Aerial view of the affordable art fair at the royal exhibition building
Photograph: Supplied | Affordable Art Fair
Photograph: Supplied

Things to do in Melbourne in August

The temps may be low, but the vibes are high this month in Melbourne – here's your ultimate guide to all the fun

Leah Glynn
Advertising

PSA: There's only one month of winter left! We repeat, one month of winter left! To help you get through these final chilly weeks, we've rounded up a list of all the fun events, exhibitions, festivals and more happening across August. You're welcome!

It's the most wonderful time of the year for local cinephiles, because the Melbourne International Film Festival is back. Opening on August 6 with the Australian premiere of Wicker (starring Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård), it will run in cinemas across the city until August 23. Check out our round-up of the ten best films to see here.

Also returning is Now or Never, Melbourne's winter festival of art, ideas, sound and technology. This year's bold program features everything from an overnight sleep concert at the Royal Exhibition Building to large-scale installations and hypnotic dance concerts.  

On the foodie front, the annual Hot Chocolate Festival is on now until the end of the month, with 31 limited-edition flavours available to try – including a delicious take on the viral dot cake trend.  

The city's stages are also booked and busy this month. Over at the Princess Theatre is A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, while Her Majesty's Theatre will play host to Death of a Salesman starring Anthony LaPaglia. Pretty Woman is on at the Regent Theatre, Uncle Vanya at Arts Centre Melbourne and Steel Magnolias at the Athenaeum – phew!

Plus, art lovers are in for a treat when the Affordable Art Fair rolls into town – pieces start at just $100, so there's something for everyone.

But if you want to fully lean into the winter vibes, be sure to also try these hot chocolates and mulled wines, or get cosy at one of Melbourne's best pubs with fireplaces. 

Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.

After more fun things to do in our city? Check out the best events happening in Melbourne this week.

Recommended
    Latest news
      Advertising