What’s On in January in Melbourne [Updated 2023]

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

This is one of the busiest months for the tourist seasons, 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!

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

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 – this year celebrated on Monday 2 January
  • Australia Day / Invasion Day – Thursday 26 January

School holidays are also underway until 29 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.

Dates: 6-19 January
Where: Various sporting locations in the CBD
Cost: Tickets from $19
More info: Australian Open website

Midsumma Festival

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

Dates: 21 January to 12 February
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
More info: Midsumma Festival website

Lunar New Year

Chinatown comes alive with traditional dances, music and food. There will also be events in Southbank.

Dates: 20-22 January
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
More info: Lunar New Year website

Theatre, film and music

Hamilton

This is your last chance to see Hamilton, with the global sensation finishing up in Melbourne in January.

Dates: Until 15 January
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Cost: Tickets from $70
More info: Hamilton website

Share the Spirit festival

The 26th of January – Australia Day – is a painful day for many First Nations people. This year, the Share the Spirit festival brings together First Nations music, arts, craft and culture at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Performances are headlined by Dan Sultan.

Dates: 26 January
Where: Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Cost: Free
More info: Share the Spirit

Mary Poppins

It’s going to be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious in Melbourne with the arrival of everyone’s favourite nanny!

Dates: From 29 January
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Cost: Tickets from $59
More info: Mary Poppins website

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

The new, cut-down version of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is now playing in one session.

Dates: Until 30 April
Where: The Princess Theatre
Cost: Tickets from $85
More info: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child website

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, this musical has already been pretty popular. It’s on a limited season, ending in January.

Dates: Until 28 January
Where: Regent Theatre
Cost: Tickets from $79
More info: Musical website

Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner

This comedic performance is getting rave reviews. It’s a “deep dive into the murky waters of colourism and the commodification of Black women.”

Dates: 18-29 January
Where: Malthouse Theatre
Cost: Tickets from $20
More info: Malthouse Theatre website

So Frenchy So Chic

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

Dates: 15 January
Where: Werribee Park
Cost: From $88
More info: So Frency So Chic website

Harlem Nights: The Jazz Renaissance

Soul vocalist JJ Bailey croons her way through hits from Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday and Aretha Franklin accompanied by the bluesy-jazzy piano and guitar stylings of Gerry Nelson.

Dates: 14 January
Where: Speakeasy Theatre
Cost: From $25
More info: Speakeasy Theatre website

Museums and art

Rone

If you’ve never been in Flinders Street Station’s abandoned upstairs wing, now’s your chance, with Melbourne street artist Rone bringing his incredible art to this secret area.

Dates: 28 October 2022-23 April 2023
Where: Flinders Street Ballroom
Cost: From $34
More info: Website

Rone free exhibit

Can’t get tickets to Rone’s “Time” exhibit? No worries – he has a free installation at The Arts Centre, Without Darkness There is No Light.

Dates: Until 26 February
Where: The Arts Centre, Forecourt St Kilda Rd
Cost: Free
More info: Website

Temple of Boom

Created by Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang and an “evocative reimagining of The Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens”, the Temple of Boom is the NGV Architecture Commission for 2022.

Dates: Until October
Where: NGV
Cost: Free
More info: NGV website

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.

Dates: Daily throughout January
Where: Royal Exhibition Building
Cost: From $29
More info: Museums Victoria website

Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse

The NGV is the place to be to see the works of one of the world’s most influential and innovative fashion designers.

Dates: 11 December 2022-16 April 2023
Where: NGV
Cost: From $25
More info: NGV website

Brickvention

LEGO lovers will go wild over the original creations as Brickvention returns to Melbourne.

Dates: 21-22 January
Where: Royal Exhibition Building
Cost: From $15
More info: Brickvention website

Monet & Friends at The Lume

Monet & Friends immerses visitors in French Impressionism at this digital gallery, which is enhanced with sound and aromas, creating a true sensory experience.

Dates: Until 30 June
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Cost: From $33
More info: The Lume website

Thor: Love and Thunder at ACMI

Catch the incredible costumes and props worn by the all-star cast of Taika Waititi’s blockbuster Thor: Love and Thunder.

Dates: Daily throughout January
Where: ACMI
Cost: Free
More info: ACMI website

Sporting and outdoor events in Melbourne in January

Firefly Zipline

Snap on a harness and, sitting 6 metres above, whizz 130 metres across the Yarra River at up to 35 kilometres an hour for a fun day out with Firefly Zipline.

Dates: 16 December 2022-28 January 2023
Where: Alexandra Gardens
Cost: From $49
More info: Firefly Zipline website

Summer Night Market at QVM

Queen Vic Market’s Summer Night Markets are back every Wednesday night from 23 November to 15 March, bringing an extravaganza of delicious food, entertainment and locally made goods.

Dates: Wednesday nights from 23 November 2022 to 15 March 2023
Where: Queen Victoria Market
Cost: Free entry
More info: Queen Victoria Market website

Community festivals

Vida: Melbourne Latin Summer Festival

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

Dates: 13-15 January
Where: Tom’s Block, King’s Domain
Cost: Free
More info: Website

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

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About THE AUTHOR

I’m Rebecca, a Melbourne local excited to show you the best of Melbourne. After living abroad for 8 years, I’m back home in Melbourne, rediscovering this city that I love and have missed. My aim is to help you find the best things to do in Melbourne.

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