Melbourne is considered the cultural capital of Australia, with a calendar that is filled with festivals and celebrations. Some are dedicated to ethnic communities that have made the city home while others showcase a particular genre of music.
No matter what your interests are, there’s a Melbourne festival to inspire you, with the following 10 among the best.
If you’re planning to visit the Victorian capital during one of its festivals, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance due to the increased demand. With Rentola’s rentals Melbourne, you can compare bookable properties across the city and find one that’s conveniently located near your celebration.
- Yirramboi
Translating as “tomorrow” in the language of the Boonwurrung and Woiwurrung peoples, Yirramboi is Australia’s only First Nations-led arts festival. Over 10 days, it ignites Melbourne with music, dance and theatre performances, as well as art exhibitions, fashion parades and traditional markets. Yirramboi also provides an opportunity to discuss issues of importance to First Nations people during talks and symposiums.
- Melbourne International Comedy Festival
One of the largest comedy festivals in the world descends on Melbourne each March and hosts the best of the best from around the globe. It’s a great opportunity to see international comedians perform alongside emerging stand-up artists, as well as improv theatre, sketch shows and debates. A highlight of the festival is the televised “Gala”, which features short segments by award-winning comedians, as well as the Raw Comedy competition for those who are new to the industry.
- Victorian Festival of Diwali
To celebrate the festival of lights, Melbourne hosts a full day of cultural activities and culinary delights in Federation Square. You can participate in yoga and meditation classes, watch captivating dance performances and feast on authentic Indian street food. Art exhibitions, film screenings and henna paintings also form part of the Diwali celebrations, with the day ending with a spectacular display of fireworks over the Yarra River.
- Moomba Festival
Celebrated over four days in March, Moomba is Australia’s largest free community festival. It has been celebrated since 1955 and centres around the Yarra River, with the festival most famed for its elaborate parade. In addition to live music performances and a water skiing competition, a riverfront carnival is set up in the Alexandra Gardens. Not to miss is the Birdman Rally, which sees homemade gliders launching themselves off the Swan Street Bridge.
- St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival
First held in Caledonian Lane in 2005, St. Jerome’s has now spread across the country and around the globe. It showcases indie rock and indie pop acts from Australia and beyond, with previous headliners including Flume, Lorde and Tame Impala. While it’s no longer held in Caledonian Lane (it is next set to take place in the Park at Flemington), this beloved music festival stays true to its indie roots.
- Tropfest
Founded in Sydney in the 1990s, Tropfest has grown to become the world’s largest short film festival, with screenings in Melbourne and around the globe. Each year, filmgoers gather under the stars to watch works by both established and emerging filmmakers, with names such as Cate Blanchett, Eric Bana and Samuel L. Jackson serving as judges. Each film must incorporate a “Tropfest Signature Item”, which changes from year to year.
- Chinese New Year
Determined by the Lunar Calendar, Chinese New Year takes place in either January or February and is a huge event for Melbourne’s Chinese community. While many of the celebrations are concentrated in Chinatown at the eastern end of Little Bourke Street, you’ll also find cultural events and activities taking place in Federation Square and at the Queen Victoria Market. In addition to dragon dances, light installations and craft workshops, there are crackling fireworks and a street parade.
- Rising
Rising is one of Melbourne’s newest arts festivals and takes the place of the Melbourne International Arts Festival. Its program includes thought-provoking art exhibitions, theatrical and dance performances, as well as after-dark illuminations. Rising is held in June at the start of winter, giving you a great reason to visit Melbourne during the off-season.
- Lonsdale Street Festival
Also known as the Antipodes Festival, this weekend celebration recognises Melbourne as home to the largest Greek population in the world, outside of Greece. Over two days, you can experience traditional dance performances, music and entertainment, as well as an eating competition dedicated to sweet loukoumades. The Lonsdale Street Festival also has a small carnival area with rides and face painting for kids.
- A Day on the Green
Once referred to as the “Big Day Out for grown-ups”, A Day on the Green is held on sprawling lawns at wineries across the country. It’s an opportunity to indulge in gourmet food and wine while listening to leading artists from Australia and beyond. Previous headliners have included Elton John and Alicia Keys, as well as Crowded House and The Killers.
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