ncluded in this From horse racing to fringe, fashion and flowers – these Spring events in Melbourne are not to be missed!
The change in season brings warmer days and Melbourne’s major event calendar revs up a notch with a host of Spring events that bring life and colour to the city.
If you are planning a visit to Melbourne in springtime and would like to check out some events while you are here – here’s our guide to what’s on.
Spring Events in Melbourne
Melbourne Spring Racing Festival
One of the big sporting events that takes place in springtime in Melbourne is the Spring Racing Carnival. This horse racing carnival draws international competitors and includes Australia’s richest horse race – the Melbourne Cup.
The festival includes four major race days – Cox Plate Raceday, Derby Day, Melbourne Cup Day and Oaks Day – each with a different theme and with a full day’s race card. Generally there is as much action off the racecourse as there is on it. The Spring race days are all about fashion and fun off the field with everyone dressing up to attend and enjoy the events.
AFL Grand Final
The AFL – Australian Football League – has its Grand Final during the spring months, in either September or October. There is a big build up through the year as the season runs for about six months prior. The Finals series runs through September with just two teams advancing to the Grand Final.
The Grand Final is usually hosted at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, referred to locally as the MCG. The stadium is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and seats 100,000 people. The day before the big event is a public holiday in Melbourne and there is a Grand Final parade through the city streets.
Melbourne Fringe Festival
The Melbourne Fringe Festival has run for many years and is the city’s premium independent arts festival. Each year they host a program of over 100 events. Included in this are independent artists from across Australia and from overseas come to participate in the festival.
The program consists of art, comedy, performance, theatre, gallery shows and more. However, the events are held in many different locations across the city. It’s not uncommon to find events happening in small bars, cafes or laneways which bring a unique Melbourne vibe to the event.
Melbourne Fashion Week
The Melbourne Fashion Week is a celebration of the city’s retailers. Melbourne is known as a shopping destination and there is everything from high-end fashion to independent retailers in the city.
The Melbourne Fashion Week is held every year and features a wide program of events, from pop-up stores to runway shows,. However, this festival is not for the fashion-elite – it is for any fashion-lover who wants to explore more of Melbourne’s creative side.
Melbourne Writers Festival
The Melbourne Writers Festival is held annually to bring together writers and readers. It is a celebration of the written word and features authors from both Australia and overseas. The program of events includes both live events and a digital program meaning it’s easy to participate.
In 2022 the line up includes the star of the hit show Succession Brian Cox; writer, the creative mind behind the stop-animation Marcel the Shell With Shoes On, Jenny Slate; and New York Times–bestselling author Mohsin Hamid.
The affordable Art Fair
The Affordable Art Fair returns to Melbourne in 2022 for only the second ever time.This art fair was created with all art-lovers in mind. Participating galleries from across Australia will feature original artworks by both emerging and established artists, ranging in price from $100 to $10,000. So whatever kind of artwork catches your eye – you’ll find something to suit your taste, space and price-range.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival
The Melbourne International Jazz Festival returns over ten days in October – bringing rhythm and life to the city. This year’s program has an incredible mix of over 400 artists from Australia and abroad. They will participate in more than 85 performances and events across Melbourne during the festival.
You can revel in the world’s very best jazz exponents and family-friendly collaborations. Or world premiere commissions from across the country and the festival’s biggest-ever event – a special edition for the 2022 program.
Take Melbourne’s best tours with Go West
Looking for something else to do in Melbourne during springtime?
Take a Go West Tour where you will have the opportunity to learn more about Melbourne and explore all of the best destinations in Victoria. Such as the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Yarra Valley and more.
We pride ourselves on exceeding industry standards for excellence and customer service. With 22 years in business, Go West Tours is still a family-owned and operated tour business. We are as committed to providing guests with an unforgettable experience as we were back in 2000.
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au
