Melbourne City Guide - Special Events

Australian Open
January
Annual international Grand Slam tennis tournament.
Melbourne Park Tennis Club
Website: www.australianopen.com

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
Late February-early March
This feast of a festival includes 220 food- and wine-based events across Melbourne over 16 days. A highlight is the World's Longest Lunch, where more than 1,000 people dine on either side of a very long table.
Various venues
Website: www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au

Australian Grand Prix
Mid March
The Australian Grand Prix kicks off the Formula One season.
Albert Park
Website: www.grandprix.com.au

Melbourne International Comedy Festival
March-April
One of the world's largest comedy festivals features comedians and performers from all over Australia as well as from overseas.
Various venues
Website: www.comedyfestival.com.au

Melbourne International Film Festival
July-August
Major film festival featuring hundreds of films from over 50 countries.
Various venues
Website: www.melbournefilmfestival.com.au

Royal Melbourne Show
Mid-late September
Annual country show with agricultural and farming displays.
Royal Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Road, Ascot Vale
Website: www.royalshow.com.au

Melbourne International Arts Festival
October
17-day arts festival featuring music, theatre, opera, visual arts, multimedia and dance.
Various venues
Website: www.melbournefestival.com.au

Melbourne Fringe Festival
September-October
Smaller arts festival which features alternative art, shows and comedy over three weeks.
Various venues
Website: www.melbournefringe.com.au

Spring Racing Carnival
October-November
Around six weeks of racing, street festivals and exhibitions. The highlight is the world-famous Melbourne Cup, held on the first Tuesday in November.
Flemington Race Course
Website: www.racingvictoria.net.au