What’s On In Melbourne This Week, This Month And Beyond

Looking for what's on in Melbourne in July 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 July and further into 2026.

• July 2026 Food Events And Markets
• July 2026 Art, Culture And Exhibitions
• July 2026 Music, Theatre And Film Events
• What's On In Melbourne Later In 2026

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July 2026 Food Events And Markets

Bar Lourinhã Turns 20

Little Collins Street, Melbourne | April–November

Image: Bar Lourinhã | Supplied

In a city that never stops opening new restaurants, Bar Lourinhã has done something arguably far more impressive: stuck around. The beloved Little Collins Street institution is turning 20 this May, and founders Matt McConnell and Jo Gamvros are marking the milestone in typical Mediterranean and Iberian style.

A rollicking year-long anniversary program centres around a series of long-table dinners that will revisit 20 years of signature dishes, with themes from Winter Classics to Greek Night, and even a Christmas event. Kicking off with the first Long Table Dinner on 30 April, later celebrations include the Tutti Chic DJ night in July, which will see all wines by the glass go for $16, and a Father's Day croqueta and chorizo party in September.

Take your pick of events and make your booking via the Bar Lourinhã website. For those who can’t make it in person, you can still take a piece of Lourinhã home; McConnell and Gamvros have just released their debut cookbook.

book here

Warm Up With Grazeland’s Winter Program

Grazeland, Spotswood | June–August 2026

Image: Grazeland | Supplied 

Grazeland is going all-in for winter this year, and it's not just the incredible food line up giving you a reason to visit. With something for everyone across the season, including a little extra school holiday magic from a snow machine with honest-to-goodness real snow, and a magical Christmas in July event with festive dishes and fairy lights. 

All throughout winter, you can also catch FIFA World Cup matches screened live alongside the usual AFL and NRL games. It’s the perfect spot to gather the crew for great food, cold drinks, and a buzzy atmosphere to boot. 

Weekend entertainment runs from Friday through Sunday each week. Headliners include a Mauritian band on 21 June, Latin Night on 4 July, and a Middle Eastern night with bellydancers on 22 August.

We're huge fans of the pan-fried dumplings at Lucky Little Dumpings, the quesadillas at El Taco and the hand-made pasta at Pasta E Basta (all great options on a cols winter night). But the one thing you can’t miss? The $25 Winter Feed that keeps people coming back. Get a full-size main meal and full-size dessert for $25 across more than 20 different vendors; we’re talking options like Hainanese chicken rice, Philly cheesesteaks, currywurst, steak sandwiches, and churros with dipping chocolate.

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The Winter Night Market Returns To Queen Vic 

Queen Victoria Market, Queen Street, Melbourne | 5pm–10pm Wednesdays, 3 June–26 August 2026 

Image: Winter Night Market | Supplied

That’s right: Melbourne’s favourite midweek winter ritual is back. The Winter Night Market returns to Queen Victoria Market every Wednesday night from 3 June and as usual, it’s completely free to enter. 

For thirteen weeks in our coldest months, Queen Vic’s historic sheds will be transformed into an open-air sprawl where you can cosy up with street food, a fire pit, live music, and roving performers. Food highlights this year include raclette sandwiches from MELTED, lobster chowder from The Soup Factory, Berlin-style doner kebabs, and crispy soft-shell crab burgers. Of course, the requisite mulled wine and American Doughnut Kitchen’s hot jam doughnuts will be making a comeback. We're also big fans of The Campfire Cocktails Bar for some wintry beverages, and MeowMeow Matcha’s ‘matchamisu’ is a sure-fire hit. 

There’s no shortage of entertainment at the Winter Night Market, either. Throughout June, a Keys to Winter piano series will feature intimate performances designed to help you slow down in the middle of a hectic week. Local makers, artisans, and specialty traders are the cherry on top, so rug up and show up this winter.

more info

High Cheese At The Westin 

205 Collins Street, Melbourne | 5pm–9:30pm Tuesday–Saturday, 26 May–17 October 2026 

Image: The Westin and Supercheese | Supplied

Love the idea of getting dressed up for high tea, but finger sandwiches don’t quite tickle your fancy? The Westin Melbourne has teamed up with Richmond cheesemonger Supercheese to make all your dreams come true. 

High Cheese at The Westin Melbourne is returning for its third year, beginning a five-month residency from 26 May where a three-tier high tea menu heroes cheese at every turn. Cult favourite Supercheese is known for sourcing niche, small-batch cheeses from local and international producers, and executive chef Apoorva Kunte has stayed true to this ethos for their collaboration.

At High Cheese, guests move through a progression of savoury and sweet cheese-forward creations—including a shared centrepiece and sweet finale—each paired with a glass of delicious Punt Road Wine. The menu will be refreshed in August, so you have no reason to not return for a second (or third) cheesy visit in winter. 

Running Tuesday through Saturday, bookings are essential.

book here

Fondue + Bingo At Chandon

Chandon Australia, Coldstream | Until 31 August

Image: Chandon | Supplied

The Yarra Valley in winter is never a bad idea, but Chandon Australia has just upped the ante. Their limited-time Fondue + Bingo experience involves melted cheese, sparkling wine, and a competitive game of bingo for groups of two to ten, and we can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon. 

For 1.5 hours, enjoy fondue that blends Swiss raclette with Long Paddock cheese and Chandon sparkling wine, served with baby potatoes, Brussels sprouts, grilled pear, broccolini, saucisson, and pickles. Look forward to a French onion soup reimagined as a sourdough toastie, filled with caramelised onion and cheese velouté and specifically designed to dunk into more cheese. 

Three 60ml Chandon pairings will take you from a Blanc de Blancs aperitif to a Cuvée 205, and finally to a Ruby Cuvée alongside a s’mores-inspired chocolate tartlet to finish. The bingo game is self-guided and the winner at each table wins a prize, so there’s no excuse to not get competitive. 

book online

Celebrate Tequila Day With Hotel Nacional's Mini Margarita Flight

Hotel Nacional, Hardware Lane | 20–26 July

Image: Hotel Nacional | Supplied

Hardware Lane's favourite Mexican restaurant and rooftop Hotel Nacional is partnering with 1800 Tequila to celebrate International Tequila Day with a limited-time Mini Margarita Flight.

While Tequila Day lands on 24 July, the offer runs all week long from 20 to 26 July, giving you plenty of time to make the most of it. For just $30, you'll get to sip on a three tasty takes on the all-time favourite cocktail: a Tommy's Margarita, Coconut Margarita and Mango Margarita. 

Who says Melbourne's cold has to keep you down? Head to Hotel Nacional's rooftop bar to sip on the flight and work your way through a couple of courses (seriously, don't skip the food)—we vote the guac, a couple of tacos and fries, and churros to finish. 

book here

July 2026 Art, Culture, Exhibitions And More

Celebrate Defiant Love At The Rebel Heart Exhibition

Keith Murdoch Gallery, State Library Victoria | Until 27 January 2027

Image: Rebel Heart | Eugene Hyland

Love doesn’t follow a rulebook, and the State Library Victoria’s latest exhibition is dedicated to the people who throw that book entirely out the window. Rebel Heart: Love Letters and Other Declarations uses the Library’s extensive archive of letters, diaries, and rare manuscripts to share stories of romantic defiance across the ages, from Victorian-era same-sex couples to a mid-century marriage caught in the crossfire of the White Australia policy. 

The high notes of the exhibition include a mourning brooch woven from the hair of pastoralist couple Anne Drysdale and Caroline Newcomb, and the story of bushrangers Captain Moonlight and James Nesbitt after they met in Pentridge Prison. Eventually turning to the present, Rebel Heart explores digital intimacy through mixtapes, DMs, and even AI relationships. 

Check out original music commissions from Angie McMahon, Mindy Meng Wang, Mo’Ju, and Amos Roach, all of which respond to the material on display to add a truly moving layer to the experience. Entry is free, and the exhibition runs until January 2027; find out more here.

more info

Winter Lineup At Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria 

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Ave, South Yarra & Cranbourne Gardens | June–August 2026

Image: Royal Botanic Gardens | Supplied

There’s something for everyone this winter across Melbourne’s favourite gardens, from enchanting light trails to The Megaphone Project and NAIDOC celebrations at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. 

Headlining at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is the return of Lightscape’s immersive nighttime trail, which has become a city mainstay in the colder months. The Birdwood Avenue Gardens will also see a range of drop-in craft and music activities for NAIDOC Celebrations. 

For something a bit different, Solar Tours offers a rare look at the sun (minus the squinting) through a beautifully restored 4-inch Photoheliograph telescope. Stellar Nights will take guests even deeper on a guided tour of the Melbourne Observatory, courtesy of the Astronomical Society of Victoria.

Over at Cranbourne Gardens in the south-east, explore the new How to Garden attraction for expert tips on planting Australian natives at home. If you’re after a quieter, more contemplative experience, Forest Therapy or Gardens for Wildlife & Bandicoots might be more up your alley.

more info

NGV Set To Dazzle With 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.

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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. 

Book HERE

World-Famous Bubble Planet

62 Dawson St, Brunswick | Ongoing

Image credit: Bubble Planet | Supplied

Lift your spirits: Bubble Planet is floating into Brunswick on 1 April. Just in time for the Easter school holidays, it’s sure to be a fever dream of colour and play for all ages. 

Bubble Planet has already mesmerised more than ten cities around the world—from London to Los Angeles, and New York to Milan—where it’s drawn over five million visitors. How does it work? Well, guests move through a spherical universe via multiple rooms, each featuring surreal, dream-like landscapes and everything from giant inflatables to floating soapy bubbles. Explore the Giant Bubble Dome, where you can relax on huge inflatable clouds while watching meditative animations above, and the continuous illusions of the Infinity Room. 

There are 11 rooms to discover at Bubble Planet (hosted at Fever Melbourne). Visitors of all ages will love the colourful combination of technology, creativity, and the senses in this floor-to-ceiling sensory experience. 

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July 2026 Music, Theatre And Film Events

Pinkies Up: British Movie Nights At Bianchetto 

26–28 Cotham Road, Kew | 6:30pm Wednesdays, 10 June–29 July

Image: Bianchetto | Supplied

Thanks to Bianchetto, we’ve all got a very convincing reason to leave the house on a Wednesday night this winter. They’re running eight weeks of classic British cinema each Wednesday from 10 June to 29 July, each paired with quintessentially royal refreshments: a Pimm’s and lemonade on arrival, and a Toad in the Hole appetiser. 

Rest assured, the film lineup has something for everyone. The Italian Job and Alfie kick things off in June, before we turn to crowd favourites Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Love, Actually. The program rounds out with some grittier titles: Snatch, The Full Monty, and Skyfall. 

Whichever commonwealth cinematic creation takes your fancy, doors open at 6:30pm, films start at 7:15pm, and additional food and drinks are available throughout the evening. 

Tickets are $55pp—book your spot here. 

book here

Bring It On The Musical

The National Theatre, St Kilda | Saturday 11–Sunday 26 July

Whether you were obsessed with the films, fascinated by cheerleading, or just loved Kirsten Dunst, this one’s for you. Bring It On The Musical is landing at The National Theatre in St Kilda this July for a very limited season, courtesy of independent theatre company Theatrical Inc. 

Based, of course, on the beloved cheerleading film franchise, the show traces champion teen cheerleader Campbell as she’s redistricted to a rival school and forced to join their dance crew to compete at Nationals. The score was crafted by Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton) and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Tom Kitt, and scripted by Tony winner Jeff Whitty. Bring It On The Musical earned original Broadway production Tony nominations for Best Musical and Best Choreography back in 2013, so you know it’s going to be high-energy. 

Expect stellar choreography, a crazy-talented cast, and the nostalgic storyline you know and love.

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What's On In Melbourne Later In 2026

40 Years of MSO x Elton John

Hamer Hall | Thursday 1 October–Saturday 3 October

Image: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra | Supplied

Forty years ago, Elton John invited the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to join him on a national orchestral tour. This October, the MSO is returning the favour in a special tribute.

The Music of Elton hits Hamer Hall across three nights to bring Sir Elton's most beloved songs to life with the help of a full orchestra, singer/pianist Jason Dean, and his band Superband. At the helm is musical director Chong Lim AM—who is, mind you, the man behind the Qantas’ iconic I Still Call Australia Home ads.

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Strummingbird Festival Ballarat 

Victoria Park, Ballarat | Saturday 10 October

Image: Strummingbird Festival | Supplied

The largest touring country festival in Australia is back, and when the headliner is Post Malone, you know you’re in for a real treat. Strummingbird 2026 has just released its lineup, with the Grammy-nominated shapeshifter leading the charge after his latest Nashville record F-1 Trillion brought country legends Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw, and Luke Combs together. 

He’s joined by multi-platinum rising star Bailey Zimmerman (you know, the one who covered Miley Cyrus at Stagecoach), plus North Carolina’s Cooper Alan, LA’s Stella Lefty, and Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter songwriter, Cam. 

The local Aussie talent is just as impressive, with Sons of the East, Brad Cox, Max Jackson, and Mack Geiger all taking to the stage. We love to see Ballarat artist Lewis Love repping his hometown, and line dancing with Maddison Glover is sure to be a hit.

Strummingbird hits Victoria Park Ballarat on Saturday 10 October, with other stops in Newcastle and the Sunshine Coast if you find yourself out of state. Sign up for presale and grab your tickets here on 13 May to lock in the best price.

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Dirty Dancing In Concert 

Plenary Theatre, South Wharf | 7:30pm, Saturday 21 November

Image: Zdenko Hanout | Supplied

Nobody puts Baby in the corner. But if you want to feel like you’re right there on stage with Baby and Johnny, grab your dance partner and have the time of your life (sorry) at Dirty Dancing in Concert. The concert’s world tour is heading to The Plenary on 21 November, and it blends a full screening of the remastered ’80s classic with a live band and vocalists performing in sync with every song. 

The good times keep rolling beyond the credits, with an after party that invites the crowd to sing and dance along to hits from the soundtrack like (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life (which won an Academy Award, just quietly). For a film that racked up more than $214 million at the box office and has inspired sequels, a stage show, and a TV series, this concert experience feels more than fitting. 

Get your tickets quick; nearly a quarter of a million tickets have already sold worldwide, and we’re sure Melbourne is going to be all over this chance to fall in love with Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey all over again.

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