As an ancient tome once said: "the years start coming and they don't stop coming". 2025 has arrived and while the new year might spark a touch of existential dread about the incessant passing of time, on a lighter note, it also means that we have another twelve months of super exciting events to enjoy across Melbourne. The annual calendar is always packed with fun-filled gems to look forward to, plus there are some monumental moments – like superstar artist tours – that will hit our city this year. We've whipped around the Time Out Melbourne office and asked the team which major event they're most excited for in 2025, so read on for our top picks.
The Australian Open
"I’m always so excited for this time of year since moving to Australia – it’s become my favourite! This will be my third Australian Open that I’ll get to experience live, and this year I have high hopes for Iga Świątek. I’m not just excited for the matches, though – the activities around the event are always fun."
Ania Majdan, project manager
Kylie Minogue
"Australia’s most iconic export is returning to Melbourne for two huge shows at Rod Laver Arena in February. The first time I saw Kylie was when I was a wee child in 2003, so I couldn’t be more excited to see her more than 20 years on."
Saskia Morrison-Thiagu, branded content writer
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
"What’s not to love about Australia’s comedy Christmas? You can expect hundreds of shows across more than a hundred venues, making it super easy to line up an all-night-long comedy crawl around the city. I can’t think of a better way to spend my March and April."
Ashleigh Hastings, arts and culture editor
Formula One Australian Grand Prix
"Ever since I got hooked on Drive to Survive a few years ago, I’ve become obsessed with F1. This year will be the fourth time I’m attending the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, and it’s always a fun event. It’s truly got everything: fast cars, behind-the-scenes drama and a buzzing atmosphere. Will this year be the one Oscar Piastri scores a hometown win? Here’s hoping."
Leah Glynn, city editor
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
"When the 2025 program dropped for this ten-day annual food and wine extravaganza, I made a vow to block out everything else. There’s just too much good stuff to eat, people to meet and parties to pop into around town this year, all with one mission in mind: to celebrate our glorious food scene and all the creators and producers who make it so special. Bring it on!"
Lauren Dinse, food and drink writer
Rising
"Rising actually makes me look forward to the beginning of winter, because for the first two weeks of the season Melbourne's CBD is filled with world-class art and performances. Each year the program gets more exciting and impressive, and I can't wait to see what's in store for 2025. Despite the cooler weather, I love rugging up and venturing out after dark to explore what's happening throughout the festival. There's usually stacks of fun free events, unique concerts and some mind-boggling sights to see."
Liv Condous, lifestyle writer
Oasis
"The reunion of Oasis and their decision to tour Australia is something I never imagined possible following their split in 2005. I have always loved their music and can not wait to belt out ‘Don't Look Back In Anger’ at the top of my lungs."
Rüfüs Du Sol
"I’m taking my Dad to see Rüfus at Rod Laver Arena in November for his 60th birthday. He loves their music and I’m a big fan, too. It’ll also be our first time going to a concert together, so I'm very much looking forward to that later in the year."
Nigel Kippers, videographer
So mark your calendars! These will be the big Melbourne moments that you won't want to miss out on. For an up-to-date guide of everything that's happening in Melbourne right now, you can check out our things to do guide here.
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