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 further out in Victoria this July.
Here’s what’s on in Melbourne this July
Wander through twinkling light installations at Lightscape
The gorgeous, after-dark experience, Lightscape, is coming back to the Royal Botanic Gardens for a fourth season. Wander through the green heart of Melbourne and feel enchanted by over 20 new installations. Lightscape will illuminate Melbourne from Friday June 20 to Sunday August 10.
Have a sublime time at the Malibu Barbie Cafe
A cheerful Malibu Barbie Cafe is popping up at Chadstone. Treat yourself to themed dishes and drinks, then have fun at the roller rink. The cafe will stay at The Social Quarter in Chadstone until summer 2026.
Feel the heat at Firelight Festival
The popular Firelight Festival is coming back to Docklands this winter. Warm up by fiery sculptures and fire pits, see fire artists, tuck into some toasty food and check out new inflatable sculptures. It’s free to attend, and on from July 4 to 6.
Check out the Winter Wonderland at Grazeland
Frolic under falling snow, warm up with mulled wine by the fire, admire gorgeous neon lights and have fun with plenty of live entertainment at Grazeland. Of course, there will be plenty of delicious, seasonal food and drinks to try too. Grazeland will transform into a winter wonderland every weekend, from Friday July 4 until Sunday July 20.
Have a sip at the Australian Sake Festival
Source: Supplied
Head to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and discover over 80 stalls and 400 kinds of sake to try at the Australian Sake Festival. When you’re not drinking, feast on delicious Japanese food and have fun with workshops and more. The festival will take place on Saturday July 5 and Sunday July 6. Learn more here.
Try to escape Prison Island
Challenge yourself and your teammates to escape Prison Island. Instead of breaking out from a single room, you’ll take on a series of tasks in multiple cells and race against the clock. Find it at The District Docklands. Grab your tickets here.
Treat yourself to a sweet day out at the Australian Chocolate Festival
The Australian Chocolate Festival by Bean-to-Bar Makers is coming back to Melbourne for its second year. Sample over 70 different chocolates from over 35 chocolate makers at this delectable festival. You’ll find it in the Seaworks Precinct in Williamstown on Saturday July 5 and Sunday July 6.
Find the perfect match at Mould x Pinot Palooza
The tasty cheese festival Mould is pairing up with the popular pinot party, Pinot Palooza. Sip and sample your way through this indulgent festival for foodies. Expect over 50 varieties of artisan cheese and over 50 types of pinot noir from Australia and beyond. Mould x Pinot Palooza will take place at the Royal Exhibition Building on Friday July 4 and Saturday July 5.
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 11. Take part in workshops and activities at the Ian Potter Centre in Fed Square on July 12. Visit libraries around the city for reading parties. And more! NAIDOC Week will run from July 6 to 13. See more here.
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 27.
Have a magical time at Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Feel like you’ve Apparated from Melbourne to Hogwarts at Harry Potter: The Exhibition. See authentic props and set pieces from the films, and go on your own magical journey. Conjure your own Patronus, test your Quidditch skills and more! Find it at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick. Get your tickets here.
Gaze at the French Impressionism exhibition at NGV
Find over 100 paintings, including works never-before-seen in Australia, by notable artists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, and more at NGV. Presented in partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), this will be one of the largest and most significant collections of French Impressionism to visit Australia. See the Winter Masterpieces exhibition from now until October 5.
Learn all about the history and beauty of kimono at NGV
Explore the timeless kimono and see over 70 garments from the Edo period to today. Curated by NGV, the Kimono exhibition features rare and hand-crafted kimono, and over 30 never-before-seen garments that are new to the NGV Collection. This exhibition will run from now until October 5.
Stay out late at NGV Friday Nights
Supplied/Image: Michael Pham
The popular NGV Friday Nights is back, in celebration of the French Impressionism exhibition. Explore the exhibition after hours, then stick around for live music, food and drinks. The festivities will take place every Friday night from now until October 3, and will run from 6pm to 10pm.
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 over 140 performances in 40 different shows. The Melbourne Magic Festival will run from July 7 to 19. More info here.
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 270 stallholders. Find something unique to take home, then have fun with local food, bars and live music. This market will run from Friday July 11 to Sunday July 13. More info here.
Set sail on Titanic: A Voyage Through Time
Experience the tragedy of the Titanic like never before with this virtual reality experience. Dive to the wreck site, then journey back in time to explore iconic spaces around the ship, such as the Grand Staircase. Along the way, you’ll meet characters based on real passengers and crew members. Titanic: A Voyage Through Time is now open at 206 Bourke Street in Melbourne. Get your tickets here.
Celebrate Bastille Day at this French festival
Source: Supplied
The annual Bastille Day French Festival is returning to Melbourne this July. Celebrate the festival’s 10th anniversary by exploring a French winter market. Around the city, you’ll also find masterclasses, walking tours and live entertainment. Pop the champagne and check out this festival at Queen Vic Market on Saturday July 12 and Sunday July 13. See more here.
Journey to the underworld in the award-winning musical Hadestown
The Tony and Grammy-award winning musical, Hadestown, is now playing in Melbourne. Follow the intertwining love stories of Orpheus and Eurydice, and King Hades and Persephone. Find it at Her Majesty’s Theatre from now until July 13. See more here.
Have a stellar time at the Star Wars Galactic Café
Transport your taste buds to a galaxy far, far away at the Star Wars Galactic Café in Melbourne Museum. This stellar cafe is a first for Star Wars fans in Australia. Dine aboard a Corellian Star Cruiser, then explore the newly opened LEGO Star Wars exhibition.
Feel the Force at a LEGO Star Wars exhibition in Melbourne Museum
Fly to a galaxy far, far away and feel amazed by LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition. Marvel at towering structures, awesome starships and your favourite characters, then join in on the fun with your own builds. LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition is now open at Melbourne Museum.
Have a sleepover at Melbourne Museum
On select dates throughout June and July, Melbourne Museum will be hosting slumber parties. Stay overnight and enjoy exclusive tours, behind-the-scenes access and more. There are Museum Sleepovers exclusively for adults, as well as family sessions.
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 movie soundtracks at the aquarium, the best of Hans Zimmer and more. See what’s on here.
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 July 16 to 20.
Find something tasty at The Little Food Market
Celebrate Australian food and drink at The Little Food Market. Created by the same team behind The Big Design Market, you can shop from over 200 producers, see live demos and sip and savour plenty of delicious treats. Find it at the Royal Exhibition Building from July 18 to 20.
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 19, from 5pm to 11pm. More info here.
Have a frightfully fun time at BEETLEJUICE the musical
It’s showtime! The eight-time Tony Award-nominated musical BEETLEJUICE is now haunting the Regent Theatre in Melbourne.
Play mini-golf in the ballroom of Flinders Street Station
Head up to the mysterious Flinders Street Station Ballroom and check out Swingers: The Art of Mini Golf. This playable art exhibition features nine imaginative mini-golf holes from female-identifying artists. This fun experience will run until Sunday August 31.
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.
In Melbourne, this festival will run at Classic Cinemas in Elsternwick, Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn and Cameo Cinemas in Belgrave from now until July 20. Learn more here.
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.
See over 100 ancient artefacts at the Hellenic Museum
The Hellenic Museum has teamed up with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, Greece, to bring a global exclusive exhibition to Melbourne. See 119 ancient artefacts from over a dozen museums and ephorates of antiquities in Greece, including the Acropolis Museum, Hellenic National Archaeological Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Delphi and more. Rituals: Gifts for the Gods is open daily from 10am to 4pm.
Join a thrilling immersive arcade game experience at 123Boom!
You’ll be on the edge of your seat throughout your time at 123Boom!, an immersive puzzle adventure where you and your team are tasked with diffusing a ‘bomb’ to save the day. To do so, you’ll require teamwork, skill, and problem-solving, all racing against the clock as the story advances and the seconds tick down. It’s open now, and you can find your tickets here.
Check out the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival
This iconic festival is back for its 10th edition. See incredible documentaries from Australia and around the world. The Melbourne Documentary Film Festival will run in cinema from July 15 to 31, and stream online from July 1 to 31. Learn more here.
Tantalise your taste buds at Dining in the Dark
Dining in the Dark
Embark on a gastronomic adventure while blindfolded at Dining in the Dark. Taking place at Cha Ching, you’ll choose between vegan, seafood or meat options and feast on a three-course meal. Get your tickets here.
See stunning works of art at the Floribunda exhibition
Celebrate the connection between humans and flowers at Bunjil Place Gallery with their exhibition, Floribunda. See over 150 works from NGV, spanning paintings, photography, fashion and more. This exhibition is on from now until July 20. See more here.
Feel the sparks at the Museum of Desire
At the Museum of Desire, you’ll find over 20 sensory-rich experiences that explore desire and pleasure. Feeling curious? Get your tickets here.
Soak in the vibes at Leaps and Bounds Music Festival
Leaps and Bounds Music Festival is coming back, with live shows, experimental pop-ups and club nights taking over venues in Fitzroy, Collingwood and Richmond from Thursday July 24 to Sunday July 27. Check out the program and more here.
Explore the wonders of Melbourne Rare Book Week
Explore the world of rare and collectable books at the beloved annual event, Melbourne Rare Book Week. This year, there’s 43 free events to look forward to, with exhibitions, a book fair, behind-the-scenes tours and more. It’s all happening from Thursday July 24 to Saturday August 2.
Play the ‘Among Us’-style game, Saboteurs
Supplied/Image: Nic Cleary
Head to The District Docklands and go on a space adventure at Saboteurs. Play with your friends inside converted shipping containers, complete tasks, and eject any suspicious imposters. Get your tickets here.
Feel a sense of Joy at the Immigration Museum
Source: Museums Victoria/Image: Eugene Hyland
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.
Immerse yourself in a sensory experience at SENSAS
Round up some friends and tackle some fun challenges at SENSAS. Test all five of your senses in some wacky experiences. This playful space is now open. Get your tickets here.
Have fun at Adventure Park’s Winter Glow
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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 28 and run until August 9. Find out more.
Hop aboard the Train of Lights by Puffing Billy
Source: Puffing Billy Railway
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 Friday July 4 and ends on Sunday July 20.
Find the finest wines and winter produce at Fireside Festival in the Yarra Valley
Fireside Festival is returning to the Yarra Valley for 14 days of winter magic. Celebrate the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the region, with roaring fires, long-table feasts, exclusive tastings and more. The festival will kick off with the Fireside Twilight Market at Welcome to Thornbury in Melbourne on Friday June 27. The festivities will continue around the Yarra Valley until Sunday July 13.
Feel enchanted by Winter Wonderlights in Sovereign Hill
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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 July 4 to Sunday July 27.
Check out the Ballarat Winter Festival
Source: Supplied
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 July 5 to Sunday July 27.
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 11 to Sunday July 13. Then, when the Island Whale Festival is over, stick around during the colder months for some whale-watching.
See an exclusive Frida Kahlo exhibition in Bendigo
See artworks and objects by Frida Kahlo that have never been seen before in Australia. These works have come straight from Museo Frida Kahlo in Mexico. Frida Kahlo: In her own image will be on display at Bendigo Art Gallery from now until Sunday July 13.
Head to Bendigo for Electric Wonderland
Bendigo will light up with projections, light shows and interactive moments in Rosalind Park. Electric Wonderland will return for the winter school holidays from Friday July 4 to Sunday July 20.
Bundle up and explore the East Gippsland Winter Festival
The annual East Gippsland Winter Festival is returning for the fifth 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 winter. Expect a series of free events, family-friendly activities, picturesque locations and more. The festival will start on Friday June 20 and end on Sunday July 20.
Travel to the Grampians and check out the Wama Foundation
Take a drive to Halls Gap and check out the new art and environment precinct. This area will include the National Centre for Environmental Art, Australia’s first gallery that’s exclusively dedicated to showcasing art about the natural world, and the social and political issues that come with that. It will also feature an array of gardens, filled with native plants and wildlife. The Wama Foundation will open at 12pm on Saturday July 5.
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 installations, projections and soundscapes. Find it in Pioneer Settlement from July 11 to 20. Learn more here.
See the spectacular Trail of Lights in Mildura
Travel out to Mildura and wander among 12,500 twinkling ‘firefly lights’ on Lock Island. The spectacular Trail of Lights art installation has been designed by renowned artist, Bruce Munro.
Escape to the snow this winter
Source: Visit Victoria
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.