Winter is a truly magical season, and August is our last chance to truly enjoy wintery things like a cosy cup of hot chocolate, a dip into some hot springs and a visit to the snow. And if you were worried about the chill outdoors, there’s heaps of indoor things to try as well, like film festivals and art exhibitions. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Melbourne and beyond this August.
1. Experience the best of cinema at MIFF
Celebrate the 72st anniversary of the Melbourne International Film Festival this August. Look forward to a massive line-up of 250 films, with features, shorts, special events and more. The festival will run from August 8 to 25.
2. Walk among the dinosaurs at Jurassic World: The Exhibition
Journey through the iconic Jurassic World gates and come face-to-face with roaring dinosaurs from the legendary movie franchise. Encounter a brachiosaurus, velociraptors, a Tyrannosaurus Rex and more. Check it out at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick from August 2. Get your tickets here.
3. Explore the festival Now or Never
Now or Never is coming back to Melbourne this August. Look forward to a massive program of over 100 free and ticketed events, with live performances, augmented reality experiences and more. This festival will run from Thursday August 22 to Saturday August 31.
4. Treat yourself to some Truffle Treasures at Queen Victoria Market
Celebrate truffle season with a stroll down Deli Lane at Queen Victoria Market. In the pop-up event, Truffle Treasures, you’ll enjoy free tastings and discover delicious truffle treats, like truffle gnocchi, truffle toastie, truffle salami, truffle-infused drinks and more. There will also be demonstrations and live entertainment. Check it out from August 1 to 4. See more here.
5. Have a terrific time at Trentham Winterfest
Head to the town of Trentham for dazzling light displays, toasty food, live music and more at Trentham Winterfest. This exciting winter festival will take place on Friday August 2 from 4pm to 8pm.
6. Wander through twinkling light installations at Lightscape
The gorgeous, after-dark experience, Lightscape, is now showing at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Wander through the green heart of Melbourne with a reimagined new trail that stretches across 2.2 kilometres. As you journey along the path, you’ll discover new shimmering installations, laser gardens, spectacular lights and more. Lightscape will illuminate Melbourne during the winter nights from now until Sunday August 4.
7. Have a royally good time at SIX the Musical
Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. If that’s all you know about Henry VIII and his six wives, then strap yourselves in. The fun and witty show, SIX the Musical, is coming back to Melbourne. See Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr take the mic and belt out their stories for all to hear. The ex-wives will seize the throne at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne from August 2.
8. Watch the Olympic and Paralympic Games at Fed Square
Fed Square will become the official live site for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Catch all of the live action, replays and highlights each day of the Games. The Olympics start on Friday July 26 and run until Sunday August 11. After that, the Paralympics will run from Wednesday August 28 to Sunday September 8.
9. See the sensational Sunset Boulevard
Feel transported to the Golden Age of Hollywood with the Tony Award-winning masterpiece, Sunset Boulevard. Based on the 1950 film of the same name, this revival has taken over the Princess Theatre in Melbourne. Check it out from now until August 10.
10. Check out this exciting Banksy exhibition
After successful runs in Brisbane, Adelaide, and Sydney, the Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” exhibition is now here in Melbourne. This museum-quality exhibition features over 180 Banksy artworks as well as multiple installations. Find it at The District Docklands. Get your tickets here.
11. Return to the wonderful Winter Night Market
Head over to Queen Vic Market and warm up with roaring fires, toasty street food and blazing entertainment. Winter Night Market will run on Wednesday nights from 5pm to 10pm, from now until August 28.
12. See a performance of La Rondine
This year marks 100 years since famous composer Giacomo Pucchini died. See his poignant and romantic masterpiece, La Rondine (The Swallow), in a mesmerising performance by Victorian Opera. Catch it at the Palais Theatre on August 8 and 10. Find out more.
13. Celebrate science and technology at National Science Week
National Science Week is on from August 10 to 18. To celebrate, Museums Victoria has a program of events at Melbourne Museum and Scienceworks, with exhibitions, activities and more. Find out what’s on the program here.
14. See a performance of King Lear
Head to the Fairfax Studio at Arts Centre Melbourne and watch Robert Menzies star in the titular role of King Lear. This intimate production will run from July 25 to August 11. Learn more here.
15. Find glow in the dark desserts at Dessertopia by 196below
Dessertopia by 196below has brought glow in the dark desserts to South Melbourne. This special event, known as Neon Nights, features glowing desserts inspired by anime, as well as luminous gelato and neon drinks. Check it out from now until Sunday September 29.
16. See a movie at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is back for its 15th year. There’s over 65 films to look forward to, including the anthology My Melbourne, which was filmed entirely in Melbourne. The festival is on from August 15 to 25. Learn more here.
17. Have a laugh at Murder for Two
The hilarious whodunnit comedy musical, Murder for Two, is coming to Melbourne after two sold-out seasons in Sydney. Watch Maverick Newman and Gabbi Bolt play 13 roles in this parody of a classic murder mystery. See it in Fairfax Studio at Arts Centre Melbourne from August 15 to 25. See more here.
18. Have fun at the Cachivaches Latin Market at Queen Vic Market
Celebrate Latin American culture at the Cachivaches Latin Market. Feast on authentic flavours from Colombia, Venezuela, Chile and Brazil. Then, go shopping for unique crafts and see vibrant cultural demonstrations. Check it out at Queen Victoria Market on Saturday August 17 and Sunday August 18, from 9am to 4pm. See more here.
19. Dance over to Ballet International Gala
At Ballet International Gala (BIG), you’ll see curated classical performances world renowned artists. BIG will take over Hamer Hall on Saturday August 17. More info here.
20. Watch A Streetcar Named Desire at Arts Centre Melbourne
Journey to 1940s New Orleans with this classic play, A Streetcar Named Desire. Find this production by Melbourne Theatre Company at the Playhouse in Arts Centre Melbourne from now until August 17.
21. Sip your way through Botanica Spirits & Food Festival
Head to the Timber Yard in Port Melbourne and celebrate native botanicals at Botanica Spirits & Food Festival. Taste your way through gin, vodka, run, whisky and more from over 25 of Australia’s best craft distillers. There will also be food stalls, food trucks, masterclasses, talks and more. This festival will take place on Saturday August 17 and Sunday August 18. Learn more here.
22. Lock in plans to check out Alcotraz
In this interactive experience, you’ll smuggle liquor into prison and receive up to four personalised cocktails. Alcotraz is now open in Melbourne. Get your tickets here.
23. Have fun at the NGV Teens: Art Party
Teenagers are invited to a night of dancing, workshops, performances, talks and after-hours exhibition access at the NGV Teens: Art Party. This event will take place on Saturday August 10, from 6pm to 9pm. See more here.
24. Journey through history with the Pharaoh exhibition at NGV
6 October 2024 at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Sean Fennessy
Explore three thousand years of ancient Egyptian art and culture at the NGV Winter Masterpieces exhibition for 2024, Pharaoh. This ambitious partnership with the British Museum showcases over 500 works, including monumental sculpture, architecture, jewellery, coffins and more. Many of these works are on display in Australia for the first time. Find it at NGV from now until October 6.
25. Stay out late at NGV Friday Nights
The popular NGV Friday Nights is back in celebration of the exhibition, Pharaoh. Expect a massive line-up of pop-up performances, music residencies, Middle Eastern-inspired food and plenty of drinks. NGV Friday Nights is on from now until October 4.
26. Gaze at garments at Africa Fashion in NGV
The largest and most comprehensive exhibition in Australia of fashion from Africa is here in Melbourne. This massive exhibition, from the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, showcases historical and contemporary creations from influential fashion designers around the continent. Expect nearly 200 works from over 50 designers. Africa Fashion is on display in NGV from now until October 6. Learn more here.
27. Brighten your mood with Daffodil Day at the Rialto
A blanket of bright daffodils will take over the Piazza at Rialto in support of Cancer Council’s annual Daffodil Day. Admire the flowers and buy a bunch of daffodils, which will go towards funding cancer research. There will also be neon light installations to check out, and a tribute tree where you can write messages of hope. This event will take place on Wednesday August 21 and Thursday August 22. More info here.
28. Marvel at the work of Leonardo da Vinci at The LUME
Take a journey back in time, and explore the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. Step into the 3,000m², and watch some of the worlds most famous artworks come to life, like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius is now open at The Lume.
29. Have a brilliant time at The Art of the Brick
The Art of the Brick is now showing in Melbourne! This immersive experience has over 100 sculptures made from over 1 million LEGO® bricks, as well as moving sculptures, cool projections and more. Check it out at Melbourne Showgrounds. Get your tickets here.
30. See curious characters at the Beings exhibition in ACMI
Meet and play with an assortment of curious characters born from code at the world premiere ACMI exhibition, Beings. Created by the international art and design collective, Universal Everything, this exhibition features 13 artworks made with ever-evolving algorithms. Move, dance and play with these creatures on screen, and enjoy a different experience each time. The Beings exhibition will take over ACMI from now until September 29.
31. See the mighty T. Rex at Melbourne Museum
Victoria the T. Rex is one of the largest and most complete fossils in the world. She’s also the first real T. rex to ever be shown in Victoria. Check out the dinosaur at Melbourne Museum from now until October 20.
32. Feel a sense of Joy at the Immigration Museum
Seven Victorian-based artists are sharing what joy means to them with a variety of delightful rooms at the Immigration Museum. Journey back in time to a 90s video store, cuddle up with a gigantic soft toy rabbit and more. The Joy exhibition is now open for you to explore, and will stay in town until August 29, 2025.
33. Sip cocktails in the snow on Rooftop at QT
Rooftop at QT is bringing the magic of winter to the sky, with a dreamy new Snow Globe experience. At this rooftop bar, you’ll feel delighted by falling snowflakes, theatrical cocktails and a winter-inspired menu. The Snow Globe on Rooftop at QT will run from now until Sunday September 2. There will be hourly snow shows running from 5pm to late, from Thursday to Sunday.
34. Experience a tale as old as time with Beauty and the Beast
Feel enchanted by the magical Beauty and the Beast musical. Watch in wonder as your favourite characters perform spectacular songs, like ‘Be Our Guest’, ‘Belle’, ‘Gaston’ and more. This production is now playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
35. Experience the magic of a Candlelight Concert
The candlelit performances have taken place at venues like The Athenaeum and The Astor Theatre as well as at The Timber Yard, the Meat Market and Fed Square. With more venues being added to the growing list, there’s a Candlelight concert around every corner.
Candlelight concerts in August include emo hits on strings, the best in movie soundtracks and more. See what’s on here.
36. See Frankenstein come to life on stage
See a thrilling stage adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic gothic novel, Frankenstein. Find it at the Princess Theatre from August 23 to September 1.
37. Take part in the intoxicating winter soiree, When Night Comes
Broad Encounters is back in Melbourne with another round of immersive theatre. Get ready for When Night Comes, a multisensory performance for small groups only. This intimate production mixes theatre and cocktails to create an alluring new experience. It will take over an intimate section of The Austral Theatre in Collingwood from now until August 24.
38. Find something wonderful at this craft fair in Queen Vic Market
At CRFT*WRK, you’ll discover locally-made goods from independent creators at Queen Vic Market. Find art, ceramics, jewellery, homewares and more. This festival will run on August 25 from 9am to 4pm. See more here.
39. Feel spellbound by Wicked
The gravity-defying musical, Wicked, is now playing at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne. Almost 20 years after its premiere on Broadway, this popular musical has won over 100 major awards, including the Grammy Award, the Olivier Award and three Tony Awards. See it before it goes on August 25.
40. Have an adorable time at the Top Dog Film Festival
The Top Dog Film Festival celebrates that special bond between humans and dogs, with a variety of heart-warming movies on the festival program. You can catch the film festival at The Astor Theatre on Tuesday August 27, from 7pm to 9:45pm. You can also see it at Village Cinemas in Geelong on Thursday August 8, from 6:30pm to 9:15pm. Grab your tickets and find out more about the festival here.
41. Find something beautiful at the Affordable Art Fair
Explore a mixture of emerging and established artists from galleries around Australia at Affordable Art Fair. After a successful debut in 2019, this art fair is returning to Melbourne and setting up shop at Royal Exhibition Building. Check it out from August 29 to September 1. Learn more here.
42. Relax at the Peninsula Hot Springs Bathe In Cinema
It’s the last month of winter! Stay warm this August by heading out of Melbourne and going for a tranquil soak in the geothermal waters at Peninsula Hot Springs. They’re running Bathe In Cinema sessions, so you can watch a comforting movie in the amphitheatre while unwinding in the mineral pools. This event runs on Thursday nights. Learn more here.
43. Warm up at the fun Hot Chocolate Festival
Escape to chocolateries in the Yarra Valley, Great Ocean Road or Mornington Peninsula to try 31 rotating flavours of hot chocolate this August. There will also be workshops where you can make your own personalised flavour to take home.
44. Sip on wine at Healesville Sanctuary’s Wine & Wildlife
Head to Healesville Sanctuary for their winter event, Wine & Wildlife. Sample tasty drop from 20 local wineries, breweries and distilleries. Then, warm up by the fire, look at the animals and listen to live acoustic music. Check it out on Saturday August 24 and Sunday August 25.
45. Treat yourself to fondue at Chandon
Escape to the Yarra Valley and get nice and cosy with fondue at Chandon Australia. The fondue is made in-house from local Yarra Valley cheeses, and is served with charcuterie, pickles and crusty bread. Pair it with a tasting flight of Chandon sparkling wines. This indulgent experience is available on weekdays at 11am or 2pm, and on weekends at 2pm, from now until the end of August.
46. Taste your way through the pie trail in Ballarat
This August, 28 pies from restaurants and cafés will compete for the title of Ballarat’s Best Pie. Awards will be given out on August 3, but you can try the pies for yourself from August 1 to 31. Find more info here.
47. Go on a Highland adventure at Kryal Castle
Feel transported to Scotland at Kryal Castle’s Highland Spectacular. Listen to pipe bands, see highland dancing, watch warriors on mighty steeds and more. The festival will run on August 17 and 18. More info here.
48. Hop over to Bendigo Beer Week
Love a good beer? Bendigo is serving up some good times with Bendigo Beer Week from August 28 to 31. Head to pubs, cafes, restaurants and more around town to sip your way through some indie brews. Learn more here.
49. Explore the Dark Side of Wine at Rutherglen
Journey up north to Rutherglen for their new festival, the Dark Side of Wine. This festival will light up the region for ten days with immersive experiences, roaring fires and plenty of flowing wine. It’s all happening from Friday August 2 to Sunday August 11.
50. Escape to the snow this winter
Snow season is here! Discover the amazing alpine regions of Victoria, hit the slopes, build a snowman and more. Find out where to see snow in Victoria here.