There’s no denying that Melbourne is already a great city year-round, but there’s no denying it comes alive when the mercury starts to climb — a rare reprieve from the usual ‘four seasons, one day’ climes. In fact, our take is that summer is the best time to be out and about in Melbourne: moods lift, the Birkenstocks go back into the rotation, and there are more activities than ever to get involved in.
From the Australian Open and NGV gallery shows to rooftop happy hours and the Moonlight Cinema, there are round-the-clock activities for everybody.
Whether you’re planning a holiday, or are even just a local looking to explore, these are our top things to do in Melbourne heading into summer 2025.
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The Australian Open
The first tennis Grand Slam of the year, and the event that unofficially kicks off Melbourne’s sporting calendar, the Australian Open is a must-attend for serious sports fans.
Not only do you get to witness the best players on the planet doing their thing; but the atmosphere is electric; early-round tickets remain surprisingly affordable; and the food and drinks are great (if a touch expensive).
In addition to the tennis tournament taking place, the occasion also attracts world-class international acts, with the 2025 edition bringing in Benson Boone, Kaytranada, Kesha, Armand Van Helden, and more. Even if you’ve never watched a game of tennis in your life, it’s worth attending just for the experience.
When: January 6th to 29th
Where: Melbourne Park
Price: From $15
Summer Night Markets
The Summer Night Markets are another highlight of Melbourne’s warm-weather calendar, taking place every Wednesday evening at the Queen Victoria Market from December till March 2025.
For a total of 15 weeks, you’ll be able to enjoy an endless array of street food stalls, delicious beverages, and shopping from independent artisan stalls. If you find yourself in the city in the afternoon, stay a few more hours and make the trek to the Queen Victoria Market to check it out.
When: December 18th to March 12th
Where: J-M Sheds, Queen Victoria Market
Price: Free
Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix
Following the Australian Open, the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is the next biggest sporting event of the Melbourne summer, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans from around the world.
As the first match-up of the season, it promises to be filled with all the drama and excitement you’d expect as the international race for the series title begins.
When: March 13th to 16th
Where: Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, Albert Park Lake
Price: From $90
Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
Melbourne might be famed for its coffee, but equally, there’s a strong argument to be made that the Victorian capital is also one of the world’s great dining destinations.
The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival celebrates this culture of quality cuisine, with events taking place across Victoria that range from exhibitions on street food to cocktail parties and multi-course tasting menus.
If you’re an epicurean, there’s a good bet that there’ll be something in the festival’s program for you.
When: March 21st to 30th
Where: Across Victoria
Price: From free to $150+
Yayoi Kusama At The NGV
The National Gallery of Victoria is a popular destination for tourists and art enthusiasts alike during the summer months, with this season’s main draw consisting of an exhibition focused on the work and life of contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.
Taking up the entire ground floor of the building as the largest domestic showcase of Kusama’s work, the exhibition will feature more than 180 different artworks including sculptures, paintings, and the renowned ‘Infinity Mirror’ room.
When: December 15th to April 21st
Where: NGV International, St Kilda Road
Price: $38 for non-member adults
NGV Friday Nights: Yayoi Kusama
As an extra-curricular addition to the showcase of Yayoi Kusama’s work, the NGV will also host be hosting a Friday Nights concert series.
Tickets allow visitors to experience the exhibition after hours, before enjoying a performance from one of more than a dozen different artists including Elle Shimada, Charlie Villas, and Small Fry.
When: Friday nights from December 20th till April 18th
Where: NGV International, St Kilda Road
Price: $45
Moonlight Cinema In The Botanic Gardens
As much as we all enjoy flicking through streaming services from the comfort of our couch, there’s something special about seeing a film on the big screen — especially it’s located in the heart of the Royal Botanic Gardens.
The Moonlight Cinema will be screening every day of the week (except Monday) until the end of March, showing new releases like Gladiator II, Wicked, A Complete Unknown, as well as family-friendly crowd pleasers like Elf, Love Actually, and Shrek.
When: December 18th to March 30th
Where: Central Lawn, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Price: From $26
Nightclubbing At The Arts Centre
For anybody who’s hunting for a serious session this summer, a section of The Arts Centre is being transformed into a pop-up nightclub as a part of Asia TOPA.
For nine nights, the venue will host a line-up of eclectic artists including Rainbow Chan, Kianna Oricci, Panelia, Réjizz, Soju Gang, Betty Apple and Betty Grumble — making for an unforgettable clubbing experience.
When: February 20th to March 8th
Where: Club 8, Theatres Building, The Arts Centre
Price: From $49
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Even though it technically kicks off in the aftermath of summer, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is another highlight of the calendar you won’t want to miss — especially if you’re keen to see some of the biggest comics in Australia.
With more than 100 different shows confirmed for the 2025 edition, you can expect headliners such as Arj Barker, Danny Bhoy, Urzila Carlson, Mark Watson, and many more.
When: March 26th to April 20th
Where: Across Melbourne
Price: From free to $150
Melbourne Record Fair
For all the audiophiles out there, the Melbourne Record Fair presents a perfect opportunity to snag a few last-minute Christmas presents, or better yet, add to your own personal collection.
In total, there should be 15,000 records up for sale, including some of the city’s rarest first pressings of jazz, R&B, and world music records.
When: December 21st-22nd from 10 AM to 4 PM
Where: D Shed (Peel Street end), Queen Victoria Market
Price: Free
Sidney Myer Free Concerts
The only thing better than a Melbourne Symphony Orchestra concert is a free one, which is why this event at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl should be on your radar.
This celebration of incredible chamber music promises renditions of Dvořák’s Third Symphony, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, and Ravel’s Boléro, ensuring a warm night in the open air you’re unlikely to forget.
When: February 15th
Where: Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Price: Free
Melbourne Book Fair
Located on the CBD side of Queen Victoria Market, the Melbourne Book Fair takes place every Saturday and Sunday and is a destination for book lovers.
With more than 5,000 pre-owned books available for sale every weekend, it’s the ideal spot to pick up your next summer read.
When: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 4 PM
Where: D Shed (Peel Street end), Queen Victoria Market
Price: Free
