Book direct for the best rates & perks!
Book direct for the best rates & perks!
Book direct for the best rates & perks!
Melbourne is gearing up for a massive year of festivals, sport, culture and nightlife in 2026, and there’s no better way to experience it all than by staying in the city’s most vibrant inner-urban neighbourhoods. If you love boutique design, local culture, laneways, cafés and the kind of experiences you only get by staying slightly off the beaten track, Veriu Hotels puts you exactly where you want to be.
From Collingwood’s creative energy to the bustling food scene around Queen Victoria Market, our hotels let you live like a local while staying close to Melbourne’s biggest events. Use this guide to discover what’s on in 2026 and where to stay to make the most of every moment.
Melbourne Park comes alive every January with Grand Slam tennis, outdoor entertainment, live music and a buzzing summer atmosphere. Whether you’re here for centre court or soaking in the festival vibes, staying close to the action elevates the whole experience.
Where to stay:
March is when Melbourne turns the volume up – fashion, motorsport, comedy, food and art collide across the city.
The city transforms into a motorsport playground as the F1 roars through Albert Park. Beyond the track, Melbourne thrives with events, parties and street culture.
Where to stay:
The Comedy Festival spills across theatres, bars and hidden corners of the CBD, turning the city into a month-long playground for stand-up and cabaret.
Where to stay:
A celebration of creativity, runway shows and designer showcases across Docklands, Collingwood, Carlton and the city.
Where to stay:
Think riverside long lunches, laneway dining, pop-up kitchens and culinary adventures right across Melbourne.
Where to stay:
RISING Festival
RISING takes over the city with glowing installations, boundary-pushing art, night markets and riverside performances. It’s immersive, unexpected and best enjoyed on foot.
Stay with Veriu:
From blockbuster football friendlies to State of Origin rugby league, Melbourne’s winter sporting line-up always delivers.
Stay with Veriu:
Cinemas, theatres and laneways fill with film premieres, documentaries, late-night screenings and talks with filmmakers from across the world.
Where to stay:
Melbourne closes out the year with Christmas markets, lighting displays, concerts and spectacular fireworks over the Yarra.
Stay with Veriu:
Veriu’s boutique hotels are designed for travellers who love style, comfort and neighbourhood immersion. Whether you’re here for a week of tennis, a festival weekend or a food-and-culture-filled city escape, you’ll enjoy:
Many travellers pair their Melbourne festival plans with a Sydney city escape, and Veriu has standout stays across some of Sydney’s most iconic neighbourhoods. Veriu Sydney hotels blend coastal energy with inner-city culture, placing you close to beaches, bars, galleries and harbour attractions.
Top Veriu Sydney stays include:
Staying with Veriu in Sydney means:
A seamless way to extend your 2026 festival adventure across Australia’s two most iconic cities.
With a landmark year of festivals, culture and sport ahead, there’s no better time to plan your Melbourne getaway. Stay in the heart of the city’s most exciting neighbourhoods with Veriu and enjoy every event the way it was meant to be up close, connected and with Melbourne’s best experiences at your door.
Book your stay at Veriu Hotels and get ready for an unforgettable 2026 in Melbourne.
