Best new arts and cultural events coming to Melbourne in 2025 and 2026

The best Melbourne arts and cultural events in 2025

Rising Festival

4-15 June 2025, multiple venues

Rising is an ecclectic winter festival celebrating contemporary art, music, and performance. Brash and bold, its events, shows and exhibitions encourage locals and visitors alike to defy the cold and venture into Melbourne's CBD.

Many events are free and family friendly, including artist Shohei Fujimoto's dazzling light show, which will be held in the historic Capitol Theatre in Swanston Street. Communitas returns following last year's triumpant ensemble of horns, tambourines, and 1000 music-lovers in St Paul's Cathedral. The event will be held at Melbourne Town Hall on Sunday 8 June in 2025.

Fans of the Divinyls’ Chrissy Amphlett can relive her music at Amplified, a cabaret capturing the Australian rock queen's fierce spirit through her words and songs. In Complete Works, six performers retell all of Shakespeare’s plays over nine days, using little more than a kitchen table and everyday objects. 

Find out more: 2025.rising.melbourne

Melbourne International EV AutoShow

27-29 June 2025, Melbourne Exhibition Centre

A showcase of the latest automotive technology, this three-day event promises an immersive experience for both enthusiasts and newcomers to the EV world. 

Explore a vast array of electric vehicles, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids, electric SUVs, utes and people movers.

Experience the latest EV models first-hand with free, same-day test drives available throughout the event. There will be family friendly activities as well.

Find out more: mcec.com.au

French Impressionism

6 June-5 October 2025, NGV International, St Kilda Road

One of Melbourne’s premier 2025 art events opens at the National Gallery of Victoria on 6 June 2025. The French Impressionism exhibit features over 100 masterpieces by artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Degas. 

In partnership with Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, this exclusive exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience iconic works in Melbourne through ten thematic sections. Discover the hallmarks of Impressionism up close, from the vivid use of colour to distinctive brushwork, and discover why this avant-garde art movement impacted the world. 

Find out more: ngv.vic.gov.au

Australian Ballet Company

Various dates and locations

The Australian Ballet Company is back with a new season of emotional and captivating performances. There’s something for everyone as The Australian Ballet company brings famed stories of passion, love, and loss to life through dance.

In 2025, the don't-miss ballet shows are Nijinsky, Carmen, Manon and Prism.

Prism (25 September – 4 October 2025) is a contemporary triple bill full of raw intensity and revolutionary design from three of the world’s most inspired choreographers: William Forsythe, Jerome Robbins and Stephanie Lake.

Manon (10 – 22 October 2025) is a devastating love story of desire and greed based on Abbé Prévost’s 1731 novel. From high society 18th-century Paris to the gritty streets of New Orleans, Manon tells a story of a young girl desperate to rise above her lowly origins and forced to choose between her true love or a life of lavish splendour.

Find out more: australianballet.com.au

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Various dates across 2025, Hamer Hall & other locations

Choose from a diverse programme of orchestral performances this year at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO). The 2025 line-up highlights include pianist Lang Lang in June, and Joyce DiDonato and the Music of Joe Hisashi, both in November. 

The popular MSO at the Movies sees the orchestra perform the original score to classic movies. From Star Wars to Harry Potter and How to Train Your Dragon, it’s a unique opportunity to see your favourite movies in a new and inspiring light. 

Find out more: mso.com.au

RACV Members receive a 10% discount on all Melbourne Symphony events. 

Royal Melbourne Show

25 September-5 October 2025, Melbourne Showgrounds

A cherished Victorian tradition since 1848, the Royal Melbourne Show offers a vibrant blend of agricultural showcases, family entertainment, and culinary delights. Across 11 days, visitors can explore livestock displays, enjoy thrilling rides, sample showbags, and witness live performances. 

Fun competitions for pets and humans – like the action dog show and woodchopping championships - ensure the Melbourne Royal Show is fun for the whole family. 

Find out more: royalshow.com.au

New Year's Eve

31 December 2025, multiple locations

While there are ample celebrations to see in 2026 across Melbourne – from bars to restaurants and entertainment areas – the city’s two firework displays draw the biggest crowds.

Catch the family-friendly 9.30 pm display at Footscray Park or Yarra Park. At midnight, see in the new year anywhere across the CBD where you can see the skyline, or head to a Celebration Zones, such as Treasury Gardens, Docklands or Southbank, for the best views of the pyrotechnics. St Kilda also offers entertainment and fireworks. 

Find out more: nye.melbourne.vic.gov.au

Lunar New Year

Various dates in February 2026, Chinatown

While celebrations for Chinese New Year happen across many suburbs, Chinatown is the epicentre of Melbourne’s Lunar New Year festivities. Traditional lion dances, a dragon parade, live music, and ample culinary delights draw crowds from across Victoria. 

In 2026, we welcome the Year of the Horse on 17 February, with the Lantern Festival concluding the Lunar New Year festivities.

Find out more: melbournechineselunarnewyear.com

Melbourne Art Fair

19-22 February 2026, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

Discover contemporary artwork from over 100 artists and 70 galleries at the annual Melbourne Art Fair. Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre every February, this visionary event features inspiring exhibitions, thought-provoking installations, and fascinating artist talks from iconic and up-and-coming Australasian artists. 

For more than 30 years, the Melbourne Art Fair has given a stage – and a voice – to living artists from the region’s galleries and Indigenous art centres. The event is one of the premier opportunities to discover emerging talent across four inspiring days. 

Find out more: melbourneartfair.com.au

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival

20-29 March 2026, multiple locations

Celebrate spoils from Victoria’s fertile land and the Garden State’s passionate producers at the annual Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. Running since 1993, it now hosts over 400 events across Melbourne and beyond, offering the perfect excuse to indulge in the region’s best food and wine.

Along with gourmet pop-up experiences, new menu items from old favourites, delectable wine tastings, and ample free samples, the festival allows food to tell a story, be it from the city itself or around the world. Be sure to sign up early for celebrity chef master classes. 

Find out more: melbournefoodandwine.com.au

Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show

Dates to be announced, Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens

Held every March, the Southern Hemisphere’s premier horticultural event wows attendees at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. Across five inspirational days, the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens transform into a floral wonderland.

From landscaping design and floral installations to practical gardening workshops and special events, the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show is an idyllic way to see the best of nature in the centre of the Garden State’s capital.  

Find out more: melbflowershow.com.au

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

25 March-19 April 2026, multiple venues

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is turning 40 in 2026, so you can expect the biggest-ever line-up of comedians from Australia and around the globe. Across four weeks, a comprehensive programme of stand-up comedy, cabaret, street performance, theatre, and visual arts showcases why this is one of the world’s top three comedy festivals. 

In 2025, over 1000 performers got the city laughing at nearly 700 shows. Highlights included the Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow, Aboriginal Comedy Allstars, and the debut show of Best Newcomer award winner Jessica Barton. 

Find out more: comedyfestival.com.au

RACV Members enjoy discounted tickets to several Melbourne International Comedy Festival events.

Melbourne Writers Festival

2026 dates to be announced

Melbourne was the second city designated a UNESCO City of Literature. It’s therefore fitting the city  welcomed visitors to the 39th year of the Melbourne Writers Festival in 2025. 

A boon for writers and readers alike, join a compelling line-up of Australian and global literary talent for live readings, engaging discussions, and informative workshops. Big names for 2025 included Irish heavyweight Marian Keyes, Asako Yuzuki (author of Butter), and Booker Prize winner Samantha Harvey. 

Whether you want to discuss thought-provoking prose, discover new talent, or improve your craft, the Melbourne Writers Festival is an inspiring event catering to a diverse audience. 

When: the 2025 festival has concluded. May 2026 dates to be announced. 
Where: State Library Victoria, the Capitol & other inner suburb venues 
Find out more: mwf.com.au