As the city’s gardens burst into bloom and the days grow warmer, Melbourne comes alive with an incredible line-up of spring festivals. From iconic cultural celebrations and foodie festivals to live music, arts events and family-friendly days out, there’s no shortage of things to do in Melbourne this spring.

Whether you’re keen to explore flower festivals just outside the city, taste your way through Melbourne’s best food and wine events, or soak up the atmosphere at colourful street parades, these spring festivals are the perfect way to make the most of the season.

The Best Festivals for Kids on Melbourne's Spring Calendar

1. Tesselaar Tulip Festival

The Tesselaar Tulip Festival is back this spring, celebrating its 70th year with a dazzling display of more than a million tulips in bloom. Held in the Dandenong Ranges, just a short drive from Melbourne, the festival transforms Silvan into a rainbow of colour, with 55 acres of tulip fields that change week to week.

Visitors can enjoy themed weekends, cultural performances, delicious international food, and family-friendly activities, from fairy gardens and craft workshops to live music and the famous Tulip Bar. With so much to see and do, the Tesselaar Tulip Festival is a must-visit spring event for all ages.

Where:  357 Monbulk Rd, Silvan
When:   Saturday 13 September to Sunday 12 October 2025
Cost:     Adults (17+) $36; Concession $32; children 16 and under are FREE when accompanied by an adult 

2. Melbourne Royal Show

Everybody's favourite festival, the Melbourne Royal Show is back again this year in all its giant, festive glory, transforming Melbourne Showgrounds into 11 days of family fun, food and entertainment.

Visitors can meet prize-winning animals, try hands-on farming experiences, and explore the ever-popular Sunrise Animal Nursery. With gourmet food, carnival rides, hundreds of showbags and nightly fireworks lighting up the sky, the Show is the ultimate spring outing packed with memories waiting to be made.

Where:     Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale
When:      Thursday 25 September – Sunday 5 October 2025
Cost:        Tickets start from $26 per child and, $49 per adult

3. Melbourne Fringe Festival

Melbourne Fringe Festival 2025 is set to light up the city with a celebration of creativity, individuality and action.

Across venues and hidden spaces, the festival invites audiences to connect, imagine and get involved through cutting-edge performances, immersive art, comedy, cabaret, dance and music. More than just a program of shows, Fringe is a citywide playground where artists spark change, communities come together and everyone is encouraged to join the adventure—cape optional.

Where:  Multiple venues throughout Melbourne
When:   Tuesday 30 September to Sunday 19 October 2025
Cost:     Various depending on event, some FREE events

4. Maccas AFL Footy Festival

 

The Macca’s Footy Festival returns to Yarra Park from 24–27 September 2025, bringing four days of free family fun to celebrate AFL Grand Final week. Fans can enjoy new attractions like the Toyota Legendary Dodgems, alongside interactive games, kids’ zones, live entertainment, food, giveaways, and AFL merchandise. It’s the ultimate way to soak up the excitement and be part of Melbourne’s biggest sporting week.

Where:   Yarra Park, Marathon Way, East Melbourne
When:    Wednesday 24 September to Saturday 27 September 2025
Cost:      FREE

5. Ridin' Hearts Festival Melbourne

Ridin’ Hearts Festival is back for 2025, bringing the best of country music to Melbourne. Now in its third year, this one-day festival promises a huge line-up of international and Aussie country stars, including Megan Moroney, Nate Smith, Avery Anna, Waylon Wyatt, Sara Berki and more.

Alongside the music, festival-goers can enjoy delicious food, unique market stalls and plenty of good vibes with friends. For those looking to take things up a notch, Jolene’s Diamond Club offers the ultimate upgrade with exclusive perks to make it a boot-stompin’ day to remember.

Where:  Caribbean Gardens, 1280 Ferntree Gully Rd, Scoresby 
When:   Sunday 26 October 2025
Cost:     General Admission: $179 | Jolene's Diamond Club Ticket: $379

6. Birrarung Riverfest

Birrarung Riverfest returns this September to celebrate Melbourne’s iconic Yarra/Birrarung with a month-long program of over 60 events and activities.

The festival invites locals to connect with the river through art, culture, wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures. Highlights include dawn platypus spotting, canoe flotillas, Indigenous-led bush medicine workshops, guided walks, habitat planting and river clean-ups.

The festival culminates on World Rivers Day with a lively celebration at Federation Square featuring music, performances, talks and a colourful flotilla arriving in the heart of the city.

Where:  Along the Birrarung
When:   Saturday 6 September to Sunday 28 September 2025
Cost:     Various

More Cool Things to Do in Melbourne

Melbourne's Best Family Events
Epic Spring School Holiday Fun for Families at Kryal Castle
The Coolest Water Parks in Melbourne

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