There’s something truly special about Melbourne’s festival scene. As a local, I’ve spent years exploring the city’s diverse celebrations, from music and comedy to food, culture, and sports.
Whether dancing at St Kilda Festival, tasting gourmet delights at the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, or watching my kids wonder at the Moomba Parade, each event offers a unique experience.
If you’re looking for a month-by-month guide to Melbourne’s biggest and best festivals, you’re in the right place!
Contents
- 1 January Festivals in Melbourne
- 2 February Festivals in Melbourne
- 3 March Festivals in Melbourne
- 4 April Festivals in Melbourne
- 5 May Festivals in Melbourne
- 6 June Festivals in Melbourne
- 7 July Festivals in Melbourne
- 8 August Festivals in Melbourne
- 9 September Festivals in Melbourne
- 10 October Festivals in Melbourne
- 11 November Festivals in Melbourne
- 12 December Festivals in Melbourne
January Festivals in Melbourne
Let Them Eat Cake Festival
📍 Location: Werribee Mansion
📅 Date: January 1st
Let Them Eat Cake is Melbourne’s answer to an artsy, boutique electronic festival, kicking off the year in style and beats. Held at the stunning Werribee Mansion, it combines cutting-edge electronic music with art installations, gourmet food, and a laid-back summer atmosphere.
I went a few years ago, and even though my current New Year’s Day is more about family picnics than all-day dancing, I still recommend it for music lovers looking for an intimate and visually stunning festival experience.
- Official Website: https://ltecnyd.com/
- Entry Fees: Ticket prices vary depending on release phases and package options.
- How to Book Tickets: Tickets can be purchased through the official website or authorised ticketing partners.
Midsumma Festival
📍 Location: Various venues across Melbourne
📅 Dates: 19th Jan – 9 Feb 2025
Melbourne’s Midsumma Festival is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture, featuring art exhibitions, theatre performances, live music, and the legendary Pride March in St Kilda. The atmosphere is electric, and the supportive, joyful energy of the crowd is something I look forward to every year.
My kids love the bright costumes and parade floats, and as a family, we always make time to cheer on the marchers and soak up the festivities.
- Official Website: https://www.midsumma.org.au/
- Entry Fees: Many events are free; ticketed events vary in price.
- How to Book Tickets: Tickets can be purchased via the official website or at event venues.
Australian Open Festival
📍 Location: Melbourne Park & Federation Square
📅 Dates: 12 to 26 January 2025
The Australian Open is not just about tennis—it’s an entire festival experience. Even if you don’t have a ticket to Rod Laver Arena, you can still catch the action at Federation Square, where giant screens, pop-up bars, and food trucks create a buzzing atmosphere.
My kids love AO Ballpark, where they can try mini tennis, tackle obstacle courses, and meet their favourite players. And for those balmy summer nights? Watching a match under the city lights with an icy Aperol Spritz is my perfect Melbourne evening.
- Official Website: https://ausopen.com/aolive
- Entry Fees: Varies by event and seating; some public areas are free.
- How to Book Tickets: Tickets are available through the official Australian Open website and authorised ticketing agencies.
Lunar New Year Festival
📍 Location: Chinatown & Various Locations
📅 Date: 29th January 2025
The Lunar New Year Festival is one of Melbourne’s most visually stunning and culturally rich celebrations. The city bursts into life with lion dances, fireworks, and endless food stalls serving dumplings, noodles, and traditional Chinese delicacies.
Our family has a tradition—dumplings at Hutong Dumpling Bar, followed by watching the dragon parade weave through Chinatown. The firecrackers and drum beats make it impossible not to get caught up in the excitement!
- Official Website: https://chinatownmelbourne.com.au/
- Entry Fees: Free event.
- How to Book Tickets: No tickets are required; they are open to the public.
February Festivals in Melbourne
St Kilda Festival
📍 Location: St Kilda Beach
📅 Date: 15th Feb – 16th Feb 2025
St Kilda Festival is Australia’s biggest free music festival, turning the St Kilda foreshore into a lively, sun-soaked party. Every year, we pack a picnic, head down early, and spend the day hopping between live music stages, food trucks, and beachside activities.
The sunset concerts with Melbourne’s skyline in the background are a highlight, and if you’re bringing kids, the family-friendly zone has plenty of activities to keep them entertained. Bring sunscreen and a fold-out chair if you want a good spot!
- Official Website: https://www.stkildafestival.com.au/
- Entry Fees: Free event.
- How to Book Tickets: No tickets are required; they are open to the public.
March Festivals in Melbourne
Moomba Festival
📍 Location: Birrarung Marr & Melbourne CBD
📅 Date: 6th March – 10th March 2025 (Labour Day Weekend)
If there’s one festival that screams Melbourne, it’s the Moomba festival. This free, family-friendly event has been part of the city’s culture for decades, bringing carnival rides, fireworks over the Yarra River, and the famous Moomba Parade.
The Birdman Rally, where competitors attempt to “fly” across the river with homemade contraptions, is an absolute must-see—it’s equal parts hilarious and impressive! Every year, my kids beg to go on the giant Ferris wheel, and we always grab hot jam doughnuts from the food stalls. It’s pure, nostalgic, and fun in Melbourne.
Official Website: https://moomba.melbourne.vic.gov.au/
Entry Fees: Free event.
How to Book Tickets: No tickets are required; they are open to the public.
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
📍 Location: Various locations across Melbourne
📅 Dates: 21st to 30th March 2025
The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is heaven on a plate for food lovers. From exclusive dining experiences to hands-on cooking workshops, this festival celebrates the city’s world-class culinary scene.
I was lucky enough to attend the World’s Longest Lunch once, where hundreds of diners sit at an elegantly set outdoor table for a multi-course feast.
It was a foodie’s dream, with beautifully paired wines and dishes created by Melbourne’s top chefs. If you love great food and a bit of indulgence, this festival should be at the top of your list!
- Official Website: https://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/
- Entry Fees: Varies by event; some free, others ticketed.
- How to Book Tickets: Tickets can be purchased through the official website.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
📍 Location: Various theatres and venues across Melbourne
📅 Dates: 26th March – 20th April 2025
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) is the place for non-stop laughter. Comedians worldwide take over theatres, bars, and even unexpected venues like Melbourne Town Hall and small comedy clubs.
My husband and I have a tradition—we pick a mystery show, where we buy tickets without knowing much about the performers. Some have been side-splittingly hilarious, others… well, let’s say it’s part of the adventure! If you need a good laugh, this festival delivers.
- Official Website: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/
- Entry Fees: Varies by show; some free performances.
- How to Book Tickets: Tickets are available via the official website and at venues.
April Festivals in Melbourne
Melbourne Queer Film Festival
📍 Location: ACMI & Various Cinemas
📅 Dates: Early to Mid-April
There’s something special about watching a film that tells an important story, and the Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF) does just that.
As Australia’s longest-running LGBTQIA+ film festival, it showcases groundbreaking local and international films, from heartfelt dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies.
A few years ago, I attended a documentary screening that left the audience in tears, laughter, and deep reflection—precisely what great cinema should do. If you’re a film lover, this festival is a must.
- Official Website: https://mqff.com.au/
- Entry Fees: Varies by screening and event.
- How to Book Tickets: Tickets can be purchased through the official website.
Good Beer Week
📍 Location: Pubs & Breweries Across Melbourne
📅 Dates: Late April
If you love craft beer, you’ll feel at home at Good Beer Week—a festival where Melbourne’s best breweries, bars, and pubs come together to host beer tastings, masterclasses, and food pairings.
I’m not the biggest beer drinker myself, but my husband is, and he insists on dragging me along every year.
The best part? Regarding the beer and cheese pairing events, I might not be a beer connoisseur, but I’ll never say no to good cheese!
- Official Website: https://www.goodbeerweek.com.au/
- Entry Fees: Varies by event; some free, others ticketed.
- How to Book Tickets: Tickets are available through the official website.
May Festivals in Melbourne
Melbourne Knowledge Week
📍 Location: Various venues across Melbourne
📅 Dates: Early May
Melbourne Knowledge Week is an absolute hidden gem if you’re curious about the future. This festival explores science, technology, design, and innovation, featuring futuristic exhibits, thought-provoking talks, and interactive workshops.
I once attended a virtual reality storytelling session, and it was mind-blowing—I felt like I had stepped into an entirely different world. Whether you’re into AI, sustainability, or creative industries, this festival is a playground for curious minds.
- Entry Fees: Varies by event; many are free.
June Festivals in Melbourne
RISING Festival
📍 Location: Various locations across Melbourne
📅 Dates: 4th June – 15th June 2025
RISING is one of Melbourne’s most visually stunning festivals, blending art, music, performance, and light installations into one breathtaking experience. It’s an after-dark event where hidden laneways, the Yarra River, and city rooftops become a canvas for immersive art and storytelling.
Last year, I wandered through a glowing forest installation at Birrarung Marr, and it felt like I had stepped into a dreamlike parallel universe. RISING is one of those magical, only-in-Melbourne experiences.
Official Website: https://rising.melbourne/
Entry Fees: Varies by event; some free, others ticketed.
How to Book Tickets: Tickets are available through the official website.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival
📍 Location: Various venues, including Hamer Hall & Jazz Clubs
📅 Dates: Early to Mid-June
As the temperature drops, Melbourne’s jazz scene heats up. The Melbourne International Jazz Festival brings together world-renowned jazz artists, emerging musicians, and soulful performances in theatres, jazz clubs, and even unexpected locations like laneways and rooftops.
One year, I stumbled upon an intimate late-night jazz gig in a cosy little bar—dim lighting, smooth saxophone sounds, and a glass of red wine in hand—pure magic.
Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or a casual listener, this festival is the perfect way to warm up winter nights.
- Official Website: https://www.melbournejazz.com/
- Entry Fees: Varies by event; some free, others ticketed.
- How to Book Tickets: Tickets can be purchased via the official website.
July Festivals in Melbourne
Firelight Festival
📍 Location: Docklands
📅 Dates: Late July
Winter in Melbourne can be chilly, but the Firelight Festival is the perfect way to warm up. The Docklands waterfront transforms into a glowing wonderland with towering bonfires, fire performances, and dazzling light displays. The best part? During this festival, my family and I consume roasted marshmallows and mulled wine in dangerous amounts.
One of my favorite moments was watching fire twirlers perform against the backdrop of Melbourne’s skyline—it felt like stepping into a medieval fire festival right in the city’s heart. If you love cosy winter vibes, this is a must-visit event.
- Official Website: https://firelight.melbourne.vic.gov.au/
- Entry Fees: Free event.
- How to Book Tickets: No tickets are required; they are open to the public.
August Festivals in Melbourne
Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF)
📍 Location: ACMI, The Capitol, & Various Cinemas
📅 Dates: 7th – 24th August 2025
Cold winter nights in Melbourne are perfect for snuggling into a cinema seat with a bucket of popcorn, and there’s no better time for movie lovers than the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF).
This legendary festival is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious film festivals, showcasing hundreds of films, from indie gems to international blockbusters.
A few years ago, I attended a mystery screening—where you don’t know what you’re watching until the movie starts—and discovered a hidden indie masterpiece that became one of my favourites.
MIFF always brings surprises and is a fantastic way to experience global cinema in Melbourne.
- Official Website: https://miff.com.au/
Entry Fees: Varies by screening and event. - How to Book Tickets: Tickets can be purchased via the official website.
Melbourne Writers Festival
📍 Location: Wheeler Centre & Various Literary Spaces
📅 Dates: Mid-August
There’s something magical about being in a room full of book lovers, discussing stories, ideas, and the power of words.
The Melbourne Writers Festival is a dream for readers, aspiring authors, and literary enthusiasts, bringing together renowned international and Australian writers for talks, panels, and workshops.
One of my best experiences here was attending a live storytelling event, where authors read their essays and memoirs aloud—I was hanging onto every word. Whether you love fiction, poetry, or journalism, this festival is an inspiration overload.
- Official Website: https://mwf.com.au/
- Entry Fees: Varies by event; some free.
- How to Book Tickets: Tickets are available through the official website.
Melbourne International Games Week
📍 Location: Melbourne Convention Centre & Various Venues
📅 Dates: Late August to Early September
Melbourne’s gaming culture is vast, and Melbourne International Games Week is proof of that. This week-long festival brings together gamers, developers, and eSports fans, featuring everything from indie game showcases to massive gaming tournaments.
I tagged along with a friend to PAX Australia, one of the biggest gaming expos, and even though I’m not a hardcore gamer, I had an absolute blast trying VR experiences and watching people battle it out in eSports competitions. If you or your kids love video games, technology, or geek culture, this festival is a playground of fun.
Official Website: https://gamesweek.melbourne/
Entry Fees: Varies by event; some free, others ticketed.
How to Book Tickets: Tickets can be purchased via the official website.
September Festivals in Melbourne
Emerging Writers’ Festival
📍 Location: Wheeler Centre & Various Literary Spaces
📅 Dates: 11-18th September 2025
The Emerging Writers’ Festival is a goldmine of inspiration for book lovers and aspiring writers.
It’s a place where up-and-coming authors, poets, and journalists share their work, host creative writing workshops, and discuss the future of storytelling.
As someone who loves to scribble down thoughts in a journal, I’ve found this festival incredibly inspiring—whether it’s a spoken-word poetry session or an intimate Q&A with a first-time novelist, it always leaves me itching to write more.
- Official Website: https://emergingwritersfestival.org.au/
- Entry Fees: Varies by event; some free.
- How to Book Tickets: Tickets are available through the official website.
Melbourne Fringe Festival
📍 Location: Various venues, including North Melbourne Town Hall & The Butterfly Club
📅 Dates: Mid to Late September
If you love independent and experimental arts, the Melbourne Fringe Festival is where creativity runs wild.
This festival allows emerging artists to showcase unique performances, including theatre, comedy, cabaret, and interactive installations.
One year, I saw a one-person play performed in a tiny café, and it was one of the most intense, intimate, and unforgettable theatre experiences I’ve ever had.
What is the best part of Fringe? You never know what you’ll get—it could be a bizarre comedy, a profoundly moving drama, or something completely unexpected. This festival is necessary if you love supporting independent artists and fresh talent.
Official Website: https://melbournefringe.com.au/
Entry Fees: Varies by event; some free.
How to Book Tickets: Tickets are available through the official website.
AFL Grand Final Week
📍 Location: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) & Federation Square
📅 Dates: Last week of September
If there’s one thing Melbourne takes seriously, it’s Aussie Rules Football (AFL)—and Grand Final Week is the ultimate celebration of the sport. The city gets swept up in footy fever, with parades, live entertainment, and fan zones leading up to the AFL Grand Final at the MCG.
Even if you’re not a die-hard footy fan, the energy in Melbourne during this week is infectious. I’ll never forget when I joined thousands of fans in Federation Square, watching the game on the giant screen, surrounded by people cheering, groaning, and celebrating together. It’s an authentic Melbourne experience, whether you watch the game live or soak up the atmosphere.
- Official Website: https://www.afl.com.au/
- Entry Fees: Varies by event; Grand Final tickets are premium-priced.
- How to Book Tickets: Tickets can be purchased through the official AFL website and authorised ticketing agencies.
October Festivals in Melbourne
Melbourne International Arts Festival
📍 Location: Various theatres, galleries, and outdoor spaces
📅 Dates: Early to Mid-October
Thanks to the Melbourne International Arts Festival, October in Melbourne is a dream for art lovers. This festival combines world-class theatre, dance, music, and visual arts, transforming the city into an artistic wonderland.
One year, I went to a free outdoor performance in Federation Square, where a troupe of dancers performed against a giant digital projection on the big screen—it was mesmerising.
Whether you’re into avant-garde theatre, immersive installations, or powerful live music, this festival is a cultural highlight of the year.
- Official Website: https://rising.melbourne/
- Entry Fees: Varies by event; some are free, while others are ticketed.
- How to Book Tickets: Tickets can be purchased through the RISING Festival’s official website
PAX Australia (Part of Melbourne International Games Week)
📍 Location: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
📅 Dates: Mid-October
While Melbourne International Games Week technically starts in late September, PAX Australia, the biggest gaming convention in the Southern Hemisphere, takes place in October.
This event is a paradise for gamers, featuring new game launches, live eSports tournaments, cosplay competitions, and developer panels.
I’m not a huge gamer, but when I tagged along with a friend, I was blown away by the creativity—especially the cosplay!
Seeing people dressed as their favourite characters with incredible detail was like stepping into a real-life fantasy world. If you love gaming or want to experience something unusual, PAX is worth checking out.
- Official Website: https://aus.paxsite.com/
- Entry Fees: Varies by badge type; for example, a 3-Day Badge is priced at $85, while individual day badges (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) are $40 each.
- How to Book Tickets: Tickets can be purchased through the official PAX Australia website.
November Festivals in Melbourne
Melbourne Cup Carnival
📍 Location: Flemington Racecourse
📅 Dates: First Tuesday of November (with events throughout the week)
The Melbourne Cup Carnival is not just a horse race—it’s a cultural event that stops the nation.
From the fashion-forward Derby Day to the high-stakes Melbourne Cup race, this festival is about glamour, excitement, and tradition.
I’m not much of a betting person, but I’ll admit—I love fashion! One year, my friends and I decided to go all out, dressing up for Fashions on the Field.
Even though we didn’t win, the experience of dressing to the nines, sipping champagne, and soaking in the electric atmosphere made it unforgettable.
- Official Website: https://www.vrc.com.au/melbourne-cup-carnival/
- Entry Fees: Varies by event and seating; general admission and reserved grandstand tickets are available.
- How to Book Tickets: Tickets can be purchased through the official website or authorised ticketing partners.
Melbourne Music Week (MMW)
📍 Location: Various venues across the city
📅 Dates: Mid to Late November
For music lovers, November means one thing—Melbourne Music Week. This festival takes over the city’s historic buildings, laneways, and underground spaces, transforming them into pop-up concert venues. Expect everything from rock gigs in old churches to electronic DJ sets in hidden basements.
One year, I stumbled upon a secret rooftop performance that wasn’t even listed in the official program—just a word-of-mouth event. This kind of spontaneity and discovery makes MMW so uniquely Melbourne.
- Official Website: Melbourne Music Week
- Entry Fees: Varies by event; some are free, while others are ticketed.
- How to Book Tickets: Tickets can be purchased through the official website or at event venues.
December Festivals in Melbourne
Melbourne Christmas Festival
📍 Location: Melbourne CBD
📅 Dates: All December
Melbourne transforms into a festive wonderland in December, with the Melbourne Christmas Festival bringing twinkling lights, giant Christmas trees, and holiday markets to life.
The Christmas projections on Melbourne Town Hall are a must-see, and my kids love Santa’s Village at Federation Square.
We have a family tradition of walking down Bourke Street at night to admire the Myer Christmas Windows, then grabbing hot chocolate at Brunetti’s. No matter how old you are, Melbourne at Christmas is pure magic.
- Entry Fees: Most events are free; specific activities may have associated costs.
- How to Book Tickets: Generally, no tickets are required for public events;
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
📍Location: Various locations (Best views from the Yarra River & Southbank)
📅 Date: December 31st
Melbourne knows how to ring in the New Year! The city’s skyline lights up with incredible fireworks displays, and the atmosphere is electric.
One of my best New Year’s Eve memories was watching the fireworks from a rooftop bar in Southbank—the reflections on the Yarra River made it even more stunning.
Whether you choose a big party, a family-friendly viewing spot, or a quiet picnic by the river, Melbourne’s NYE celebrations never disappoint.
- Entry Fees: Free public event.
- How to Book Tickets: No tickets are required for public viewing areas; some venues may offer special packages or events that require booking.
Takeaway
Melbourne’s festival calendar is one of the best in the world, offering something for everyone all year round. Whether you’re into arts, music, food, culture, or sports, there’s always a new experience waiting.
