What's on in Melbourne: Summer 2026 edition

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What's on in Melbourne: Summer 2026 edition

From summer sport to vintage markets, food festivals and blockbuster film releases, here’s your guide to making the most of summer in Melbourne, student discounts included.

Summer is almost here, which means longer days, warmer nights and a packed calendar of events across Melbourne. Whether you're looking for a cheap day out, a cultural adventure or an excuse to get off campus and explore the city, we've rounded up some of the best things happening over the coming months.

Plus, we’ve found student discounts to save you some $$$.

Art and film

ACMI Matinees

Until: 14 February 2027

Location:ACMI, Fed Square

Price: $12 student concession tickets

Looking for a relaxed study break? ACMI Matinees offers a curated program of Australian and international films screened during the day. It's the perfect excuse to swap your laptop screen for the big screen.

View program and buy tickets

People smiling sitting in movie theatre

Plant Life: The Nature of Design

Until: 7 February 2027

Location: Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Fed Square

Price: Free

Explore how designers have drawn inspiration from the natural world throughout history at the Plant Life: The Nature of Design exhibition.

A highlight for RMIT students: the exhibition includes innovative projects focused on sustainable materials, including research connected to an RMIT-developed firefighter jacket made from mycelium.

Collage of NGV artefacts

Top right: RMIT-developed firefighter jacket made from mycelium

Food and culture

Student discounts at Messina

When: Monday to Friday

Location: Participating Messina stores across Melbourne

Price: $5 baby scoops, $6 single scoops

Need help cooling down after class? Gelato Messina is offering student discounts on weekdays. Simply order through the app and show a valid student ID to access discounted scoops in a range of famous and ever-changing flavours.

Collection of gelato scoops and cones

Colours of Asia: Garden of Wonders

When: 13-22 November

Location:Alexandra Gardens

Price: Free, no registration required

Street food, glowing lantern displays, live performances and cultural experiences come together at Colours of Asia: Garden of Wonders. Wander through immersive installations while sampling dishes from across Asia and enjoying a packed program of music, dance and storytelling.

Collage of two images of Asian festival

Shopping

The Big Design Market

When: 4-6 December

Location:Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton

Price: $8 day pass

Get ahead on holiday shopping at The Big Design Market, featuring more than 280 independent designers and makers from across Australia. From fashion and jewellery to homewares, books and stationery, it's a great place to discover unique gifts while supporting local creatives. There's also plenty of food and drink on offer as you browse.

People shopping at design market

Bundoora Community Market

When: Every Saturday, 8am-1pm

Location: P1 Car Park, RMIT Bundoora Campus

Created in Collaboration with RMIT University, Bundoora Community Market brings together local growers, makers and small businesses every Saturday. Enjoy local produce, handmade artisan goods, live music and entertainment, food and coffee.

Collage of community market with fresh produce

Summer sport

WBBL and BBL cricket

When: October 2026 to January 2027

Location: Various venues across Melbourne

Price: General admission student concession tickets from $15

Nothing says Australian summer quite like cricket. Catch the action as the Women's Big Bash League and Big Bash League return for another season, featuring plenty of Melbourne fixtures throughout summer. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just in it for the atmosphere and snacks, it's an affordable way to spend an afternoon or evening with friends.

Collage of two images of cricket players on the field

Australian Open 2027

When: 11-31 January 2027

Location:Melbourne Park

Price: Ground passes from $10

One of Melbourne's biggest summer traditions returns in January. Watch the world's best tennis players battle it out on the iconic blue courts of Australian Open 2027, then spend the rest of the day exploring the food, entertainment and fan zones around Melbourne Park. With ground passes starting from just $10, it's one of the best-value major events on the summer calendar.

Be quick, tickets are selling fast!

Collage of tennis players

Bonus pick: Dunesday

When: 16 December

Movie fans, mark your calendars. Denis Villeneuve's Dune Part III and Marvel Studios' Avengers Doomsday hit cinemas on the same day, creating what some are already calling "Dunesday".

Planning a double-feature? Student Edge members can access discounted Hoyts student tickets from $12.50.

Collage of two movie posters, left Timothee Chalamet and right Doctor Doom

Whether you're into sport, food, film, fashion or simply looking for something new to do between classes, Melbourne's summer calendar has plenty to keep you busy. Grab some friends, get planning and make the most of the warmer months.

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What's on in Melbourne: Summer 2026 edition

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples