HALLMARK EVENTS
From colourful racing carnivals to Grand Slam tennis, there's always something exciting happening in Victoria. With food and wine events, jazz and comedy shows, surfing tournaments, flower and garden displays - Victoria celebrates with major festivals and special events throughout the year.
Spring Racing Carnival featuring the Melbourne Cup Carnival
Frock up for six weeks of Spring Carnival action as world champion thoroughbreds decend on Melbourne for a first class racing season.
Where: Various venues
When: 1 October 2008 - 19 November 2008
Equitana Asia Pacific
A unique event showcasing the entire world of horses - competition, education, exhibition and entertainment!
Where: Melbourne Showgrounds
When: 20 - 23 November 2008
Melbourne Boxing Day Test
More than 160,000 passionate cricket fans attend the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground to support Australia in the biggest Test Match in the world.
Where: MCG
When: 26 - 30 December 2008
Australian Open Tennis Championships
The cream of international tennis and their legion of fans congregates at Melbourne Park for the first Grand Slam of the year.
Where: Melbourne Park
When: 19 January - 1 February 2009
Australian International Airshow
Hundreds of planes from air forces and industry across the world gather to celebrate man's triumph over gravity.
Where: Avalon Airport
When: 10 - 15 March 2009
The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
Dazzle your tastebuds at more than 140 events held across the state as the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival returns in 2009.
Where: Various venues
When: 7 - 23 March 2009
Australian Grand Prix
Each year Melbourne comes alive to the roar of engines, hosting the first round of the FIA World Championship.
Where: Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit
When: 26 - 29 March 2009
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
The spectacular Melbourne International Flower and Garden show boasts more than 10,000 cut flowers and 300 exhibitors.
Where: Carlton Gardens
When: April 2009
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Laugh 'til it hurts as the world's premier funny people do their thing and make Melbourne the funniesr place on earth.
Where: Various venues
When: March - April 2009
AFL Finals Series
See this spectacular crescendo of 22 weeks of fiery competition in the 2009 Australian Football League Finals Series.
Where: Variouis venues
When: September 2009
GMC Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix
See the world's best riders in three Grand Prix classes compete in this exciting three-day event on Phillip Island.
Where: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
When: October 2009
Wicked - The Broadway Musical
This highly anticipated, award-winning musical is arriving in Melbourne this July. The musical tells the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. Enjoy the magic and find out just how these two witches of OZ became friends.
Where: Regent Theatre
When: From 12 July, 2008