Melbourne does winter well. As the air turns crisp and the skies settle into soft grey, the city fills with warm lights, good food and reasons to get out of the house, even if you're wrapped in a scarf and two layers of thermals. From neighbourhood markets to art after dark, here’s your seasonal guide to what's on across Melbourne this winter.
Follow the glow at Rising Festival
Every June, Melbourne transforms after dark for the Rising Festival — a spectacular celebration of contemporary art, music and large-scale light installations. This city-wide event feels part immersive theatre, part night walk, with surprises around every corner.
Expect choirs floating above the river, alleys bathed in surreal light, and pop-up performances that make Melbourne feel like a dreamscape.
Dates:
Wed 4 June – Tue 10 June
Where: Various locations across Melbourne
Tickets: From free to $169
Book online
See winter play out at the MCG
The footy feels bigger in winter, and few experiences compare to the roar of the crowd at the MCG. Whether you’re barracking in black and white or navy and white, an AFL match at the ‘G is pure Melbourne energy.
Bonus tip: Friday night games are peak atmosphere, but Sunday afternoons are perfect for families.
Get your fresh produce fix at local markets
Winter is citrus season, think blood oranges, mandarins and ruby grapefruits. It’s also when leafy greens, root veg and earthy mushrooms hit their peak. Melbourne’s markets are packed with seasonal colour, and shopping locally supports independent growers and producers.
Try:
- Queen Victoria Market for variety and atmosphere
- Preston Market for multicultural favourites and fresh deli goods
- Coburg Farmers Market on Saturdays for local, organic produce
- Flemington Farmers Market on Sundays for a neighbourhood vibe and community energy
Bring your basket, grab a coffee, and enjoy slow winter mornings spent wandering the stalls.
Warm up inside Melbourne’s best galleries
Melbourne’s galleries make the perfect cultural pit stop on a chilly day.
- NGV on St Kilda Road is hosting French Impressionism — a stunning exhibition showcasing over 100 works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cassatt, Van Gogh, Manet and more. Every Friday night from 6 June to 3 October, NGV stays open late from 6 to 10 pm for NGV Friday Nights. Your ticket includes unlimited entry to the exhibition, plus live music, drinks and food. Step inside a 19th-century grand interior and immerse yourself in one of art history’s most timeless movements. Tickets start from $41 for members and $50 for adults; be sure to book in advance as door tickets are limited.
- Over at Heide Museum of Modern Art, the ongoing exhibition Always Modern: The Heide Story explores the museum’s remarkable origin story from the 1930s to 1950s, featuring works by Australian art pioneers such as Sidney Nolan, Joy Hester, Arthur Boyd and more. The exhibition celebrates the Reeds’ commitment to modernism and their role in nurturing a progressive cultural community. Running until 28 September 2025, it’s included with museum admission and well worth a visit on a crisp winter day.
- ACCA in Southbank is a go-to for contemporary art with impact, and always a great place to linger.
Watch movies at Melbourne’s best independent cinemas this winter
Nothing says winter like escaping to the cinema to warm up with a film. Melbourne’s independent cinemas are filled with charm, character, and carefully curated screenings — the perfect antidote to cold evenings.
- Cinema Nova in Carlton offers discounted tickets on Mondays, making it a go-to for a cosy midweek date night.
- On Tuesdays, Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn invites you to enjoy affordable screenings in a stunning art deco setting — and if you’re brave enough, their rooftop bar is worth a visit.
- The Astor Theatre in St Kilda dazzles on Mondays and Thursdays with golden-age glamour and cult double features.
- Thornbury Picture House is a local favourite — small, stylish, and showing everything from cult classics to new releases with a carefully curated touch.
And then there’s Palace Cinemas — each one a little different, but all offering a luxe winter escape:
- Palace Penny Lane in Moonee Ponds blends arthouse and mainstream films with midweek specials and wine-and-film pairings.
- Palace Coburg delivers the same plush experience northside, with great snacks and a carefully curated mix of films.
- Palace Westgarth in Northcote is a heritage gem, perfect for catching a film after dinner on High Street.
Discover the city’s hidden stories at Open House Melbourne
Once a year, Melbourne flings open its doors and lets you peek inside the city’s most iconic and intriguing buildings. Open House Melbourne is about architecture, design and city-making — but it’s also about community, storytelling and spaces we often overlook.
This year, the program features nearly 200 building openings, tours, talks and events that illuminate the future of design and the stories that shape our urban identity.
Dates:
Sat 26 July & Sun 27 July, 9am – 5pm
Where: All across Melbourne, with a hub at Melbourne Town Hall
Tickets: Free
Learn more
Thinking of a strategic winter sale?
Winter might seem like the quieter season in real estate, but with the right approach, it can be a smart time to sell. If you’re considering your next move, fill in the form below — our local agents would love to talk strategy.
