What’s On in Melbourne: Your Ultimate Guide for August & Beyond

The winter chill’s grip tightens, but Melbourne’s not just surviving — it’s thriving, striding through these last cold weeks with that unmistakable swagger. While others retreat, the city layers up and leans into the moody skies like a pro. Cosy laneway wine bars, steamy ramen bowls, gallery nights thick with atmosphere — winter here isn’t a season to hide from, it’s a season to own.

With long lunches that stretch into indulgence and after-dark events sparking warmth in the frost, Melbourne’s magic only intensifies. We’re almost there, almost through the wintery wilderness, so rug up, step out, and soak in the city’s unapologetic cool.

Melbourne’s Rialto Blooms Bright for Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day

From August 20th to 21st, the iconic Rialto Tower will rise above a sea of 38,715 daffodils — one for every Victorian diagnosed with cancer annually. A six-metre-high hot air balloon floats above this vibrant floral field in Rialto’s Plaza, casting hope across the city skyline. Fresh bunches start at $12, with proceeds supporting Cancer Council Victoria’s vital Daffodil Day Appeal. A radiant reminder that giving blossoms amid adversity.

From 8am to 6pm each day until sold out

525 Collins Street, Melbourne

Win Dad the Ultimate Father’s Day Surprise, Thanks to Taylors Wines

This Father’s Day, some thanks deserve more than a card. We’ve teamed up with Taylors Wines to help you celebrate the dads, grandads, stepdads and father figures who’ve always shown up. Their “Thanks Dad Doorstep Deliveries” include a bottle of Taylors Wine and a personal note — delivered straight to his door.

And if you’re looking to gift something special regardless, shop the Taylors Wines range right here — the perfect gesture for Father’s Day or just because.

Entries close August 18th

Enter here

A High Tea in Ink and Intention

There’s something meditative about brush meeting paper — even more so when paired with a glass of Champagne and a black sesame macaron. At Yugen Tea Bar, renowned sumi-e artist Junko Azukawa leads a graceful exploration of Japanese ink painting in a creative workshop grounded in stillness and ritual. Follow it with a delicately composed high tea where scallop shiro and temari sushi meet scones, mochi and mousse. Art for the senses, in every way.

$165 per person

Sunday, 17th August, 11am to 2pm

605 Chapel Street at the Capitol Grand, South Yarra

Truffle and Terroir at Omnia

When Bannockburn’s elegant wines meet Omnia’s cool-season imagination, magic unfolds. This year’s truffle dinner is a masterclass in winter indulgence — bluefin tuna with truffled jamon cream, soufflé laced with Comté, wagyu rib cap under a veil of truffle miso. Each course is matched with new and rare pours from Bannockburn, as winemaker Matt Holmes shares the stories behind the vintage. It’s decadent, intimate, and impossible to forget.

$165 per person

Wednesday, 13th August, 6:30pm to 9:30pm

625 Chapel Street, South Yarra 

An Evening of Smoke, Oak and Single Malt

Yugen’s Glenfiddich whisky dinner is an ode to craft and complexity. Set against the moody backdrop of Bromley Gallery, each course tells its own story — from sweetbreads in roasted onion consommé to King George whiting in pastry, finishing with rum-soaked pineapple and tapioca smoke. With four exceptional whiskies (including the rare 26YO), this is a night for savouring — the warmth of the malt, the richness of the plate, the depth of good company.

$230 per person, early bird $200 until 7th August

Wednesday, 4th September, 7pm

Bromley Gallery, South Yarra

Midweek Jazz and Velvet Vibes at Omnia

Let Wednesdays become your favourite night. Jazz Nights at Omnia are moody, romantic, and just a little seductive — three live sets by Melbourne’s finest, with an exclusive Jazz Hour menu of elegant drinks and light bites from 5:30pm. It’s velvet armchairs, piano flourishes, a martini in hand. A weeknight escape that feels like an old-world soirée.

Wednesdays, 23rd July to 3rd September (except 13 August),

Set Times: 6:00pm, 7:10pm, 8:20pm

Jazz Hour: 5:30 to 7:00pm (Bar only, walk-ins welcome)

Spotted: Melbourne Zoo Welcomes Its First Giraffe Calf in Nearly 20 Years

Melbourne Zoo is celebrating a sky-high arrival — the first giraffe calf born there in almost 20 years. Delivered to first-time mum Nakuru, the gangly, wide-eyed newborn is already nearly two metres tall and took her first wobbly steps just minutes after birth. The drop-birth went smoothly, with keepers monitoring every moment from afar, and Nakuru has taken to motherhood with grace.

While the duo enjoy some quiet bonding time, lucky visitors may soon spot them on the zoo’s main trail. More than just adorable, this calf is a vital addition to the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe population — and a reminder of nature’s everyday magic.

NOSTRA Brings Handmade Pasta and Big Sunday Feels to Northcote

After a string of sold-out pop-ups across Melbourne (and a little Kyneton detour), NOSTRA is setting up shop at Onlys in Northcote for an eight-week residency starting on August 22nd. Expect hand-rolled pasta, fire-licked vegetables, and slow-cooked everything from chef Dane Hewson (ex-Embla, Etta), with Lydia Greenwood curating the vibe. Alongside their regular dinner service (Thursdays to Sundays), Thursdays bring $25 pastas and $10 martinis while Sundays turn into Nostra Famiglia — a spirited long lunch with guest chefs from Love Shack, Embla, Leonardo’s and more.

It’s all about food, connection and feeling like you’ve walked into a friend’s party — one where the playlist’s good and someone’s always pouring another glass.

August 22nd to October 13th

Onlys, 58A Victoria Road, Northcote

Melbourne’s Indian Film Festival Returns with a Rich Tapestry of Stories

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) returns in its 16th year, unveiling a captivating program of over 75 films in 31 languages — most screening in Australia for the first time. From 14th to 24th August, Melbourne and regional Victoria become a vibrant stage for India’s cinematic brilliance, championing voices both fresh and legendary.

Opening with Baksho Bondi (Shadowbox), a stirring drama of resilience, and closing with Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, which earned a standing ovation at Cannes, IFFM’s lineup offers a sweeping celebration of human courage, cultural complexity, and inventive storytelling.

Aamir Khan, the festival’s Chief Guest, is honoured with a retrospective that explores his four-decade legacy of socially conscious cinema, while the festival also spotlights LGBTQIA+ voices, regional gems, and compelling contemporary tales. Special moments like the Flag Hoisting Ceremony at Federation Square and the electric Remitly IFFM Dance Competition invite all to join in the cultural celebration.

With screenings ranging from the haunting artistry of Guru Dutt classics to urgent new stories like Boong and Pinch, IFFM invites Melburnians to immerse themselves in a world where cinema pulses with heart, heritage, and unflinching truth.

Tickets and passes are available here

14th to 24th August

Multiple locations in Melbourne and Victoria

R.F. Kuang’s New Novel Comes to Life — for One Night Only

Hell has a check-in desk, and for one night only, it’s at Escape Hunt. On Monday, 25th August, six cities across Australia will host an after-dark descent inspired by best-selling author R.F. Kuang’s (Yellowface, Babel) feverishly anticipated novel, Katabasis. Think: myth, madness, and magick, reimagined in puzzle form. Attendees will step into transformed escape rooms mirroring the book’s descent into a twisted underworld — equal parts heartache, intellect, and hellfire. It’s high-concept fanfare, but make it personal.

Early access to Katabasis and a signed bookplate are the cherry on top. A love story forged in the furnace. A rivalry sharpened by death. A night out you won’t forget.

Reserve tickets (and find more details) here

Monday 25th August

Jackalope’s Luxe Winter Day Pass Is the Peninsula’s Best-Kept Secret

Jackalope’s Winter Day Access Pass is here to turn your off-season into peak indulgence. Set on a private vineyard in Merricks North, this lush day package ($100 for two) includes access to the 30-metre heated infinity pool, outdoor spa, and infrared sauna, plus robes and tea on arrival. Make it a luxe midweek reset or vineyard day-date, then warm up by the fire at Flaggerdoot or linger over lunch at Rare Hare.

Sundays to Thursdays ‘til 30th September

166 Balnarring Road, Merricks North

August at QT Melbourne

QT Melbourne is serving winter realness with two can’t-miss experiences. From now until August 31st, Bubbles with Bite teams up with Perrier-Jouët to deliver Champagne with a cheeky twist — think luxe fries, caviar, and crème fraîche, because why not? Then, come Saturday nights, the rooftop transforms into Nova’s Skyline Sessions: stripped-back live sets from Australia’s freshest talent, paired with Campari & Espolòn cocktails crafted for sipping above the city lights. Cool vibes, colder bubbles — your new winter ritual just landed.

Bubbles with Bite: Until August 31st

Nova’s Skyline Sessions: Saturday nights in August

Cat Comedy & Cocktails Fundraising Party

If you like your stand-up with a side of whiskers and a strong philanthropic streak, this purr-fectly timed comedy night is your calling. In honour of International Cat Day, the Cat Protection Society of Victoria is hosting a riotous evening of feline-themed cocktails, canapés and comedy at Welcome to Thornbury — with award-winning comic Bron Lewis leading the charge. She’ll be joined by fellow funny folk Dave Thornton and Kirsty Webeck, helping raise much-needed funds for the 1,300+ cats and kittens currently in CPSV’s care. Good laughs, great cause, excellent excuse for a Friday night martini.

Friday 8th August

Tickets $100 – All proceeds support CPSV

The Greenhouse, Welcome to Thornbury, 520 High Street, Northcote

Unlock Your Creative Spirit This Winter with NGV Art School

This winter, NGV Art School beckons the curious, the passionate, and the creatively restless to dive deep into a world where art transcends the canvas. From the hypnotic elegance of Japanese kimono craft to the vibrant pulse of First Peoples’ art, each course is a masterclass in seeing — and feeling — the world anew.

Whether you crave the tactile joy of in-person discovery or the flexible allure of online learning, NGV’s educators and curators invite you to journey through colour, design, storytelling, and history with fresh eyes and open hearts.

For more information on classes and enrolment, visit here

IWAGUMI AIR SCAPE by ENESS 

Prahran Square transforms into a luminous wonderland this August with the Australian premiere of IWAGUMI AIR SCAPE by ENESS. Monumental inflatable rock forms shimmer with light and sound, inviting all ages to immerse in this dreamy, free public art installation. Don’t miss it!

1st to 17th August, glowing nightly from 5pm to 10pm

Prahran Square, Prahran

Soft Launch

Florals by day, floor-fillers by night — Collingwood’s Xflos studio is putting the petal to the metal this August with Soft Launch, a six-hour rave blooming inside a working florist. Flowerclub’s after-dark transformation promises deep grooves and heavy-hitting techno from the likes of Effektor (live), Flat Esoteric, and Kato, all set among botanical surrounds that smell better than your average club. It’s chaotic good, a little bit green, and totally unlike anything else in Melbourne’s electronic scene.

Saturday 30th August, 7pm to 1am

30B Perry Street, Collingwood

Embrace Solo Luxury This Winter at voco Melbourne Central

This winter, rediscover the art of self-indulgence with voco Melbourne Central’s exquisite solo staycation packages: Reset NOMO and Escape NOMO (Night On My Own). Tailored for the discerning solo traveller, these experiences marry serene comfort with curated cultural adventures. Reset NOMO offers a sublime two-hour massage and facial at Spa Bar Melbourne, while Escape NOMO presents a bespoke itinerary of Melbourne’s finest shows and exhibitions. Both packages include breakfast in bed, a welcoming bottle of Dal Zotto Prosecco, a luxe self-care kit, and a late checkout, allowing you to savour every moment of this elegant urban retreat.

Packages start from $380

Available now through December 2025

18 Timothy Lane, Melbourne

A New Cultural Landmark Now Open in the Grampians

After fourteen years of anticipation, the WAMA Foundation has officially opened its doors, becoming one of regional Victoria’s most extraordinary cultural destinations. Just outside Halls Gap, this 16-hectare site hosts Australia’s first National Centre for Environmental Art, currently showcasing End & Being by Jacobus Capone — a powerful meditation on climate, memory, and transformation.

With curated talks, DJ sets, workshops, local wines, and the thriving Gariwerd Botanic Garden featuring over 500 native plants, WAMA offers an immersive blend of art, nature, and community. Food trucks and a cosy cafe round out the experience, making it an essential winter escape for culture lovers and nature seekers alike.

Adults $18

Saturday, 11am to 6pm, Sunday and Monday, 10am to 5pm

4000 Ararat-Halls Gap Road, Halls Gap, Victoria

Lightscape

Lightscape Melbourne returns this winter to the Royal Botanic Gardens, transforming the nights into a glowing wonderland of immersive light art. Perfect for families to wander through magical installations or couples seeking a dreamy date night under radiant canopies, Lightscape is a joyous celebration of winter’s charm in the city. Running from June 20th to August 10th, it’s a seasonal highlight that never fails to enchant — a blissful way to embrace Melbourne’s crisp evenings.

Sitchu Tip: Travelling from afar or in need of a luxe staycation? Snap up the Crowne Plaza Winter Light Up package. It includes two tickets to Lightscape during your stay, along with exclusive Crowne Plaza Melbourne beanies and a blanket to keep you cosy. After wandering through the dazzling trail of light displays and soundscapes, unwind in comfort in a plush King Bed overlooking the city skyline, South Wharf or the hotel pool. The next morning, enjoy a steamy cup of coffee from your in-room pod machine and a hearty buffet breakfast at Ottie’s — everything you need for a truly unforgettable night (and morning) in Melbourne’s magical winter glow.

Friday June 20th to Sunday August 10th

Royal Botanic Gardens

Melbourne Fair Returns with a Dazzling Celebration of Art Deco

A century after Art Deco first stole the world’s heart, the iconic Melbourne Fair is marking 100 years since its Parisian debut with a glittering four-day celebration at Caulfield Racecourse. Expect headdresses, flapper frocks, Egyptian Revival jewels and a jam-packed program of fashion parades and talks, including style historian Claudia Chan Shaw and ArtsNational President Geoffrey Edwards.

Don your finest vintage and enter the Best Dressed comp, or simply come to swoon. It’s history, glamour, and a little razzle-dazzle — all under one very chic roof.

July 31st to August 3rd, 2025

Caulfield Racecourse

Northcote Social Club Turns 20 — 20 Gigs for 20 Years

Celebrating 20 years of rocking High Street, Northcote Social Club is throwing a milestone bash you won’t want to miss. Get ready for an all-star lineup featuring Gut Health, Nai Palm, Jordy Lane, Kingswood, and Alice Ivy, plus plenty of cold brews and good vibes. From indie anthems to dancefloor fillers, this is a celebration of Melbourne’s live music heart and soul. Mark your calendars — it’s a birthday party with serious pedigree.

Various dates in July and August

Northcote Social Club, 301 High Street, Northcote

Ski, Dine, Party: Mt Buller’s Four Hottest Weekends

This winter, Melbourne’s tastemakers are trading laneways for lift passes, as hospitality heavyweights Marmont, Entrecôte and MoVida ascend to Mt Buller for an unmissable alpine series curated by hospitality powerhouse, Tommy Collins. Hosted at their chic alpine venues, The Villager and Little Villager, across four snow-dusted weekends, the mountainside is set to transform into a glamorous après-ski playground — complete with intimate dinners, open-air street parties, and DJ-fuelled revelry under the stars. With Grant Smillie, Jason Jones and Frank Camorra at the helm, expect a season of soul-warming cuisine, signature cocktails, and serious style. Buller’s never looked — or tasted — so good.

Movida Meets Mt Buller, July 31st, August 1st and 2nd – book here

Entrecote, the French Alps Way, August 15th and 16th – book here

Glow On the Go: HYDE Melbourne Adds Cult LED Masks to the In-Room Lineup

Self-care just got a glow-up at Melbourne’s most creative new stay. HYDE Melbourne Place is now offering Sonna’s cult-status LED face masks — available straight from your in-room compendium. With six high-tech settings (think Rejuvenate, Anti-Ageing, and Morning Mode), this luxe treatment is perfect for winding down or getting ready to go out.

Designed by Kennedy Nolan and stocked with Leif and Aesop, HYDE is all about sleek vibes — and Sonna fits right in. Wellness, but make it effortlessly chic this winter.

130 Russell Street, Melbourne 

Book your stay here

French Impressionism at NGV

Claude Monet, Renoir, Degas and their Impressionist pals are back at NGV International — this time with a vengeance. After the 2021 lockdown robbed us of the show, French Impressionism from Boston returns, brighter and bolder, with over 100 masterpieces capturing the magic of light, colour, and life’s fleeting moments. Wander through Parisian streets, lush forests, and Normandy’s coast — all while soaking in 18 Monet canvases spanning three decades. It’s a dreamy, brush-stroked escape that’s pure visual poetry and the perfect winter muse.

Until 5th October

180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne

VIVA Melbourne

Round up your crew and dive headfirst into VIVA, Melbourne’s sultry new cabaret that’s cranking up winter’s heat. Set in North Melbourne, this dazzling spectacle fuses burlesque, acrobatics, and live tunes into one unapologetically bold night of glamour and grit. With fresh shows like VOGUE — where high fashion struts with high-octane flair — and VICIOUS, a hypnotic late-night thrill ride, expect jaw-dropping costumes, cheeky moves, and an electric vibe.

Perfect for birthdays or a spicy escape, VIVA is your ticket to fearless fun and fierce femininity unleashed.

Secure tickets here

64 Sutton Street, North Melbourne

Prison Island Brings Escape Room Excitement to Melbourne

Melbourne’s newest thrill is about to drop — Prison Island lands on the first Thursday of June, ready to turbocharge your social life. This isn’t your average escape room; it’s a high-stakes blend of brain-busting puzzles, physical challenges, and sneaky strategy wrapped up in a gritty prison vibe.

Whether you’re a seasoned escape artist or just craving a wildly different night out, Prison Island serves up adrenaline, laughs, and serious bragging rights. Winter chills? Forget ’em — the heat is all inside this epic escape game.

The District Docklands, Level 1/22 Star Crescent, Docklands

Kimono at the NGV

Kimono is another exhibition at the NGV set to wow Melburnians this June, offering a breathtaking deep dive into the rich history, craftsmanship, and enduring cultural significance of Japan’s most iconic garment. From the ornate designs of the Edo period to bold contemporary interpretations by designers like Hiroko Takahashi and Jotaro Saito, Kimono showcases the garment’s evolution over centuries. Highlights include Saito’s Dark Romantic collection, which premieres in Australia and features hand-painted pieces created using the traditional yuzen dyeing technique.

Alongside the garments, the exhibition will also display over 150 related works — think woodblock prints, paintings, and decorative arts — creating a rich, immersive experience that tells the full story of the kimono’s global influence.

180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne

Beetlejuice the Musical

Get ready, Melbourne — Beetlejuice the Musical is crashing the stage this May! Based on the cult classic Tim Burton film, it follows a quirky teen whose life turns upside down when she meets a recently deceased couple… and a demon obsessed with stripes. Packed with wicked wit, jaw-dropping sets, and tunes you’ll be humming till Halloween, this Broadway sensation blends spooky chaos with heart. It’s weird, wild, and wonderfully addictive—so grab your tickets before you say my name and miss out!

Secure tickets here

Until 31st August

Regent Theatre, Melbourne

Try Croissanteria’s Lobster Croissant Roll

This flakey pastry haven has just upped the ante and extended the good times into the evening with the launch of Croissanteria By Night. Once the coffee rush is over and the city descends into dusk, you can expect a change of pace with mood lighting, European small plates and yummy cocktails. There’s even a decadent lobster roll croissant on the menu. Wash it down with a rhubarb fizz, peach & tea Bellini or Grey Goose elderflower mist. Sounds like there’s no place we’d rather be!

Crown Melbourne

Try This Dubai Chocolate Thickshake

The Dubai chocolate craze is making its way through Australia and the latest dessert to be given a pistachio makeover is Ribs & Burgers’ thickshake. Top off your meal with this decadent dessert or swing by for an afternoon pick-me-up.

What can you expect? Lashings of pistachio paste and chocolate sauce topped with generous sprinklings of pistachio crush and crispy kataifi pastry. It’s here for a good time, not a long time so be sure to pop it on your must-eat list.

Locations across Melbourne, find your closest here

YTB Launches Reimagined Afternoon High Tea

The iconic YTB (Yugen Tea Bar) has a brand new afternoon high tea, available to enjoy every weekend. YTB’s reimagined take on the classic afternoon high tea offers a curated menu that balances savoury and sweet morsels, providing delight with every bite. Highlights that grace the tier include a carrot tart, Kung Pao Chicken and ramen egg sandwiches, buckwheat teriyaki, and Hokkaido tart. We’ll be booking into this one, stat.

Saturdays and Sundays, 12pm to 2:30pm

$130 per person

605 Chapel Street, South Yarra

Regional Farmers Monthly Market at Abbotsford Convent 

The Abbotsford Convent has got a new monthly farmers market, with more than 45 stalls of organic fruit and vegetables, locally sourced dairy, homemade desserts and more on offer. Embrace the spring sunshine and stroll through the bustling stalls, with highlights include Spring Creek Organics, Heathmont Honey, the fresh kefir and vintage cheddar at Blue Bay Cheese, and the delightful desserts at Pudding Nana. Bread and butter pudding, anyone? 

$2 entry

8:00am to 2:00pm

Second Saturday of every month

What’s On in Melbourne This Month: Regional Adventures

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Nomads of the Night Sky: Stargazing in East Gippsland

Leave the city lights behind for Nomads of the Night Sky, a stargazing campout like no other in remote East Gippsland. Held at Noorinbee Hall and Recreation Reserve near Cann River, this immersive overnight experience includes expert-guided stargazing with equipment supplied, a three-course spit roast dinner (featuring wild venison), nocturnal wildlife walks, and breakfast. Bring your tent, your curiosity, and maybe a four-legged friend — this pet-friendly site includes hot showers and toilets. A relaxed, back-to-nature weekend under the stars awaits.

Book here, from $169

Saturday 20th to Sunday 21st September

Djaara Lights in Bendigo

Step into the story of the land at Djaara Lights, a mesmerising fusion of art, culture, and technology illuminating Bendigo’s Oscars Walk and Bath Lane Precinct. Through stunning Dja Dja Wurrung artwork and augmented reality, experience the six seasons of Djandak as told by the Traditional Owners. It’s immersive, moving, and a must-see this month.

Daily, 7pm to 11pm

Until March 2027

Bendigo, Victoria

Looking for more fun things to do in Melbourne this autumn? We have plenty to keep you entertained. From Melbourne’s best new restaurants and bars to friendly pubs, cafes and late-night cocktail haunts, here’s all you need for an epic weekend in the city.