Best Festivals in Melbourne
Discover the top 12 festivals in Melbourne, showcasing the city’s vibrant cultural scene. From tantalizing food and wine festivals to exhilarating music and captivating art events, Melbourne offers something for everyone.
Dive into the rich experiences of these must-see festivals in Melbourne, each offering unique entertainment, culinary delights, and artistic performances. Explore the energy and creativity that make these events standout highlights of Melbourne’s calendar, and find out why they are essential for anyone looking to experience the best of the city’s festive spirit.
1. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF)
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) is one of the biggest and most popular comedy festivals in the world, second only to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. That’s why you must experience this one of the best festivals in Melbourne.
It has been bringing laughter to Melbourne since 1987 and takes place every year over four weeks, usually from late March to April. The festival’s main hub is the iconic Melbourne Town Hall, but you can find performances all over the city, making Melbourne a vibrant playground for comedy lovers during the festival.
MICF isn’t just a one-time event; it keeps the laughter going year-round with touring shows, workshops, and comedy competitions. Whether you’re a comedy enthusiast or just looking for a good laugh, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has something for everyone!
2. Chinese New Year Festival
Celebrate the vibrant Melbourne Chinese New Year Festival in the historic Chinatown district! This festive event is a time for families and friends to come together, wishing each other good luck and a prosperous year ahead.
Hosted by the Melbourne Chinatown Association, the one-day celebration takes place on Little Bourke Street, transforming the area into a lively hub of activity.
Enjoy live performances, including the thrilling lion dance and the Dai Loong Dragon parade. Enjoy the rich culture with traditional dress, mouth watering food, and charming music.
This festival is a wonderful showcase of art and culture from Melbourne’s Chinese and Asian communities, making it a joyful event for everyone to experience.
3. Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF)
The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) is a celebrated not-for-profit event that has been a cornerstone of Australia’s film culture since 1952. It is one of the best festivals in Melbourne.
As the country’s leading film festival and one of the oldest in the world, alongside Cannes and Berlin, MIFF brings together a carefully curated global program featuring innovative screen experiences and the largest showcase of outstanding Australian filmmaking.
This iconic cultural event offers something for everyone, providing transformative experiences for audiences and filmmakers. With a diverse and expansive program, MIFF is the perfect destination for all cinema lovers.
For more information, connect with MIFF at +61 03 8660 4888 or email miff@miff.com.au.
4. Remembrance Day
Every year, on the 11th of November at 11 am—the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month—Melbourne pauses to honour and remember those who have served and those who have lost their lives in wars and peacekeeping operations.
Remembrance Day honours the moment the guns fell silent on the Western Front, bringing peace at the end of the First World War after four long years of conflict.
The commemorative service takes place at the Shrine of Remembrance, located on Birdwood Avenue in Melbourne. The event is free to attend and is a solemn, yet meaningful occasion suitable for all ages, including children.
5. Asia Oasis Street Food Festival
The Asia Oasis Street Food Festival offers a vibrant celebration of authentic Asian street food, a nostalgic ambiance, and lively entertainment.
Carefully selected vendors bring together unique street food that you won’t find on regular restaurant menus. Imagine yourself surrounded by Bali-style huts and Hoi An lanterns casting a magical glow, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Enjoy live performances by local artists, engage in timeless folk games, and immerse yourself in a rich arts scene with interactive activities. Although entry is free, registering will give you a chance to win exciting door prizes for an even better festival experience.
Contact Details:
– Telephone: 0412 405 669
– Email: info@asiaoasis.com.au
Location: Palm Lawn and Dorchester Lawn, Alexandra Gardens, 3 Boathouse Dr, Melbourne 3004
6. Melbourne International Jazz Festival (MIJF)
The Melbourne International Jazz Festival (MIJF) is an annual celebration of jazz that has been captivating audiences since its inception in 1998. Held across concert halls, arts venues, jazz clubs, and the streets of Melbourne, the festival brings the city alive with the sound of jazz.
Now in its 27th year, MIJF has grown to become Australia’s largest jazz festival and is internationally recognized as one of the world’s premier jazz events. With a diverse lineup of local and international artists, the festival offers a rich and vibrant experience for all jazz lovers.
Contact MIJF:
– Email: info@melbournejazz.com
– Telephone: +61 3 9001 1388
7. Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is a culinary festival that takes place every March, offering a feast for the senses across Melbourne and throughout Victoria. This vibrant festival celebrates the best of Australian food and wine, featuring hundreds of events that cater to every taste.
Visitors can explore outdoor food stalls, participate in wine tastings, and indulge in high teas. Enjoy meals prepared by acclaimed chefs, join cooking classes, and watch demonstrations that showcase culinary skills.
One of the festival’s highlights is the signature event, The World’s Longest Lunch, where guests can enjoy a unique dining experience at a spectacularly long table.
Whether you’re a food lover or a wine enthusiast, the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival promises an unforgettable journey.
8. Moomba: Melbourne’s Largest Community Festival
Moomba is a special annual festival held over the Labour Day long weekend in March, known for its fun and family-friendly environment. The festival is famous for its stunning fireworks display and the iconic Birdman Rally, where daring participants try to fly across the Yarra River without any mechanical assistance.
Enjoy the lively Moomba Carnival, catch the Masters waterskiing competition, watch the vibrant Moomba Parade, and experience live music performances. Spread over four exciting days, Moomba is Australia’s largest free community festival, making it a staple in Melbourne’s events calendar.
9. Rising: Melbourne’s Flagship Festival for New Art, Music, and Performance
Rising is Melbourne’s newest major cultural festival, taking place in late May and early June. It’s a celebration of modern creativity, featuring a mix of art, performance, theatre, dance, and music.
The festival transforms the city’s streets, parks, and venues into a vibrant landscape of innovation and expression.
Over sixteen nights, Rising offers more than 100 events, both free and ticketed, showcasing the talents of hundreds of Australian and international artists. As the early winter chill sets in, Rising lights up the longer nights, bringing warmth and excitement to the city.
10. Melbourne Fashion Festival
The Melbourne Fashion Festival (MFF), held in late February and early March, is a celebration of the fashion industry’s style, design, and creativity.
The festival features runway shows, fashion film screenings, industry seminars, and exclusive shopping events, offering a comprehensive look at the latest trends.
As Australia’s largest consumer fashion event, MFF highlights the dynamic and cutting-edge world of Melbourne’s fashion scene, showcasing the work of local designers and creatives.
The Fashion Forecourt at the Royal Exhibition Building on Museum Plaza is the festival’s vibrant hub, offering gourmet food, stylish drinks, live entertainment, and DJs in a free, non-ticketed area.
11. Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
Held every March at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is a horticultural paradise. As the largest flower and garden show in the Southern Hemisphere, it attracts gardening enthusiasts from around the globe.
Spanning five days, the festival showcases the best of Australian and international landscaping and floral design. Attendees can explore stunning show gardens, witness spectacular floral arrangements in competitions, and learn from industry professionals through workshops and demonstrations.
12.Tesselaar Tulip Festival
The Tesselaar Tulip Festival, held from mid-September to mid-October, is a breathtaking celebration of spring, set in the scenic Dandenong Ranges. The festival features thousands of vibrant tulips in full bloom, creating a mesmerising visual experience.
Visitors can wander through acres of colourful tulip fields, participate in cultural weekends celebrating Dutch, Turkish, and Irish traditions, and enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities. Children can have fun with face painting, petting zoos, and treasure hunts, making it a joyful event for all ages.
Plus, kids aged 16 and under enter for free, adding to the festival’s appeal as a family outing.
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