Winter is here and just because the nights are longer doesn’t mean Melbourne is starved for activities. There’s so many exhibitions to discover, food to try, and shows to see. No matter your age, you’ll be sure to find plenty of things to do in Melbourne and Victoria this July.
1. 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 will play at Her Majesty’s Theatre from June 27.
2. Sail on a Taylor Swift Singalong Cruise
Dress up and listen to your favourite songs while floating in Style along the Yarra River on one of the Swiftie Singalong Cruises by Port Phillip Ferries. These cruises will take place on Tuesday July 2 and Tuesday July 9, from 2:30pm to 4pm.
3. Skate your way over to Disney on Ice
Explore a whole new world of magic and enchantment at Disney On Ice. Watch your favourite characters come to life, while performing high-flying acrobatics, surprising stunts and of course, world-class ice skating. Find it at Rod Laver Arena from Thursday July 4 to Monday July 8.
4. Feel frightened by The Woman In Black
The legendary tale of The Woman in Black is now playing in Melbourne. This spine-chilling production is the second longest-running play in West End history. Catch it at the Athenaeum Theatre before it goes on July 6.
5. 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.
6. Have a poo-fect day out at Unko Museum before it leaves town
Japan’s surprise sensation, Unko Museum, has taken over 360 Bourke St, Melbourne. Unko Museum is the only international touring museum dedicated to poop, but don’t hold your nose – the focus here is all about kawaii exhibits and photo-friendly moments, making it a fun and family-friendly day out.
7. 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. If you’re a night owl, stay out late for DJ sets, cocktails and more on Thursday July 4 and 11. Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius is now open at The Lume.
8. 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.
9. Find cooking inspiration at the Home Cooking Show or Cake, Bake & Sweets Show
Love to cook? The Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre will play host to two culinary events from July 5 to 7. Find cool stalls, explore the Wine & Cheese Alley, see cooking demonstrations and more at the Home Cooking Show. Then, sweeten things up with cake displays, baking demonstrations, sweet vendors and more at the Cake, Bake & Sweets Show.
10. Visit Queen Vic Market for the awesome African Festival
The beloved African Festival is back in Melbourne this July. The bustling market will come to life with delicious food from around the continent, as well as live entertainment, activities for the kids and more. Check it out on Sunday July 7 from 9am to 4pm. See more here.
11. See the Children’s International Film Festival
Do you have a budding film buff? Take them to the Children’s International Film Festival! Perfect for those aged 3 and up, this festival features a curated collection of feature length, short films and special events. Expect a mix of English language and foreign films with subtitles. Highlights include Inside Out 2 and Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds.
In Melbourne, this festival will run at Classic Cinemas in Elsternwick, Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn and Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave from now until July 7. Learn more here.
12. 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 July 9 to August 17.
13. Feel spellbound by the Melbourne Magic Festival
See the largest magic festival of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, right here in Melbourne. This year, feel enchanted by almost 200 performances in 45 different shows. The Melbourne Magic Festival will run from July 1 to 13. More info here.
14. Check out some local events for NAIDOC Week
Celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at NAIDOC Week. Visit Fed Square for NAIDOC in the City and listen to performances on July 12. Pop by narrm ngarrgu Library for workshops and panel discussions. Visit Melbourne Zoo for some First Nations-led activities for children. And more! NAIDOC Week will run from July 7 to 14. See more here.
15. Wander through the Firelight Labyrinth
Venture below Marvel Stadium and move through a maze of light and sound. Firelight Labyrinth is in Melbourne from Friday June 28 to Sunday July 14.
16. Cool off with Winter in Williamstown
Williamstown is celebrating winter with an ice skating rink, light projections at Nelson Place and fun entertainment at the Rotunda. Check it out over the school holidays from June 28 to July 14. Learn more here.
17. 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 will open in Melbourne on June 28. Get your tickets here.
18. Check out the Finders Keepers Market
The Finders Keepers Market is back in Melbourne this July. Head to the Royal Exhibition Building and discover over 250 independent art, design and food stalls. This market will run from Friday July 12 to Sunday July 14. More info here.
19. Celebrate Bastille Day at this French festival in Queen Vic Market
The annual Bastille Day French Festival is returning to Melbourne this July. Explore a delightful French winter market, try some masterclasses, see live entertainment and much more. Pop the champagne and check out this festival at Queen Vic Market on Saturday July 13 and Sunday July 14. See more here.
20. Have fun at 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 June 5 to August 28.
21. 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.
22. Feast on dishes from MasterChef alumni at Crown
Crown and MasterChef have teamed up to create Alumni, a restaurant that will showcase the delicious dishes of MasterChef Australia alumni cooks. This pop-up restaurant will have rotating chefs, with each alumni taking over the venue for three weeks. In July, you can sample a curated menu from Khanh Ong and a mystery chef. Khanh’s residency will run from June 27 to July 14, and will be followed by a mystery chef from July 18 to August 4. More info here.
23. 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.
24. Stay out late at NGV Friday Nights
The popular NGV Friday Nights is back this winter, 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.
25. 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.
26. Warm up at the Whisky, Wine and Fire Festival
After a five year hiatus, the wonderful Whisky, Wine and Fire Festival is coming back to Melbourne this July. This winter event will take over the subterranean precinct in Caulfield Racecourse, and feature hearty feasts and drinks that will warm you from the inside out. Set in a fire garden, you’ll discover comforting drinks from local wine producers and distilleries. The festival will run from Thursday July 18 to Sunday July 21.
27. Attend the Bastille Day Soirée by So Frenchy So Chic
Dance the night away at the So Frenchy So Chic Bastille Day Soirée. Graze on complimentary cheese on arrival, and shake your body to the best of French pop, disco, house and more. This dance party will take place in North Melbourne’s Meat Market on Saturday July 20, from 5pm to 11pm. More info here.
28. Have a sip at the Australian Sake Festival
Head to Queen Victoria Market and discover over 60 stalls and 200 kinds of sake to try at the Australian Sake Festival. When you’re not drinking, feast on delicious Japanese food and have fun with live entertainment, workshops and more. The festival will take place on Saturday July 20 and Sunday July 21.
29. Celebrate the colder months with Frosted – A Winter Spectacular
The big field in Narre Warren opposite Westfield Fountain Gate has transformed into a winter wonderland. At Frosted – A Winter Spectacular, you’ll have plenty of fun with ice skating, a taboggan slide, a polar bear ball pit, winter refreshments and more. Check it out from now until July 21.
30. Have a laugh at Replay Festival
Did you miss out on a show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival? Head to Comedy Republic, Arts Centre Melbourne and Improv Conspiracy (Theory Bar) and see over 40 of the top shows at Replay Festival this July. See the full schedule here.
31. Bounce over to The NBA Exhibition
Get your head in the game at The NBA Exhibition. Explore over 20 themed sections, see cool memorabilia, play arcade basketball games, check out the VR zone and more. This fun experience is now open at The District Docklands. Get your tickets here.
32. 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.
33. 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.
34. Paint in the dark at Neon Brush
Head to Hanover House for the fun paint and sip experience, Neon Brush. Sip on your chosen beverage and paint a neon masterpiece that glows in the dark. See dates and times here.
35. 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.
36. 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.
37. 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.
38. Take part in the intoxicating winter soiree, When Night Comes
Broad Encounters is coming back to 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 3.
39. Unleash your creativity at Chaos Lab
From the Control Room to the Science Lab, the Mirror Maze to the Ball Pit, Chaos Lab is a fun experience for all kids who want to play, explore and create. Find it at The District Docklands. Tickets are on sale now.
40. Check out the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival
This iconic festival is back for its 9th edition. See incredible documentaries from Australia and around the world. The Melbourne Documentary Film Festival will run in cinema from July 17 to 31, and stream online from July 1 to 31. Learn more here.
41. 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.
42. See the king of rock and roll at Elvis: A Musical Revolution
Elvis: A Musical Revolution is coming back to Melbourne for an encore season. Explore the life of Elvis Presley and sing along to all of your favourite tunes. It will rock Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from Saturday July 27 to Sunday August 11.
43. 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 Saturday July 27 from 9am to 4pm. See more here.
44. Find some winter magic at foodie paradise Grazeland
Rug up and celebrate winter every weekend at Grazeland, the paradise for foodies in Melbourne’s west. Frolic in the snow, warm up with mulled wine by the fire, admire gorgeous neon lights and more. Grazeland will transform into a winter wonderland every weekend, from Friday June 28 until Sunday July 28.
45. 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 July include tributes to Taylor Swift, a performance devoted to family movie classics and more. See what’s on here.
46. Check out the Winter Arts Festival at Bunjil Place and surrounds
Celebrate at the City of Casey’s annual Winter Arts Festival. Have fun with installations, performances, workshops and more cool experiences this July. See what’s happening here.
47. Go ice skating and more at the Eynesbury Winter Festival
Eynesbury is transforming into a delightful winter wonderland. Travel 40 minutes to Melbourne’s west for ice skating, a carnival zone, night markets and more. The Eynesbury Winter Festival will take place from June 27 to July 14. Find out more.
48. Have a magical time at Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Embark on a spellbinding walk through the forest and come face-to-face with magical creatures and scenes from the Harry Potter universe. You’ll find the Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience at The Briars in Mount Martha. Get your tickets here.
49. Hop aboard the Train of Lights by Puffing Billy
Rug up this winter for an unforgettable moving light show. Journey through the Dandenong Ranges at night in an illuminated steam train, and see bright projections, hypnotic patterns and more. This experience starts on June 28 and ends on July 21.
50. Find the finest wines and winter produce at Fireside Yarra Valley
Fireside is returning to the Yarra Valley for its sixth year. At this 16-day winter festival, you’ll celebrate the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the region, with culinary experiences, a twilight market and more. Warm up by the fire from Friday July 12 to Sunday July 28. See what’s on here.
51. Head to Phillip Island for the Island Whale Festival
Phillip Island is celebrating the annual whale migration with this special festival. Enjoy some fun, whale-themed activities from Friday July 5 to Sunday July 7. Then, when the festival is over, stick around during the colder months for some whale-watching. Learn more about the Island Whale Festival here.
52. Have fun at Adventure Park’s Winter Glow
Adventure Park is bringing back their dazzling Winter Glow experience this year. Escape to their delightful winter wonderland, and frolic in the snow, go on the rides, marvel at twinkling lights, see ice sculpting displays and more. This event will kick off on June 22 and run until July 21.
53. Head out of town for Winter Wonderlights in Sovereign Hill
Stroll through this gold rush attraction in Ballarat, and gaze in wonder as the streetscapes and goldfields transform into a winter wonderland. Look forward to dazzling light projections, roaring fires, fun activities, live music and more. Winter Wonderlights will return from Friday June 28 to Sunday July 21.
54. Check out the Ballarat Winter Festival
Get into the winter spirit in Ballarat, with heaps of fun experiences. Go ice skating, head to Kryal Castle and more! The Ballarat Winter Festival is on from Saturday June 29 to Sunday July 21.
55. Head to Bendigo for Electric Wonderland
Bendigo will light up with lasers, fairy lights and more with an Electric Wonderland in Rosalind Park. After that, head to Hargreaves Mall for a bit of ice skating. Check it out from Friday June 28 to Sunday July 14.
56. Wander through the illuminated experience, Gumbuya Dreaming
Beloved theme park Gumbuya World will light up the night with a brilliant new event that combines cutting-edge technology with traditional First Nations storytelling. Get ready for Gumbuya Dreaming, an event that will celebrate Indigenous culture with stories, installations and soundscapes. The experience will run from Saturday June 8 to Sunday July 21.
57. Bundle up and explore the East Gippsland Winter Festival
The annual East Gippsland Winter Festival is returning for the fourth time, celebrating art, food, culture and nature over one glorious month. With over 100 events to look forward to, there’s a lot of reasons for you to drive out of Melbourne and explore the region this June. Expect a series of free activities, family-friendly events, picturesque locations and more. The East Gippsland Winter Festival will start on Friday June 21 and end on Sunday July 21.
58. Escape to the snow this winter
Snow season is almost 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.
59. See the Murray River illuminated with the beauty of Moama Lights
The dazzling nocturnal event, Moama Lights, will light up the Murray again this winter. Drive out to Echuca, pop across the river to its twin town Moama in NSW, and admire this spectacular event. Moama’s Horseshoe Lagoon will come alive with a sound and light trail. There will also be ice-skating, food trucks and more wonderful things to see and do. Moama Lights will return from Friday July 5 to Sunday July 28.
60. Escape to Swan Hill for River Lights
Swan Hill will light up with the immersive light and sound show, River Lights. This spectacular evening show will dazzle visitors with light sculptures, laser effects, interactive projections and holograms. It will take over the tourism attraction, Pioneer Settlement, and showcase history, art, community icons and First Nations culture. River Lights will run for just ten nights, from Friday June 28 to Sunday July 7.