What’s On In Melbourne This Week, This Month And Beyond
Lizzie Scorer
Contributor | Urban List, Sydney, NSW
Eloise Luke
Contributor | Urban List
Looking for what's on in Melbourne in January 2026? From blockbuster food festivals and pop-up markets to immersive art shows, live music gigs and family-friendly events, Melbourne is heaving with must-see happenings.
Here are Urban List's picks for the best things to do in Melbourne this week, all of January and further into 2026.
- January 2026 Food Events And Markets
- January 2026 Art, Culture And Exhibitions
- January 2026 Music, Theatre And Film Events
- What's On In Melbourne Later In 2026
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January 2026 Food Events And Markets
Hit The Australian Open To Try Shake Shack
Melbourne Park, Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne CBD | Monday 12 January–Sunday 1 February
Image credit: Shake Shack | Instagram
Bringing three weeks of world-class tennis, buzzy courtside energy and plenty of off-court distractions, the Australian Open takes over Melbourne Park from Monday 12 January.
Between showdowns, refuel at cult American burger chain Shake Shack—a long-awaited Australian debut. For the first time on local soil, the crew are slinging their signature burgers, crinkle-cut fries and special one-off shakes: Honey Macadamia, and Choc Fudge Cookies and Cream. Even if you’re only half-watching the tennis, the food alone is worth the trip.
Summer Night Market
Queen Victoria Market, Queen Street, Melbourne CBD | Wednesdays until 11 March, 5pm–10pm
Image credit: Queen Victoria Market | Instagram
Delish food under Melbourne’s twinkling skyline? Sign us up. Queen Victoria Market is transforming into a Summer Night Market every Wednesday until 11 March. There’s global street food, yum cocktails, artisan goodies, live music, roving performers and more to get your midweek pumping. Plus, it’s completely free entry.
Rooftop Racquet Club At QT
QT Melbourne Rooftop, 133 Russell Street, Melbourne CBD | Fridays to Sundays
Image credit: QT Hotels | Supplied
QT’s Rooftop Racquet Club is swinging into Melbourne for Grand Slam season, serving up one helluva sunset session from Friday 2 January. Expect Altos Tequila cocktails like icy elderflower and coconut margs and pink grapefruit palomas, open-play pickleball, limited-edition merch and golden-hour DJ sets from Friday to Sunday.
On the food front, snack on popcorn prawns, al pastor pork tostadas and oysters dressed with Altos Tequila, coriander and lime mignonette. Plus, there’s a doubles deal: purchase two palomas and any dish to score an exclusive Rooftop Racquet Club cap.
Sofitel X Anastasia Musical Sips and Snacks
Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, 25 Collins Street, Melbourne | Until Friday 20 February
Image credit: Sofitel Melbourne On Collins | Instagram
Sofitel Melbourne On Collins is getting theatrical, serving up ANASTASIA-inspired sips and snacks to match the Broadway magic.
Inspired by Anastasia’s journey from St Petersburg to Paris, the tableside dessert layers French lavender mousse, raspberry, pistachio and chocolate, finished with lavender snow. Pair it with the Champagne Pommery cocktail, crowned with whipped cream, and you’ll tap straight into the musical’s elegance and old-world romance.
Available for a limited time, you’ll find these goodies at The Atrium on 35 Bar and No35 Restaurant—perfect for pre-show bubbles or a post-theatre sweet fix.
Feel like staying longer? The Anastasia Package treats you to a luxe overnight stay in a Superior King Room, A-Reserve tickets to the show and a breakfast buffet for two.
January 2026 Art, Culture And Exhibitions
Bounce Into 2026 At The World’s Biggest Inflatable Party
Flemington Racecourse, 448 Epsom Road, Flemington | Until Sunday 11 January
Image Credit: Big Bounce Australia | Website
If your New Year’s resolution involves having more fun (and less adulting), consider it sorted: The Big Bounce Australia is back, taking over Flemington Racecourse from December 26 to January 11 with the world’s BIGGEST jumping castle. Yep—25,000 square feet of slides, obstacles, music, and mayhem are waiting for you.
They've laid out massive inflatable playgrounds stacked with giant slides, mega obstacle courses, an intergalactic alien zone with moon crater ball pits, a custom sports arena packed with goals and hoops, plus a DJ spinning tunes while you bounce, laugh and quite possibly question your core strength. It’s three hours of pure, unfiltered joy—aka summer done right.
There’s a session for everyone—from tiny tots and junior jumpers through to a rowdy adults-only bounce. Tickets start at $40, and spots sell out faster than you can say “pass the socks.”
Midsumma Festival
Various locations across Melbourne | Sunday 18 January–Sunday 8 February
Image credit: Midsumma Festival | Website
Midsumma Festival is an LGBTQIA+ festival lighting up Melbourne over three weeks, bringing the community together with inclusive activations, creative performances, expressive art and colourful events throughout the second half of January.
Feb highlights include the iconic Pride March that kicks off on Sunday 1 February at 10.30am along Fitzroy Street before rolling into a full afternoon of festivities at Catani Gardens in St Kilda, and the Victoria’s Pride Street Party on Sunday 8 February—a free block party stretching across Smith and Gertrude streets, with multiple music stages, pop-up stalls and heaps of market food to fuel the fun. There’s a whole lineup of events to get around.
Punk Denim & Cocktails: Hilton's Westwood X Kawakubo Riot
Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street, 18 Little Queen Street, Melbourne CBD | Sunday 7 December, 2025—Sunday 19 April, 2026
Image Credit: Hilton Honors | Supplied
Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street is cranking up the punk-glam to toast the NGV’s Westwood x Kawakubo—a riotous clash of Vivienne Westwood’s tartan anarchy and Rei Kawakubo’s avant-garde deconstruction.
Right in the lobby, three fierce RMIT student designs forged from reclaimed Levi’s denim (Georgia Brookes trio’s dramatic dress, Kemin Li’s edgy skirt-top combo and Ruichen Liu’s bold skirt-jacket ensemble) strut their sustainable swagger, fresh off the NGV Gala red carpet and on show through April 19.
Level up your stay with the Westwood x Kawakubo Stay Package with a luxury room overnight, breakfast for two and exclusive NGV tickets, kicking off at $320. Sip your way through Luci’s subversive cocktail menu, like the punk-rebel Island In The Sun (vodka-rum-tequila bomb with cherry cola fizz, $23), 21st Century Remedy (bourbon-mint twist on a Mint Julep, $23) or citrus-spiked Smooth Sailing ($23). Or pick up some paint-and-sip kits ($35) and riverside picnic boxes ($55, packed with charcuterie and sparkling) for an impromptu date.
400,000+ Balloons Take Over MCEC: Melbourne’s Newest Immersive Wonderland
MCEC, Convention Centre Place, South Wharf | From 4 January 2026, daily, 9am–8pm
Image Credit: Balloon Story | Website
Balloon Story is landing at MCEC this summer, bringing a larger-than-life balloon wonderland to Melbourne. The immersive experience—which has already pulled big crowds in New York—transforms over 400,000 balloons into a colourful, walk-through universe for all ages.
Across the exhibition, you’ll find everything from massive balloon creatures to interactive spaces that invite you to explore, touch and engage, blurring the line between art installation and playground. Allow around 60–90 minutes to make your way through the space.
Tickets are $44.90 for adults, $34.90 for children aged 3-12 and free for kids under three.
DIVA: A Dazzling Homage To The Icons Who Changed the Stage Forever
Australian Museum of Performing Arts, Hamer Hall | Thursday 11 December, 2025–Sunday 26 April, 2026
Image Credit: DIVA | Supplied
Melburnians, strike a pose—the DIVA exhibition is hitting the Australian Museum of Performing Arts, and it’s as brilliant and unapologetically fabulous as its namesake stars. The Australian-exclusive showcase, presented in partnership with London’s acclaimed Victoria and Albert Museum, celebrates the artistry, attitude and evolution of the diva from opera’s golden goddesses to today’s pop powerhouses.
Be dazzled by more than 250 rare and glittering artefacts, including haute couture gowns by Bob Mackie and Dior, stage costumes dripping in sequins, and personal items once owned by icons like Cher, Madonna, Lady Gaga and Rihanna. You’ll find operatic greats like Dame Nellie Melba and Joan Sutherland sharing the spotlight with rock rebels and boundary-breakers across generations.
Australia’s own trailblazers get their due too—from Kylie and Olivia to Marcia Hines and Amy Taylor—all celebrated for their fearless, era-defining energy. Complete with an immersive soundscape from award-winning designer Gareth Fry, DIVA is a love letter to the performers who’ve turned self-expression into spectacle. Tickets start at $15 via Arts Centre Melbourne.
Feel, Play, Explore—The Museum of Desire is Calling
92 Rupert Street, Collingwood | Ongoing
Image: Museum of Desire | Supplied
Ever wanted a museum visit to leave you blushing, breathless or just downright tempted? Melbourne’s Museum of Desire is about to make all your aesthetic and erotic dreams come true. This immersive playground of art and intimacy invites you to step into a world where curiosity is currency and touching (some things) is very much encouraged.
From interactive installations that let you orchestrate moans with a laser-controlled instrument to a photo booth where your hands and lips do all the work, this is not your standard “look, don’t touch” exhibition. Expect neon-lit seduction, queer art and experiences designed to make you think, laugh and maybe question why we ever made sex taboo in the first place.
With over 25 spaces to explore, whether you’re here for a date night, a friend adventure or just to see what all the moaning—I mean, buzz—is about, the Museum of Desire guarantees an unforgettable time. Tickets are 18+ and $38 per adult.
Holiday Inn Launches Little Big Explorers Adventure
Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall, 296 Little Collins Street, Melbourne | Monday 22 December, 2025 to Wednesday 28 January, 2026
Image Credit: Holiday Inn | Supplied
If the kids are climbing the walls these school holidays, swap screens for a city adventure with Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall’s new Little Big Explorers experience. Running across the Victorian school holidays from 22 December 2025 to 28 January 2026, this free activity turns a CBD staycation into a playful scavenger hunt through Melbourne’s most iconic spots.
At check-in, families can snag a complimentary Little Big Explorers pack, complete with a custom explorer hat, coloured pencils and a map that leads little travellers to city favourites like Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, Royal Arcade, Bourke Street Mall, Hosier Lane and State Library Victoria. Kids answer questions and sketch each landmark as they go, then hand in their completed map at the front desk to unlock a QR code and enter the draw to win a complimentary two-night stay for their next visit.
Back at the hotel, The Greenery restaurant keeps energy levels high with a daily pancake station loaded with toppings like syrup, sprinkles, Tiny Teddies, Nutella and more, all tying into Holiday Inn’s ‘Kids Stay & Eat Free’ promise for under-12s. With bright, family-friendly rooms perched above Melbourne Walk and right on Bourke Street Mall, this new CBD hotel makes an easy, fun base for a mini city break that actually entertains the kids.
January 2026 Music, Theatre And Film Events
Matilda The Musical Jr
The Cripps Centre, St Kilda East | Wednesday 14–17 January
Image credit: Stage School Australia | Supplied
Stage School Australia is bringing the much-loved Matilda The Musical Jr to Melbourne this January. The junior adaptation features a cast of 100 young performers aged 10-18 and follows the brilliant, book-loving Matilda Wormwood as she stands up to the grown-ups. Celebrating the wit of Roald Dahl and show-stopping songs by Tim Minchin, it's a feel-good family outing perfect for the school holidays. Tickets are selling fast, but join the waitlist as there may be some additional performances announced.
Summer's Hottest Secret: CBD Live Music Pop-Ups Every Weekend
Various Locations | Ongoing
Image Credit: Melbourne Vibes | Supplied
Melbourne’s turning up the volume this summer with Melbourne Vibes, a new series of free pop-up gigs hitting the CBD every weekend through December and January. Powered by ALWAYS LIVE, the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest live music event, these secret sets are transforming laneways, squares and city corners into spontaneous concert spots.
So far, the lineup’s been unreal—Jimmy Barnes, Cut Copy, Kate Ceberano, Briggs, Miss Kaninna, Mallrat and Bliss n Eso have all dropped surprise performances, and the crowd energy has been pure summer euphoria. You never know who’ll show up next—and that’s exactly the point.
Each weekend, a fresh slate of unannounced gigs lands across the city, revealed only hours before via ALWAYS LIVE’s socials. So keep your ears open and chase the sound—Melbourne Vibes is making the streets pulse with live music once again.
Popcorn With The Pooches? Dogs Are Welcome To Moonlight Cinema This Summer & There's Snacks To Match!
Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne CBD | Until Sunday 5 April
Image: Moonlight Cinema X Lyka | Supplied
Moonlight Cinemas across the country are opening up the gates for furry friends to come sit and watch the big screen from Wednesday, 3 December.
Running ‘til 5 April 2026, the cinema will be set up in Royal Botanic Gardens. With offerings across all major cities, excluding Perth, it sounds like it’s gonna be a summer of tail wagging. Watching a film with your dog always increases the magic of the moment—especially when you're under the stars.
Dogs running around could make for a pretty engaging movie night, especially with the paired snacks that are provided at the door, courtesy of Lyka, the gourmet dog food meals on wheels service. You could be eating popcorn while your best friend chews down a Turkey Dental Jerky treat from a specialised goodie bag. Good boy.
Things sound like they could get interesting with that many dogs running around—but we’re here for the plot.
What's On In Melbourne Later In 2026
NGV Set To Dazzle With Their Upcoming Cartier Exhibition
National Gallery Of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne | Friday 12 June–Sunday 4 October
Image: NGV / Cartier Exhibition | Supplied
Don your petticoat and collect your monocle for this dazzling new exhibition featuring all things sparkly from tiaras to necklaces and timepieces. Cartier is gearing up to grace Melbourne with a never-before-seen exhibit of their finest jewels from June to October in 2026 at The National Gallery of Victoria.
The collection will include the house’s signature ‘Garland style’ tiara, worn by the one and only Rihanna (royalty in her own right) in 2016. And for all the crows out there, worry not, for plenty of other shiny bits that have graced the very heads of Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Margaret, and The Duchess of Windsor will be present.
Cartier currently boasts a whopping 3,500 pieces in a growing collection, and with 300 of those jewels set to visit Melbourne, in a panoply of gems, the exclusive display is one of a kind.
“This exhibition is set to be a brilliant addition to our arts and cultural calendar, providing tourists and locals alike a unique opportunity to see treasures never before seen in Australia,” Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks says.
Main image credit: City of Melbourne | Instagram
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