Your Melbourne CBD Calendar: What’s Happening This Spring 2025?

Here comes the sun (we hope!)

As we wave goodbye to the gloomy winter days, Victoria welcomes longer days, which are set to (hopefully) bring in some sunshine!

This spring and summer 2025-2026, Melbourne hosts some massive music events, hosting the likes of Kendrick Lamar to Sophie Ellis Bextor. And let’s not forget sport, as Melbourne gets ready to welcome the annual Tennis Open, IRONMAN and cricket matches.

Here comes the sun…

The question that everyone is wondering, though, is…will it be a warm, sunny summer? While we can’t promise guaranteed 100% sunshine, we can promise that Melbourne puts on a show!

So follow our ultimate guide to Melbourne in the summer, and check out what’s happening in and around the city this spring 2025.

Here’s how you can make the most out of the Melbourne sunshine! 😎

Melbourne event calendar:

• Melbourne Cup Carnival
• NGV International exhibitions
• Queen Victoria Markets Summer Nights
• Nocturnal: Melbourne Museum After Dark
• LEGO Star Wars Exhibition at the Melbourne Museum
• Game Worlds Exhibition at ACMI

Melbourne Cup Carnival

A horse racing event (with live music and themed days) that is celebrated annually across Australia.

When? 1st November – 8th November.

Every year, the popular venue Flemington Race Course comes alive with crowds, music, and events. Just a short drive away from the Melbourne CBD, cup carnival goers can get to Flemington Racecourse in just 20 minutes.

This famous horse racing festival is celebrated all over Australia. But in Victoria, this day is taken even more seriously. In fact, on the 4th of November, Victorians can enjoy a whole public holiday dedicated to the event!

Although the 4th of November is the key date for the Melbourne Cup, it’s not all about one day in particular. There are a few different key dates across the festival, from the 1st November to – 8th.

Internationally known FISHER is playing a DJ set on the 8th November to celebrate the end of the carnival. This year, for the first time, the track itself will be a stage, and fans can boogie to the Gold Coast DJ!

Visit the NGV International Museum

Melbourne’s most celebrated art museum always hosts exciting events!

When?
Westwood and Kawakubo Exhibition runs from
7th December 2025 – April 19th 2026

Women Photographers Exhibition runs from
28th November – 3rd May

Where? National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3006

The National Gallery of Victoria never fails to disappoint with its iconic seasonal exhibitions! In the past year alone, the NGV has attracted over a million visitors to its famous art exhibitions, such as Yayoi Kusama and French Impressionism.

This December 2025 sees two exhibitions kicking off.

The first exhibition that kicks off is ‘Women Photographers: A Legacy of Light’ (1900 – 1975).

Westwood and Kawakudo, which showcases the work of Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo (perhaps two of the most famous fashion designers in history).

For an exclusive, more ‘after-hours’ feeling to the exhibitions, and to add a splash of culture to your Friday night, check out the weekly ‘Friday Nights at the NGV.’ There’s live music, cocktails and nibbles to accompany the exhibitions.

Queen Victoria Markets: Summer Nights

The largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere comes alive for the annual summer special event, held every Wednesday!

When? Every Wednesday between 5pm – 10pm, from November to March.

Where? Queen Victoria Markets, Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000

With the Queen Victoria Markets summer festival, Wednesdays will hit different! The largest market in Melbourne opens every Wednesday to welcome the summer. With a whole menu of wonderful market flavours from all over the world, weekly music, and iconic performances, jazz up your Wednesday night in the city!

Nocturnal: Museum After Dark

Melbourne’s very own Night at the Museum!

Welcome, Melbourne’s very own version of Night at the Museum! Watch the Melbourne Museum come to life with this innovative, after-hours museum experience! It’s a great idea for date night in the city!

Explore the culture, nature, history and art of Melbourne and enjoy a whole variety of different events. From themed talks all the way through to interactive activities – your Thursday evening is sorted! Child-free and after-hours access makes this museum experience feel just that little bit more exclusive.

Where? Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson St, Carlton 3053

When? Thursday 13th November, Thursday 11th December

LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition

Intergalactic vibes meets LEGO in the heart of Melbourne

Where? Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson St, Carlton 3053

When? Daily 10am – 4:30pm. Ends Monday 26th January 2026

If looking for daytime activities that are more family-friendly, check out the LEGO Star Wars exhibition held at Melbourne Museum!

With cool interactive exhibitions, the LEGO Star Wars Exhibition puts on a real show.

A whole world of intergalactic exhibitions comes to life with this super cool exhibition! Suitable for families, friends, LEGO fans, Star Wars fans (and everything in between!)

Free events at Fed Square

Federation Square is the ultimate hub of happenings in the middle of Melbourne! Check out what’s happening at Federation Square this spring. The event space often hosts fun, free events right in the heart of the city!

Game Worlds Exhibitions

Where? ACMI Studios

When? Daily 10am – 5pm. Exhibition runs until 8th February 2026