Melbourne is known for its vibrant street art, delicious coffee and eclectic range of shopping, so it’s no wonder that loads of major events take centre stage in the city throughout the year. We’ve rounded up some of the best events in the year so that you can immerse yourself in the culture each time you visit. Find out what’s on in Melbourne for the rest of 2018.
What’s On In Melbourne – Best Events & Things To Do
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Date: 28th March – 22nd April 2018
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The annual Melbourne International Comedy Festival kicks off at the end of March and is held over four weeks. Prepare yourself for a barrel of laughs with over 500 shows held from a range of local and international comedians. The shows are held throughout Melbourne in a variety of venues including theatres, bars and hotels, so grab your tickets, sit back and be entertained. If you book three or more tickets for a show, you can snag a 10% discount on eligible shows.
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2. Good Food & Wine Show
Date: 1st – 3rd June 2018
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The annual foodies haven will have your tastebuds tickling as you become immersed in all things food and wine. Enjoy gourmet delicacies, join a wine selectors cellar door session and learn new cooking techniques in state-of-the-art masterclasses – this event is the perfect excuse to share good food with great company. Make sure you don’t fill up too much at brunch – there’ll be plenty of tasties at the event!
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3. Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Date: 1st – 10th June 2018
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Watch the city of Melbourne come alive during the Melbourne International Jazz Festival in June. Even if you don’t think jazz is really your thing, this festival encourages people of all ages to experience the personal impact that jazz can have on its listener. Held at a number of exciting locations across the city including arts venues and jazz clubs, you can see an array of performers, collaborators and emerging artists. As the venues are all over town, if you’re planning to go to more than one event in a day, make sure you plan your travel ahead so that you don’t miss a thing.
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4. Melbourne International Film Festival
Date: 2nd – 19th August 2018
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Enjoy award winning films and innovative screen experiences at the annual Melbourne International film festival. Held for three weeks in August, the festival is an Australian cultural icon, showcasing local talent and exceptional filmmaking. Immerse yourself in a transformative experience to connect with community in Melbourne. If you’re a regular visitor to Melbourne, why not become a MIFF member? You’ll enjoy festival venue priority entry and ticket discounts year round.
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5. Melbourne Festival
Date: 3rd – 21st October 2018
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Melbourne Festival is one of Australia’s leading international arts festivals and has an outstanding reputation for presenting unique international and Australian events in the fields of dance, theatre, music, visual arts, multimedia, free and outdoor events over 17 days each October. Provoking and inspiring, the festival seeks to connect art forms, people and ideas. At the heart of Melbourne’s culture of creativity, the festival celebrates diversity, inclusion and encapsulates unique experiences that bring people together and break new ground in culture and the arts.
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6. Melbourne Cup Carnival
Date: 3rd – 10th November 2018
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The Melbourne Cup Carnival is an extraordinary combination of first-class racing, larger than life fashion, fun, and history that occupies an esteemed place in Australian culture. A larger than life event that gives each and every attendee an opportunity to experience an unforgettable week of style, fashion and fun, nothing beats the exhilaration and excitement of being there amongst the crowd during the celebration that stops a nation. This is definitely not an event to miss if you’re really keen to find out what’s on in Melbourne and the city’s best annual events.
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Also Read: The Melbourne Cup Carnival: Top tips for a great getaway
7. Melbourne Music Week
Date: 17th -25th November 2018
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The Melbourne Music Week goes on for over a week, celebrating the connection between music, people and places, making it the perfect event for music lovers everywhere. Melbourne Music Week is a one of a kind event in Australia, attracting visitors from all around the country. From headline acts at Melbourne town hall, to intimate gigs in exciting, non-traditional locations, Melbourne Music Week perfectly captures the creativity, and individuality that is the Melbourne music industry. This renowned festival has built a reputation for re-imagining spaces for creative and innovative uses. There’s a different flagship venue every year, such as the Argus Building in 2012, the Former Royal Women’s Hospital in 2015, and in 2017, St Paul’s Cathedral. We’re thoroughly excited to see which iconic venue will be chosen as the MMW Hub this year.
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*Note: These rates are based on search queries made on nz.kayak.com on 16 March, 2018. The prices are quoted in NZD. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy and include taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available.
