The home of Australia’s colourful arts and culture scene, it’s no surprise that Melbourne has dozens of festivals throughout the year that are well worth checking out.

If you are planning a visit to the city and are determining when to travel, check out some of the key events in Melbourne taking place over the next year.

April 2025

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

When is it? 26 Mar – 20 Apr
Where is it? 100+ venues across Melbourne

Keeping Victoria laughing since 1987, the Melbourne International Comedy festival hs become one of the largest in the world. With more than 700 shows to attend, with Australian and international stand-ups gracing the city’s stages there’s something here for everyone. Kid-friendly shows, sketch comedy, cabarets, films and circus acts are just some of the things you can expect from the 2025 festival.

Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition

When is it? 18-28 April
Where is it? Bells Beach

Dubbed Australia’s best beach by Lonely Planet, Bells Beach has become somewhat of a surfing mecca in the country. So it’s no wonder that the prime location at the beginning of Great Ocean Road is home to international surfing. Whether you’re passing through the town of Torquay on a coastal road trip or are coming specifically to watch the pros at work, it’s well worth the visit.

Yayoi Kusama

When is it? Until 21 April
Where is it? NGV International

“Intagram’s favourite artist” (The Guardian), “unmissable” (The Age) and a “startled joy of sacred experiences” (ABC) are just some of the ways Yayoi Kusama’s work has been described, and each of them ring true. The whimsical Japanese artists’ pieces are certainly unique, colourful and fascinating. Whether you’re a child or pushing close to being a centenarian like the 95 artist herself, it’s oo wonder it’s become the best selling NGV exhibition ever.

May 2025

Hawker 88 Night Markets

When is it? Wednesdays from 5pm until 10pm, 9 April – 7 May
Where is it? Queen Victoria Markets

Indulge in international delights every Wednesday night when dozens of food stalls set up shop in the iconic Queen Victoria Markets.

June 2025

Rising Art Festival

When is it? 4-15 June
Where is it? 29 venues across Melbourne

A festival of new art, music and performance, Rising features a combination of free and paid events that will immerse you in the city’s rising modern arts scene. Returning for its fourth year, the festival attracts plenty of local talent and international names like Suki Waterhouse and Japanese Breakfast to Melbourne’s stages.

Oz Comic-Con Melbourne

When is it? 7-8 June

Where is it? Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Dubbed Australia’s Ultimate Pop Culture Convention, Oz Comic-Con makes the rounds of major cities across the country, and swings by Melbourne in early June. Featuring writers and illustrators from Cyanide & Happiness, The Simpsons and cult Netflix hit Rick and Morty, the event attracts pretty big names in the comic book, fantasy and animation space.

July 2025

Sake Festival

When is it? 5-6 July
Where is it? Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Did you know there are hundreds of varieties of sake? Take up the chance to taste the unique rice-based beverage, along with Japanese food, performances and products over the two-day festival celebrating all things sake.

Indian Festival Melbourne

When is it? 20 July
Where is it? Queen Victoria Markets

Warm up this winter with a one-day festival packed with spicy eats, toasty cups of chai, colourful performances and immersive experiences. The vibrant annual festival celebrates all things India, giving locals and expats alike a taste of the dynamic South Asian country.

British and Irish Lions rugby games

When is it? 22 and 26 July
Where is it? Marvel Stadium and Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

Two games in the much-anticipated series take place in Melbourne in July, when the Lions take on the Melbourne Rebels on 22 July and the Wallabies on 26 July.

August 2025

Melbourne International Film Festival

When is it? 7-24 August
Where is it? Various venues in Melbourne

The annual independent and not-for-profit film festival returns for the 73rd year bringing Australian filmmakers’ and international storytellers’ works to screens across Melbourne. While the 2025 program hasn’t been released yet, MIFF usually features about 300 films so we’re sure there will be something for everyone.

St Kilda Spirits Festival

When is it? 15-17 August
Where is it? St Kilda Town Hall

Gin lover, rum fan or whisky connoisseur? The St Kilda Spirits Festival may just be where you’ll discover your next favourite tipple. Thirty Australian and international distillers are joining forces for the event where you’ll be able to sample to your heart’s content, with complimentary tastings, mixers from Long Rays, a tasting glass and a complimentary tote bag to carry any bottles you decide to purchase.

September 2025

Melbourne Royal Show

When is it? 25 September – 5 October
Where is it? Melbourne Showgrounds

For more than 150 years, the Melbourne Royal Show has brought a touch of country life into the city and is showing no signs of slowing down. Surround yourself with adorable farm animals, watch the talented dog show, check out arts and crafts and, of course, grab a show bag or two at the 2025 event.

AFL Grand Final

When is it? 27 September
Where is it? Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

Held annually on the last Saturday in September, the AFL Grand Final is one of the country’s biggest sport events. The day before is a public holiday in Victoria, too, so the perfect excuse to spend a long weekend in the city or, if you’re not a sports fan, to go explore the state on a weekend getaway.

October 2025

Melbourne Fringe

When is it? 30 September - 19 October
Where is it? Various venues in Melbourne

From quirky and clever to weird and wild, Melbourne Fringe features plenty of curious acts and theatrical performances. With more than 450 performances taking place in the festival, the event has become quite the spectacle shining the spotlight on acts that sit, well, on the fringes.

Oktoberfest In The Gardens

When is it? 12 October
Where is it? Catani Gardens, St Kilda

Packed with German beer, food and fun, Oktoberfest In The Gardens gives you a small taste of being in Bavaria for the world-famous festival without even leaving Melbourne. The carnival-style event will have live music, German-style beer haul tents roving performers, and even rides.

November 2025

Melbourne Cup

When is it? 4 November
Where is it? Flemington Racecourse

The country's most infamous horse race takes place the first Tuesday of every November, and has much more than just prized thoroughbreds on show. An excuse to dress up, have some champagne and canapés and take the day off work, Melbourne Cup is celebrated both on and off the track. While horse racing isn't for everyone, the event is a public holiday in Victoria so if you don't want to watch the race, we get it! There's plenty of other things to do in Melbourne that day.

December 2025

Christmas Markets

When is it? Throughout the month
Where is it? Various locations across Melbourne

Local neighbourhoods and big city players all get in on the holiday magic in Melbourne, with a host of Christmas markets due to pop up around the city in December 2025. While stalls and food items will be a bit different at each, you can expect some Christmas cheer at each and every one.

Some of the exact dates for 2025 are still to be confirmed, but a few popular ones that were held in 2024 include:

District Docklands Christmas Markets (TBC)

Port Melbourne Christmas Markets (TBC)

Boho Luxe Christmas Market (TBC)

Good Food and Wine Show Christmas Markets (5-7 December, 2025)

January 2026

Australian Open

When is it? 12 January - 1 February
Where is it? Melbourne Park

Once the fireworks have settled down on the new year, it's time the sports calendar to start off with a bang. Some of the biggest names in tennis roll into town for the Australian Open every January. It's the first of the year's Grand Slam tournaments and the energy levels are high.

February 2026

Lunar New Year

When is it? 17 February
Where it is? Chinatown

While the 2026 event details haven't been released yet, every year Little Bourke Street in Chinatown comes alive with performances, lion dances, Asian eats and more for the annual Lunar New Year festival.

March 2026

Melbourne Grand Prix Formula 1 race

When is it? 12-15 March, 2026

Where is it? Albert Park

Move over Melbourne Cup, the Formula 1 is quickly becoming one of the Melbourne's favourite races. Taking place annually in March, the Melbourne Grand Prix has been running laps around Albert Park since 1996 and attracts racegoers from all over the country.

Looking for accommodation in Melbourne, or more things to do, like day trips or pre-booking attractions tickets? We're here to help. We have hundreds of Melbourne hotels, day tours and more in the city to keep you busy all year long. Book your flight ticket now, only on Traveloka!