An entertainer’s guide to Melbourne this summer
Teleisha Thomas
December 2024Melbourne comes alive in summer, with sun-kissed days, long balmy nights and a calendar brimming with unmissable events and activities. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in arts and culture, or fill the days with family fun, we’ve rounded up the best ways to make the most of this vibrant season.
Art
NGV International presents the largest-ever retrospective of Yayoi Kusama’s work. With over 180 works spanning Kusama’s eight-decade career, this monumental exhibition is a global first – and so big it spills out onto St Kilda Rd.
Vincent Van Gogh’s vibrant works return to THE LUME Melbourne until 30 April. This stunning installation celebrates Van Gogh’s iconic sunflower paintings, featuring the world premiere shared VR experience, Finding Vincent.
The Art of Banksy: Without Limits showcases more than 90 original artworks and installations by the enigmatic street artist. It’s on at Docklands until 25 January.
At Heide Museum of Modern Art in Heidelberg, explore Monto Bello: Icons of Modern Design. The museum itself is a treasure, with its stunning buildings, extensive gardens, and sculpture park offering a serene escape.
Experience
Explore Melbourne from a different angle aboard a City Light Cruise. Running until 30 March, these evening cruises are a serene escape as the city lights up at sunset.
See Melbourne Zoo like never before at Swags under the Stars, an after-hours, overnight experience. Begin your stay with sparkling wine and snacks before a night tour and barbecue dinner. In the morning, enjoy a hosted wildlife walk, then explore at your leisure. It’s on Saturday nights until April.
Moonlight Cinema returns to Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens until 30 March. Watch blockbuster hits and cult classics under the stars in a relaxed, picturesque setting.
South Yarra’s SENSAS is a one-of-a-kind sensory adventure that challenges participants with pitch-black tasks and vibrant workshops.
Hear
The Candlelight Concerts series continues to transform iconic Melbourne venues with the glow of candlelight and the magic of live music. Discover everything from classical favourites like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to movie soundtracks at venues such as the Athenaeum Theatre, Collingwood Town Hall, and Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium.
The Vida Latin Festival will bring a three-day celebration of Latin American culture to Kings Domain from 10-12 January. Enjoy authentic paella, mojitos, salsa dancing, live music, artisan markets and multicultural performances.
Malvern Gardens will host Sunset Sounds on 19 January. Pack a picnic and enjoy soulful funk and jazz and food trucks.
Family
At Scienceworks in Spotswood, the interactive Air Playground has extended its run until 27 January. This hands-on exhibit lets kids and adults experiment with aerodynamics, launching balls sky-high, floating objects in mid-air, and building paper planes.
Thrill-seekers can dive into fun at Whittlesea’s Funfields Theme Park, featuring Victoria’s biggest slides, including the 9-storey Supanova and Gravity Wave.
Or combine history, nature, and wildlife on the Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour - a one-day adventure on the legendary steam train through the Dandenong Ranges to Healesville Sanctuary.
For some out-of-this-world fun, visit The Fans Strike Back®, an exhibition showcasing over 600 official items from a famous sci-fi saga. Running until 25 January, it features costumes, figures, and immersive VR experiences.
