Melbourne’s festival season heats up from August through December 2025 with an incredible lineup of cultural, music, arts and film events across the city.
This post lists all the major festivals confirmed for the second half of 2025, with direct dates, venue info, and what to expect. It is fully optimised for Google Search, AI Overviews, and voice queries.
Contents
- 1 Quick List: Major Festivals in Melbourne (Aug–Dec 2025)
- 2 What festivals are happening in Melbourne from August to December 2025?
- 3 Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) – August 7–24
- 4 Lightscape – Until August 10
- 5 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) – August 14–24
- 6 Listen Out Festival – Late September to Early October
- 7 Melbourne Fringe Festival – September to October
- 8 Melbourne Queer Film Festival – November 2025
- 9 Spilt Milk Festival – December 2025
- 10 What’s the best way to keep track of Melbourne’s upcoming festivals?
- 11 Frequently Asked Questions
Quick List: Major Festivals in Melbourne (Aug–Dec 2025)
| Subject | Festival Type | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) | Film | 7–24 August 2025 | Various cinemas across Melbourne |
| Lightscape | Light installation | Until 10 August 2025 | Royal Botanic Gardens |
| Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) | Indian cinema & culture | 14–24 August 2025 | ACMI, Hoyts, Federation Square |
| Listen Out Festival | Music (multi-genre) | Late September – early October | TBC |
| Melbourne Fringe Festival | Arts & performance | Late September – early October | City-wide |
| Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF) | LGBTQ+ cinema | November 2025 | ACMI, Cinema Nova |
| Spilt Milk Festival | Music festival | December 2025 | Ballarat |
What festivals are happening in Melbourne from August to December 2025?
Melbourne will host a series of major cultural and music festivals across the last five months of 2025, including world-class cinema events, independent arts, and headliner-packed music festivals.
Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) – August 7–24
MIFF is one of the world’s oldest film festivals, showcasing global and local cinema across dozens of venues. Expect over 275 features and shorts, red carpet premieres, and industry talks.
Venues: ACMI, Capitol Theatre, The Forum, Nova
Insider Tip: Book early for world premieres and director Q&As — they sell out fast.
Lightscape – Until August 10
Lightscape transforms the Royal Botanic Gardens into a glowing night-time wonderland. Perfect for families, couples and photographers, it features custom light installations, soundscapes and winter treats.
Final Nights: First week of August
Ticket Tip: Use weeknight sessions to avoid the weekend crowds.
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) – August 14–24
IFFM is the largest celebration of Indian cinema in the southern hemisphere. Expect Bollywood blockbusters, indie gems, masterclasses, and celebrity guests.
Special Guest: Vir Das (Emmy-winning comedian)
Venues: Federation Square, ACMI, Hoyts Docklands
Listen Out Festival – Late September to Early October
Melbourne’s biggest spring music festival returns with electronic, hip-hop and pop acts across one day. Past lineups have included Disclosure, Skrillex, Central Cee and more.
Venue: TBA (Usually Catani Gardens or Melbourne Showgrounds)
Expected Dates: Final weekend of September or first weekend of October
Melbourne Fringe Festival – September to October
Fringe Festival is where Melbourne’s creativity explodes. Theatre, comedy, visual art, dance, and immersive experiences take over the city for three weeks.
What to Expect: Over 400 shows citywide
Venues: Trades Hall, local galleries, alleys, rooftops, clubs
Free Highlights: Fringe Parade and Federation Square installations
Melbourne Queer Film Festival – November 2025
The MQFF is a celebration of LGBTQIA+ storytelling through film. It is one of the most important queer festivals in the world, showcasing international features, shorts, and documentaries.
Venues: ACMI, Cinema Nova, Village Jam Factory
Watch For: Audience Award voting and community afterparties
Spilt Milk Festival – December 2025
Kendrick Lamar headlines the highly anticipated return of Spilt Milk. After a temporary cancellation, the summer festival comes back strong with a stacked lineup including Doechii and more.
Date: TBA (First or second weekend of December)
Location: Ballarat
Tickets: On sale since May – limited availability
What’s the best way to keep track of Melbourne’s upcoming festivals?
Bookmark this pager and follow Discover Melbourne on Facebook for alerts. Many events announce acts and updates just weeks out. Also, subscribe to event newsletters for first-access ticket releases.
📌 Pro Tip: For last-minute or budget options, check our guide to cheap & free event tickets in Melbourne.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any free festivals happening in Melbourne during this period?
Yes. The Melbourne Fringe Festival includes free events. MQFF also offers free community screenings.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes. Major festivals like MIFF, Spilt Milk and Listen Out typically sell out early.
What is the best festival for families?
Lightscape and MIFF Family screenings are excellent for kids.
Can tourists attend these events?
Absolutely. Most festivals are open to the public with tickets available online or at the venue.