Melbourne Showgrounds Update: August 2026
12 Aug 2026 / Melbourne Royal News, Melbourne Showgrounds
Last week, Melbourne Showgrounds was proud to host the Australian International Spirits Awards presentation, welcoming more than 300 guests for an evening celebrating excellence across Australia’s spirits and distilling industry. The 2026 awards were the biggest ever, with more than 1,100 entries received from Australia and around the globe. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and finalists on an outstanding achievement and to everyone who contributed to making this year’s awards such a memorable celebration.
Next up, we’re getting ready to welcome one of Melbourne Showgrounds’ biggest events of the year, the National 4x4 Show, running from 21–23 August. With more than 30,000 attendees expected, the show will transform the precinct into a hub for 4x4 enthusiasts, adventure seekers and the wider outdoor community. Visitors can look forward to an incredible showcase of vehicles, accessories, equipment and the latest innovations for exploring the great outdoors. With thousands of passionate 4x4 fans set to walk through our gates, it’s shaping up to be an incredible three days at Melbourne Showgrounds.
We’re also looking forward to welcoming the Muay Thai community next week for an action-packed Muay Thai Masterclass. The event will bring together athletes, coaches and enthusiasts for an opportunity to learn, train and sharpen their skills in an energetic and inspiring environment. It’s another great example of the diverse range of sporting, cultural and community events that Melbourne Showgrounds hosts throughout the year.
And there’s plenty more to come. With a very busy summer period on the horizon, Melbourne Showgrounds is gearing up for an exciting calendar of events, bringing together thousands of visitors for experiences across entertainment, festivals, sport, exhibitions and more. Looking further ahead, we’re excited to welcome Longhaul Festival and Dangerous Goods Festival in January, alongside many other events already in the pipeline.
From major public exhibitions to specialist events and unforgettable festivals, there’s a lot happening at Melbourne Showgrounds and we can’t wait to welcome you through the gates for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
Sam Buckley
Executive General Manager, Melbourne Showgrounds