FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
- Sport
- Fashion
- Food, wine, art and performance festivals
The sporting and cultural capital of Australia – Melbourne rarely has a week go by without a festival or event being celebrated. From mainstream to fringe, events are held at iconic venues across the city and are easily reached by public transport. Sold out? Head to public 'live sites' like Federation Square where sporting events are telecast on large outdoor screens.
Keep your eyes open for Melbourne Events, a free monthly publication available from newsagents or the Victorian Visitor Information Centre.
Get tickets for most events from the venue concerned or through Ticketmaster or Ticketek.
Midsumma 17 January – 7 February
A three-week celebration of gay, lesbian and transgender art.
A three-week celebration of gay, lesbian and transgender art.
Australian Open Tennis 18–31 January
See the top players in the first grand slam of the year.
See the top players in the first grand slam of the year.
Big Day Out 26 January
Cheer on your favourite stars at Australia's biggest music festival.
Cheer on your favourite stars at Australia's biggest music festival.
St Jeromes Laneway Festival 30 January
The most fun you'll ever have in an alleyway.
The most fun you'll ever have in an alleyway.
St Kilda Festival 6–14 February
Don't miss Melbourne's largest free music festival.
Don't miss Melbourne's largest free music festival.
Port Fairy Folk Festival 5–8 March
Catch the best local and international folk and roots acts.
Catch the best local and international folk and roots acts.
Melbourne Moomba Festival 5–8 March
See the city explode with colour at the Moomba parade.
See the city explode with colour at the Moomba parade.
Brunswick Music Festival 11–21 March
Showcasing international folk and roots music in Moreland.
Showcasing international folk and roots music in Moreland.
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 12–23 March
Foodies from around the globe descend on Melbourne.
Foodies from around the globe descend on Melbourne.
Melbourne Fashion Festival 14–21 March
Discover the secrets of local and international designers.
Discover the secrets of local and international designers.
Melbourne Queer Film Festival 17–28 March
Join 25,000 film lovers for over 140 gender bending films.
Join 25,000 film lovers for over 140 gender bending films.
International Flower and Garden Show 24–28 March
Learn about native plants and brush up on your exotics.
Learn about native plants and brush up on your exotics.
International Comedy Festival 24 March – 18 April
Laugh along to comedy stand-up, cabaret, theatre and film.
Laugh along to comedy stand-up, cabaret, theatre and film.
Formula 1 ING Australian Grand Prix 25–28 March
Soak up the adrenaline-charged atmosphere at Albert Park.
Soak up the adrenaline-charged atmosphere at Albert Park.
Rip Curl Pro Surfing Carnival 30 March – 10 April
Watch the world's best fight for surfing's ultimate trophy.
Watch the world's best fight for surfing's ultimate trophy.
St Kilda Film Festival May
Be inspired at Australia's longest running short film festival.
Be inspired at Australia's longest running short film festival.
MIFF 23 July – 8 August
Stay warm in winter and see films from over 50 countries.
Stay warm in winter and see films from over 50 countries.
Melbourne Art Fair 4–8 August
Expose your artistic side at Asia-Pacific's premier trade fair.
Expose your artistic side at Asia-Pacific's premier trade fair.
Melbourne Writers' Festival 27 August – 5 September
Get bookish with the cream of the international literary crop.
Get bookish with the cream of the international literary crop.
AFL Grand Final Series September
Don't miss the spectacular finale of the 2010 AFL season.
Don't miss the spectacular finale of the 2010 AFL season.
Royal Melbourne Show September
Spend a day with the kids at this fun-filled event.
Spend a day with the kids at this fun-filled event.
Melbourne Fringe Festival 22 September – 10 October
Experience cutting edge art and music all across the city.
Experience cutting edge art and music all across the city.
Spring Racing Carnival September – November
Thoroughbred racing, fashion and entertainment at its finest.
Thoroughbred racing, fashion and entertainment at its finest.
Melbourne International Arts Festival 8–23 October
Be a part of Melbourne's flagship cultural event.
Be a part of Melbourne's flagship cultural event.
Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix October
See the world's best riders compete over three days of racing.
See the world's best riders compete over three days of racing.
Wangaratta Festival of Jazz October – November
Discover Australia's legendary jazz and blues festival.
Discover Australia's legendary jazz and blues festival.
Meredith Music Festival 11–13 December
Camp out at one of Melbourne's favourite music festivals.
Camp out at one of Melbourne's favourite music festivals.
Melbourne Boxing Day Test 26–30 December
Be there for the most anticipated match in world cricket.
Be there for the most anticipated match in world cricket.
