Cinemas

From big name pictures to obscure indies, golden oldies and frightfests, Melbourne is a cinema city with a huge range of theatres catering to all tastes.

Artful dodgers
Join the black clad masses at one of the numerous art house cinemas to catch independent releases along with films from across the globe. For the film buffs, a visit to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Federation Square is a must.

Hollywood endings
Whether it's Nicole or Meryl, Harrison or Leonardo you're after, you'll find the latest Hollywood pictures at mainstream cinemas scattered throughout the city and suburbs.

The outdoor type
From rooftops, beaches and drive-ins to botanical gardens and historic convents, summer time in Melbourne sees outdoor cinemas popping up across the city. Screening everything from cult classics and childhood favourites to the latest mainstream and arthouse releases, there's something for everyone.

Time it right
Check out this selection of Melbourne's cinemas and use the links below to help you out with session times.

Big screens & big ideas

IMAX Theatre Melbourne

Featuring the World's 3rd Largest Screen, IMAX Melbourne Museum offers one of the most exciting and immersive cinema experiences on offer. Let the...

Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)

Venture into Fed Square and explore the world of film, television and digital media with year-round exhibitions, rare screenings and cultural events.

Film festivals

May 2013
St Kilda Film Festival
The St Kilda Film Festival celebrates its 30th birthday in 2013. It's Australia's longest running and highest profile short film festival and for six...
Jun 2013
Little Big Shots
Climb aboard the tram to Federation Square and let the little'uns laugh, whoop and holler, and get all creative at this film festival for kids.
Jul 2013
Melbourne International Film Festival
Ensure your winter's complete by cramming your minipass with every award-winning, big-budget, no-budget, international, local film and events at MIFF.

Drive-ins

Public art in Hosier Lane, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Photo credit: Ben King

Find Melbourne's famous public art

Edgy music

Get stamped at one of the city fringe's famous live music venues.

Revolver
Climb the stairs from Chapel Street and catch young bands, up-and-coming songwriters and touring DJs at one of the city's oldest indie institutions.
The Old Bar
Stop in for a beer and find everything from snotty punk and country twang to indie pop and acoustic jangles at this much-loved piece of old-Fitzroy.
The Prince Bandroom
Walk past the famous chalk board sign out front and head upstairs to catch the hottest indie, rock, hip hop and soul acts when they come to town.
Tote
The spiritual home of punk and indie-rock bands, there's no better place in Melbourne to catch a band than in the sweaty bandroom at the Tote.
Northcote Social Club bandroom
The Northcote Social Club will always be remembered as the bandroom The Pixies chose to play before hitting the big stages on their first Aussie tour.
The Corner Hotel
You can go to the Corner three times in a week to see three completely different bands; international buzz bands, local stalwarts or heavyweights...
The Workers Club bandroom
This revamped pub is a favourite with the indie/arts crowd. Catch up-and-coming indie, electro and folk acts like Slow Club, Seekae and Little Scout.