Victoria Events 2026
Australia’s events capital — grand-slam tennis, Formula 1, the race that stops a nation, the AFL Grand Final and a year-round run of food, comedy and arts festivals.
Victoria’s Big Calendar
Melbourne calls itself Australia’s events capital, and the calendar backs it up — grand-slam tennis, Formula 1, the race that stops a nation, the AFL Grand Final, and a year-round run of food, comedy and arts festivals. Below is the shape of the Victorian year. All dates are set by organisers and change annually, so treat these as a guide and confirm the current schedule before you book.
Marquee Events
Australian Open
Grand-slam tennis at Melbourne Park — the year’s first major, with a huge festival atmosphere.
Australian Grand Prix
Formula 1 at Albert Park (recently March). Dates move with the F1 calendar — check current details.
Food & Wine + Moomba
The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival and the Moomba riverside festival over the Labour Day long weekend.
Comedy Festival
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival — one of the world’s largest.
Rip Curl Pro, Bells
World-tour surfing at Bells Beach near Torquay, at the start of the Great Ocean Road.
AFL Grand Final
The footy season’s climax at the MCG, with a public-holiday parade — a true Melbourne institution.
Phillip Island MotoGP
World-championship motorcycle racing on the island’s spectacular seaside circuit.
Melbourne Cup Carnival
The Spring Racing Carnival at Flemington, crowned by the Cup on the first Tuesday of November.
Event Tips
- Book accommodation and tickets early for the Open, Cup, Grand Prix and Grand Final
- Melbourne Cup Day is a public holiday in metropolitan Melbourne
- Winter adds arts festivals (e.g. RISING) and the alpine snow season
- Confirm current dates with organisers — they change every year
- See the Victoria sports calendar for the full run of fixtures
- Want to build a trip around an event? Enquire and we’ll plan it
Events 2026 — FAQ
What are the biggest events in Victoria?
Melbourne hosts the Australian Open tennis (January), the Australian Grand Prix (autumn), the AFL Grand Final (late September) and the Melbourne Cup and Spring Racing Carnival (November), plus major food, comedy and arts festivals. The Phillip Island MotoGP runs in spring. Dates change yearly — check current details.
When is the Melbourne Cup?
The Melbourne Cup is run on the first Tuesday of November at Flemington, the centrepiece of the Spring Racing Carnival. Cup Day is a public holiday in metropolitan Melbourne. Confirm current dates and details.
When is the Australian Open tennis?
The Australian Open is held in January at Melbourne Park. Exact dates shift each year, so check the current schedule when planning.
Is the Australian Grand Prix held in Melbourne?
Yes — the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is run at Albert Park, usually in autumn (recently March). Dates vary with the F1 calendar — check current details.
Do I need to book ahead for major events?
Yes — accommodation and tickets for the Open, the Cup, the Grand Prix and the AFL Grand Final sell out and prices rise. Book well ahead, and see our Victoria sports calendar.
Victoria, Planned Around You
Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, the wine country and the penguins — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry