Melbourne - What's on When?
Big Day Out
Global superstar acts and new Australian talent play live rock, rap, indie and chillout at the Flemington Racecourse.
January - St. Jerome's Laneway Festival
The Laneway philosophy is to host live music from new bands within a unique setting, such as Footscray Communit y Arts Centre.
February - Future Music Festival
Future Music festivals have a glittering line-up of dance luminaries and emerging talent. Takes place at the Flemington Racecourse.
March - Hamilton Cup Carnivall
A two day feast of horse racing, entertainment and fashion on the Hamilton Racecourse that also starts the steepljump season.
April - Next Wave Festival
This visual and performing arts festival supports young artists and then launches their work into the public domain.
June - Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Great jazz festival that attracts classic and contemporary names to venues that include The Forum, Federation Square and Signal.
July - The Melbourne Magic Festival
Magic shows for audiences of many ages, plus workshops, classes and other special events at the Northcote Town Hall.
August - Melbourne Writers Festival
400 guests attend over 330 events in venues around Federation Square during 11 days of writers, discussions and showcases of their work.
October - Crocodile Trophy
Described as the 'hardest, longest and most adventurous' mountain bike race in the world, with the first 100km beginning at Lake Tinaroo in Cairns.
October - Great Barrier Reef Marathon
The highlight is the ultra marathon which reaches from Cairns to Port Douglas, but there are also half, 10km and fun run 5km options.
October - Royal Melbourne Show
This agricultural show at Melbourne Showground brings kids and adults closer to farmlife plus entertainment, activities and rides.
October - Melbourne to Warrnambool Classic
A 261km route with a long history invites hundreds of professional cyclists for an arduous road race that lasts for up to 10 hours.
November - Melbourne Cup
Melbourne's major turf racing event at Flemington Racecourse. This is the main day of a four day festival that captures the nation's attention.
December - Vodaphone Boxing Day Test
This traditional event at Melbourne Cricket Ground sees Australia taking on another giant of world cricket in this major holiday season event.