Events in Melbourne
Festivals, Public Holidays and Events
Melbourne city council offers a variety of free activities and events throughout the year.
Get out there and enjoy.
Summer
December
Christmas in the City
Festivities, 1st - 31st Dec 2024
See Melbourne CBD decorated and lit up for Christmas.
January
Australian Open
Tennis Grand Slam, 14th - 28th Jan 2024
Buy a ticket for a grand-slam match at Rod Laver arena or watch on the big screen at fed square for free.
Mid-Summa Carnival
Event, 21 January 2024
A LGBTQIA+ cultural festival on the banks of the Yarra River.
Australia Day
Public Holiday, 26th Jan 2024
Controversial public holiday to mark the day that the first British fleet arrived in Australia.
February
Lunar New Year
Celebration, 10th Feb 2024
There are numerous events taking place throughout the CBD to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
St Kilda Festival
Music Festival, 17th & 18th Feb 2024
Enjoy this free two day music festival at St Kilda Beach. Food and drinks stalls provided.
Afro Caribbean Festival
Music Festival, 17th Feb 2024
Evening music and cultural festival held at Federation Square.
Autumn
March
Moomba
Event, 7th - 11th March
The largest annual free festival in Melbourne is a spectacular, colourful celebration of dance and community.
Grand Prix
Grand Prix Race, 21st - 24th March 2024
Held in Albert park this annual event surely will not dissappoint motor enthusiasts.
April
Anzac Day
Remembrance, 25th April 2024
Remembrance day for those who served in a war.
Winter
June
White Night
Event, 1 June 2024
A night of illumunations and projections onto the main buildings. This festival used to be held in Melbourne CBD but has now moved to Ballarat.
July
Firelight festival
Event, 30th June - 2nd July 2024
This epic winter festival is held annually at docklands.
European food festival
Food Stalls, Fridays in July 2024
Night market with food stalls, entertainers and comedians.
Spring
November
Melbourne cup
Public Holiday, 5th November 2024
Get dressed up for the Melbourne Cup, an annual horse race held at Flemington Racecourse, just a short train ride from Melbourne CBD.