What's on across Melbourne's eastern suburbs in January
Events include two country rodeos, cultural festivals and a gruelling obstacle course.
Matthew Sims
December 31, 2025
Here’s a list of some of the best events across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs in January.
Did we miss anything? Let us know by reaching out via [email protected].
Knox City Rodeo
Image Credit: Glenn Stampalia
Cowboys and cowgirls compete in a range of events, with thousands of dollars in prize money.
Other attractions include food trucks, bars, kids’ activities and live music.
Gates open at 4pm, with the main rodeo action starting at 6pm.
When: Friday January 9, 4-11.30pm
Where: Event Central at Caribbean Park, 1280 Ferntree Gully Road, Scoresby
Cost: General admission - $49.90 adults and $29.90 children
Ozact's The Tempest
Image Credit: Ozact
Specialising in performing William’s Shakespeare plays outdoors across the country, theatre company Ozact presents The Tempest at Olinda’s Cloudehill Gardens.
When: Saturday January 10, Sunday January 11, Saturday January 17 and Sunday January 18. From 6.30pm
Where: Cloudehill Gardens, 89 Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda
Cost: Adults $44, children (16 and under) for $25
Yarra Valley Rodeo
Hosted by the Australian Professional Rodeo Association, this event will include rodeo competitions throughout the afternoon and into the evening, with a band then providing after-party tunes until 11.30 pm.
When: Saturday January 17, gates open 3pm, main show from 5pm, gates close at midnight
Where: Yarra Glen Racecourse, Armstrong Grove, Yarra Glen
Cost: $50 adults, $20 children — General Admission
Sunset Sounds
Electric Fields was the Australian entrant in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. Image Credit: Wojciech Pędzich
Stonnington Council’s annual summer concert is at Malvern Public Gardens on Sunday January 18, 2026, with performances from PBS DJ Lyndelle Wilkinson; Indian raga, soul and jazz artist Parvyn; and electronic duo Electric Fields.
When: Sunday January 18, 5-10pm
Where: Malvern Public Gardens, 1275/1277 High Street, Malvern
Cost: Free
5K Foam Fest
Runners aged seven and above will be taking on 25 obstacles, including an inflatable waterslide, mud pits and mountains of foam.
Make-A-Wish Australia will receive all proceeds from participant fundraising and merchandise sales on site.
When: Saturday January 24, 7am-5pm
Where: 305 Victoria Road, Wandin North
Cost: $129.99
Saraswati Puja
Image Credit: Ibrahim Husain Meraj
Organised by the Bengali Association of Victoria, the event will be a local version of a Hindu festival celebrating Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, wisdom, arts, music and learning.
When: Saturday January 24, 9-10am
Where: Glen Waverley Community Centre, 700 Waverley Road, Glen Waverley
Cost: Free
Active Pride
As part of this year’s LGBTQIA+ Midsumma Festival, the Oakleigh Recreation Centre will be celebrating with a special inclusive pool party for all ages.
When: Saturday 24 January, 2-5pm
Where: Oakleigh Recreation Centre, 2a Park Road, Oakleigh
Cost: $8.70
The Tamil Festival Australia
Image Credit: VSharmilee/Chandrumaruthappan
Attendees can explore all aspects of Tamil heritage, including music, dance, food and sports.
Other attractions include a petting zoo, indoor art exhibitions and a demonstration of how to make the traditional Tamil rice dish Pongal.
When: Sunday January 25, 9am-8.30pm
Where: Event Central at Caribbean Park, 1280 Ferntree Gully Road, Scoresby
Cost: Free
Tough Mudder
Image Credit: DVIDSHUB/Flickr
Choose to complete the 5km, 15km or “Infinity” events, with various obstacles requiring you to use all of your climbing, crawling, swimming and hanging skills. The Infinity event requires competitors to complete as many laps as possible within eight hours.
When: Saturday January 31, starting from 7.45am
Where: Event Central at Caribbean Park, 1280 Ferntree Gully Road, Scoresby
Cost: $129 for 5K, $179 for 15K, $300 for “Infinity” or $15 for spectators
Pink Stumps Day
Raising funds for the McGrath Foundation and cancer care nurses, Pink Stumps Day encourages local groups to dress up in pink and come together for a social day out.
The Warrandyte Pink Ladies are second on the national leaderboard so far, having raised more than $18,800.
When: Saturday January 31, 12.30-5pm
Where: Warrandyte Sports Club, 8 Taroona Avenue, Warrandyte
Cost: $90