Events
January
Andersen Match Play Golf Championships
World Golf
Championships are a series of events launched in 1999 that feature the game’s
top players competing against each other in a variety of competition formats.
Metropolitan Golf Club, Golf Road, South Oakleigh
(03) 9579
3122
Mid-January
Australian Open (Tennis)
The
Australian Open features many of the biggest names in tennis and an off-court
carnival.
Melbourne
Park, Batman Avenue, Melbourne
(03) 9286
1175
Late
January
Pride
March Victoria
Victoria's
Gay and Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and allied communities hold their annual
pride march in St Kilda. Up to 40,000 people, including 120 organisations, march
to express their pride and solidarity. Family and friends are encouraged to
attend. The principal sponsor is the City of Port Phillip.
Fitzroy
Street, St Kilda, to St Kilda Beach
(03) 9513
3054
February
Ericsson Masters Golf Championships
One of
Australia's leading golf tournaments, featuring the best Australian players and
international stars.
Huntingdale Golf Club, Windsor Avenue, South Oakleigh
(03) 9639
2333
Throughout February
Woolmark Melbourne Fashion Festival
An annual
celebration of fashion and style, offering a wide range of parades,
performances, business events, exhibitions, international guests and gala
events.
Melbourne
(03) 9826
9688
Mid-February
Australian International Airshow
The
Australian International Airshow is the largest and most comprehensive aviation
event in Australia, featuring a very impressive list of world class aviation,
defence and aerospace companies. This show is staged every two years by Airshows
Downunder.
Avalon
Airport, Beach Road, Avalon
(03) 5282
4400
Mid-February
C F Orr
Stakes
Experience
the best in thoroughbred racing at the home of some of the most exciting horse
racing in the State.
Caulfield
Racecourse, Station Street, Caulfield
(03) 9257
7200
Mid-February
Maroondah Festival
The
Maroondah Festival is one of the largest free community festivals in Melbourne
and presents an exciting program of entertaining activities. The activities
include stages full of entertainment including a performance from a renowned
band, craft markets, youth and children's area, amusement rides, informative
business displays, street theatre and plenty more for the entire family.
Croydon
Park and surrounding areas, Croydon
(03) 9871
0373
Late
February
AAMI
Classic/Oakleigh Plate
See the
champion horses of today and tomorrow racing at one of Australia's premier
racecourses.
Caulfield
Racecourse, Station Street, Caulfield
(03) 9257
7200
Late
February
Jazz at
Canterbury Gardens
Free jazz
concert in the picturesque Canterbury Gardens with children's entertainment
provided. Bring along a picnic and a rug and enjoy some of the gourmet food and
refreshments available for sale.
Canterbury
Gardens, Canterbury Road, Canterbury
(03) 9278
4777
Early
March
Qantas
Australian Grand Prix
Set on
Albert Park's street circuit, this race is one of the longest on the Formula One
World Championship calendar with a track length of 5.26kms. The race is the
first of the racing calendar and is set around a four day carnival of motor
sports and public entertainment.
Albert Park Lake, Albert Park, Melbourne
(03) 9258
7100
Early
March
Mercedes Benz Blue Diamond Stakes
Experience
the best in thoroughbred racing at the home of some of the most exciting horse
racing in the State and witness Victoria's richest race for two year olds.
Caulfield
Racecourse, Station Street, Caulfield
(03) 9257
7200
Early
April
The
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
The
success of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is now a matter of
record and continues to grow in horticultural and floricultural excellence with
displays continuing to enthrall visitors. Held within the historic Royal
Exhibition Building and the surrounding Carlton Gardens the event features over
300 exhibitors ranging from floral designers, flower growers, landscape
architects and designers, leading nurseries and florists.
(03) 9639
2333
April
Easter
Cup
A family
day at the races. Highlights include an Easter Bonnet competition, the Clip Clop
Club for children and the running of the Red Tulip Easter Cup. A classic event
for three-year-old horses.
Caulfield
Racecourse, Station Street, Caulfield
Rozalee
Ercea
(03) 9257
7200
April
Melbourne Autumn Music Festival
Commencing
in 1971 this is Australia’s main festival of early music with a wide range of
performances by local and international soloists, ensembles, orchestras and
choirs in some of Melbourne’s most beautiful buildings. The week long program of
over 20 events includes concerts, seminars, master classes and an historic tour.
Various
Melbourne metropolitan venues (mainly churches)
(03) 9347
0447
Late
April
Anzac
Day Parade
Memorial
march to the Shrine for those who fought and died for their country.
Swanston
St Walk and St Kilda Road to the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne
Anzac
House
(03) 9655
5555
Late
April
Anzac
Day Service and March
Members of
the local community are invited to remember the fallen and since departed
comrades who have represented their country during war.
'Pillars
of Freedom' Cenotaph (north end of Palm Plaza), Clow Street, Dandenong
Denis
Rogerson
(03) 9792
1535
Mid-June
A R
Dobson Australian Steeple and the Australian Hurdle
The A R Dobson
Australian Steeple and the Australian Hurdle are the feature races at this
meeting and have long been regarded as two of the most prestigious jumps races
on the Australian racing calendar.
Sandown Racecourse,
Racecourse Drive, Springvale
(03) 9257 7200
Mid-July – early August
Melbourne International Film Festival
Established in
1952, the Melbourne International Film Festival is a showcase for the latest
developments in Australian and international filmmaking, offering audiences a
wide range of features and shorts, encompassing fiction, documentaries,
animation and experimental films with a program of more than 290 films from 40
countries.
Venues within the
Central Business District
Melbourne
International Film Festival Office
(03) 9417 2011
Throughout August
MUDfest
Melbourne
University's Student Arts festival comprising drama, dance, visual arts and
music. Held every two years.
Venues on
University of Melbourne Campus and throughout Carlton
(03) 9344 8869
Early
September
Melbourne Symphony
Season opens
(03) 9626 1111
Melbourne Concert
Hall, Victorian Arts Centre, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Early
September
Coca-Cola AFL Grand Final
Melbourne Cricket
Ground, Melbourne
Australian Football
League
(03) 9643 1999
The AFL Grand Final
is the superbowl of Aussie Rules. Attracting more than 95,000 fans to the MCG,
it brings the nation to a standstill as the two best teams fight for the coveted
Premiership.
Early
September
Father's Day at the Zoo
There are themed
activities including an activity trail, prizes, artifacts table and face
painting. Bring dad along to the zoo for special Father’s Day Safari Tours and a
free card making activity.
Victoria's
Open Range Zoo at Werribee, K Road, Werribee
Victoria's
Open Range Zoo
(03) 9731 9600
Memsie
Stakes Day
Early September
Bring the family
along to enjoy a day's horse racing with one of the most important feature races
on the horse-racing calendar at one of the best racecourses in the Metropolitan
area.
Caulfield
Racecourse, Station Street, Caulfield
(03) 9257 7200
Melbourne Theatre Company
(03) 9684 4500
Season Opens
Early
September
Hygain
Equestrian Championships
(03) 9207 5840
National Equestrian
Centre, Werribee Park, K Road, Werribee
The Hygain weekend
is one of the largest championship showjumping events on the Australian
calendar, with the best horses and riders from around the country competing for
titles.
Mid-September
Family
Concert
Introduce your
family to the magic of the Melbourne Symphony in a concert for the family.
The Melbourne Town
Hall, Swanston Street, Melbourne
Melbourne Symphony
(03) 9626 1111
Late
September
The Age
Master Series
One of the series
of ten concerts that explore the great orchestral tradition. Some of the finest
conductors and soloists from around the world will perform with the Orchestra to
bring you the excitement, passion, drama and enchantment of the great
masterworks of the classical repertoire.
Melbourne Concert
Hall, Victorian Arts Centre, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Melbourne Symphony
(03) 9626 1111
Late
September-early October
Annual
Royal Melbourne Show
The Biggest Event
in the Event State brings the magic of the country to the city for 11 days of
animals and events, produce, art and crafts, machinery and equipment, food, fun
and sideshows, rides and much, much more. All this can be found just 15 minutes
from the city centre.
Royal Melbourne
Showgrounds, Epsom Road, Ascot Vale
(03) 9281 7420
Late
September
Junior
Open Amateur Golf Tournament
Medway Golf Club,
Omar Street, Maidstone
Medway Golf Club
(03) 9317 9031
Late
September
Tea and
Symphony
Refreshing music
and morning tea are the successful ingredients of these hour-long morning
concerts.
The Melbourne Town
Hall, Swanston Street, Melbourne
Melbourne Symphony
(03) 9626 1111
Throughout 3 weeks of October
Melbourne Fringe Festival
The Melbourne
Fringe Festival is Melbourne's annual open access three week program of
innovative and experimental art across all art forms. A showcase of new work and
new ways of presenting, in hundreds of individual events, across the city.
Venues across
Melbourne
(03) 9481 5111
1st
Sunday in October
Queen
Elizabeth Trophy
One of the major
events on the Victorian golfing program.
Royal Melbourne
Golf Club, Cheltenham Road, Black Rock
(03) 9598 6755
Early
October
Annual
Melbourne Art Fair
One of the most
important and successful national and international visual art events in
Australia. Held every two years in Melbourne
Three
weeks in October
Zootober
October is Zoo
Month so come along and join in the special activities run every weekend
throughout the month. Visitors are invited to participate in the many activities
that will explore the many floras, as well as endangered species of grasslands,
around the world.
Victoria's
Open Range Zoo at Werribee, K Road, Werribee
(03) 9731 9600
2nd
Sunday in October
Melbourne Marathon Festival
Australia’s oldest
marathon incorporates the Melbourne Marathon (42km), the Melbourne Half Marathon
(21km), the Melbourne Marathon Relay (42km), the Melbourne Marathon Bike Ride, a
6km Fun Run/Walk and an in line skate event.
Aughtie Drive,
Albert Park
(03) 9486 6133
Mid-October
Melbourne Champions
The Melbourne
Champions is one round of the 21 tournament world circuit for former champions
aged 35 and over. The tour features players of the calibre of Jimmy Connors,
John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, Guillermo Vilas, Yannick Noah, Johan Kriek, Henri
Leconte and John Fitzgerald.
Melbourne Park,
Swan Street, Melbourne
Mid
October-early November
Melbourne Festival
The Melbourne
Festival is among the world's premier arts festivals, renowned for presenting
the cream of Australian and international events encompassing all art forms.
This festival is a 17-day cultural feast featuring hundreds of music, opera,
dance, theatre and artistic performances in a host of venues, both indoors and
on the streets of Melbourne.
(03) 9662 4242
Mid-Late October
Melbourne Oktoberfest
A time of feasting
and fun for the whole family. Visitors are treated to German, Austrian and Swiss
style food and beverages, music and continuous entertainment in new large
festival halls and the main stage area.
Royal Agricultural
Society Showgrounds, Epsom Road, Ascot Vale
Heinz Wendt
(03) 9529 5211
Mid-Late October
Spring
Fling
The North and West
Melbourne Multicultural Arts Festival features music, performance and food
reflecting the cultural diversity of the area. Errol Street explodes in colour,
music, dance and fun. Over 100 stalls, 30 acts, exhibitions and thousands of
people; this festival celebrates the rich cultural life of North Melbourne.
Errol Street, North
Melbourne
Jane Karslake
(03) 9328 1126
Late
October
Harvest
Festival Music Festival
Melbourne community
radio station 3CR is proud to present an alternative country music festival for
lovers of roots based music. This is a festival that reflects the alternative
country genre that has grown out of Melbourne’s inner city hotels. The festival
will feature three nights and one afternoon of live music and a special evening
of cinematic musical beauty. On the last night of the festival the stars will be
out for a Gene Clark tribute night at the Continental Cafe. Various venues
around Melbourne
(03) 9773 0722
Late
October
Reclaim
The Night
Reclaim the Night
is organized by a collective of women working together to show that violence
against women and children will not be tolerated. The celebration and march acts
as a symbol of women's right to go about their community in safety. The
celebration is on the same night throughout Australia and the world.
(03) 9791 9299
Mid-November
Melbourne Cup International Polo Tournament
An annual event
featuring top players from Australia, South America and Europe competing in the
fast and furious action of International Polo. Wine tastings and picnic hampers
in historic Werribee Park.
Werribee Park, K
Road, Werribee
(03) 9521 9700
Mid-November
Victorian Arabian Jockey Club Futurity Show
Presenting the
inaugural Arabian Horse Futurity Show. See Australia’s best 2 year old Arabians
competing for the Futurity Championship. All horses will be eligible to race in
the Futurity Race for 3 year olds.
Werribee Park
National Equestrian Centre, K Road, Werribee
(03) 5429 6985
Late
November
Rose
Festival of the Yarra Ranges
Indulge in the
beauty and fragrance of roses. See them blooming on a rose farm, in beautiful
gardens, in hot houses and in trial beds. Lectures will be running daily at
Tesselaars and Roses Galore.
(03) 5964 8475
Throughout December
Rural
Christmas Market
Over 50 rural
producers from all over Victoria selling their handmade crafts and produce in
the three weeks leading up to Christmas. Handcrafted gifts include ceramics and
pottery, sheepskin and emu products, gourmet foods, Aboriginal artwork,
children’s toys and clothing, glassware and timber gifts.
Information
Victoria, 356 Collins Street, Melbourne
(03) 9603 9949
Early
December
Messiah
- Handel
Arguably
the greatest oratorio ever written, Handel's masterpiece, Messiah, is filled
with a seemingly inexhaustible supply of glorious melodies. Join us in this
annual joyous celebration of music that will literally bring you to your feet.
The Saturday performance of this work is included as part of the Choral Series.
Melbourne
Concert Hall, Victorian Arts Centre, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Melbourne
Symphony
(03) 9626
1111
Early
December
Melbourne Cup on Wheels
This classic track
cycling race was first run in 1947. See Australia's Olympic and world champion
cyclists in action.
Northcote Velodrome,
John Cain Memorial Park, Darebin Road, Northcote
(03) 9328 4391
December
Carols
at Central Park
Celebrate the joy
of Christmas with the whole family at a night of traditional Carols by
Candlelight in lovely Central Park. Candles and programs are available by
donation to a local organization. BYO picnic or buy light snacks and beverages.
Central Park, corner Burke Road and Wattletree Road, Malvern
(03) 9522 3391
December 24
RVIB
Carols by Candlelight
Millions of
families each year enjoy the original Carols by Candlelight at Melbourne's
Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The cream of Australian talent perform at the event, a
major fundraiser for the RVIB, which assist children and adults who are blind or
vision impaired.
Sidney Myer Music
Bowl, Melbourne
(03) 9522 5295
Christmas Day on Safari
Experience a unique
wildlife Christmas through the grasslands of Africa, Asia and Australia.
Victoria's
Open Range Zoo at Werribee, K Road, Werribee
(03) 9731 9600
Melbourne Boxing Day Test Match
The
Melbourne Boxing Day Test Match is one of the great traditions of sport in
Victoria and Australia. More than 160,000 passionate cricket fans attend the
historic Melbourne Cricket Ground to support Australia in the biggest Test Match
in the world.
Melbourne
Cricket Ground, Brunton Avenue, Jolimont
(03) 9653
1100
Late
December
Hmong
New Year Festival
The Hmong
New Year Festival is a special event for young adults to strengthen their
friendships, maintain Hmong culture (by playing a traditional ball game) and
other cultural activities
Deep Rock
Oval, Yarra Bend Park, Fairfield
(03) 9417
2553
