July puts us in the thick of winter in Melbourne, but luckily we still have so much going on in the city – and plenty of places to warm those cold bones.
So, grab a seat by a fireplace in a bar, tuck into a comforting meal or join a warming festival to escape from the chill.
Here’s a curated selection of the must-dos happening this July in Melbourne.
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 July
Oooh, it is getting chilly! The average temperature in Melbourne in July hovers between 6°C and 14°C during the day, but it can get a lot colder than that.
There’s usually not many huge rainfalls, but you can expect a little rain on many days, with around 40mm falling throughout the entire month last year over 15 days.
Check the upcoming Melbourne weather forecast online, and read my full guide to winter in Melbourne.
Public holidays in Melbourne in July
No public holidays in July in Melbourne, sadly! School holidays are still underway, with the kids going back on 15 July.
Major events and festivals in July
Check back regularly throughout the month – I’ll keep this page updated as I hunt down more events!
Lightscape
Be mesmerised by an eight-metre sphere filled with over 20,000 moving LEDs, singing trees and a flickering fire garden among colour-changing installations, soundscapes and large-scale illuminated sculptures.
Dates: Throughout July
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens
Cost: From $40
More info: Website
Theatre, film and music
Firelight Labyrinth
Experience the Firelight Labyrinth, where visitors will weave their way through a mythical underground maze of light and sound.
Dates: Until 14 July
Where: Marvel Stadium
Cost: Tickets from $37.50
More info: Website
Candelight Concert Series with Fever
Fever brings their stunning candlelit concerts to venues across Melbourne. There’s everything from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake to tributes to Fleetwood Mac, Linkin Park and Whitney Houston.
Dates: Various dates in July
Where: Various venues
Cost: From $27
More info: Website
Macy Gray
A celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Macy Gray’s 1999 debut, triple-platinum album, On How Life Is – the album that spoke to a generation.
Dates: 7 July
Where: Hamer Hall
Cost: From $89
More info: Website
Dan Sultan x MSO
Dan Sultan reunites with the MSO to perform songs from the album and hits from his impressive catalogue as part of a special NAIDOC Week performance.
Dates: 13 & 14 July
Where: Hamer Hall
Cost: From $75
More info: Website
Beauty and the Beast
The much-loved classic tale comes to the stage in a spectacular performance.
Dates: Throughout July
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Cost: From $80
More info: Website
Sunset Boulevard
The glitz and glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood comes to Melbourne in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of Sunset Boulevard, starring Sarah Brightman.
Dates: Throughout July
Where: Princess Theatre
Cost: From $69
More info: Website
A Streetcar Named Desire
Experience the raw intensity of Tennessee Williams’s classic masterpiece – one of the most critically acclaimed plays of the 20th century.
Dates: From 9 July
Where: Playhouse Theatre
Cost: From $81
More info: Website
WICKED the Musical
Long before Dorothy arrived in the Land of Oz, there were two young witches: Elphaba, whose skin is green, and Glinda, who is blonde and beautiful. See how one became good and one became wicked.
Dates: Throughout July
Where: Regent Theatre
Cost: From $79
More info: Website
Melbourne Magic Show
Have your mind blown by the magic and illusion of Master Magician Luke Hocking.
Dates: Throughout July
Where: Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Cost: From $39.95
More info: Website
Museums and art
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.
Dates: Throughout July
Where: The District Docklands
Cost: From $41
More info: Website
The NBA Exhibition
The NBA’s first and only global touring exhibition brings you the chance to see how you stack up against the NBA greats, see exclusive memorabilia and play arcade basketball games.
Dates: Until 14 July
Where: The District Docklands
Cost: From $36
More info: Website
Pharaoh
Presented in partnership with the British Museum, this NGV exhibition celebrates 3,000 years of ancient Egyptian art and culture.
Dates: Throughout July
Where: NGV
Cost: From $38
More info: Website
Victoria the T. rex
Come meet Melbourne Museum’s newest visitor, Victoria the T. rex – a 12-metre-long, 3.6-metre-high, 66-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex fossil.
Dates: Throughout July
Where: Melbourne Museum
Cost: From $18
More info: Website
Africa Fashion
More than 200 works will feature in the NGV’s Africa Fashion exhibit, which celebrates the creativity, ingenuity, and global impact of contemporary African fashions from the mid-twentieth century to the present day.
Dates: Throughout July
Where: NGV
Cost: From $25
More info: Website
Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius
The Lume’s newest immersive exhibition celebrates the life and art of of Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci.
Dates: Throughout July
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Cost: From $44.90
More info: Website
Planetarium Nights
Head to Scienceworks for an adults-only, after dark experience. July’s events include Asteroid Quest (will one collide with Earth, just like in the movies?!) and Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon (a tribute to the band’s iconic album).
Dates: Friday nights throughout July
Where: Scienceworks
Cost: Tickets from $25
More info: Website
Monopoly Dreams
Immerse yourself in giant Monopoly sets, win prizes and – most importantly – stay out of jail!
Dates: Throughout July
Where: Melbourne Central
Cost: From $39.60
More info: Website
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.
Dates: Throughout July
Where: Royal Exhibition Building
Cost: From $29 for adults
More info: Museums Victoria website
Food events in July
Winter Night Market
The Winter Night Market is back at Queen Vic Market every Wednesday evening, with street food trucks and stalls, local brewers and distillers, shopping and lively entertainment.
Dates: Wednesday evenings throughout July
Where: Queen Vic Market
Cost: Free entry
More info: Queen Vic Market website
Australian Sake Festival
With over 200 varieties of Japanese sake available for tasting, this two day festival will be a celebration of all things Japanese with delicious food, amazing cultural performances and of course, sake!
Dates: 20-21 July
Where: Queen Victoria Market
Cost: Free entry
More info: Website
Community events and festivals
Metro Comic Con
This pop culture convention celebrates fandom and feature appearances from popular stars from the big and small screens, comic book artists, cosplay opportunities and merchandise stalls.
Dates: 13-14 July
Where: Melbourne Showgrounds
Cost: From $40
More info: Website
Bastille Day French Festival
Celebrate all things French with food, art and performances at this annual festival.
Dates: 13-14 July
Where: Queen Victoria Market
Cost: Free entry
More info: Website
African Festival
Stay warm in winter by dancing to African drumbeats and trying food from across the continent.
Dates: 7 July
Where: Queen Victoria Market
Cost: Free entry
More info: Website
What are you most excited to see and do in July in Melbourne?
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Best Melbourne resources
- Check out my Melbourne travel guide for everything you need to know about planning a trip to Melbourne
- Look for flights to Melbourne on Skyscanner.
- Book accommodation on Booking.com or Expedia for your Melbourne trip. The Ovolo Laneways Hotel is a good choice in the CBD.
- You won’t really need a car in Melbourne, but if you do want to get out of the city, then rent a car through DiscoverCars.
- Pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet Pocket Melbourne to help plan your trip.