Whether you’re living locally, a train ride away, or coming for a holiday, Melbourne has a spectacular line-up of events for this year. From the world’s longest lunch to a festival that continues until sunrise, Melbourne is jam-packed with festivities all year long. Check out our list of the top Melbourne events for 2017.
White Night Melbourne
Festivities continue from dusk ’til dawn at White Night Melbourne
An annual favourite on the Melbourne events calendar, this is a night where the city is lit up in a unique way. From 7pm on February 18 until the morning hours of February 19, the entire city will come to life with light displays. The idea is that from sunset to sunrise, musicians and performers will transform the city, celebrating culture and creativity. This whole event is free to everyone so that all can enjoy the street performances, music, dance, and film.
Date: February 18, 2017
Entrance fee: Free
Website: White Night Melbourne
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
Dine together with thousands of people at the Regional World’s Longest Lunch at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
The Melbourne events 2017 list wouldn’t be complete without a celebration of the food culture here. This year will be the 25th anniversary of this event, where talent, produce, and lifestyle are showcased. The Food and Wine Festival runs from March 31 until April 9 every day of the week. Each day presents different chefs, wine growers, authors, and purveyors to inspire you in the kitchen. Book your seats to experience the Regional World’s Longest Lunch, where thousands of people lunch together on 20 long tables placed in a line.
Date: March 31 – April 9, 2017
Entrance fee: Prices vary, see website
Website: Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
Summer Night Market
The Summer Night Market at Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne © The Night Market
Melbourne is well known for its market culture, and when the beautiful summer weather allows, these markets are best enjoyed at night time. This free event runs until March 8 on Wednesday evenings at the Queen Victoria Market. Here you can enjoy street food from around the world, bars with the best brews, and vintage stall holders selling quirky and unique products. What’s more, there is live music to mix up your mid-week routine.
Date: Wednesdays until March 8, 2017
Entrance fee: Free
Website: The Night Market
QV Outdoor Cinema
Bring your furry friend to the movies © QV Cinema
A yearly favourite, the QV building in the heart of the city on Swanston and Lonsdale Street opens up its rooftop for an outdoor cinema. From Thursday to Sunday until February 26, you can book tickets to have this incredible cinematic experience under the Melbourne city lights.
Date: Thursdays to Sundays from November 30, 2016 – February 26, 2017
Entrance fee: $12 per person
Website: QV Cinema
National Sustainable Living Festival
Munch on sustainable food and listen to speakers at the Sustainable Living Festival © SLF Photo: Katie Dutton
From February 2 until 28, the Sustainable Living Festival presents everyone in Melbourne with some eco-living tips and inspiration. This is your one-stop place to find out how you can live in a cleaner, smarter, and greener way. This free event will give you practical knowledge and ideas so that you can do your part in creating a more sustainable world. For the sixth year, RMIT University student innovators will hold a competition where students will present their ideas for sustainable solutions as part of their “Think Green” initiative.
Date: February 2 – 28, 2017
Entrance fee: Free
Website: SLF
St Kilda Festival
The Canberra DJ duo, The Aston Shuffle, will headline at the 2017 St. Kilda Festival © The Aston Shuffle
Another free event that highlights the best of Melbourne’s music culture scene, the St Kilda Festival is on February 12 by the city seaside. This is a day to enjoy the seaside, the sunshine, and local musical talents. This year’s lineup includes popular local artists like The Aston Shuffle, Drapht, and Emma Louise.
Date: February 12, 2017
Entrance fee: Free
Website: St Kilda Festival
Sovereignty Exhibition
Steven Rhall, The biggest Aboriginal artwork in Melbourne metro 2014-16, installation view, Sovereignty, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Melbourne, 2016-17. Photograph: Andrew Curtis
An educational experience and historic event, this is an exhibition at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art that delves into art pieces and narratives from the First Nation’s people of South East Australia. The Indigenous culture of Australia is a rich and vibrant one with many interesting perspectives to explore. This exhibition is a great way to learn more about the Aboriginal culture and gain a better understanding of this amazing heritage.
Date: Until March 26, 2017
Entrance fee: Free
Website: Sovereignty Exhibition
Keep an eye on these other places
The city is filled with cultural gems and iconic Melbourne events throughout the year. Check out some of these locations for more information on upcoming Melbourne events 2017.
- Her Majesty’s Theatre
- Australian Centre for Contemporary Art
- The Immigration Museum
- The National Gallery of Victoria
- The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)
Federation Square - Arts Centre, Melbourne
- The Docklands
- The Melbourne Museum
