Summer is nearly here, and if you're spending your uni break in Melbourne, there's so much to look forward to!
From music festivals and beach days to sporting events and Christmas markets, the city has loads going on over the next few months. Whether you're looking for a big day out with friends or something fun that won't break the bank, we've rounded up eight things worth checking out before uni starts again.
1. Celebrate the New Year at Beyond the Valley Festival
When: 28 December 2026 – 1 January 2027
Where: Barunah Plains, Victoria
If your ideal summer involves live music, camping with friends and dancing your way into the new year, Beyond the Valley is definitely one to know about!
One of Australia's biggest New Year's music festivals is returning this December, with a line-up featuring Skepta, The Veronicas, Overmono and The Jungle Giants, expecting several days of live music, food stalls and plenty of festival fun.
Cost: Single-day tickets were priced from $224, with four-day passes costing $519, excluding booking fees. Tickets are currently sold out, but you can join the resale waitlist on the official festival website.
2. Dance into 2027 at Let Them Eat Cake Festival
When: 1 January 2027
Where: The Nursery at Flemington, Melbourne
Not quite ready for the New Year's celebrations to end? Luckily, Melbourne has another music festival lined up for the very first day of 2027!
Let Them Eat Cake is returning on New Year's Day, bringing some huge names in electronic music to Melbourne, including Boys Noize, Joy Orbison and Ewan McVicar.
Running from midday until 11pm, it's a great excuse to get your friends together and start the new year with some good music. Also, as it's only a one-day festival, there's no need to worry about packing for a whole weekend away!
Cost: Tickets were released from $185, with later releases priced up to $215. Check the official festival website for current prices and availability.
3. Catch the action at the Australian Open
When: 11–31 January 2027
Where: Melbourne Park, Melbourne
Whether you're a massive tennis fan or haven't picked up a racket since PE/Phys ED lessons, the Australian Open is definitely worth experiencing!
Every January, some of the world's best tennis players head to Melbourne for one of the biggest sporting events of the year. But it's not just about the tennis! With food stalls, entertainment and a brilliant atmosphere around Melbourne Park, there's so much to enjoy even if you don't know much about the sport.
Cost: Ground Passes start from $49, with prices varying depending on the date and ticket type. Check the Australian Open website for tickets and availability.
4. Watch Melbourne's New Year's Eve Fireworks
When: 31 December 2026
Where: Melbourne CBD
If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate New Year's Eve without spending loads of money, Melbourne's fireworks are a great option!
The city welcomes the new year with a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up Melbourne's skyline as the clock strikes midnight. There are free Celebration Zones around the city where you can enjoy the atmosphere, entertainment and food stalls while waiting for the countdown.
Grab your friends, head into the city and find a good spot to watch the fireworks. Just make sure you plan your journey home, as Melbourne gets pretty busy on New Year's Eve!
Cost: FREE! Food, drinks and transport are extra. Check the official Melbourne New Year's Eve website for event updates.
5. Enjoy the atmosphere at Midsumma Festival
When: 17 January – 7 February 2027
Where: Various locations across Melbourne
If you're looking for something a little different this summer, Melbourne's Midsumma Festival is definitely worth adding to your plans! Celebrating LGBTQIA+ arts and culture, the festival brings together live music, performances, exhibitions and community events across the city.
One of the biggest highlights is Midsumma Carnival, taking place at Alexandra Gardens on 17 January. Expect a lively atmosphere, entertainment and plenty of things to see and do throughout the day.
Cost: Midsumma Carnival is FREE! Some other festival events are ticketed, so check the official Midsumma website for prices.
6. Spend a summer's day at St Kilda Beach
When: Throughout December and January
Where: St Kilda Beach, Melbourne
Sometimes the best summer plans are the simplest ones, and you can't really go wrong with a beach day! St Kilda Beach is one of Melbourne's most popular spots to enjoy the sunshine, whether you're planning to go for a swim, have a picnic or just spend a few hours relaxing with friends.
There are also plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby if you fancy grabbing something to eat. And if you stick around until the evening, you might even spot the little penguins that live near St Kilda Pier! Free viewing sessions are available, although you'll need to book in advance.
Cost: FREE! Food and drinks are extra. Penguin viewing is also free, but bookings are required through the Parks Victoria website.
7. Get some Christmas shopping done at The Big Design Market
When: 4–6 December 2026
Where: Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton
If you're looking for somewhere a little different to do your Christmas shopping this year, Melbourne's Big Design Market might be just the place!
Returning to the Royal Exhibition Building this December, the market brings together independent designers, artists and creative businesses selling everything from clothing and jewellery to homeware and handmade gifts.
It's a great place to find something a little more unique for your friends and family, or even treat yourself to something nice! Even if you're not planning on buying much, it's still a fun way to spend an afternoon browsing the stalls and exploring something different.
Cost: $8 entry, plus a booking fee. Shopping and food are extra. Tickets are available through the official Big Design Market website.
8. Explore the NGV Triennial Exhibition
When: 13 December 2026 – 11 April 2027
Where: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Looking for something fun to do that won't cost you a thing? Melbourne's National Gallery of Victoria has you covered! The NGV Triennial is returning this December, bringing together contemporary art, design and creative installations from around the world.
Whether you're really into art or just fancy exploring somewhere new with friends, there's plenty to discover. It's also a great option for those summer days when Melbourne's weather isn't quite living up to expectations!
Cost: FREE! Find out more on the National Gallery of Victoria website.
Make the most of your summer in Melbourne!
Whether you're heading to a music festival, spending the day at the beach or watching the New Year's Eve fireworks, there's no loss of things to do in Melbourne this summer! And the good news is, you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy yourself. Mixing a few bigger events with some free activities is a great way to make the most of your uni break while keeping your budget in check.
If you're trying to manage your money over the holidays, check out our budgeting tips.
And if you're getting ready to head back to uni in the new year, why not take a look at the student accommodation available in Melbourne to find your next student home?
For now, grab your friends, make some plans and enjoy everything Melbourne has to offer this summer!
