What’s On in Melbourne in January 2025

January in Melbourne means summer is in full swing, with long, hot days and plenty of events going on around the city.

This is one of the busiest months of the year, with visitors flocking to the city for the famous Australian Open tennis tournament.

But even if sporting events aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities in Melbourne in January to keep you busy!

Here’s a curated selection of some of the coolest must-dos happening this month.

Melbourne weather in January

The average temperature in Melbourne in January is between 19°C and 39°C during the day, with overnight temperatures between 10°C and 20°C.

There’s usually little rain – although last January was one of the wettest Januarys on record, with more than 108mm of rainfall throughout the month.

Check the forecast online.

Pack plenty of sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the hot sun!

You can also check out my full guide to summer in Melbourne.

Public holidays in Melbourne in January

There are two public holidays in January in Melbourne:

• New Year’s Day – Wednesday 1 January
• Australia Day / Invasion Day – Sunday 26 January, with the public holiday falling on Monday 27 January

School holidays are also underway until 30 January.

Major events and festivals in January

Check back regularly – I’ll keep this page updated as I hunt down more events!

Australian Open

Tennis greats from around the world converge in Melbourne to battle it out for the Australian Open title.

Midsumma Festival

Melbourne’s premier LGBTQI+ festival, ending with a Pride Parade.

Theatre, film and music

The Wind in the Willows

The Australian Shakespeare Company brings back this classic play to the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Alice in Wonderland

Tumble down the rabbit hole with the beloved children’s story.

Tina: Tina Turner the Musical

The life of the Queen of Rock ‘n Roll on stage – with all the hits you know.

Sister Act

The global smash hit musical stars Casey Donovan as Deloris Van Cartier and brings the incredible soundtrack you know from the film.

Candelight Concert Series with Fever

Fever brings their stunning candlelit concerts to venues across Melbourne. There’s everything from the Best of Frank Sinatra and Fleetwood Mac to tributes to Queen and Beyonce.

Beauty and the Beast

The much-loved classic tale comes to the stage in a spectacular performance.

The Fans Strike Back

Immerse yourself in a galaxy far, far away with this huge collection of items from the Famous Saga.

Melbourne Magic Show

Have your mind blown by the magic and illusion of Master Magician Luke Hocking.

Museums and art

Yayoi Kusama exhibition

Distinctive, bold and colourful are words often used to describe 95-year-old Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s works. And now you can see them for yourself at this stunning exhibition at the NGV.

The Art of Banksy: Without Limits

The Art of Banksy: Without Limits features more than 180 artworks, such as certified art, prints on different kinds of materials, photos, sculptures, installations, digital installations, murals and mapping shows.

Van Gogh at The Lume

This summer will see the return of The Lume’s inaugural exhibition, centred on Van Gogh. This is also the last season of The Lume, so go see it while you can.

Melbourne Out Loud: Life Through the Lens of Rennie Ellis

Known for his uncanny ability to slip into all kinds of social circles, this collection from photographer Rennie Ellis are a portrait of Melbourne.

Cats and Dogs

Whether you’re a cat person or a dog person, animal lovers will enjoy this new exhibition at the NGV that explores humanity’s deep connection to these animals.

Ocean Photographer of the Year

Discover some of the most breathtaking images of our oceans – and learn more about why we need to protect them.

Planetarium Nights

Head to Scienceworks for an adults-only, after dark experience. January’s events include Capturing the Cosmos (a guided tour of the vast and incredible Universe in a presenter-led show) and Space Rock Symphony (a surreal journey through space accompanied by a symphonic orchestra).

Monopoly Dreams

Immerse yourself in giant Monopoly sets, win prizes and – most importantly – stay out of jail!

Experience the Dome Promenade

One of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings has opened a hidden part that hasn’t been accessible to the public for 100 years.

Food and drink events in Melbourne in January

Summer Night Market at QVM

Queen Vic Market’s Summer Night Market are back every Wednesday night, bringing an extravaganza of delicious food, entertainment and locally made goods.

Community festivals

Open Air at the Square

Throughout summer, Fed Square will have tonnes of live music and films on the big screen.

Vida: Melbourne Latin Summer Festival

Discover Latin America through art, culture, food and entertainment in this fun weekend event.

Share the Spirit

Enjoy live music, food and more on this family-friendly day that celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

What are you most excited to see and do in January in Melbourne?