Fun things to do this summer in Melbourne
Once again, Australia’s cultural capital delivers a stellar city-wide line-up this summer. From live music at the zoo to late night art and sound installations across the city, there’s plenty to explore. For more fun in the sun, see our lists of the best rooftop bars in Melbourne and outdoor cinemas – and when it's seriously boiling, go for a swim in one of these beaches, pools or lakes.
How to have the best summer
Have a bevvie at Arbory Afloat
Oh buoy! The team behind massive outdoor eatery and beer garden Arbory Bar and Eatery have brought back their famed floating bar and restaurant Arbory Afloat for summer. As well as boasting 360-degree views of the Yarra River and the CBD skyline, Arbory Afloat has an extensive cocktail list (think fruit-driven cocktails like Pomegranate Daquiris and Watermelon Sangria) and a Mediterranean-inspired wine list. Hungry? You can dig into fresh seafood including grilled southern calamari and eight different wood-fired pizzas.
Dance and learn at Nocturnal
Melbourne Museum's monthly event series transforms the museum into an after-hours adult playground where you can enjoy a rotating list of Melbourne's coolest bands and DJs as well as roving entertainment and access to the Museum's collections long after the last school group has left.
Eat your way through the stalls at the Queen Vic Night Market
Spend your Wednesday nights surrounded by food, design stalls and entertainment for the 20th edition of Melbourne’s biggest market. More than 60 street food stalls will be serving delicious snacks like smoky American barbecue, bao and tasty toasted sandwiches.
See Tina Arena on stage as Evita
Move over My Fair Lady: the next vintage production coming to Australia is the original Evita, with Australian pop princess Tina Arena starring as Eva Perón. Opera Australia and John Frost are collaborating to revive the 1978 West End production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s blockbuster musical, directed by Tony Award-gobbling musical theatre veteran Harold Prince.
Party on at the South Melbourne Night Market
The southside’s most popular night market is returning for its 10th year, turning Thursday evenings into the perfect opportunity to kick back with live music, design stalls and a revolving line-up of food trucks.
Laugh your ass off at the Midsumma Extravaganza
Some of comedy's hottest stars are going to be performing at Midsumma's night of nights, the Extravaganza. The night is hosted by comedy superstar Rhys Nicholson and will feature drag queen Trevor Ashley, Barry Award winner Zoe Coombs Marr, Take Me Out host and household name Joel Creasey, cabaret superstar Carlotta, GLOBE Artist of the Year Mama Alto and cabaret/circus/burlesque YUMMY.
See the tennis pros at the Australian Open
Watch tennis greats battle it out on the court as Melbourne Park comes alive for two weeks in January. The adjacent Birrarung Marr will buzz with live entertainment and food stalls, where live screenings of matches will play on the big screens.
Catch a flick at Moonlight Cinema
There's nothing quite like a film under the stars in the evening cool of the Botanic Gardens. Settle back with friends and family for a movie and BYO picnic on a balmy summer night, or let one of the food trucks take care of the edibles for you. This summer's programming has the usual mix of acclaimed Oscar hopefuls, kids' favourites and retro screenings to satisfy the nostalgic urges.
See the bands and the animals at Zoo Twilights
We'd be lion if we said that Zoo Twilights wasn't our summer highlight. The concert series attracts some pretty big names in music with this year's line-up boasting the likes of Client Liason, Briggs and Archie Roach, Cat Power, Hanson, the Internet, Rufus Wainwright, Marlon Williams, Aloe Blacc, Sampa the Great and Remi, Daryl Braithwaite and Ross Wilson, Vera Blue and The Cat Empire. Topping the line-up, of course, are the Zoo's wild residents. All proceeds from the Zoo Twilights summer concert series will be going back towards the zoo's conservation work.
Deep dive through the Australian Music Vault
Fans of Australian music – the museum of your dreams is here. Arts Centre Melbourne's brand new exhibition space (opening December 19) will be an immersive trip through Aussie musical history, with recordings, images, instruments and memorabilia from luminaries like Archie Roach, Kylie Minogue, Nick Cave, Silverchair, AC/DC, John Farnham and many more. Stay tuned for more updates closer to opening.
Cool off at a rooftop bar
The best rooftop bars in Melbourne
Whether you're after beers and sun or moonlight and cocktails, these high altitude drinking spots are well worth the climb.
Too hot? Here's what to do
Five ways to escape the heat in Melbourne
Sure, Melbourne's weather is typically unreliable, but when it's hot, it's hot. Don't hold out for the cool change or spend the day under the air conditioning unit – get out and explore the city's cooler spots.
