Book direct for the best rates & perks!
Book direct for the best rates & perks!
Book direct for the best rates & perks!
Melbourne is Australia’s events capital, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the city’s biggest years yet. From global sporting championships to iconic festivals, comedy, fashion, film and culture, every season brings something huge to look forward to. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend event or planning a long stay in Melbourne, Punthill’s centrally located apartment hotels offer a comfortable, convenient base close to the action.
Use this guide to explore the biggest Melbourne events in 2026 and find the best places to stay nearby.
Melbourne launches the year with two weeks of world-class tennis at Melbourne Park. Expect headline matches, live entertainment, fan precincts and a buzzing summer atmosphere across the city.
Where to stay: Punthill Little Bourke and Punthill Manhattan both all offer quick, easy access to Rod Laver Arena and the MCG precinct.
March delivers the city’s most action-packed lineup, with multiple major festivals and global events running back-to-back.
Albert Park becomes a roaring street circuit, attracting fans from around the world. With racing sessions, concerts and fan zones, it’s one of Melbourne’s most in-demand weekends.
Where to stay: Punthill South Yarra, Punthill Flinders Lane and Punthill Manhattan all offer simple transport connections straight to Albert Park.
One of the largest comedy festivals in the world takes over the CBD with hundreds of stand-up, cabaret and theatre performances.
Where to stay: Punthill Little Bourke and Punthill Manhattan put you right in the heart of the theatre district, just steps from key festival venues.
Runway shows, styling sessions and industry events spotlight local and international designers across central city venues.
Where to stay: Punthill Flinders Lane gives you convenient access to runways, shows and fashion events across the CBD and Docklands.
A citywide celebration of Victoria’s best cuisine, with outdoor feasts, chef-led pop-ups and iconic riverfront dining experiences.
Where to stay: Punthill Little Bourke and Punthill South Yarra are both close to major dining hotspots and festival pop-ups.
From April to September, the AFL transforms Melbourne into a sporting hub. Regular-season matches fill both the MCG and Marvel Stadium, while September brings high-stakes finals and packed crowds.
Where to stay: Punthill Manhattan and Punthill Flinders Lane provide quick travel to both the MCG and Marvel Stadium.
RISING illuminates Melbourne’s winter nights with immersive installations, outdoor performances, light trails and creative precinct takeovers along the Yarra and throughout the CBD.
Where to stay: Punthill Flinders Lane & Punthill Manhattan keep you close to riverfront installations and nighttime performances.
Melbourne regularly hosts major winter sporting clashes including State of Origin and international football friendlies.
Where to stay: Punthill Little Bourke and Punthill Manhattan are ideal bases for reaching both major stadiums with ease.
One of the world’s longest-running film festivals, MIFF brings premieres, panels and global cinema to venues including ACMI, The Forum and The Capitol.
Where to stay: Punthill Little Bourke offers easy access to ACMI, The Forum, The Capitol and other MIFF venues.
Flemington Racecourse hosts Cup Week including Derby Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Oaks Day and Stakes Day, drawing thousands for fashion, racing and entertainment.
Where to stay: Punthill Essendon, Punthill Essendon North & Punthill Sunshine make getting to Flemington Racecourse quick and straightforward.
Melbourne wraps up the year with Christmas markets, festive light projections, riverfront events and spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Where to stay: Punthill Flinders Lane places you close to the Yarra, Southbank and Melbourne’s biggest end-of-year celebrations.
Punthill’s Melbourne apartment hotels offer a home-like experience with excellent city connectivity. Whether you’re visiting for a single event or looking for long stay accommodation in Melbourne, enjoy:
Stay in Melbourne CBD
A central base for comedy shows, theatre, city festivals and major CBD events.
Stay Near MCG & Melbourne Park
The best location for the Australian Open, AFL matches and blockbuster concerts.
Stay Near Albert Park (F1)
Enjoy fast tram connections and easy travel to the Grand Prix circuit.
Stay in South Yarra & Richmond
Perfect for fashion events, boutique dining and vibrant nightlife hotspots.
With a huge lineup of global sport, entertainment and culture, 2026 is the perfect time to experience Melbourne. Stay close to your favourite events with Punthill’s conveniently located apartment hotels.
Book your Melbourne stay today and make the most of every event-filled moment.
