What’s On in Melbourne in May 2026

Hello May! We’re now well into the year, almost hitting the halfway mark, which is kind of scary!

But no need to worry, because May in Melbourne is a great month to visit. The leaves have completely changed from green to their autumnal gold, orange and red, and fireplaces are starting to be stoked, creating cosy places to escape from the chill.

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

Melbourne weather in May

The average temperature in Melbourne in May hovers between 10°C and 17°C during the day, so we’re starting to see the cooler weather set in.

There’s usually not too much rain, with around 7 days of rain last year, but it’s a small amount: only around 21mm fell last May throughout the entire month.

Check the upcoming Melbourne weather forecast online, and read my full guide to autumn in Melbourne.

Public holidays in Melbourne in May

Alas, there are no public holidays in Melbourne in May. After enjoying several public holidays in April, our next one comes in early June.

Major events and festivals in May

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

Melbourne Writers Festival

The Melbourne Writers Festival brings together dozens of international and Australian writers, authors and poets to explore literature and big ideas.

RISING

This incredible, can’t-miss night-time festival features more than 105 events across 16 days. There are activities and installations for all ages, with art, dance, live music, installations and theatre.

Theatre, film and music

A Whole New World of Alan Menken

The first time that 8-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken will perform publicly in Australia. You’ll know him from his timeless songs “Beauty and the Beast,” “A Whole New World,” “Colors of the Wind” – come see him perform them in person.

Prima Facie

Australian playwright Suzie Miller’s emotionally gripping, one-woman play is coming back to Melbourne.

Game. Set. Match.

Ray meets Joshua. She’s cleaning up after his mother’s funeral, he makes a mess clumsily coming in late. As they flirt over styrofoam cups, their banter builds into something more, something as exciting as the tennis game playing on the radio in the room. 

Waitress

This heartwarming and empowering musical tells the story of Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie maker who longs to escape her rocky marriage and start again.​ When a baking contest, an unexpected new romance and the support of her fellow waitresses offer her a taste of change, Jenna discovers that the secret ingredient to happiness might be closer than she ever imagined.

ART

Richard Roxburgh, Damon Herriman and Toby Schmitz star in the internationally award-winning play ART by Yasmina Reza. A razor-sharp comedy about friendship, ego and the chaos a single opinion can cause.

Pride and Prejudice

A new take on the classic Jane Austen novel – with a twenty-first century twist.

Julius Caesar

Bell Shakespeare presents Julius Caesar, Shakespeare’s political masterpiece.

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 Ed Sheeran, Amy Winehouse and Aretha Franklin.

KOOZA

Cirque du Soleil returns to Melbourne with KOOZA, which follows the self-discovery journey of The Innocent, a naïve character transported to an exotic yet zany kingdom. 

Melbourne Magic Show

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

Museums and art

Future Country

Spanning weaving, photography, sculpture, possum-skin- cloak making, moving image, sound and design, this exhibition celebrates emerging First Nations artists. The artists and designers have been paired with established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives.

ROME: Empire, Power, People

Featuring original statues, mosaics, frescoes, jewellery and everyday objects from the humblest to the most sumptuous, this exhibition explores Rome’s political, cultural and social life.

Women Photographers 1900-1975: A Legacy of Light

This fascinating exhibition celebrates the wide-ranging photographic practices of more than eighty women artists working between 1900 and 1975.

Enlightenment: An Immersive Light Show in Melbourne

Eonarium Enlightenment presents a spectacular light and sound show inspired by Vivaldi’s masterpiece, “The Four Seasons”. Experience spring, summer, autumn, and winter through rich, immersive visuals that blend seamlessly with the interior of Melbourne’s Immigration Museum.

Body Worlds: The Anatomy of Happiness

At this fascinating exhibition, explore real human specimens, interactive features like the Anatomical Mirror and discover how joy transforms the body.

Bubble Planet

Surround yourself with bubbles! Step into a planet beyond your imagination with VR technology, themed rooms, and fantastical landscapes. Jump from one immersive space to the next and explore them all with your five senses.

Ocean: Celebrating David Attenborough’s 100th birthday

To celebrate legendary natural historian, broadcaster and environmental advocate David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, enjoy a free screening of his 2025 documentary Ocean on the Big Screen. 

Melbourne Design Week

Melbourne Design Week celebrates design in an annual 11-day program of talks, tours, exhibitions, launches, installations, and workshops across the city.

Melbourne International Animation Festival

At this full week-long animation film festival you can see the best new animated films from Australia and around the world.

Planetarium Nights

Head to Scienceworks for an adults-only, after dark experience. May’s events include The Dark Matter Mystery and What’s in the Sky Tonight as well as Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon.

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 events in May

Hawker 88 Night Market

Fill your belly with food, with different weekly themes highlighting the food, culture and music of countries across Asia.

Fondue Chalet

Escape to the French Alps this winter. Fondue Chalet returns this year, transforming Fed Square into a glowing French Alpine village. Choose from fondue or raclette in your private wooden chalet.

Sata and Reog Festival

Enjoy a vibrant, live and fun festival for all – including delicious satay and reog, a mesmerising folk dance.

Good Food & Wine Show

Sample food and wine from hundreds of local and international exhibitors and learn cooking tips at this delicious three-day festival.

Spanish Language Fiesta: 10 Years of Culture

Celebrate 10 years of Spanish Language Fiesta, a vibrant cultural festival bringing the energy and diversity of the Spanish-speaking world to Federation Square.

Sporting and outdoor events in Melbourne in May

NBA House

Australia’s first-ever NBA House is landing in Melbourne, delivering a basketball experience for fans of all ages, in celebration of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Across four days, the space will transform into a 6,000-square-metre immersive hoops and culture hub.

The Long Walk

AFL legend Michael Long’s The Long Walk raises money for Indigenous education programs across Australia. Join the crowds for the iconic walk to the MCG (this year is the 20th anniversary), enjoy the live entertainment and food trucks, and be part of a worthy cause.

Punting on the Lake

Glide between the bays and islands of the Royal Botanic Gardens’ Ornamental Lake on a guided boat cruise.

Shopping

The Big Design Market: Almost Winter

Browse and buy from more than 200 local makers, plus indulge in delicious food and drinks.

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

Header image: Supplied by The Lume