Melbourne International Arts Festival

Every October Melbourne hosts the Melbourne International Arts Festival with a collection of events relating to contemporary dance, theatre, opera, multimedia, music and visual arts. Free outdoor displays and ticketed events showcase the best of the Australian and International arts industry.

The International Arts Festival portrays a different theme each year and displays such talents from Europe, Australia, Asia and America. Unique dance shows and plays perform regularly at the various arts venues.

The Victorian Arts Centre is the main venue for the festival presenting various shows in the Concert Hall and Theatres Building. The State Theatre, Playhouse and George Fairfax Studio are housed in this buzzing art precinct.

Hammer Hall is another major performance venue and the home of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Guided tours of these buildings are also available to tourists for a deeper insight into the Arts industry in Melbourne. The theatre also offers a special backstage tour.

The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art showcases art, offers lectures, many screenings and dance performances, and is also the main home for Victoria's state dance company. Federation Square houses the Centre for the Moving Image, a museum dedicated to film, television and digital visual arts.

During the yearly Arts Festival you should also visit National Gallery of Victoria and see paintings by Picasso, Monet, and Rembrandt. Sculpture courtyard is also worth a look. The Gallery shows many temporary exhibits.

Festivals in Melbourne are offered regularly throughout the year, such as the International Comedy Festival and the Food and Wine Festival to discover the brilliant culture and talent of the city.

Featured Accommodation

• Southbank, Melbourne

Langham Hotel Melbourne

• Spring Street, Melbourne

Mercure Hotel Melbourne