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

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

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

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March 2026 Food Events And Markets

Toorak Cellars BBQ Summer Series

18 Beatty Avenue, Armadale | Every Sunday from 1 February to 15 March, 1pm–5pm 

Image credit: Toorak Cellars | Jana Langhorst

Raking in 15 years of neighbourhood love, Toorak Cellars is celebrating with a BBQ Summer Series for seven Sundays straight from 1 February. 

In a huge win for foodies, there’ll be paired chef takeovers every week from Melbourne’s best, like Rinas’ Danny Natoli and Adrian Li on 8 February,  Pipis Kiosk’s Jordan Clay and Royal Oak Hotel’s Scotty Stevenson on 22 February, and Carnation Canteen’s Audrey Shaw and Gum Wines’ George McCullough on 8 March, to name a few.

The Aussie backyard-style barbecue coincides with Toorak Cellars rebrand, sporting a fresh exterior, a new sundrenched front terrace and a totally revamped menu. Walk-ins are welcome, but bookings are recommended.

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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. 

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Wine & Cheese Fest

351 Plummer St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207 | Saturday 14th March, 12pm–7:30pm

Image credit: Wine & Cheese Fest | Supplied

In the mood to discover some of the country’s best wines, cheeses, and artisan products this month? Then don't miss Wine & Cheese Fest’s incredible 2026 lineup.

At Port Melbourne’s iconic Timber Yard, you can set your own pace for the day. Some might like to mosey around stalls from over 70 artisan exhibitors from Victoria and beyond, enjoy unlimited free tastings (stretchy pants recommended), and meet the producers of incredible Aussie cheese and wine. Or it might be more your speed to grab a glass of wine and relax in the sunshine, where DJs and cheese-making demonstrations will keep you entertained. 

Don’t miss out on the Grape Stomp competition, either; from 3pm, guests can compete to see who can make the most juice! 

There are plenty of ticket options available, so check them out here. 

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That’s Amore Ricotta Festival

66 Latitude Blvd, Thomastown | Sunday 29 March, 10am–4pm

Image credit: That's Amore | Supplied

For the sixth year running, award-winning Aussie cheesemakers That’s Amore are opening their headquarters in Thomastown to celebrate all things cheese. 

It’s Australia’s only ricotta-dedicated festival, and will have something for guests of all ages (and with over 5,000 attendees anticipated, you know that means real variety). From live music and an artisan marketplace to chef-led masterclasses hosted by radio foodie Cameron Smith, prepare for a full-day celebration. 

Of course, cheese is the main event. Don’t miss out on the Ricotta Calda (hot, fresh ricotta served just like they do in Sicily!), and make your way through stalls featuring everything from panini, arancini and lasagne to tiramisu, cannoli and pistachio desserts.

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March 2026 Art, Culture,  Exhibitions And More

Hilton's McLaren Experience

18 Little Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000 | Saturday 7–Sunday 8 March

Image credit: Hilton Melbourne | Supplied

Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street is home to a host of fan-first activities, helping to get F1 lovers in the spirit of the week.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be behind the wheel of the greatest cars to grace the Grand Prix, Hilton Hotel is the place to be, with its one-of-a-kind F1 simulators. The hotel will also host a live street art installation by local artist Rory Lynch, set to capture the city's energy. For Hilton Honours members, the newest Diamond Reserve tier offers greater access to highly exclusive experiences. With a partnership over two decades long, Hilton and the McLaren F1 Racing Team will bring the fun to this year’s Australian GP.

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. 

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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 | Until 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. 

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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 online

March 2026 Music, Theatre And Film Events

Jackalope's Outdoor Cinema Returns

166 Balnarring Rd, Merricks North | All through March

Image credit: Jackalope Hotel | Supplied

Jackalope Cinema Presented By Lexus is back for a second year. Running through all of March 2026, the incredible cinema under the stars is showing everything from Breakfast At Tiffany's to Romeo And Juliet, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning and La La Land. Watch on an outdoor screen over the pool with vineyards in the distance, and snack on fresh (bottomless) popcorn and ice cream. What could be better?

Jack’s Garage Returns To The Espy

11 The Esplanade, St Kilda | Thursday 5th–Sunday 8th March

Image credit: Hotel Esplanade | Supplied

Melbourne is never buzzier than during the Australian Grand Prix race week, and this is proof. Jack’s Garage is headed back to The Espy for the second year running, featuring a crazy-good lineup AND completely free tickets. Yeah, you read that right. 

From Thursday 5 March, The Espy will be transformed into race week HQ with one headline act each night and free entry (just make sure you RSVP). 

Kicking off the festivities is The Presets on Thursday, fresh off their huge Australian Open performance. Check out indie favourites Slowly, Slowly on Friday 6th,  followed by Aussie DJ Anna Lunoe on Saturday. 

Closing things out on Sunday is iconic Keli Holiday, who’s coming in hot after his 2025 anthem Dancing2 finished in second place in this year’s Hottest 100 countdown. 

It’d be criminal not to get down to St Kilda for a post-race boogie.

Tickets here

Pitch Music & Arts Festival

Moyston, Victoria | Friday 6 March–Monday 10 March

Image: Pitch Music & Arts | Instagram

Pitch returns to Djab Wurrung country this March with an absolutely stacked program of techno, disco and dirty, dirty beats. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Grampians, the 2026 iteration of the 4-night festival welcomes Belgian techno heavyweight Charlotte De Witte and Dutch producer Job Jobse to the lineup, along with the UK’s Ewan McVicar, Palms Trax and Girls Don’t Sync. 

On the local side, CC:DISCO! and DJ JNETT are joining forces for what’s sure to be a euphoric, dance-floor thumping good tim, while C.FRIM, Sam Alfred and Aquenta are bringing their unique styles to the mammoth program. Final release tickets here.

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Melbourne Women In Film Festival 

ACMI & Federation Square, Melbourne | March 19th–23rd

Image credit: Melbourne Women In Film Festival | Supplied

The Melbourne Women in Film Festival is celebrating its 10th year with a stellar program that champions women and gender-diverse filmmakers from Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. 

The MWFF Opening Night Gala will kick off with the raucously funny Lesbian Space Princess, a story of identity and empowerment from Australian directors Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese. 

Amongst a huge lineup of feature-length and short films, we can’t wait to catch the special 4K restoration screening of Jane Campion’s debut feature film, Sweetie (1989), which shattered the conventions of Australian cinema and boldly showcased female voices. 

Check out the full lineup here. 

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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.

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Dogs Are Welcome At Moonlight Cinema This Summer 

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. 

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What's On In Melbourne Later In 2026

Billie Jean King Cup: Australia vs Great Britain 

John Cain Arena, Melbourne | Saturday 10th to Sunday 11th April 

Image credit: Billlie Jean King Cup | Supplied

To keep the summery tennis vibes going, the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge is returning to Melbourne for the first time in 15 years.

For the uninitiated, the BJK Cup was started in 1963, and is the world’s premier women’s team tennis competition. Nineteen-year-old Maya Joint—Australia’s No. 1 woman—will lead the team, and line up alongside BJK Cup stalwart Storm Hunter.

Set on a weekend without any scheduled AFL matches in Melbourne, we reckon there’s no excuse not to get down to John Cain Arena to support our world-class women’s players as they line up against Great Britain.

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NGV Set To Dazzle With 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.

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