Events

January

Andersen Match Play Golf Championships

World Golf Championships are a series of events launched in 1999 that feature the game’s top players competing against each other in a variety of competition formats.

Metropolitan Golf Club, Golf Road, South Oakleigh

(03) 9579 3122

Mid-January

Australian Open (Tennis)

The Australian Open features many of the biggest names in tennis and an off-court carnival.

Melbourne Park, Batman Avenue, Melbourne

(03) 9286 1175

Late January

Pride March Victoria

Victoria's Gay and Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and allied communities hold their annual pride march in St Kilda. Up to 40,000 people, including 120 organisations, march to express their pride and solidarity. Family and friends are encouraged to attend. The principal sponsor is the City of Port Phillip.

Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, to St Kilda Beach

(03) 9513 3054

February

Ericsson Masters Golf Championships

One of Australia's leading golf tournaments, featuring the best Australian players and international stars.

Huntingdale Golf Club, Windsor Avenue, South Oakleigh

(03) 9639 2333

Throughout February

Woolmark Melbourne Fashion Festival

An annual celebration of fashion and style, offering a wide range of parades, performances, business events, exhibitions, international guests and gala events.

Melbourne

(03) 9826 9688

Mid-February

Australian International Airshow

The Australian International Airshow is the largest and most comprehensive aviation event in Australia, featuring a very impressive list of world class aviation, defence and aerospace companies. This show is staged every two years by Airshows Downunder.

Avalon Airport, Beach Road, Avalon

(03) 5282 4400

Mid-February

C F Orr Stakes

Experience the best in thoroughbred racing at the home of some of the most exciting horse racing in the State.

Caulfield Racecourse, Station Street, Caulfield

(03) 9257 7200

Mid-February

Maroondah Festival

The Maroondah Festival is one of the largest free community festivals in Melbourne and presents an exciting program of entertaining activities. The activities include stages full of entertainment including a performance from a renowned band, craft markets, youth and children's area, amusement rides, informative business displays, street theatre and plenty more for the entire family.

Croydon Park and surrounding areas, Croydon

(03) 9871 0373

Late February

AAMI Classic/Oakleigh Plate

See the champion horses of today and tomorrow racing at one of Australia's premier racecourses.

Caulfield Racecourse, Station Street, Caulfield

(03) 9257 7200

Late February

Jazz at Canterbury Gardens

Free jazz concert in the picturesque Canterbury Gardens with children's entertainment provided. Bring along a picnic and a rug and enjoy some of the gourmet food and refreshments available for sale.

Canterbury Gardens, Canterbury Road, Canterbury

(03) 9278 4777

Early March

Qantas Australian Grand Prix

Set on Albert Park's street circuit, this race is one of the longest on the Formula One World Championship calendar with a track length of 5.26kms. The race is the first of the racing calendar and is set around a four day carnival of motor sports and public entertainment.

Albert Park Lake, Albert Park, Melbourne

(03) 9258 7100

Early March

Mercedes Benz Blue Diamond Stakes

Experience the best in thoroughbred racing at the home of some of the most exciting horse racing in the State and witness Victoria's richest race for two year olds.

Caulfield Racecourse, Station Street, Caulfield

(03) 9257 7200

Early April

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

The success of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is now a matter of record and continues to grow in horticultural and floricultural excellence with displays continuing to enthrall visitors. Held within the historic Royal Exhibition Building and the surrounding Carlton Gardens the event features over 300 exhibitors ranging from floral designers, flower growers, landscape architects and designers, leading nurseries and florists.

(03) 9639 2333

April

Easter Cup

A family day at the races. Highlights include an Easter Bonnet competition, the Clip Clop Club for children and the running of the Red Tulip Easter Cup. A classic event for three-year-old horses.

Caulfield Racecourse, Station Street, Caulfield

Rozalee Ercea

(03) 9257 7200

April

Melbourne Autumn Music Festival

Commencing in 1971 this is Australia’s main festival of early music with a wide range of performances by local and international soloists, ensembles, orchestras and choirs in some of Melbourne’s most beautiful buildings. The week long program of over 20 events includes concerts, seminars, master classes and an historic tour.

Various Melbourne metropolitan venues (mainly churches)

(03) 9347 0447

Late April

Anzac Day Parade

Memorial march to the Shrine for those who fought and died for their country.

Swanston St Walk and St Kilda Road to the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne

Anzac House

(03) 9655 5555

Late April

Anzac Day Service and March

Members of the local community are invited to remember the fallen and since departed comrades who have represented their country during war.

'Pillars of Freedom' Cenotaph (north end of Palm Plaza), Clow Street, Dandenong

Denis Rogerson

(03) 9792 1535

Mid-June

A R Dobson Australian Steeple and the Australian Hurdle

The A R Dobson Australian Steeple and the Australian Hurdle are the feature races at this meeting and have long been regarded as two of the most prestigious jumps races on the Australian racing calendar.

Sandown Racecourse, Racecourse Drive, Springvale

(03) 9257 7200

Mid-July – early August

Melbourne International Film Festival

Established in 1952, the Melbourne International Film Festival is a showcase for the latest developments in Australian and international filmmaking, offering audiences a wide range of features and shorts, encompassing fiction, documentaries, animation and experimental films with a program of more than 290 films from 40 countries.

Venues within the Central Business District

Melbourne International Film Festival Office

(03) 9417 2011

Throughout August

MUDfest

Melbourne University's Student Arts festival comprising drama, dance, visual arts and music. Held every two years.

Venues on University of Melbourne Campus and throughout Carlton

(03) 9344 8869

Early September

Melbourne Symphony Season opens

(03) 9626 1111

Melbourne Concert Hall, Victorian Arts Centre, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne

Early September

Coca-Cola AFL Grand Final

Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

Australian Football League

(03) 9643 1999

The AFL Grand Final is the superbowl of Aussie Rules. Attracting more than 95,000 fans to the MCG, it brings the nation to a standstill as the two best teams fight for the coveted Premiership.

Early September

Father's Day at the Zoo

There are themed activities including an activity trail, prizes, artifacts table and face painting. Bring dad along to the zoo for special Father’s Day Safari Tours and a free card making activity.

Victoria's Open Range Zoo at Werribee, K Road, Werribee

Victoria's Open Range Zoo

(03) 9731 9600

Memsie Stakes Day

Early September

Bring the family along to enjoy a day's horse racing with one of the most important feature races on the horse-racing calendar at one of the best racecourses in the Metropolitan area.

Caulfield Racecourse, Station Street, Caulfield

(03) 9257 7200

Melbourne Theatre Company

(03) 9684 4500

Season Opens

Early September

Hygain Equestrian Championships

(03) 9207 5840

National Equestrian Centre, Werribee Park, K Road, Werribee

The Hygain weekend is one of the largest championship showjumping events on the Australian calendar, with the best horses and riders from around the country competing for titles.

Mid-September

Family Concert

Introduce your family to the magic of the Melbourne Symphony in a concert for the family.

The Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston Street, Melbourne

Melbourne Symphony

(03) 9626 1111

Late September

The Age Master Series

One of the series of ten concerts that explore the great orchestral tradition. Some of the finest conductors and soloists from around the world will perform with the Orchestra to bring you the excitement, passion, drama and enchantment of the great masterworks of the classical repertoire.

Melbourne Concert Hall, Victorian Arts Centre, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne

Melbourne Symphony

(03) 9626 1111

Late September-early October

Annual Royal Melbourne Show

The Biggest Event in the Event State brings the magic of the country to the city for 11 days of animals and events, produce, art and crafts, machinery and equipment, food, fun and sideshows, rides and much, much more. All this can be found just 15 minutes from the city centre.

Royal Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Road, Ascot Vale

(03) 9281 7420

Late September

Junior Open Amateur Golf Tournament

Medway Golf Club, Omar Street, Maidstone

Medway Golf Club

(03) 9317 9031

Late September

Tea and Symphony

Refreshing music and morning tea are the successful ingredients of these hour-long morning concerts.

The Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston Street, Melbourne

Melbourne Symphony

(03) 9626 1111

Throughout 3 weeks of October

Melbourne Fringe Festival

The Melbourne Fringe Festival is Melbourne's annual open access three week program of innovative and experimental art across all art forms. A showcase of new work and new ways of presenting, in hundreds of individual events, across the city.

Venues across Melbourne

(03) 9481 5111

1^st Sunday in October

Queen Elizabeth Trophy

One of the major events on the Victorian golfing program.

Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Cheltenham Road, Black Rock

(03) 9598 6755

Early October

Annual Melbourne Art Fair

One of the most important and successful national and international visual art events in Australia. Held every two years in Melbourne

Three weeks in October

Zootober

October is Zoo Month so come along and join in the special activities run every weekend throughout the month. Visitors are invited to participate in the many activities that will explore the many floras, as well as endangered species of grasslands, around the world.

Victoria's Open Range Zoo at Werribee, K Road, Werribee

(03) 9731 9600

2^nd Sunday in October

Melbourne Marathon Festival

Australia’s oldest marathon incorporates the Melbourne Marathon (42km), the Melbourne Half Marathon (21km), the Melbourne Marathon Relay (42km), the Melbourne Marathon Bike Ride, a 6km Fun Run/Walk and an in line skate event.

Aughtie Drive, Albert Park

(03) 9486 6133

Mid-October

Melbourne Champions

The Melbourne Champions is one round of the 21 tournament world circuit for former champions aged 35 and over. The tour features players of the calibre of Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, Guillermo Vilas, Yannick Noah, Johan Kriek, Henri Leconte and John Fitzgerald.

Melbourne Park, Swan Street, Melbourne

Mid October-early November

Melbourne Festival

The Melbourne Festival is among the world's premier arts festivals, renowned for presenting the cream of Australian and international events encompassing all art forms. This festival is a 17-day cultural feast featuring hundreds of music, opera, dance, theatre and artistic performances in a host of venues, both indoors and on the streets of Melbourne.

(03) 9662 4242

Mid-Late October

Melbourne Oktoberfest

A time of feasting and fun for the whole family. Visitors are treated to German, Austrian and Swiss style food and beverages, music and continuous entertainment in new large festival halls and the main stage area.

Royal Agricultural Society Showgrounds, Epsom Road, Ascot Vale

Heinz Wendt

(03) 9529 5211

Mid-Late October

Spring Fling

The North and West Melbourne Multicultural Arts Festival features music, performance and food reflecting the cultural diversity of the area. Errol Street explodes in colour, music, dance and fun. Over 100 stalls, 30 acts, exhibitions and thousands of people; this festival celebrates the rich cultural life of North Melbourne.

Errol Street, North Melbourne

Jane Karslake

(03) 9328 1126

Late October

Harvest Festival Music Festival

Melbourne community radio station 3CR is proud to present an alternative country music festival for lovers of roots based music. This is a festival that reflects the alternative country genre that has grown out of Melbourne’s inner city hotels. The festival will feature three nights and one afternoon of live music and a special evening of cinematic musical beauty. On the last night of the festival the stars will be out for a Gene Clark tribute night at the Continental Cafe. Various venues around Melbourne

(03) 9773 0722

Late October

Reclaim The Night

Reclaim the Night is organized by a collective of women working together to show that violence against women and children will not be tolerated. The celebration and march acts as a symbol of women's right to go about their community in safety. The celebration is on the same night throughout Australia and the world.

(03) 9791 9299

Mid-November

Melbourne Cup International Polo Tournament

An annual event featuring top players from Australia, South America and Europe competing in the fast and furious action of International Polo. Wine tastings and picnic hampers in historic Werribee Park.

Werribee Park, K Road, Werribee

(03) 9521 9700

Mid-November

Victorian Arabian Jockey Club Futurity Show

Presenting the inaugural Arabian Horse Futurity Show. See Australia’s best 2 year old Arabians competing for the Futurity Championship. All horses will be eligible to race in the Futurity Race for 3 year olds.

Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre, K Road, Werribee

(03) 5429 6985

Late November

Rose Festival of the Yarra Ranges

Indulge in the beauty and fragrance of roses. See them blooming on a rose farm, in beautiful gardens, in hot houses and in trial beds. Lectures will be running daily at Tesselaars and Roses Galore.

(03) 5964 8475

Throughout December

Rural Christmas Market

Over 50 rural producers from all over Victoria selling their handmade crafts and produce in the three weeks leading up to Christmas. Handcrafted gifts include ceramics and pottery, sheepskin and emu products, gourmet foods, Aboriginal artwork, children’s toys and clothing, glassware and timber gifts.

Information Victoria, 356 Collins Street, Melbourne

(03) 9603 9949

Early December

Messiah - Handel

Arguably the greatest oratorio ever written, Handel's masterpiece, Messiah, is filled with a seemingly inexhaustible supply of glorious melodies. Join us in this annual joyous celebration of music that will literally bring you to your feet. The Saturday performance of this work is included as part of the Choral Series.

Melbourne Concert Hall, Victorian Arts Centre, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne

Melbourne Symphony

(03) 9626 1111

Early December

Melbourne Cup on Wheels

This classic track cycling race was first run in 1947. See Australia's Olympic and world champion cyclists in action.

Northcote Velodrome, John Cain Memorial Park, Darebin Road, Northcote

(03) 9328 4391

December

Carols at Central Park

Celebrate the joy of Christmas with the whole family at a night of traditional Carols by Candlelight in lovely Central Park. Candles and programs are available by donation to a local organization. BYO picnic or buy light snacks and beverages. Central Park, corner Burke Road and Wattletree Road, Malvern

(03) 9522 3391

December 24

RVIB Carols by Candlelight

Millions of families each year enjoy the original Carols by Candlelight at Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The cream of Australian talent perform at the event, a major fundraiser for the RVIB, which assist children and adults who are blind or vision impaired.

Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne

(03) 9522 5295

Christmas Day on Safari

Experience a unique wildlife Christmas through the grasslands of Africa, Asia and Australia.

Victoria's Open Range Zoo at Werribee, K Road, Werribee

(03) 9731 9600

Melbourne Boxing Day Test Match

The Melbourne Boxing Day Test Match is one of the great traditions of sport in Victoria and Australia. More than 160,000 passionate cricket fans attend the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground to support Australia in the biggest Test Match in the world.

Melbourne Cricket Ground, Brunton Avenue, Jolimont

(03) 9653 1100

Late December

Hmong New Year Festival

The Hmong New Year Festival is a special event for young adults to strengthen their friendships, maintain Hmong culture (by playing a traditional ball game) and other cultural activities

Deep Rock Oval, Yarra Bend Park, Fairfield

(03) 9417 2553