5 top festivals in Melbourne that shows the city knows how to party
Melbourne knows how to throw a festival, and trust me, you don’t want to miss out.
This city’s calendar is jam-packed with events that showcase its unique personality, offering experiences that are as diverse as the people who call it home.
The best part? There’s always something for everyone, no matter what you’re into.
As someone who’s lived and explored this city, I can promise you that Melbourne’s festivals never disappoint.
The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival—an event that combines two of my favorite things—is just the start, especially if you have the palate for world-class dishes.
So, if you’re a local looking to try something new or a visitor wanting to dive deep into the culture, this guide will help you find the best festivals to enjoy year-round.
1. Midsumma Festival
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Website: https://www.midsumma.org.au
Contact details: 03 9296 6600
Festival date: Every January- February
Price: Free
Midsumma Festival is Australia’s premier queer arts and cultural celebration, shining a spotlight on LGBTQIA+ artists, performers, and communities.
This festival spans 22 days across January and February, highlighting LGBTQIA+ artists, performers, and communities.
It offers an exciting range of queer events that honor both hidden gems and mainstream queer culture. It’s a chance to explore and celebrate diversity through art, performance, and connection.
A standout event is the Midsumma Carnival, the festival’s iconic outdoor celebration that marks its grand opening.
It has become a huge highlight in Melbourne’s LGBTQIA+ calendar. In fact, the Carnival attracted a record-breaking 118,000 attendees in 2024!
Every year, it promises a spectacular experience with diverse performances by artists from all corners of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.
You can expect a full day of entertainment with something for everyone. With so much to see and do, it’s sure to be an unforgettable day filled with celebration and pride.
Pro tip:
The festival has plenty of shows and events that require entry tickets.
I recommend checking out their event list to see which ones catch your interest. Don’t forget to grab your tickets in advance while you’re at it!
2. Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
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Website: https://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/
Address: Citic House, Level 4/99 King St
Contact details: (03) 9823 6100
Festival date: Every March
Price: $39 per person
A food lover’s paradise, the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival started in 1993 with 12 events. It has since grown into a global celebration with over 400 events across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
The festival’s mission is to highlight the state as a global food and drink capital, and it certainly delivers.
Over the years, it has hosted some of the world’s most influential chefs and food personalities. These include legends like Nigella Lawson, Massimo Bottura, and Anthony Bourdain.
They don’t just visit—they become part of Melbourne’s food narrative, taking the city’s culinary magic with them around the globe.
If you’re looking to indulge in a lavish dinner under the stars or learn cooking techniques from a world-class chef, the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is the ultimate celebration of taste, creativity, and community.
Pro tip:
I recommend bringing a bag or basket specifically for your leftovers and any food you pick up at the festival.
With so many tempting options, I’m sure you’ll want to try multiple dishes and drinks that you might not finish during your visit.
3. Afro-Caribbean Carnival
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Website: https://fedsquare.com/events/afro-caribbean-carnival
Address: Federation Square
Festival date: Every February
Price: Free
The Afro-Caribbean Carnival is a sensory delight that brings together the pulsating sounds, flavors, and colors of Afro-Caribbean culture.
With infectious beats of Afrobeat and irresistible aromas of Caribbean cuisine, this festival is a joyous celebration of rhythm, community, and heritage that will make you want reggae!
The heart of the event is the towering sound systems, some stretching up to three meters high, which pump life into the festivities.
You can expect electrifying performances from permanent Afrobeat partners like El Gran Mono, Heartical Hi Powa, and Housewife’s Choice Sound System. These musical legends turn the square into a dance floor filled with energy and connection.
No matter where you come from, you’re warmly welcomed to immerse yourself in this exciting celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture.
It’s a chance to dance, eat, and feel the unity that music and shared traditions bring. Don’t miss out on this awaited cultural experience!
Pro tip:
To truly soak up the energy and connect with fellow festival-goers, I suggest that you dress in vibrant costumes and get ready to dance with hundreds of carnival lovers. It’s the perfect way to join the colorful parade and fully immerse yourself in the celebration!
4. Antipodes Festival
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Website: https://www.antipodesfestival.com.au/
Address: Lonsdale Street precinct Lonsdale St
Contact details: (03) 9662 2722
Festival date: Every February
Price: Free
Originally a gathering space for Greek migrants in the 1950s and ’60s, the Antipodes Festival has evolved into a beloved event that now buzzes with life. It’s filled with the unmistakable sounds, tastes, and colors of Greece.
The spectacular performances from renowned artists and musicians will surely transport you straight to a lively Greek island.
As you wander through an array of stalls offering authentic Greek food like souvlaki or loukoumades, you’ll also find crafts and merchandise steeped in Hellenic charm.
There’s something for everyone, with engaging workshops and activities designed to entertain all ages.
But the festival isn’t just about what’s on the schedule—there’s always a surprise or two around every corner!
Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to experience an unforgettable slice of Greece in the heart of Melbourne!
Pro tip:
The festival is packed with offerings and stalls spread across Lonsdale. To avoid getting lost and to plan your visits, I recommend bringing a copy of the festival map available on their website.
This way, you can easily navigate the area, know what stalls to check out, and make the most of your time at the festival!
5. Melbourne Fringe Festival
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Website: https://melbournefringe.com.au/
Address: Trades Hall Cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts Carlton
Contact details: (03) 9660 9600 | (03) 9660 9666
Festival date: Every October
Price: Free
The Melbourne Fringe Festival is a celebration of creativity like no other. It showcases over 450 events each year and offers a unique platform for Melbourne’s emerging and independent artists.
From theater to digital art, the festival is a melting pot of fresh and innovative work from established artists, new talents, and everyday people exploring their creative sides. It’s the perfect place to discover the next big thing in the arts scene!
But it’s not just about the art—you can also indulge in some of Melbourne’s best food!
The festival partners with local restaurants, allowing you to savor delicious meals while soaking in the creative atmosphere.
What truly sets Melbourne Fringe apart is its commitment to fostering a thriving and inclusive arts community.
The festival isn’t just a one-time event; it’s a year-round hub for artist development, industry growth, and diversity in the arts. It’s about inspiring creativity, sharing knowledge, and helping emerging artists build sustainable careers.
So, come for the art, stay for the food, and leave feeling inspired by Melbourne’s vibrant creative spirit!
Pro tip:
Although festival access is free, some shows may require tickets to see the artists you want to watch.
Most tickets start at $30, so I recommend checking out the festival’s website, browsing through their events, and purchasing tickets if needed to ensure you don’t miss the shows you’re interested in.