the art of storytelling.
Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix
The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is one of the most exciting and iconic events on the MotoGP calendar. It is not just about racing, it’s a celebration of motorsport culture, a thrill on two wheels.
Although the event is held at Grand Prix Circuit in Phillip Island, which is about 173 km southeast of Melbourne but the fans from all over the world come together to witness high-octane racing and stunning coastal scenery, to share their passion, making it a social and cultural event as much as a sporting one.
The event typically takes place in October annually.
The 4.4 km track features fast straights, sweeping curves, and challenging corners, making it a favorite among riders and fans. Its coastal location often brings unpredictable weather, adding an extra layer of challenge and excitement to the race.
As part of the MotoGP World Championship, the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix attracts the best riders and teams from around the world.
Whether you’re a hardcore MotoGP fan or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix delivers in every way. The combination of thrilling racing, a stunning coastal setting, and the electric energy of the crowd makes it a must-see event for motorsport enthusiasts and every one.
AFL Grand Final
Every September, Melbourne comes alive with excitement, anticipation, and unity as it hosts one of the most iconic events in Australian sport—the AFL Grand Final.
To put it in a perspective, it is equivalent of the Soccer World Cup Final and the Super Bowl Final in the USA.
The AFL Grand Final is held at the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), usually on the last Saturday of September. It is the culmination of the Australian Rules Football season. The two best teams battle it out for the coveted Premiership Cup in front of nearly 100,000 passionate fans, while millions more tune in from their homes, pubs, and fan zones across the country.
The excitement begins long before the opening bounce. The AFL Grand Final Parade, held in Melbourne’s CBD on the Friday before the game, celebrates the teams, players, and community spirit. Fans line the streets to watch floats, marching bands, and their favorite players cruising through the city.
On game day, there are also performances by local and international music acts beside the game.
The AFL Grand Final is deeply intertwined with Melbourne’s identity. Whether you’re an avid footy fan or a casual observer, the event brings people together. The city buzzes with energy, pubs overflow with camaraderie, and homes become gathering spots for BBQs and watch parties.
So if you’re in Melbourne in September, you have to be a part of this unforgettable experience by watching the game at the stadium, at a local bar, or enjoying the game with loved ones. Even if you don’t have a ticket to the MCG, there are a plenty of ways to celebrate. Live screenings at Federation Square, Yarra Park, and other venues which allow you to experience the match in a communal setting.
Tesselaar Tulip Festival
Every spring, the picturesque town of Silvan in Victoria transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors as the Tesselaar Tulip Festival takes center stage. Located just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, this annual event is a celebration of nature, culture, and community, drawing visitors from all over the world to marvel at the beauty of over a million tulips in bloom.
The festival is held from mid-September to mid-October and showcases an extraordinary display of tulips in every imaginable hue. The vibrant fields are complemented by cherry blossom trees and other spring flowers, creating a breathtaking landscape that feels like stepping into a fairytale.
You can also enjoy live entertainment, including music and performances, as well as indulge in a variety of international cuisines.
The festival caters to visitors of all ages, offering activities such as treasure hunts, tractor rides, and a fairy garden for the little ones. It’s a perfect day out for families, with plenty of opportunities to relax, explore, and create lasting memories.
So whether you’re a flower enthusiast, a lover of cultural experiences, or simply looking for a picturesque escape, the Tesselaar Tulip Festival is a must-visit event that captures the essence of spring in Melbourne.
It is about 57km from Melbourne CBD.
In autumn, there may also be Tesselaar KaBloom Fields of Flowers happening in the same place.
ALSO VIEW: Visiting Melbourne for the first time?
Melbourne Cup
Each November, Melbourne becomes the epicenter of Australia’s sporting and social calendar with the prestigious Melbourne Cup Carnival. Held at Flemington Racecourse, the Melbourne Cup is the crown jewel of the Carnival, famously known as “the race that stops a nation.” But it’s not just about horse racing—it’s an iconic event that combines racing, elite sport, fashion, entertainment, cutlure and community spirit.
The Melbourne cup event is so big that it is a public holiday on the cup day in Melbourne exclusively.
The Melbourne Cup is a 3,200 metres horse race featuring world-class thoroughbreds, jockeys, and trainers competing for the coveted trophy and generous prize money. The race attracts international contenders and an audience of millions, who gather at Flemington Racecourse or tune in from homes, workplaces, and public viewing spaces across the country.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival spans several days and includes other notable races, such as Derby Day, Oaks Day, and Stakes Day.
The Melbourne Cup isn’t just a sporting event—it’s a showcase of high fashion. Attendees embrace bold trends, sophisticated outfits, and elaborate hats, adding a sense of glamour to the festivities.
If you like dressing up then participating in Fashion on the Field is as much a part of the experience as the race itself.
Beyond the race and fashion, the Melbourne Cup is a social highlight, you can even see popular celebrities, dignitaries, and meet visitors from around the globe. VIP marquees, live music, and lavish hospitality create an atmosphere of excitement and exclusivity.
Local bars, restaurants, and public spaces also join in the celebration, hosting themed events and watch parties that allow everyone to feel connected to the spirit of the Cup.
So if you’re a racing enthusiast, a fashion person or simply looking for a reason to celebrate, the Melbourne Cup offers something for everyone.
Christmas Celebration
As December rolls around, Melbourne transforms into a sparkling wonderland, alive with holiday cheer and a festive atmosphere. The city’s Christmas festivities draw locals and visitors alike to enjoy dazzling displays, events, and heartwarming traditions. There are various joyful events happening throughout the city but some of the most popular ones are:
Christmas Square at Federation Square
At the heart of Melbourne’s holiday season is the Christmas Square. Located at Federation Square, this magical destination features a towering Christmas tree adorned with twinkling lights, stunning decorations, and interactive installations. Families and friends can gather here to snap photos and soak in the Christmas spirit. So if you are in Melbourne in December, then you should certainly visit Federation Square.
Myer Christmas Windows
A beloved tradition for over 65 years, the Myer Christmas Windows attract crowds with their intricately crafted scenes that depict whimsical holiday stories. Each year, the windows come to life with themes that capture the imagination of children and adults alike.
Carols by Candlelight
The Sidney Myer Music Bowl hosts the iconic “Carols by Candlelight,” where Melburnians unite to celebrate Christmas through song. Renowned performers take the stage to sing classic carols, creating an unforgettable evening under the stars. The event raises funds for Vision Australia and spreads joy to audiences far and wide.
Christmas Projections
Melbourne’s architectural landmarks dazzle with colorful projections during the holiday season. Buildings like the State Library of Victoria and Melbourne Town Hall light up with enchanting visuals, creating a festive spectacle that’s perfect for an evening stroll.
Festive Markets
Christmas markets are scattered across the city, offering unique gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious holiday treats. From the Queen Victoria Market’s festive corner to specialty pop-ups, these markets provide an opportunity to find one-of-a-kind presents while enjoying the holiday ambiance.
Santa’s Workshops and Family Fun
For families with young children, Melbourne offers Santa’s workshops and interactive play areas throughout the city. Kids can meet Santa, write wish lists, and engage in activities that add excitement to their holiday season.
Dining and Celebrations
Melbourne’s renowned culinary scene embraces the holidays with festive menus at restaurants, bars, and cafes. Seasonal treats like pavlova, mince pies, and gingerbread find their way onto tables, adding flavor to the celebrations.
The Spirit of Giving
Christmas in Melbourne also highlights the spirit of giving, with numerous charity events and food drives taking place across the city. Locals come together to support those in need, ensuring that the holiday season is inclusive and warm for everyone.
New Year's Eve Firework Celebration
As the clock strikes midnight on 31st December, Melbourne transforms into a breathtaking wonderland with firework, sound, and joy, heralding the start of a new year. The city’s New Year’s Eve firework celebration is one of Australia’s most iconic events, attracting locals and visitors to witness the spectacle.
Melbourne’s celebration isn’t confined to a single spot, it’s a citywide affair. The heart of the festivities lies along the Yarra River, where the fireworks light up the skyline, perfectly synchronized with music that adds rhythm to the explosion of colors. Iconic locations such as Federation Square and Docklands host lively events, including live performances, family-friendly activities, and open-air parties, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Usually there are two firework celebrations, one at around 9:30 pm, mainly aimed at the family with kids so they can enjoy it bit early and the other one at the midnight, which is main firework.
For those looking for a more laid-back experience, parks and rooftops across the city offer prime viewing spots. With the beautiful Melbourne skyline serving as the backdrop, these areas provide a relaxed setting to take in the dazzling display.
The city of Melbourne takes special care in organizing the event. The public transportation will be free from 6pm extended well past midnight to accommodate the people moving across the city. Food trucks and pop-up bars line popular viewing areas, offering everything from gourmet snacks to classic Aussie fare.
Whether you’re a local returning to favorite traditions or a visitor witnessing it for the first time, Melbourne’s New Year’s Eve celebration promises memories that will linger long into the year ahead.
So if you are in Melbourne in December then you have to be a part of this unforgettable experience that Melbourne offers by attending the celebration.
