14 Music Festivals & Concerts in Melbourne

Melbourne’s music scene is alive year-round, with world-class festivals that reflect the city’s cultural heartbeat.

Each event tells a story of community, creativity, and connection, from family-friendly street parties to immersive bushland retreats.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, these festivals define our city’s spirit in 2025.

1. Beyond the Valley

Held each year over New Year’s Eve, Beyond the Valley has grown into one of Victoria’s most anticipated music festivals.

First launched in 2014, it was designed as an escape from the chaos of the city—a boutique celebration of music, nature, and community in Lardner Park, around 90 minutes from Melbourne.

The balance between high-energy electronic sets and chill, festival-wide experiences sets it apart. From sunrise yoga to immersive art installations and gourmet food trucks, the atmosphere is as much about the vibe as the lineup.

Past headliners have included RÜFÜS DU SOL, Tyler, The Creator, and Dom Dolla—making it a magnet for local and international music fans.

• 2025 Dates: December 28, 2024 – January 1, 2025
• Location: Lardner Park, VIC
• Tickets: Typically range from $400–$650 depending on camping and VIP options

2. St Kilda Festival

St Kilda Festival has been a fixture on Melbourne’s cultural calendar since 1980. What began as a celebration of local music and beachside community pride has blossomed into Australia’s largest free music festival.

Each February, the streets and foreshore of St Kilda come alive with music, markets, and movement.

The festival’s core purpose has remained steady: spotlighting Australian talent while creating a space where all ages can come together.

From young indie bands playing their first big gig to headline acts drawing crowds to the main stage, diversity is its biggest strength.

It’s also wholly family-friendly, with a dedicated kids’ zone, roving performers, and accessible amenities.

• 2025 Dates: February 15–16, 2025
• Location: St Kilda Foreshore
• Tickets: Free entry

3. Laneway Festival

What began as a humble indie gig in a Melbourne laneway in 2005 has exploded into a national phenomenon. Laneway Festival stays true to its roots—discovering and elevating the next wave of alternative, indie, and genre-bending artists.

It’s still Melbourne at heart, though, and the Footscray Park venue creates a stunning backdrop of the Maribyrnong River and skyline views.

Laneway’s reputation is built on curation. Artists like Billie Eilish, Tame Impala, and Florence + The Machine graced its stage just before blowing up globally.

The 2025 lineup is already sparking buzz, with Charli XCX, Skegss, and Beabadoobee among the early confirmed acts.

It’s perfect for anyone looking to tap into Melbourne’s youth culture, emerging sound, and electric atmosphere—without the need for camping gear.

• 2025 Date: February 8, 2025
• Location: Footscray Park, VIC
• Tickets: Starting at $189 (early bird), with VIP upgrades available

4. Listen Out

Listen Out launched in 2013 as a response to the over-saturation of massive, multi-day festivals.

Its mission was clear: create a one-day, no-fuss event that brings cutting-edge hip-hop and electronic music to Australia’s capital cities.

It quickly earned a loyal following in Melbourne, known for its expertly curated lineups and slick production.

This isn’t a festival that leans on nostalgia. It’s about what’s next—emerging trends, underground hits, and breakout global artists.

Over the years, Listen Out has hosted acts like Skrillex, Stormzy, Disclosure, and A$AP Rocky. It’s a festival that speaks to Melbourne’s young, fashion-forward crowd, offering high-energy stages and a vibrant atmosphere without the need for camping.

• 2025 Date: Late September (exact date TBC)
• Location: Catani Gardens or a nearby park venue
• Tickets: Typically priced from $160–$200, with limited VIP options

5. Meredith Music Festival

Meredith Music Festival is a rite of passage for many Victorians. Held on private farmland in the small town of Meredith since 1991, it was born out of a desire to create something authentic—a festival free from corporate noise, focused solely on the music and the shared experience of being outdoors together.

Its famous “No Dickheads” policy isn’t just for show; it defines the entire vibe.

There’s one stage, one epic natural amphitheatre, and no overlapping sets—so everyone sees every act.

The result? A communal energy that’s hard to find elsewhere. Past acts have ranged from ESG to Peaches and Angel Olsen, spanning funk, rock, punk, and experimental sounds.

Camping is part of the experience, and while it’s rugged, it’s also wildly rewarding. You don’t just watch the show—you live inside it for the weekend.

• 2025 Dates: December 13–15, 2025
• Location: Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, VIC
• Tickets: Ballot system (~$440 for a whole weekend, including camping)

6. Golden Plains Festival

A younger sibling to Meredith but no less beloved, the Golden Plains Festival started in 2007 and runs yearly over the March long weekend.

Held at the same Supernatural Amphitheatre, Golden Plains maintains Meredith’s principles—one stage, no commercial sponsors, and a crowd for the music, not the scene.

Where Meredith leans eclectic, Golden Plains tends to go deep into the groove: funk, soul, Afrobeat, and old-school house often dominate the lineup.

The sound system is world-class, and the BYO alcohol policy makes it surprisingly affordable once you’re in.

It’s a beautifully stripped-back experience where you can dance, laze under a tree, or do nothing and still feel part of something bigger.

• 2025 Dates: March 8–10, 2025
• Location: Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, VIC
• Tickets: Ballot-only (~$420 weekend pass)

7. Moomba Festival

For Melburnians, Moomba is more than just a festival—it’s a city tradition. First held in 1955, Moomba was created to celebrate civic pride and offer an accessible way for all residents to participate in cultural life.

It has since become Australia’s largest free community festival along the Yarra River every March.

Moomba blends carnival fun with cultural depth. From water skiing championships on the river to the Moomba Parade, birdman rallies, fireworks, and live music stages, it’s a festival that invites everyone—from toddlers to teens to grandparents.

The riverside location offers wide, paved pathways, accessible toilets, and viewing areas for those with mobility needs.

Many central performances feature Auslan interpreters and service animals, who are welcome throughout the festival grounds.

The free concerts draw big-name Australian performers, while the riverside setting makes it ideal for a spontaneous family day out or a laid-back evening picnic with friends.

• 2025 Dates: March 7–10, 2025
• Location: Birrarung Marr and Alexandra Gardens, Melbourne
• Tickets: Free entry; ride and food costs vary

8. Port Fairy Folk Festival

Founded in 1977, the Port Fairy Folk Festival has grown from a small seaside gathering into one of Australia’s most iconic folk and roots music events.

Set in the charming coastal village of Port Fairy, about three and a half hours from Melbourne, the festival is internationally recognised for its warm, inclusive atmosphere and world-class lineup.

The festival stays true to the original spirit of folk music—community, storytelling, and global connections.

Celtic fiddlers, Indigenous Australian performers, Americana bands, and blues guitarists share stages over a long weekend of acoustic brilliance.

It also features songwriting workshops, cultural talks, and family-friendly programming, making it more than just a music event—a cultural immersion.

• 2025 Dates: March 7–10, 2025
• Location: Port Fairy, VIC
• Tickets: Full festival passes start at $210 for adults; family and youth discounts available

9. Rainbow Spirit Festival

Rainbow Spirit Festival began in the late 1990s as a psychedelic gathering rooted in transformational experiences, conscious community, and spiritual expression.

Held in the bushland of Lexton, north-west of Melbourne, it’s a place where music, mindfulness, and alternative living converge.

Expect electronic beats from dusk till dawn and workshops on permaculture, yoga, and healing. It’s an experience that attracts people looking to reconnect—with nature, themselves, and others.

Visual art, performance, and eco-conscious installations are central to the space; everything is built with sustainability in mind.

It’s not your typical festival—it’s a temporary village with its rhythm, and if you’re curious about conscious culture or want to dance barefoot under the stars, there’s no place quite like it.

• 2025 Dates: TBA (Usually late January)
• Location: Lexton, VIC
• Tickets: Early bird usually around $360–$400; prices rise closer to the event

10. Ultra Australia

Ultra Australia has taken the reins as Melbourne’s premier EDM event since its debut in 2018.

It’s the Australian extension of Miami’s iconic Ultra Music Festival, bringing massive international acts and stadium-sized energy to Flemington Racecourse each autumn.

The experience is built for dance music fans—three stages, LED-covered mega-structures, and global DJs who keep the crowd moving for hours.

Think Martin Garrix, Afrojack, Hardwell, and Amelie Lens. It’s also well-organised, offering food courts, water stations, and shaded rest zones for taking a breather.

Ultra stands out not just for its music but for its global prestige. This one is unmissable if you’re into big-room drops, pulsing bass, and epic festival visuals.

• 2025 Date: April 12, 2025
• Location: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
• Tickets: Start from $180 for GA; VIP packages available

11. Rod Laver Arena Concerts

Rod Laver Arena isn’t just home to the Australian Open—it’s one of Melbourne’s most iconic music venues. Throughout 2025, it’s hosting a lineup that reflects the arena’s diversity, with something for every taste and age group.

Here’s what’s on the calendar so far:

• Cyndi Lauper: April 2, 2025 – The farewell tour from the pop icon
• JJ Lin: April 11, 2025 – Singapore’s beloved Mandopop star returns to Melbourne
• Hans Zimmer Live: April 29–30, 2025 – A full orchestra performing cinematic scores
• Katy Perry – The Lifetimes Tour: June 7–14, 2025 – Multiple nights of pop spectacle
• The Offspring – SUPERCHARGED Tour: May 7–8, 2025 – A nostalgic punk-rock explosion
• Gracie Abrams – The Secret of Us Tour: May 9–11, 2025 – Rising star of indie-pop with deeply personal lyrics
• RÜFÜS DU SOL: November 13–15, 2025 – A Melbourne homecoming for the world-touring electronic trio

The arena’s acoustics, accessibility, and central location make it an easy go-to for fans. Rod Laver Arena offers accessible seating, lifts, accessible bathrooms, hearing loop technology, and support for patrons using mobility aids.

Companion card holders are eligible for a complimentary ticket, and accessible parking is available onsite with booking.

Whether seeing a legendary act or discovering a new voice, there’s something magnetic about the Rod Laver experience.

• Location: Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne
• Tickets: Vary by artist; generally $100–$250

12. Marvel Stadium Concerts

Regarding scale, Marvel Stadium is Melbourne’s go-to for the world’s biggest music acts.

With a capacity exceeding 50,000, it’s where spectacle meets sound—ideal for bands that need space to match their presence. For 2025, Marvel is hosting some of the most anticipated concerts of the year.

Two significant highlights stand out:

• Oasis Reunion Tour – October 31, 2025: After years of speculation, the legendary Britpop band reunites for a global tour—and Melbourne scored a date. Expect a sell-out crowd and every word of “Wonderwall” sung by heart.
• Metallica – M72 World Tour – November 8, 2025: A heavy metal milestone. With a rotating stage and immersive visuals, this is more than a concert—it’s a full-scale production that fans across Australia are travelling to see.

Marvel’s retractable roof and state-of-the-art sound systems ensure comfort and clarity no matter the weather. The stadium includes accessible entry points, designated wheelchair seating areas, and accessible toilets throughout the venue.

Hearing augmentation is available upon request, and the venue supports companion cards for eligible guests. It’s a must-visit venue when the most prominent names hit town.

• Location: Docklands, Melbourne
• Tickets: Vary widely; starting from $160, premium packages up to $450+

13. Melbourne International Jazz Festival

Running since 1998, this festival transforms venues across the city into jazz havens.

Expect a mix of local legends, international virtuosos, and experimental soundscapes. Many venues participating in the festival, including major concert halls and city theatres, are wheelchair accessible, with reserved seating options, hearing loops, and companion card acceptance.

It’s an excellent option for those seeking a more relaxed, accessible live music experience.

• Dates: October 17–26, 2025
• Tickets: From $25 for small club shows; complete festival passes also available

14. Melbourne International Arts Festival

Now integrated into the more significant RISING festival, this event expands beyond music—into theatre, dance, installations, and sound.

The music lineup is consistently boundary-pushing, with artists from across the globe showcasing experimental and genre-blending performances in intimate, often surprising spaces.

• Dates: June 4–15, 2025
• Tickets: Vary by show; many free public events

Tips for Festival-Goers in Melbourne

• Book Early—And Smart: Melbourne’s top festivals sell out quickly, especially those using ballot systems like Meredith and Golden Plains. If you miss out, secondary markets can get expensive fast. Plan and mark your calendar when lineups drop.
• Plan Your Transport: Public transport is often your best friend—many festivals near the CBD coordinate with Metro Trains or trams. For regional festivals, carpooling or shuttle bus services are common. Don’t rely on rideshare apps alone after midnight.
• Pack with Purpose: For outdoor or camping festivals, bring sun protection, reusable water bottles, earplugs, and weatherproof clothing. Even summer in Melbourne can turn chilly at night.
• Stay Safe and Respectful: Most Melbourne festivals foster strong community values. Respect others’ space, care for the environment, and follow venue rules. It enhances the experience for everyone.

Takeaway

Melbourne’s music scene isn’t just about sound—it’s about connection. Whether dancing in a crowd at Beyond the Valley, swaying to folk songs by the ocean in Port Fairy, or absorbing a jazz set in a quiet bar, something here speaks to every soul.

As a lifelong Melburnian, I’ve seen how these festivals shape our seasons, streets, and stories. They’re where we come together—families, friends, newcomers, and veterans—to celebrate what makes this city sing.

So pack your bag, grab your tickets, and experience Melbourne’s music as it’s meant to be lived—loud, diverse, and unforgettable.

FAQs

1. What is the biggest music festival in Melbourne?

St Kilda Festival is Australia’s largest free music festival, while Beyond the Valley leads in ticketed multi-day events.

2. Are there any free festivals worth attending?

Absolutely—St Kilda Festival and Moomba Festival offer outstanding entertainment and music free of charge.

3. What’s the best time of year for music festivals in Melbourne?

Summer is peak season (December to March), but winter and spring offer standout events like RISING and the Melbourne Jazz Festival.

4. Can I attend festivals with children?

Yes! Moomba, St Kilda Festival, and Port Fairy Folk Festival are family-friendly, with dedicated children’s areas and activities.

5. How do I get tickets for ballot-only festivals like Meredith?

Please register for the ballot on the official festival website as soon as it’s open. Ballot winners are randomly selected and get early access to purchase tickets.