What’s On in Melbourne in January 2024

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, with just under 80mm falling last January throughout the entire 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 – Monday 1 January
• Australia Day / Invasion Day – Friday 26 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

Grease the Musical

Grease is the word! One of the world’s most iconic movies has hit the big stage.

Dinosaur World Live

Kids will love this amazing new interactive show, which brings life-like dinosaurs to the stage. See a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and T-Rex up close!

Tempo: Flying Fruit Fly Circus

See an exceptional bunch of 12 to 18-year-olds perform flips, juggling, balancing acts and daring dives.

Groundhog Day the Musical

The award-winning musical is coming to Melbourne only as it makes its Australian premiere.

Malevo

Strap yourself in for this high energy, foot-stomping and positively electrifying dance spectacular from the group that was a semi-finalist on America’s Got Talent.

Share the Spirit festival

The Share the Spirit festival brings together First Nations music at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on a day – Australia Day – that is painful for many First Nations people. 

So Frenchy So Chic

Music, food and drinks – this one-day festival a must for any Francophile or festival lover.

Alice in Wonderland

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

Circus 1903

After sell-out seasons in Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas and London, this circus extravaganza is coming to Melbourne.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Clearly a fan favourite, because this musical spectacular has returned to Melbourne!

Museums and art

Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition

More than 200 artefacts from the Titanic are used to tell the stories of those involved in that fateful night more than 100 years ago.

NGV Triennial

This blockbuster exhibition will take over all floors of the NGV, featuring the works of more than 100 artists and designers.

(This is) Air

This year’s NGV Architecture Commission and part of the NGV Triennial, (This is) Air uses air as a building material. The sphere structure will morph and change throughout the day.

BBC Earth Experience

Experience an unforgettable journey through the natural world, narrated by David Attenborough. 

Experience the Dome Promenade

One of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings is opening a hidden part that hasn’t been open to the public in 100 years.

RELICS: A New World Rises

This playful LEGO exhibition comes from previous winners of LEGOMasters and tells a story set in a future long after humanity’s reign, where LEGO® minifigures have risen from the debris.

Connection at The Lume

The Lume – the incredibly immersive art experience – welcomes a stunning First Nations exhibition called Connection.

Rain Room

Walk through a room of rain without getting wet? This immersive art installation is beautifully done.

The Video Store – A 90s Speakeasy Bar

This immersive experience brings back the nostalgia of the 90s and choosing a video at the video store. Explore the recreated video store then pop into the hidden lounge for a cocktail.

Monopoly Dreams

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

The Friends Experience

Recreate your favourite Friends scenes at this fun new exhibit, which includes sets such as Monica’s kitchen.

Planetarium Nights

Head to Scienceworks for an adults-only, after dark experience. January’s events include Tickets to the Universe (a guided tour of the Universe) and Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon (a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the iconic album).

Liam Young: Planetary Redesign

This thought-provoking – and visually stunning – exhibition by filmmaker Liam Young proposes some radical solutions to climate change.

Gandel Gondwana Garden

Gondwana – the huge supercontinent that formed a mere 500 million years ago and connected Australia to much of the Southern Hemisphere – is brought to life in a new exhibition at Melbourne Museum.

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

Vida: Melbourne Latin Summer Festival

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

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