What's On in Melbourne: Your Ultimate January Guide
Everything to see and do this month in Melbourne (and beyond).
Summer is here, and our beloved city is gearing up for a season of sunshine, bayside dining, and a vibrant mix of fresh openings, buzzing events, festivals, and must-see exhibitions.
The days are longer, the sun is brighter, and we're all (hopefully) feeling rejuvenated after a much needed break post-festive season. Get ready to explore Melbourne’s lively streets and soak up all the energy, colour, and excitement this season brings.
Here are our top picks of things to do in Melbourne this month.
What's On in Melbourne This Month: Play
2025 Australian Open
The Australian Open (AO) is back, and it's better than ever! Australians and international travellers from far & wide will flock to Melbourne Park to watch the world's best tennis players go head-to-head in the two-week festival. And there won't only be tennis, but a range of food stalls, pop-ups and activities bringing the vibes!
M&M's will host its first ever pop-up store at the Australian Open in celebration of becoming the Official Confectionery Partner in a multi-year partnership. Attendees will be able to immerse themselves in all things M&M's including activities, merchandise, and of course, the delicious chocolate treats themselves.
Melbourne's beloved Piccolo Panini Bar will also be one of the food vendors at the AO, feeding hungry tennis-goers its viral sandwiches. Oh, and we almost forgot to mention that Entrecôte will be joining the lineup! Think baguettes and steak frites that will send you straight to Parisian heaven. Take one bite, and you may confuse yourself and think you're actually at the French Open.
The AO will also be introducing the new 'TOPCOURT,' featuring immersive gaming, live music, beauty bars, and some seriously delicious food, all accessible with a ground pass. Plus, with the AO Live featuring incredible artists including Kesha, Benson Boone and more, there's no reason not to attend this year's tennis festival! There's something for everyone.
Tickets available here
12th January to 26th January
Melbourne Park
Barlow Comedy Night
Barlow's Comedy night is set to be a barrel of laughs, and is a must-attend if you plan on heading down to Sorrento during the summer. David Hughes, known and loved by Aussies as Hughesy, will be cracking jokes all night long alongside host Rom Siegert. Expect good food, great drinks—including a complimentary Bass & Flinders G&T that comes along with your ticket—and a night you won't soon forget.
$45 per person, tickets available here
8th January, from 8pm
1-21 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento
Cool Off at the Continental Pool Deck
Pretend you've jetted off on a summer along the Amalfi Coast at The Continental Pool Deck. Typically exclusively reserved for hotel guests, this stunning European-inspired pool is open to the public this month! Cool off from the intense summer heat, dip your toes in or set up for the day on a sun lounger with a good book in hand. No reservations are required, just stroll on in and find a spot to enjoy the day!.
Daily until 27th January (weather permitting), from 3:30pm
1-21 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento
Sip & Serve at Hilton Melbourne
Pickleball is a small but mighty sport, and it's rapidly gaining popularity across the globe. With a court half the size of a tennis court, paddles and a plastic ball, this sport is a mix of tennis, squash and badminton—and as fun as all three sports combined. And, the Hilton Melbourne is providing Melburnians and hotel guests alike the perfect opportunity to try their hand at it! While you play, you can also enjoy curated cocktails, a DJ spinning tunes, and on Wednesday evenings, sessions with a Game4Padel coach to get the pickleball party started.
It's only open to hotel guests from 19th December 2024 to the 10th of January 2025, but from the 11th of January onwards, the fun opens up to everyone!
11th January to 9th February, 4pm to 9pm
18 Little Queen Street, Melbourne
NGV Kids Summer Festival
Looking for something to do to that'll keep the kids busy before they go back to school? If you've run out of ideas, the NGV Kids Summer Festival is a fun, educational and free event that has an exciting lineup of activities your little ones will love, and they line up with the exhibitions currently on at the NGV and Ian Potter Centre! Highlights include pet-themed events to celebrate Cats & Dogs at The Ian Potter Centre, interactive activities inspired by Yayoi Kusama at NGV International, and artist-led sessions designed to spark young imaginations.
11th to 17th January
The Ian Potter Centre, Federation Square, Flinders Street &, Russell Street, Melbourne
180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Glow in the Dark Tennis
Baller's Clubhouse is bringing back its glow in the dark tennis right in time for the 2025 Australian Open, and it's bigger, brighter and bolder than ever. Featuring neon courts, lights and great vibes, this fun game is one to experience during the Australian tennis season. Rally under blue, green and orange lights on the court or take the game to a table tennis table. There's a world’s first glow-in-the-dark ball pit with over 100,000 neon balls, and some of the biggest screens available to watch the games ins style.
Plus, with the ‘Game, Set, Match’ cocktail menu, the tennis theme translates to the drinks, too!
10th to 31st January,
2 Coverlid Place, Melbourne CBD
NGV Friday Nights Are Back!
This summer, NGV Friday Nights is your ticket to a kaleidoscopic celebration of Yayoi Kusama’s world, blending art, music, and culinary delights. Running from December 20th to April 18th, explore Kusama's vibrant exhibition, including her iconic infinity mirror rooms and immersive sculptures like Dancing Pumpkin.
The NGV Garden Restaurant offers an innovative menu by acclaimed chef Martin Benn, while live DJs energise the Great Hall with upbeat J-pop, electronic beats, and more.
Don’t miss special takeovers by Asia TOPA and Midsumma, plus refreshing drinks and summer treats. It’s an unforgettable night out in Melbourne’s cultural heart.
180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
The Outsiders Melbourne
Melbourne’s street art scene just got a major upgrade with The Outsiders Melbourne, a world-first exhibition showcasing over 100 iconic works from Australia’s largest street art collection.
Running from 12th December until late May, the exhibit brings together pieces by local legends like Rone, Adnate, and Sofles, alongside international stars such as Banksy, Shepard Fairey, and Invader. Highlights include a whole room dedicated to Banksy, never-before-seen works, and intimate artist studio panels.
Curated by street art champions Sandra Powell and Andrew King, this free exhibition is a must-see for art lovers and street art fans alike, and one of the best things to do in Melbourne this month.
Free entry
12th December to 25th May, 2025
167 Flinders Lane, corner of Hosier Lane, Melbourne
The Return of Van Gogh at The LUME
Step into a masterpiece this summer as Van Gogh at THE LUME Melbourne makes its highly anticipated return on Boxing Day, now with an exhilarating twist! The record-breaking immersive experience unveils Finding Vincent, a world-first VR adventure that lets you and your crew explore Van Gogh’s iconic works like never before. Marvel at the dazzling Starry Night Room, dine under painted skies at Café Terrace 1888, and channel your inner artist in the interactive studio. A must-see this season!
Tickets from $49.90, book here
From Boxing Day onwards
5 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf
Cats & Dogs Exhibition at NGV
A pawfect new exhibition is opening at the NGV this November! Cats & Dogs explores the cultural, historical and artistic impact of our beloved cats and dogs over time and across different cultures. The exhibition features over 250 works, with pieces by artists such as Rembrandt and Pierre Bonnard to Atong Atem, Alison Lester and Jeff Koons.
Fun, accessible and perfect for all ages, this exhibition is guaranteed to give you the warm and fuzzies.
From 1st November until 20th July, 2025
180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Sister Act: The Musical
Sister Act is debuting in Australia! After being a smash hit in the UK, this comedic musical is touring Australia from November. Disco diva Deloris’ life takes a turn when she witnesses a murder and is placed under protective custody. Hidden in the one place she shouldn’t be found–a convent–Deloris helps the struggling choir and her fellow sisters find their true voices as she rediscovers her own.
Heartwarming and humorous, this is a must-see show over the holiday season.
3rd November to 26th January
Secure tickets here
191 Collins Street, Melbourne
Holey Moley Funhouse
Funhouse is the latest attraction to Holey Moley, exclusive to Melbourne! Featuring innovative challenges—minus the golf swinging—that you'll complete with teammates to score points, this is a whole lot of fun for everyone. There'll be ball pits, throwing challenges, egg and spoon races, and so much more! Grab your friends, grab a drink and head on down.
590 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Sun Chaser Sundays
Sun Chaser Sundays has returned to W Melbourne, kicking off summer and the warmer weather on the right foot. The hotel is teaming up with Olmeca Altos to host their Sun Chaser Sunday sessions throughout spring and summer, where the pool party can go on no matter the weather (thanks, Melbourne).
Guests will be able to pull up a sun lounge and enjoy refreshing pool dips, delicious cocktails, seasonal snacks and live DJ sets on the WET pool deck. 14 storeys in the air and flanked by city skyline views, this is a pool party unlike any other. Enjoy light bites like prawn rolls, avocado and fried tofu rice paper rolls and tuna poke bowls. Plus, Olmeca Altos will be slinging their signature palomas and coconut margarita cocktails.
Every Sunday, 12.00pm to 3.00pm
$95 per person, book here
408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition
A tribute to travel, photography, community, and adventure, "Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition" takes you on a captivating journey through over 200 of the world's most beautiful and idiosyncratic places, straight from the whimsical world of Wes Anderson.
With 10 themed areas, this exhibition offers a passport to visual inspiration, featuring stunning photography and immersive experiences. Get ready to explore a world of symmetry, warm colours, and enchanting moments.
Arriving in Melbourne in September, this one-of-a-kind exhibition invites you to see the world through a new lens, making it a must-visit for any travel, photography, or Wes Anderson enthusiast.
Until 31st January, 2025
Book here
Level 1, 360 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Tina Turner: The Musical
Get ready to rock out and roll with the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll herself! Experience the electrifying life story of Tina Turner, a true legend who didn’t just break the rules—she rewrote them.
With over 20 of her chart-topping hits, including “Simply the Best,” “River Deep – Mountain High,” and “Proud Mary,” this smash-hit musical promises to turn the Princess Theatre into a vibrant celebration of Tina’s phenomenal career.
Prepare for a night of unforgettable music and inspiration as the story of Tina Turner comes alive on stage this month in Melbourne.
Until March 2025
Princess Theatre, Melbourne
Beauty & The Beast
Disney's stunning new production of Beauty and the Beast the Musical premieres this month in Melbourne, promising a feast for the eyes, heart, and soul.
This timeless tale is reimagined on stage in a breathtaking production that will captivate audiences like never before. The original creative team reunites to bring this enchanting musical to life, featuring all the spellbinding songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice, including "Belle," "Gaston," "Human Again," and "Be Our Guest." A much-loved classic, this tale as old as time will enchant a new generation, filling hearts with magic and wonder.
The production has announced its final Melbourne performance for the season—20th April, 2025—before it travels to Adelaide and Perth. And after selling over 900,000 tickets, it's a must watch! if you haven't watched the musical yet, now's your final chance.
Until 20th April, 2025
Book here
Her Majesty's Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Now.Here.This
Have you heard? Now.Here.This has been six years in the making - and it's all about nurturing our city's rich and dynamic local music community, in particular its vibrant jazz scene.
What's On in Melbourne This Month: Eat & Drink
Victoria by Farmer's Daughters Sunday Sessions
Back by popolar demand, Victoria by Farmer's Daughters is playing host to its weekly Sunday sessions. Indulge in bottomless Victorian wines, beers and Four Pillars Gin-infused cocktails for two hours alongside a gorgeous sharing platter which will change monthly to reflect seasonality, showcasing the best of what local producers have to offer.
The Sunday Sessions are a collaboration with sister venue, Morena Melbourne, to deliver a Latin American twist to the table. The unique dishes including corn brioche with criolla butter, Latin American style a la Brasa marinaded chicken,
Quinoa Hummus, panca oil along with house pickles and warm tortillas.
$95 per person, book here
Start times from 12pm, 12:15pm, 2:30pm or 2:45pm
26/2 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Enjoy the 'Summer of Spritz' at Baby Pizza
It's always spritz o'clock in Melbourne during summer time, and Baby Pizza have the perfect offer to celebrate! From 4pm to 6pm, sip on a spritz for a mere $9.50, making for the perfect knock off drink spot or late afternoon tipple. Baby Pizza has collaborated with Chandon to make a limited-edition 'Chandon Garden Spritz,' featuring Chandon sparkling wine, orange bitters—a citrussy delight you'll want coming to your table in endless supply. Other highlights include an elderflower spritz and a limoncello basil spritz, all refreshing treats to enjoy alongside catch ups with friends!
Until 28th February
631-633 Church Street, Richmond
Experience the new l’Enoteca at il Mercato Centrale
Melbourne's favourite Italian dining hub, il Mercato Centrale, has opened its latest stall, l'Enoteca. This wine bar goes against the grain of traditional, more formal settings, and instead invites guests to casually experience and learn about wine.
"I want to show Melbournians how Italians view and consume wine. You do not need to be an expert to understand the difference between wines but rather be open to tasting and experiencing it in its truest form," says founder, Clarissa Lorenzato.
l'Enoteca is inclusive space for all to indulge in wine tasting and hone their palette. Come for a drink and a bite to eat at one of the many stalls around the space serving authentic Italian cuisine.
546 Collins Street, Melbourne
Check Out The Backyard
The Suburban and Mountain Culture Beer Co have come together for a summer collaboration that's bringing the viebs to Ringwood. 'The Backyard' is a stunning beer garden tucked away behind Eastland Shopping Centre, combining good vibes, simple-yet-tasty food and great beer for the ultimate summer session. Not to mention, the laneway and clearing that the beer garden is quietly sitting in is heritage-listed and filled with stunning street art. Marvel at the works while sipping on some of Mountain Culture Beer Co's creations with your mates, and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere perfect for soaking up the summer sun.
Open until the end of February
Eastland Town Square, Ringwood
Soak Up the Vibes and Sip on Zoncello at Afloat Capri
Euro summer has arrived on the Yarra! That’s right, the new iteration of Arbory Afloat is here—Afloat Capri—transforming Melbourne's floating bar scene with a sun-drenched, Italian beach club vibe. Inspired by the magical island of Capri, the venue boasts a beach club design, vibrant cocktails, and an elevated food menu featuring sharing plates, Neapolitan pizzas, fresh pasta, and indulgent desserts.
Sip Aperol spritzes and Zoncello under striped umbrellas, enjoy stunning Yarra River views, and dive into summer fun with the Aperol Pool Bar & Deck.
With exciting events like pizza-making parties, festive feasts, and a world-exclusive floating photobooth (from the same owners of the Flinders Street photo booth), Afloat Capri is the place to be this summer.
Don’t miss out—this is La Dolce Vita, Melbourne style!
2 Flinders Walk, Melbourne
Savour Sustainability with Allegro's 'Tide to Table' Dining Experience
Dive into summer with Allegro at The Westin Melbourne, where the Tide to Table menu offers a six-course seafood feast celebrating sustainable Australian and New Zealand catches. Curated by Executive Chef Apoorva Kunte, the menu features dishes like pan-fried barramundi, Spencer Gulf kingfish collar, and Ora King salmon, paired with sustainable wines from Tahbilk. It’s an experience that not only delights your taste buds but also supports marine conservation. A must-try for seafood lovers seeking an eco-conscious indulgence.
Book here
Wednesday to Saturday, $110 per person
Until 6th January, 2025
The Westin Melbourne, Level 1/205 Collins Street, Melbourne
Hendrick's x Strato Melbourne Grand Gin Cabaret Dinner
Hendrick's has launched an exciting new gin, the limited 'Grand Cabaret' fruity gin, and to celebrate, they've partnered with Strato Melbourne to deliver a dinner you won't forget. While there may not be any cabaret dancers, what you can expect is incredible cocktails paired perfectly with an exquisite three-course meal.
You'll be welcomed with beetroot cured Victorian Barramundi, followed by a juicy and delicious black Angus tenderloin and a naughty dark fantasy for dessert.
Until January 2025
40/202 Normanby Road, Southbank
Queen Victoria Summer Night Market
The Summer Night Market is in full swing! From November 20th, head to the Queen Victoria Market every Wednesday night to enjoy a celebration of all things food. There will be food trucks from a variety of different cultures, local businesses and makers selling their goods, live entertainment, and more!
It's bound to be a fun time, so make sure you keep your Wednesdays free!
Sitchu tip: Go early, because it gets extremely busy!
20th November to 12th March 2025, 5.00pm to 10.00pm
Queen Victoria Market (corner of Queen and Therry Street)
Discover Global Flavours at Brunswick Kitchen’s December Cooking Classes
This month in Melbourne, immerse yourself in the art of global cuisine with Brunswick Kitchen’s interactive cooking classes. For $140 per person, learn from renowned chef Tracey Lister and her regular rotation of guest chefs. Classes run the gamut of Food From Hanoi to a Persian feast to Ottolenghi-inspired Fish Dishes. Some upcoming classes we're excited to attend include:
- Wednesday 15th January - Tracey Lister: Food from Hanoi - Vietnam's Vibrant North
Friday 17th January - Tracey Lister: Penang Cuisine
Wednesday 22nd January - Tracey Lister: Sri Lankan Classics
Friday 7th February - Tracey Lister: Persian Feast
Wednesday, 19th Febuary - Tracey Lister: Ottolenghi-Inspired Fish Dishes
Saturday 22nd February - Tracey Lister: Vietnamese Street Food
$140 per person
Various times and dates, see here for details
1/288 Albert Street, Brunswick
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. After the Convent's beloved weekend farmers market closed down in December last year, its beyond exciting to have a vibrant and community-minded space to return to market once more. 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?
$2.00 entry
8.00am to 2.00pm
Second Saturday of every month
What's On in Melbourne This Month: Out of Town
The Victorian Cherry Trail
The Victorian Cherry Trail is back, offering a sweet excuse to escape to the countryside this month. With seven orchards across the Yarra Valley, Macedon Ranges, and Upper Goulburn Valley, you can pick your own cherries or buy them farm-fresh. Explore varieties like Bing, Lapin, and Sweetheart while enjoying a day out with family or friends. Perfect for festive gifting or snacking straight from the tree, Victorian cherries are a delicious summer treat. Plan your cherry adventure today!
Multiple locations around Victoria
Looking for more fun things to do in Melbourne this winter? We have plenty to keep you entertained. From Melbourne's best new restaurants and bars to friendly pubs, cafés and late-night cocktail haunts, here's all you need for an epic weekend in the city.
