Melbourne Festivals and Events

Melbourne is proud of its great events and festivals, the passion of its inhabitants for food and wine and also the fabulous art scene. There are innumerable festivals and events in Melbourne and these are a constant source of joy to not only the Australians but also the travelers from different parts of the world. Some of the major Melbourne festivals and events are:

- Midsumma Gay & Lesbian Festival, Melbourne - It is celebrated in 60 different venues and 6 municipalities and is a federation of innumerable cultural events and arts.

- Australian Open Tennis Championships - This Championship is the first among the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments held in the world. It is held every January at Melbourne Park.

- Chinese New Year - The Chinese New Year celebrations are replete with Chinese cultural activities including dances, Chinese Opera, Chinese chess competitions and cuisine.

- Fashion @ Federation Square Showcase Series - This showcase series is one of the important Melbourne festivals and events that encourages new talents revealing their ability to mix fashion with accessories.

- Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix - The Australian Grand Prix in the year 2007 is scheduled to be held between the 15th and 17th March. The Grand Prix revs up Melbourne and adds to the jubilance of the warm city.

- Australian International Air Show - This air show pays tribute to those who broke the socio-economic and scientific barriers and made a name for themselves in aviation.

- Moomba Waterfest - This is one of those Melbourne festivals and events that are celebrated for a very long time and is also one of the largest in the city. The special attractions of this waterfest are the Moomba Masters International Water Ski Championship and the flying machines of the Birdman Rally.

- Melbourne International Comedy Festival - It is held in April and consists of several shows by the most reputed comedians from all over the world.

- Anzac Day March - This is celebrated every year on 25th April to commemorate the bravery of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during the First World War.

- Thai Culture and Food Festival - This is a showcase of Thai arts and crafts, fruit carving, tourism and food.

- Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show - This is the most successful of horticultural events in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the famous Melbourne festivals and events.

- Enterprize Day - This is an annual event in Melbourne that celebrates Europeans' settlement in Melbourne.

- Melbourne Writers Festival - It is the premier literary event and there are discussions held wherein both readers and writers participate.

- Melbourne Fringe Festival - It runs for three weeks and consists of music, comedy, theatre, film and cabaret.

- The Royal Melbourne Show is held in September at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds and is an agricultural event.

- Melbourne International Film Festival showcases a huge collection of films from all over the world.

- Melbourne International Arts Festival is well known for wonderful performances and the presence of popular artistic directors.

- Melbourne International Festival of Brass is one of the popular Melbourne festivals and events that celebrates the contribution of all the brass players to the Australian society.

- Spring Racing Festival, Melbourne continues for 6 weeks and the city is enlivened with the spirit of thoroughbreds.

- Melbourne Cup Festival is the biggest horse race since 1861 and is held on the first Tuesday of November.

- Car Club Showcase @ Fed Square features a different car club every month and one can wander through vintage, modern and classic cars.

- Christmas Festivities in Melbourne cheer up the city with concerts, themed films and stage productions.

- Melbourne New Year's Eve - The city rocks with celebrations during this grand occasion that is celebrated as one of the prime festivals and events in Melbourne.

- The Ashes Series is a Test Cricket series played between Australia and England and is a moment of great jubilance especially in Melbourne.