The Melbourne cold may be setting in outside, but there is certainly no shortage of fun to be had in the cultural capital of Australia. So put on your warmest winter woollies and discover the best in local and international art, design, music, literature and food & wine that Melbourne has to offer. From festivals and markets, to live shows and exhibitions, you won’t want to miss these fabulous winter events!
1. Good Food & Wine Show
Treat your tastebuds this winter at Melbourne’s Good Food & Wine Show. With over 250 exhibitors and 800 wine varieties, you can sip, sample and discover some of the best in local and international produce. Watch live demonstrations from celebrity chefs and learn something new at one of the many masterclasses. From cheese, chocolate, wine and spirits, there is something for every taste!
When: 31 May – 2 June
Where: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
2. Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Calling all Jazz lovers! First held in 1998, the Melbourne International Jazz Festival is a world-class celebration of the genre and is returning once again in 2019. The smooth sounds of jazz will resound across concert halls, arts venues, jazz clubs and in the streets throughout the city. From unmissable golden-age headliners to genre-bending innovators, late night jams and family-friendly events, the 10-day program has something for everyone.
When: 31 May – 9 June
Where: Various Locations
3. Queen Victoria Winter Night Market
Wednesday nights in winter are about to get a whole lot warmer with the return of the Queen Victoria Winter Night Market! Enjoy a bite to eat from one of over 30 international street food vendors by a crackling fire. Or wander through over 50 artisan stalls with a glass of mulled wine in hand. With a rotating roster of live local entertainment and even a silent disco, the Winter Night Market is the perfect spot for a date night, catch up with friends or a night out for the whole family.
When: 5 June – 28 August | Every Wednesday 5 pm – 10 pm
Where: Queen Victoria Market
4. IMAX Melbourne
Escape the cold at Melbourne’s iconic IMAX theatre this winter. The custom-built 3D theatre happens to be the largest cinema screen in the world, providing an immersive cinematic experience like no other. From Hollywood blockbusters to IMAX exclusive documentaries, there will be something on the bill for every member of the family.
Where: Melbourne Museum Precinct
5. MindBodySpirit Festival
For a little self-care this winter head to Australia’s largest health, wellbeing and natural therapies festival. Celebrating its 30th year, the MindBodySpirit Festival is a free event featuring inspirational seminars, psychic readings, body pampering, meditation sessions and health food tastings. There will also be over 200 exhibitors to discover everything from jewellery, natural cosmetics, clothing, crystals, books, educational courses, body treatments and more!
When: 7 – 10 June
Where: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
6. The Australian Ballet Presents: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a co-production between The Australian Ballet and The National Ballet of Japan that will capture your imagination. After sell-out seasons in 2017, the dazzling production will return to theatres in Melbourne this June. This extravagant ballet version has all the wit and charm of Lewis Caroll’s beloved story, framed by colourful sets, eccentric costumes and a breathtaking score. But hurry, you mustn’t be late for this very important date!
When: 8 – 22 June
Where: Arts Centre Melbourne
7. Emerging Writers Festival
Created to nurture Australia’s up and coming writing talent, the Emerging Writers Festival has become one of Australia’s standout literary festivals. The festival provides a platform for emerging writers to develop their skills and connect with large audiences. Whether you’re a new writer or want to take part in engaging and innovative talks, be sure to check out the jam-packed festival program.
When: 19 – 29 June
Where: Various Locations
8. Finders Keepers Market
Shop local at Melbourne’s very own Finders Keepers Market. The homegrown festival showcases over 270 independent art and design stalls. House in the renowned Royal Exhibition Building, there will also be food trucks, artisan food and beverage stalls, live music, two bars and plenty of coffee stations. Come along to find, seek, love and keep!
When: 12 – 14 July
Where: The Royal Exhibition Building
9. Childish Gambino
Too much anticipation, Childish Gambino will be heading up Rod Laver Arena this July while in the country for Byron Bay music festival Splendour in The Grass. After postponing his Australian shows in 2018, the international superstar has come good with the announcement of three headline shows across the country. If you’re a fan of the acclaimed artist, you won’t want to miss this one as he has stated that his current live shows will be his last as Childish Gambino.
When: 17 July
Where: Rod Laver Arena
10. Open House Melbourne
Open House Melbourne is an independently established organisation that advocates for thoughtfully designed cities through public participation. The popular event allows exclusive access into some of Melbourne’s best architecture. Aside from the chance to take a peek inside some of the city’s coolest buildings, the weekend also fosters conversations about the importance of good design for the future of our city. This year you can get a glimpse inside the recently renovated Capitol Theatre, as well as Melbourne Quarter’s new Skypark and so much more!
When: 27 – 28 July
Where: Various Locations
11. Run Melbourne
Run Melbourne is more than just your average run. Since its inception 12 years ago, the event has grown into a movement that has transformed Melbourne’s running culture. Over 20,000 participants are expected to hit the streets across the running festival’s four events. There’s a 4km Friendship Dash for families, friends and furry ones. For more seasoned runners, choose between the 5km, 10km or 21.1km runs. The popular event has raised over $16.5 million for over 400 charities so far. So join the fun and get your heart rate up while raising funds for a worthy cause.
When: 28 July
Where: Federation Square
12. Melbourne International Film Festival
As the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is home to many globally important festivals. Being one of the oldest film festivals in the world, along with Cannes and Berlin, The Melbourne International Film Festival firmly placed Melbourne on the world’s cultural stage. This years’ exciting program features a host of innovative screen experiences and the largest showcase of Australian filmmaking. Don’t miss this iconic cultural event.
When: 1 – 18 August
Where: Various Locations
13. White Night Reimagined
This year for the first time, the popular art and light festival White Night will be held across three nights this winter. Based on the French Nuit Blanche, the White Night festival is a tradition celebrated all across the world. This years’ reimagined format aims to bring the city to life during its colder months through a diverse program of entertainment, art and culinary experiences. Road closures will allow festival-goers to easily make their way between the three key precincts across the city.
When: 22 – 24 August
Where: Carlton Gardens, Birrarung Mar & National Gallery of Victoria
14. Melbourne Fashion Week
Get your best outfit ready as Melbourne Fashion Week is fast approaching! The fashion-focused festival will take over the city this winter to celebrate the best in established and emerging Australian designs. Positioning Melbourne as the fashion capital, there will be over 150 events to get involved in. The premium Town Hall runway is where established designers will showcase their Spring/Summer collections. There will also be underground runways, street and pop-up runways, exhibitions and independent fashion partner events.
When: 28 August – 5 September
Where: Various Locations
15. Melbourne Winter Masterpieces: Terracotta Warriors & Cai Guo-Qiang
The Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series: Terracotta Warriors & Cai Guo-Qiang at the National Gallery of Victoria showcases the best of Chinese art, past and present. The exhibition combines China’s ancient Terracotta Warriors with one of the world’s most celebrated contemporary artists, Cai Guo-Qiang. The exhibit features eight of the warrior figures, which were discovered in 1974 and are considered the eighth wonder of the world. Presented in parallel, Cai Guo-Qiang: The Transient Landscape is a contemporary celebration of China’s culture and enduring philosophical traditions.
When: 24 May – 13 October
Where: National Gallery of Victoria
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