Laneway Festival Beats and Major Museum Openings Today

Laneway Festival and Major Stage Premieres Today

Melbourne is buzzing this Friday, February 13, 2026, as the city plays host to one of the biggest days on the summer festival calendar alongside several major theatrical openings and museum premieres. Whether you are heading to the grassy expanses of Flemington for live music or seeking the air-conditioned comfort of our world-class galleries, there is no shortage of ways to kick off your weekend in the cultural capital.

St Jerome’s Laneway Festival Hits Flemington

The headline act for the city today is undoubtedly the St Jerome’s Laneway Festival. Taking over Flemington Park from 12:00 pm until 10:00 pm, this iconic event continues its tradition of bringing the best of indie, pop, and electronic music to Melbourne. Expect a packed schedule of local and international artists across multiple stages, accompanied by a wide array of local food trucks and artisan pop-ups. It remains the definitive summer music experience for those looking to catch the next big thing in contemporary music in a vibrant, high-energy setting.

A Night for the Theater

For those who prefer the magic of the stage, Melbourne's theater district is alive with high-profile productions. At the Regent Theatre, audiences can catch the breathtaking Anastasia The Broadway Musical, which features a 7:30 pm performance tonight. This lush production takes viewers on a journey from the final days of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of 1920s Paris. Meanwhile, the irreverent and award-winning The Book of Mormon continues its popular run at the Princess Theatre with a session tonight. Additionally, for a touch of Greek island sun, Mamma Mia! is playing at The National Theatre in St Kilda at 7:30 pm, offering the perfect upbeat soundtrack for a Friday night out.

New Exhibitions and Cultural Landmarks

Today marks the grand opening of a significant new exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. Transmutation: Our Origin Stories debuts today at the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, offering a deep dive into cultural heritage and origin storytelling through a modern lens. After exploring the museum, visitors can head to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International) on St Kilda Road to view the blockbuster fashion exhibition, Westwood | Kawakubo. This major international showcase explores the revolutionary work of Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo, featuring over 140 ground-breaking sartorial creations that challenge the very form and function of clothing.

Local Market Staples

If you prefer a more laid-back start to your Friday, the Queen Victoria Market is open for its regular morning trade from 6:00 am until 3:00 pm. It is the perfect spot to pick up fresh local produce, grab a coffee, or browse the variety of clothing and craft stalls before the evening’s festivities begin. For families, the Balloon Story exhibition at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is also open today, featuring massive, colorful installations made from over 500,000 balloons.