Top Cultural Events in Melbourne, Australia
Cultural Events in Melbourne
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Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Cultural Events
Central Business District
Cultural Events
Central Business District
Cultural Events
Cultural Events
Central Business District
Cultural Events
Central Business District
What travelers are saying
- Jeffry bEssendon, Australia10,366 contributionsThe Melbourne Cup Carnival is run over four days from 31 October to 7 November.2020. It's a great outing for the gliteratti. The Victoria Derby kicks off the Carnival; traditionally ladies wear black and white. On Tuesday, Cup Day, ladies wear their best hat or fascinator. The third day, the Oaks, is a special "ladies day." The Oaks is for 3-year-old fillies, and ladies want to look their best. The fourth day, Stakes Day, is a special fun day for children and families. The Melbourne Cup Carnival is one of the biggest events of the year for Melbourne. You don't have to love horses to love the Melbourne Cup.Written August 12, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Swell TravellerMelbourne, Australia3,769 contributionsMoomba happens every year around early March.
It begins on a Friday afternoon and progresses over the weekend and ends on the Monday which is usually a public holiday.
Every night at 9.30pm - 9.45pm there are fireworks than can be viewed along the Yarra River, near Birrarung Marr and the Melbourne Tennis Centre.
From Alexander Gardens end to Birrarung Marr you can find a range of rides, stages with music and food vendors. There are street performers and other stalls to capture your attention. You need to buy tickets for the rides and they are not the cheapest, especially if you are a family. The Friday night has a special ticket pass, which is better value.
There are other free events over the 4 days such as the Birdman Rally, a novel way to design a contraption that will possibly fly far over the Yarra River from a launching platform, that the public can enter and water skiing event and tricks.
The most popular part of Moomba is the Moomba Parade. It runs for about an hour on the Monday morning from 10.45am. It showcases the cultural diversity of Melbourne through music, dance and the Arts. There are dancers, acrobats, musicians, floats and of course the king and queen of Moomba which can be a celebrity or someone else chosen. This year we had 2 comedians / TV presenters / actors.
This is a great family event and they line the streets with blankets and snacks for the best view from as early as 9.30am. It usually starts at Birdwood Avenue, Kings Domain and then concludes along Linlithgow Avenue.
Parking is a hassle for the event as many of the parade members park in the main areas [understandably] and some are closed off. Your best bet would be to get public transport, walk or taxi it there.
Don't miss it!
*Photos taken by myselfWritten April 6, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Moo1964Melbourne, Australia132 contributionsI haven’t laughed so much for ages. Get out and support the acts I especially liked the unknowns that are in small venues. It is much more involved and fun. Special shout out to Akmal…. Really entertaining and the city is stunning at night!Written April 21, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- 13AstroboyGreater Melbourne, Australia365 contributionsWe have seen the white night a few times of the years but now it all seems like every one wants a piece of the action as it was more like a carnival atmosphere. There were a few displays on the buildings like the Treasury building which was fantastic, but other attractions were too far away and this lost the excitement of the night, other buildings like the town hall and the old museum didnt even get a mention this year. Also the things they had at Birrarung Marr spoiled it for me, as it took away from the art aspect of the event turning it into another royal show or moomba.Written August 25, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- jeffrybKeysborough, Australia371 contributionsThe highlight of New Year's Eve in Melbourne is the fireworks. The fireworks cover the whole of the CBD. Good places to watch include Federation Square, Southbank and the waterfront. The fireworks seem to get better every year. If you are looking for somewhere with a bit of class, the Eureka Skydeck has a New Year's party with refreshments provided. Plus, it's hard to get a better view of the fireworks. The celebrations in Federation Square cater for children; there's a free concert and the celebrations start early and finish early. Flinders Street Station is just across the road.Written August 23, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Natalie1964Melbourne3,610 contributionsHaving never been to Chinese New year before I did not know what to expect. There was dragons, dancing, eating and plenty of people. Food trucks lined Southbank and Crown casino had an amazing display in the foyer. Chinese lanterns line the walkway which was lovely to see. We had dumplings at a food truck which were nice enough. It was so wonderful to see happy, smiling people having a good time. There was also celebrations at Docklands with a few food trucks.Written January 29, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Jeffry bEssendon, Australia10,366 contributionsThe Melbourne Festival evolved from the Melbourne International Arts Festival. Its first outing will be in 2021, no-ne knows what to expect yet. The expected date has yet to be publcised. The corona virus pandemic has played havoc with the public arts. The festival will not be held in 2020, but if we are lucky the Melbourne Festival will get its first outing in 2021.Written August 19, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- EndlessTravelsGreater Melbourne, Australia35,310 contributionsgreat short film festival based in sydney. they occasionally have it in other cities as well. good fun watching it at fed square with thoysands of other film buffsWritten February 26, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Peter MMelbourne, Australia954 contributionsThis on the third floor in the second entrance of the Block Arcade opposite the Bendigo Bank. It is usually held during March and April each year and the biggest film festival in Australia.Like so much other venues and shows it has been cancelled this year due to COVISD 19. Last year people were out n the streets giving out booklets showing what was on. While budget and time means I have never been to one I have read the books and know that they offer many shows.It is a star studded events and has many emerging local talent. Tickets sell out quick and it is always cheaper to get them on line
.Written May 3, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - EndlessTravelsGreater Melbourne, Australia35,310 contributionsat the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (11am 11th nov) we remember all that made the ultimate sacrifice in all wars. a sombre occasion at all war memorials. worth visiting the shrine in Melbourne too pay your respectsWritten January 25, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- KelvinmrHong Kong, China371 contributionsMIAF is the most brilliant activity I’ve ever been to in the world! Excellent animation works, amazing animators and wonderful present in the stage. P.s. There were two Oscar Award winning animators at one MIAF, and sharing about their stories.Written July 5, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- ZoinkyPreston, Australia114 contributionsWe found this a fun and busy event, with a carnival atmosphere and lots of friendly people. There was good music, well thought out and very inclusive.
It didn’t feel exclusive, and open minded straight families and people would probably enjoy themselves as well as the LGBTIQ people..
There were polite police around. We got there early and ever more people were arriving as we left a few hours later and I imagine it would have gotten even better.
Well worth a visit when it’s on.Written January 18, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Melbourne
- These places are best for cultural events in Melbourne:
- Melbourne Cup Carnival
- Moomba Festival
- Melbourne International Comedy Festival
- White Night Melbourne
- Melbourne New Year's Eve
- These are the best places for kid-friendly cultural events in Melbourne:See more cultural events for kids in Melbourne on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for groups seeking cultural events in Melbourne:See more cultural events for groups in Melbourne on Tripadvisor