Tullamarine National Events
As a quiet suburb of Melbourne, Tullamarine may not be associated with large-scale national or global events. However, residents and visitors alike can still enjoy a variety of annual festivities that recognise different cultural, historical, and sporting traditions. Here are just a few examples of what people might observe in and around Tullamarine throughout the year.
January:
- Australia Day (January 26) is the official national day of Australia, commemorating the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson in 1788. In Tullamarine, locals may participate in community breakfasts, citizenship ceremonies, and cricket matches, or attend larger events in nearby Melbourne.
February:
- Chinese New Year (January or February, depending on the lunar calendar) is a major celebration for the Chinese diaspora around the world. Tullamarine's proximity to Melbourne's Chinatown means that residents can enjoy traditional lion and dragon dances, street fairs, and food markets.
March:
- Moomba Festival is Melbourne's largest free community event, held annually in early March over the Labour Day long weekend. The festival includes a parade, carnival rides, concerts, fireworks, and water sports on the Yarra River. Tullamarine residents can easily access Moomba by car or public transport.
April:
- Anzac Day (April 25) is a solemn day of remembrance for Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women who served in conflicts and peacekeeping missions. Tullamarine locals may attend dawn services, marches, wreath-laying ceremonies, or participate in the 'Last Post' tribute.
May:
- Good Beer Week is a week-long festival dedicated to the craft beer industry, held annually in May across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Tullamarine's proximity to breweries in North Melbourne, Brunswick, and Footscray means that beer enthusiasts can attend tastings, tap takeovers, and events showcasing local and international beers.
June:
- Queen's Birthday is a public holiday in Australia, usually observed on the second Monday in June. Although it is not the Queen's actual birthday, it honours her as the monarch of Australia and other Commonwealth countries. Tullamarine residents may enjoy a day off work or school, or participate in local parades or festivities.
July:
- NAIDOC Week is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, history, and achievements, held annually in July across Australia. Tullamarine residents can learn about Indigenous art, music, dance, and food through events such as markets, exhibitions, and storytelling sessions.
August:
- Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) is one of the oldest film festivals in the world, showcasing local and international feature films, documentaries, and shorts. Although most screenings take place in Melbourne city, Tullamarine residents can catch MIFF films at participating cinemas in nearby suburbs.
September:
- AFL Grand Final is the championship game of the Australian Football League, held annually in September at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Tullamarine is home to the Essendon Football Club, which plays in the AFL and has a dedicated fan base. Locals may watch the Grand Final at pubs or attend live sites in Melbourne.
October:
- Melbourne Cup is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, held annually on the first Tuesday in November at Flemington Racecourse. Tullamarine residents may attend race day events, place bets, or participate in fashion competitions or sweepstakes.
November:
- Melbourne Music Week is a seven-day festival dedicated to local and international music acts, held annually in November at various venues across Melbourne. Tullamarine residents can listen to live music genres such as rock, jazz, hip hop, and electronic, or attend workshops and talks on the music industry.
December:
- Christmas Day (December 25) is a major religious and cultural holiday celebrated around the world. Tullamarine residents may decorate their homes, exchange gifts, attend church services, or host family gatherings. Melbourne also has a number of festive events, such as the Myer Christmas Windows and the Carols by Candlelight concert.