Top 10 Things to Do in Melbourne Today – June 12, 2025

Melbourne is buzzing with incredible events today! From world-class concerts to comedy shows, winter festivals, and unique cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone. Here are the top 10 things you absolutely can’t miss today in Australia’s cultural capital.

1. Katy Perry – The Lifetimes Tour at Rod Laver Arena

Katy Perry, one of the best-selling music artists of all time, is performing tonight at Rod Laver Arena as part of her Australian Lifetimes Tour. This spectacular show starts at 7:30 PM and features all her biggest hits including “Roar,” “Firework,” and “California Gurls.” The tour has been praised as “visually stunning” and Katy’s “most ambitious touring production to date” with giant screens, impressive lighting, and gravity-defying performances.

Link: Rod Laver Arena – Katy Perry

2. Melbourne Comedy Showcase at Knox Community Arts Centre

Get ready to laugh out loud with the Melbourne Comedy Showcase tonight at 7:30 PM! The lineup features comedy legend Dave O’Neil from “Spicks & Specks” and “Have You Been Paying Attention,” plus rising stars Sonia Di Iorio and Billy Stiles. This diverse comedy show covers themes including parenting, family life, health, and neurodiversity – perfect for families with teenagers or a night out with friends.

Link: Knox Community Arts Centre

3. RISING Festival – Day 9 of Melbourne’s Premier Winter Arts Festival

RISING is a festival of new art, performance and music running until June 15 in the heart of Naarm/Melbourne. The action-packed hub of Night Trade sprawls through the laneways around the Capitol Theatre to Howey Place, featuring interactive art, karaoke, food and more — with free entry. Tonight you can also experience Shohei Fujimoto’s “intangible #form” at The Capitol Theatre, featuring laser-spiked gateways into the bleeding edge of perception.

Link: RISING Festival

4. Best of the Comedy Festival at The Comic’s Lounge

Tonight at 8 PM, The Comic’s Lounge presents “Best Of The Comedy Festival” featuring 6-8 comedians from the recent Melbourne Comedy Festival. The Comic’s Lounge is Melbourne’s biggest and best comedy club, featuring stars of comedy from around Australia and the world. This is your chance to see the festival’s highlights in one incredible night.

Link: The Comic’s Lounge

5. Comedy Republic Main Stage Show

Main Stage has quickly become Comedy Republic’s biggest show, selling out regularly with huge all-star lineups. Tonight at 8 PM features Takashi Wakasugi, Ray O’Leary, Josh Earl, Charisa Bossinakis, Kelsey De Almeida & Lauren Edwards. The 90-minute show features 5+ comedians with an interval and tickets are $26.

Link: Comedy Republic

6. Queen Victoria Market Winter Night Market

The Winter Night Market returns to the iconic Queen Victoria Market sheds. Experience local artisan food, mulled wine, live music, and a cozy winter atmosphere in one of Melbourne’s most beloved venues. Perfect for dinner and evening shopping with that special winter market magic.

Link: Queen Victoria Market Winter Night Market

7. Candlelight Concerts in Unique Melbourne Venues

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Melbourne. These intimate performances by candlelight in stunning venues create an unforgettable atmosphere. Check tonight’s program for classical music in unexpected places around the city.

Link: Candlelight Concerts Melbourne

8. Melbourne Museum After Dark Adult Experience

Step into a world of wonder at an after-hours Melbourne Museum experience just for adults. These special evening events offer a unique way to explore the museum’s collections with a more mature perspective, often featuring special exhibitions, talks, and experiences not available during regular hours.

Link: Melbourne Museum

9. Live Music at Iconic Melbourne Venues

Melbourne’s live music scene is legendary, and tonight features performances across the city’s best venues. From intimate acoustic sets in laneway bars to full band performances at established venues like The Corner Hotel, The Tote, and 170 Russell, there’s live music happening all over the city tonight.

Link: Songkick Melbourne

10. Explore Melbourne’s Hidden Laneways and Street Art

Melbourne’s famous laneways are always evolving, and tonight is perfect for a self-guided street art tour. Venture beneath Melbourne’s streets to hidden bars and subterranean speakeasies. Start at Hosier Lane, explore AC/DC Lane, and discover the ever-changing graffiti and street art scene that makes Melbourne’s laneways world-famous.

Link: Melbourne Street Art Guide

Melbourne is buzzing today—get out and enjoy the action! Whether you’re into world-class pop concerts, laugh-out-loud comedy, cutting-edge arts festivals, or discovering hidden cultural gems, Melbourne has something special waiting for you tonight.

Event details are current as of June 12, 2025. Please check individual venue websites for the latest information and ticket availability.