Festivals & Seasonal Events in Melbourne, Australia

12 recurring festivals, farmers markets, and seasonal events for families.

Carols by Candlelight

Returns DecHoliday Event

Annual, December

Carols by Candlelight is Australia's most beloved Christmas tradition, bringing families together under the stars for an enchanting evening of festive music, celebrity performances, and community spirit. This iconic Melbourne event creates magical holiday memories as thousands gather with candles glowing in the December summer twilight, singing classic carols together. It's a uniquely Australian Christmas experience that combines spectacular entertainment with the warmth of celebrating outdoors in the Southern Hemisphere summer.

Collingwood Children's Festival

Returns OctFestival

Annual, October

The Collingwood Children's Festival is one of Melbourne's most beloved free family events, transforming the creative suburb of Collingwood into a vibrant playground every October. This community-driven festival celebrates childhood with an incredible array of performances, hands-on workshops, art installations, and interactive play spaces spread across multiple venues. It's a wonderful opportunity for international visitors to experience Melbourne's famously family-friendly culture in one of the city's most colorful neighborhoods.

Dandenong Ranges Wildflower Season

Returns SepFestival

Annual, September through November wildflower season with markets and events

The Dandenong Ranges Wildflower Season transforms the lush mountain forests just outside Melbourne into a spectacular natural kaleidoscope perfect for curious young explorers. From September through November, families can wander through stunning bushland trails carpeted with native wildflowers, visit charming village markets, and participate in seasonal festivals celebrating Victoria's unique flora. It's an immersive nature experience that combines education with outdoor adventure, teaching children about Australian ecosystems while they play among towering mountain ash trees and vibrant blooms.

Lunar New Year Celebrations

Returns JanHoliday Event

Annual, January or February depending on lunar calendar

Melbourne's Lunar New Year Celebrations transform the city into a vibrant spectacle of dragon dances, lantern displays, and cultural performances that captivate children and adults alike. This multi-day festival is one of the largest celebrations outside Asia, offering families an immersive cultural experience with fireworks, street performers, and interactive activities that bring the traditions of the Lunar New Year to life. It's an unforgettable opportunity for kids to experience Asian culture through exciting performances, delicious food, and colorful festivities right in the heart of Melbourne.

Melbourne Christmas Markets

Returns NovSeasonal Market

Annual, November through December

The Melbourne Christmas Markets transform the historic Queen Victoria Market into a magical festive wonderland that delights children and adults alike. With twinkling lights, festive music, and the aroma of international holiday treats filling the air, it's a perfect introduction to an Australian Christmas celebration. Kids will be enchanted by the European-style market atmosphere, complete with handcrafted gifts, holiday entertainment, and plenty of seasonal cheer in the warm Melbourne summer evenings.

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

Returns MarFestival

Annual, March

The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival transforms Australia's culinary capital into a delicious playground each March, offering families the chance to explore global flavors, watch cooking demonstrations, and participate in hands-on food experiences. While traditionally focused on adult gastronomy, the festival has expanded to include family-friendly events like junior chef workshops, market trails, and interactive food discovery sessions that inspire young taste buds. It's a fantastic opportunity for international visitors to experience Melbourne's renowned food culture while creating memorable culinary adventures with their children.

Melbourne Night Market

Returns NovSeasonal Market

Seasonal summer markets, November through January, typically Fridays and Saturdays

The Melbourne Night Market transforms various locations across the city into vibrant evening celebrations featuring international street food, live entertainment, and artisan stalls under twinkling lights. These beloved summer markets offer families a magical way to experience Melbourne's multicultural food scene and creative community in a festive, relaxed atmosphere. It's an authentic taste of Melbourne's diverse culture that kids and parents can enjoy together while sampling delicious treats and soaking up the lively evening energy.

Moomba Festival

Returns MarFestival

Annual, Labour Day long weekend in March

Moomba Festival is Australia's largest free community festival, transforming Melbourne's city center into a vibrant celebration of culture, entertainment, and family fun every March. With over half a million visitors annually, this iconic event delivers four days of carnival rides, water sports, live performances, fireworks, and the famous Moomba Parade that captivates children of all ages. It's a spectacular introduction to Melbourne's community spirit and a perfect way for traveling families to experience Australian culture at its most festive and welcoming.

Queen Victoria Market

In Season: Jan–DecFarmers Market

Year-round, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and weekends

Queen Victoria Market is Melbourne's iconic open-air market that has been delighting families since 1878 with its vibrant atmosphere and incredible variety of fresh produce, gourmet foods, and artisan goods. Kids will love the bustling energy, colorful stalls piled high with exotic fruits, and the chance to sample treats from around the world while learning about where food comes from. It's an authentic Australian market experience that engages all the senses and makes grocery shopping feel like an adventure.

Royal Melbourne Show

Returns SepFair

Annual, 10 days in September/October

The Royal Melbourne Show is Australia's most iconic agricultural fair, celebrating 170+ years of country-meets-city excitement with farm animals, carnival rides, showbags, and spectacular competitions. This beloved annual tradition offers families a unique blend of educational farm experiences, thrilling amusement rides, live entertainment, and distinctly Australian showbag shopping that kids talk about all year. It's an unforgettable celebration of Australian culture that combines rural heritage with modern family entertainment across 10 action-packed days.

Summer at Southbank Outdoor Movie Program

Returns DecOutdoor Movie

Seasonal screenings, December through February

Summer at Southbank transforms Melbourne's stunning riverside precinct into an unforgettable outdoor cinema experience where families can watch movies under the stars against the backdrop of the city skyline. This free event combines the magic of cinema with the relaxed Australian summer vibe, making it perfect for introducing kids to outdoor movie culture. The picturesque Southbank Parklands setting along the Yarra River creates a memorable evening that captures the essence of Melbourne's summer lifestyle.

Tesselaar Tulip Festival

Returns SepFestival

Annual, September and October

The Tesselaar Tulip Festival transforms a working flower farm into a breathtaking wonderland with over one million blooming tulips in every color imaginable. Kids will be mesmerized by the endless rows of vibrant flowers, while parents can enjoy stunning photo opportunities against the backdrop of the Dandenong Ranges. This springtime spectacle combines natural beauty with family-friendly activities, making it a must-visit destination during Melbourne's spring season.