A Complete Guide to Events Near Melbourne Central in 2025

Melbourne is most certainly one of those cities that knows how to keep life interesting. If you'll find yourself near Melbourne Central in 2025, there's a calendar packed with world-class events for everyone from foodies to art lovers and sports enthusiasts.

While there's always Melbourne Central shopping centre events throughout the year, you'll also find some heavy hitters just down the road, like the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, jazz festivals, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and loads more.

Melbourne blends international draw cards with local charm and a lot of it happens just a stone’s throw from Melbourne Central, making it the perfect launchpad for your adventures.

2025 Events near Melbourne Central

When you stay in Melbourne Central, events are abundant. The Melbourne calendar is continually evolving, but here are some staples that we can already expect in 2025 that are worth putting time aside for.

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

Indulge your taste buds at one of Melbourne’s most iconic food and drink celebrations. With over 200 events featuring local and international culinary stars, this festival is perfect for foodies. Don’t miss the World’s Longest Lunch or the Global Dining Series which are always the standouts.

When: March 21–30, 2025
Where: Various locations across Melbourne
Distance from Novotel: Less than a 10-minute walk (main events near Federation Square)
Ticket Price: Free to $200+ (depending on the event)

Australian Open 2025

Kick off the year with this world-renowned tennis tournament. The Australian Open isn’t just about great tennis; the AO Live Stage offers concerts from global headliners, while family-friendly activities at Topcourt ensure fun for all ages. It's a lot of fun even if you aren't sitting by a court!

When: January 15–28, 2025
Where: Melbourne Park
Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 1.5 km (a 20-minute walk or 10-minute tram ride)
Ticket Price: Starting from $35

Antipodes Festival

Celebrate Melbourne’s Greek heritage with a vibrant mix of food, music, dance, and culture. This free festival transforms Lonsdale Street into a hub of activity, perfect for families or anyone looking for an exciting weekend outing with a lot of great food (and we mean a lot).

When: February 22–23, 2025
Where: Lonsdale Street Precinct
Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 5-minute walk
Ticket Price: Free

Moonlight Cinema

Enjoy blockbuster films and nostalgic classics under the stars in the picturesque Royal Botanic Gardens. You can bring your own picnic or indulge in Gold Grass luxury during this Melbourne summer must. Great for families or an excuse to gather the crew for a night out!

When: November 2024–March 2025 (specific dates vary)
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens
Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 3 km (a 10-minute drive or 15-minute tram ride)
Ticket Price: Prices start at $26 (depending on seating options)

Melbourne Writers Festival

Bookworms, rejoice, especially those staying in Melbourne Central. Events like this literary festival bring together authors, poets, and storytellers from around the globe. Dive into debates, workshops, and book signings while soaking up Melbourne’s rich literary culture.

When: May 2–5, 2025
Where: State Library Victoria and other city venues
Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 1 km (a 10-minute walk)
Ticket Price: $20–$60 per session

RISING Melbourne

Be truly captivated by one of the finest Melbourne CBD events of the year: a kaleidoscope of art, music, and immersive experiences. RISING is one of the calendar highlights, and it transforms the city into an avant-garde playground, featuring everything from light projections to pop-up performances - an absolute must!

When: June 5–16, 2025
Where: Various citywide locations, including the Yarra River and Flinders Street Station
Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 1 km (major installations within a 15-minute walk)
Ticket Price: Free to $100 (depending on the event)

Tips for visiting Melbourne Central in 2025

Before heading out, it's always a good idea to check the event website or Facebook page to stay updated on schedules, ticket availability, or any changes that may affect your day/night. Many events, especially free ones, have limited spots or additional activities you might want to explore.

Crowd favourites like the Australian Open or Melbourne Food and Wine Festival fill up fast. Arriving early ensures you get a good spot, avoid long queues, and make the most of the experience. And, if you want to save even more time, look at Melbourne’s public transport (which offers free trams within the CBD) to save on parking or sitting in traffic.

Novotel Melbourne Central Accommodation

Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central is the best spot to position yourself to enjoy whatever it is that has brought you to Melbourne. Our comfortable and stylish rooms position you right by Melbourne Central Station, so you have the perfect base for exploring or unwinding.

We also have the on-site Melbourne Central Fitness Centre, a gym to keep your fitness routine on track and exceptional service from our skilled team. Your stay in Melbourne will be made infinitely more enjoyable with Novotel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of events can I expect near Melbourne Central in 2025?

The beauty of Melbourne is that everyone’s taste is accounted for. Whether you are into sports, food, art, comedy, live music or pretty much anything else, the 2025 calendar will feature something you won’t want to miss.

Are pets allowed at Melbourne Central events?

A lot of Melbourne’s big events are pet-friendly; however, this will vary depending on the location and type of event. Your best bet is to check the event’s official website to see if your fur-friend can come along as well.

What is the best way to reach Melbourne Central for events?

The public transport system in Melbourne is exceptional, and the trams within the CBD are free! Melbourne is also a very walkable city, so depending on the distance to your event, it could be a great chance to get those steps in!