Melbourne’s annual events calendar is jam-packed with some of the country’s best festivals, cultural events, art exhibitions and sporting highlights. Whether you’re interested in films and music, or sport and wine, there’s an event for you in Melbourne.
From the Spring Racing Carnival to the Grand Prix, Melbourne Fashion Week to the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, here are some of the major events not to be missed in Melbourne.
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Australian Open | January
No Aussie summer is complete without the Australian Open in Melbourne. Watch as the world’s greatest tennis players go head-to-head to take home the first Grand Slam title of the tennis season. While you’re not watching the game, you can listen to live music at the Australian Open Festival or graze at one of the many food and beverage options, including fine dining restaurants. There is even a mini theme park to keep the kids entertained.
Melbourne Food & Wine Festival | March
Melbourne is the sort of city where you can dine around the world in one weekend. Highlighting the diversity of food, wine and produce, Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is a world-leading celebration of Australia’s rich food and wine landscape. Join chefs, bakers, makers and waiters from near and far for a festival of food and fun.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival | Late March - April
Get ready to laugh out loud when the Melbourne International Comedy Festival rolls into town. Starting in late March, and going for more than four weeks, local, national, and international comedians bring their brand of laughter to the streets during this top event in Melbourne.
Don’t miss the chance to attend the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. Watch the world’s fastest cars take on the iconic Albert Park circuit in Melbourne. Catch a glimpse as they zip by at top speed from your trackside position and enjoy gourmet food trucks and live music acts at this unmissable event.
Melbourne Winter Masterpieces | June – November
Art lovers are drawn to the National Gallery of Victoria each winter for the world premiere of Melbourne Winter Masterpieces, a major exhibition series that brings incredible art to the city. Each year, the NGV presents a large-scale exhibition featuring international artists such as Picasso, and collections from leading museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts, making it one of Melbourne’s cultural events to attend during the winter.
Melbourne International Film Festival | August
One of the oldest film festivals in the world, the Melbourne International Film Festival has been held since 1952, highlighting the best of the big and small screen. Each year, expect a different showcase of feature films, arthouse films, documentaries and short films shown at venues scattered across the city.
Film lovers can enjoy special events like Q&As with international filmmakers, industry talks, premiere nights, and panels during the festival.
Melbourne Writers Festival | Late August–September
Branding itself as Australia’s boldest literary festival, the Melbourne Writers Festival brings together writers, thinkers and readers in one space with a diverse program of events designed to inspire, challenge and thrill the audience with amazing storytelling.
The festival is committed to showcasing diverse voices: First Nations, multicultural, LGBTQ+ and more. As a UNESCO City of Literature, Melbourne celebrates each year a new edition of one of its most inspiring cultural events.
AFL Grand Final | Late September
In late September each year, nearly 90,000 fans fill the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) stands to witness one of Australia’s greatest sporting events of the year. Nothing beats being part of the roaring crowd at the MCG as two teams battle it out for the glory.
Spring Racing Carnival | September to November
The Spring Racing Carnival is so much more than racing. From food, fashion, and entertainment, it is a social event not to be missed. The “race that stops the nation”, the Melbourne Cup, held each year on the first Tuesday in November, is the highlight event of the carnival, but there are also other race days like the Victoria Derby Day and VRC Oaks Day.
Melbourne Fashion Week | October
Venture to the fashion capital of Australia for the country’s premier consumer fashion event, Melbourne Fashion Week. Attracting thousands of visitors each year, more than 150 events showcase fashion in all forms. Catch runway shows with emerging, independent and established designers, visit pop-up stores, exhibitions and drop by workshops or see films.
Boxing Day Test | December
If you’re a cricket fan (and even if you aren’t), you can’t miss the Boxing Day Test match held every year in Melbourne on the 26th of December.
You’ll get to see the Australia national Cricket team playing against an international side like England, Sri Lanka or New Zealand as they fight for victory in one of the most iconic and tradition-filled Test matches of the year. Either you choose going to the Stadium or watching the match from a local pub, you’ll definitely enjoy the day!
In town for one of Melbourne’s major events? Check out Oaks Hotels in Melbourne and take advantage of deals when you book directly.
