Melbourne
A vibrant cultural center in the land “Down Under,” Melbourne, Australia will entice you with its aromatic cafés, lush nature parks, immersive museums, and dedication to the arts.
Situated on the southern coast of the Australian continent, the warm sands and turquoise waters of Brighton Beach, which hugs Port Phillip Bay, invites you to relax and sunbathe. An array of colorful and vintage bathing boxes lines the shore and makes for a vivid photo op. North of Brighton Beach, St. Kilda Beach has amusements galore, including the iconic wooden coaster of Luna Park and an amazing view of the sunsets on St. Kilda Pier. Head to the pier’s breakwater to catch a glimpse of some St. Kilda penguins, who frequent its sturdy rocks at night.
The many diversions of the city center are guaranteed to entertain and delight! From the bustling Queen Victoria market, filled with delectable baked goods, fresh fruits and veggies, and unique souvenirs, to the stunning National Gallery of Victoria, whose thousands of distinct art pieces are illuminated by the glow of a stained-glass ceiling, Melbourne is a cultural and recreational haven. Stroll through quaint boutiques within the Block Arcade, learn about the city’s love of cricket at the National Sports Museum in the Melbourne Cricket Ground arena, or immerse yourself in the educational exhibits at the ever-popular Scienceworks Museum.
Melbourne’s natural beauty will astound and enchant you. Make a quick trip east of Melbourne to explore Yarra Valley, which offers dozens of wineries and rich Australian wines to sample. Steps from the city center, the Royal Botanic Garden encompasses an almost hundred-acre park filled with native flora and is a great spot to unwind after a long day of exploration. Follow the coastline west to find resplendent waterfalls and national parks, including the Great Otway National Park and Port Campbell National Park, where hiking, canoeing, and a whole host of outdoor activities await.
Melbourne is the perfect metropolitan hub for many Australian adventures!
Learn More About Melbourne
Flinders Street Railway Station
This domed railway station spans two city blocks and opened in 1854.
National Gallery of Victoria
Known as NGV, this is the country's biggest and most popular art museum.
Queen Victoria Market
This historic landmark and tourist draw is the Southern Hemisphere's biggest open-air marketplace. Queen Victoria Market's stalls and shops sell produce, meat, seafood and goods from around the world.
Alphington Farmers Market
From 10/12/2025 - 12/26/2027
Alphington Farmers Market, a vibrant initiative, has transformed former council offices and a barren concrete landscape into a bustling community hub. Attendees can expect a productive meeting place teeming with fresh produce and a lively local atmosphere.
Melbourne’s Premier Magic Show
From 10/31/2025 - 3/27/2026
Prepare to be amazed by master magician Luke Hocking as he performs mind-blowing magic and illusions right before your eyes. Set in lavish and intimate surroundings, this top-ranked show on TripAdvisor promises an unforgettable experience of distinction.
Summer Night Market (Summer Series)
From 11/19/2025 - 3/11/2026
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Melbourne's Summer Night Market, complete with live music, roving performers, and DJ sets. It's the perfect midweek destination for those seeking high-energy entertainment and golden-hour grooves.
Yehonatan Koenig: In-Coherence Exhibition
From 2/10/2026 - 3/5/2026
Yehonatan Koenig's first Australian solo exhibition, in-Coherence, promises an intellectual and artistic exploration of perception, featuring works that embody the artist's journey through the unseen structures of perception. Using mediums such as ink, thread, light, and code, Koenig creates intricate surfaces that balance between order and entropy, inviting attendees to engage with the art and enter a space where cognition falters, and wonder begins.
Eltham Jazz, Food, and Wine Festival
From 2/27/2026 - 2/28/2026
The Eltham Jazz, Food, and Wine Festival is a two-day extravaganza, featuring over 15 bands spanning genres like jazz, blues, soul, funk, and rock. Attendees can indulge in a variety of local food, wine, gin, and beer from various stalls, as well as enjoy offerings from the area's cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Prosecco Festival
On 2/28/2026
The ninth annual Prosecco festival promises an exciting opportunity to taste over 50 different Proseccos from both Italian and local producers, meet the winemakers and importers, and enjoy award-winning craft beer. The event also features delicious food offerings from various vendors, a Prosecco and Spritz Bar, and a lively atmosphere set to the tune of great music.
Antipodes Festival
From 2/28/2026 - 3/1/2026
The Antipodes Festival is a vibrant celebration of Greek culture, featuring a lively mix of music, dance, food, and art. Attendees can expect an array of performances by local and international artists, traditional dance groups, cooking demonstrations, market stalls, and family-friendly activities.
The Hidden World of Graeme Base Exhibition
From 2/28/2026 - 3/22/2026
The Hidden World of Graeme Base is an exhibition showcasing unpublished drawings and sketches from the renowned author and illustrator, Graeme Base, with the unique opportunity to purchase these original works. The event will also feature a book signing by Base himself, a chance to buy some of his books, and offer a rare insight into his creative process, revealing long-hidden drawings and doodles for the first time.
Holi Festival
From 2/28/2026 - 3/1/2026
Experience the vibrant celebration of Holi over two exhilarating days and nights. This event offers a rich cultural immersion with live music, DJs, dancing, and an array of food and drinks, all amidst a riot of colors.
Taylor Acorn
On 3/1/2026
Taylor Acorn is a singer-songwriter blending pop-punk energy with country and pop influences. Her emotionally raw lyrics and catchy melodies have found a passionate fanbase online and beyond. With a style that's both nostalgic and fresh, she’s carving out a space all her own in today’s music landscape.
Willie Watson
On 3/4/2026
Willie Watson is an American singer-songwriter, banjo player, guitar player, and founding member of Old Crow Medicine Show. He released his debut solo album titled Folk Singer Vol 1 in May 2014. He followed that up with Folksinger, Vol 2 in September 2017 under Acony Records.
Moomba Festival
From 3/5/2026 - 3/9/2026
The Moomba Festival in Melbourne, Australia, is a lively celebration that draws in over a million attendees each year. This vibrant event features a colorful parade, thrilling water sports competitions on the Yarra River, live music performances, and a spectacular fireworks display, making it a must-visit for those seeking a fun-filled experience in March.
The Big Vinyl Dig
On 3/7/2026
Melbourne's longest-running record fair returns in 2026, boasting an impressive collection of 50,000 new and used LPs, CDs, and 45s. Attendees can look forward to exploring a unique range of quality vendors, each offering a treasure trove of musical gems.
Rolling Loud Melbourne
On 3/8/2026
Rolling Loud Australia brings the world’s largest hip-hop festival to local shores, featuring a powerhouse lineup of international and local artists. It’s a must-attend event for hip-hop fans craving electrifying performances and unmatched energy.
Iron & Wine
On 3/10/2026
Samuel Beam, professionally known by the alias Iron & Wine, is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from South Carolina. With singles like "Naked As We Came" and albums like Kiss Each Other Clean peaking at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, he has gained over three million monthly listeners on Spotify.
BADBADNOTGOOD
On 3/11/2026
The genre-defying talents of the Toronto-based jazz ensemble, BADBADNOTGOOD, weaves together alternative hip-hop, '70s soul jazz, and experimental electronica. Experience their award-winning sounds as they take the stage.
Steve Poltz
On 3/12/2026
Steve Poltz is a singer-songwriter and storyteller known for his eclectic blend of folk, rock, and humor-infused songwriting. A founding member of The Rugburns, he gained wider recognition for co-writing You Were Meant for Me with Jewel. With his quirky personality, engaging live performances, and deeply personal yet witty songwriting, he has built a devoted fan base across multiple genres.
MJ The Musical
On 3/13/2026
Experience the magic of MJ: The Musical as it takes the stage in a dazzling display of music, dance, and nostalgia. Enjoy a night of entertainment and celebration as you pay tribute to the legendary King of Pop.
Reworked Denim
On 3/14/2026
This practical sewing workshop offers a unique opportunity to repurpose old jeans into a functional side bag or purse using simple hand-sewing techniques. Attendees, regardless of their sewing experience, will also learn how to individualize their creations with embellishments like embroidery, sashiko, or haberdashery items.
The Great Gatsby
On 3/18/2026
The upcoming premiere promises a fresh take on F. Scott Fitzgerald's timeless classic, The Great Gatsby, complete with a unique blend of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, James P. Johnson's The Charleston, and new works by Dominic Cabusi and Oscar-winning Jason Fernandez. Attendees can anticipate a fusion of ballet, tap, and jazz from world-class dancers, breathtaking choreography, dazzling costumes, towering sets, and all the glitz and glamour of one of the greatest stories ever told.
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
From 3/20/2026 - 3/29/2026
Indulge your taste buds at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, a culinary extravaganza celebrating Australia's diverse gastronomic scene. With over 200 events scattered throughout the city, attendees can savor exquisite dishes, fine wines, and artisanal creations from renowned chefs and producers. Anticipated by over 250,000 food enthusiasts, this festival offers an unforgettable experience filled with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and immersive dining experiences.
Ink and Drink
On 3/20/2026
Dive into the colorful realm of tattoo artistry where skilled professionals guide attendees in practicing on synthetic skin, ensuring a stress-free environment that encourages creativity and enjoyment. Whether a novice or an enthusiast, this event promises a unique experience of learning, socializing, and artistic expression, complete with a workshop, sparkling wine, and light bites.
Eivør
On 3/20/2026
Eivør Pálsdóttir is a Faroese singer-songwriter whose ethereal voice and haunting melodies capture the essence of her Nordic heritage. Blending elements of folk, jazz, and electronica, Eivør's music transcends genre boundaries, enchanting audiences worldwide with songs deeply rooted in the mystique of the Faroe Islands.
Lise and Sarah’s Disco Club
On 3/20/2026
Disco Club, initiated by podcasters Lise and Sarah, offers an unforgettable night of dancing to music from the '80s, '90s, '00s, and beyond, spun by a female DJ. This event, which started as a fun girls' night out, has grown into a judgement-free space uniting tens of thousands of women across Australia for a sparkling and joyful night of coordinated outfits and group chats.
Ruger
On 3/21/2026
Ruger is a Nigerian Afrobeat musician and songwriter whose sound has taken the world by storm. From belting out fiery anthems to tender love songs, Ruger seamlessly blends elements of modern music styles with the sonic traditions of his birthplace.
Electric Six
On 3/21/2026
Electric Six is an American rock band, formed in 1996 in Detroit, Michigan. The band gained fame in 2003 with their singles, "Danger! High Voltage," and "Gay Bar." Their live DVD, Absolute Treasure, was released in 2014.
Yarraville Festival
On 3/22/2026
The Yarraville Festival 2026 promises to be a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community, featuring live performances, a Greek precinct with authentic flavors and dance, and activities for all ages, including carnival rides, creative kids' zones, and a popular dog fashion parade. Local artisans, makers, and food vendors will offer handcrafted treasures and delicious treats, making the festival a perfect blend of fun, discovery, and local pride.
Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show
On 3/22/2026
Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing spectacle where ballet and light artistry merge in a unique rendition of Sleeping Beauty. With dancers adorned in glowing costumes, every pirouette and leap transforms into a radiant spectacle, offering an enchanting experience that reimagines a timeless classic in a novel and captivating way.
The Witches Wardrobe March Market
On 3/22/2026
Dive into the magical world at The Witches Wardrobe March Market, where a bounty of unique offerings awaits you. Browse through allow-condition-new crystals, heavenly scented candles, ethically sourced fungi and herbs, and hand-sewn textiles crafted by talented local artisans.
Eltham's Longest Lunch and Local Flavors Festival
On 3/22/2026
Eltham's Longest Lunch is a premier culinary event that transforms the town into a long-table dining spectacle, offering a meticulously curated three-course feast that celebrates local produce and the culinary talent of Eltham's food businesses. Attendees can expect a Mediterranean atmosphere, an all-inclusive ticket that covers a welcome drink, three courses of local excellence, paired wine service, and the vibrant energy of a food festival, complete with live music and entertainment, and an after-party at local wine bars.
Sips and Snacks Returns: An Interactive Culinary Experience
On 3/22/2026
Sips and Snacks, a hit event at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, promises an exciting tasting adventure with a new lineup of flavors, producers, and interactive stations. Whether you're a food enthusiast, a wine aficionado, or simply looking for the best MFWF 2026 events, this four-hour experience offers panoramic city and river views, making it an unmissable event.