Ready to soak up Hispanic culture without booking a flight? El Patio has done the hard work for you. From must-try restaurants and live music to theatre, festivals and fiestas, this is your insider guide to all things Hispanic lighting up Melbourne in 2026. ¡Vamos!

Great things to enjoy all year round!

TO EAT

Taquito - Refined and innovative Mexican (Carlton)
Cumbé - Truly original Melbourne/Mexican cafe (Brunswick)
Casa Iberica - Hard to find ingredients from all over the Hispanic world, and a place where you can most certainly speak Spanish! (Fitzroy)
Pastuso - Pastuso is the original Peruvian name of Paddington Bear - it's also where you'll discover why Peruvian cuisine has become world renowned (Melbourne CBD)
Barra - A place that celebrates all the best of Latin American cuisine (Melbourne CBD)
La Pinta - Tapas style eating, fine dining without the price tag, a giant blackboard menu that changes everyday! (Reservoir)
Bomba - Tapas and a rooftop bar, perfect for Summer! (Melbourne CBD)

TO DO, SEE AND WATCH

Sorbo Amplio - a Melbourne-based 10-piece "New Chilean Cumbia" band, that takes you straight to the streets of Latin America
La Descarga - an iconic Latin-Australian music band where Colombian tropical roots music mixes with contemporary Aussie stamps.
The Night Cat - The place to go! Live bands, often Latin, in a centre stage. They also do Salsa classes and social dancing on Sunday evenings.
Cubaneo Dance Studio - If Cuban culture and dancing interests you, join one of Cubaneo's Cuban dance classes! 

St Kilda Latin Festival

The St Kilda Latin Festival in Melbourne is a vibrant summer celebration of Latin culture on South Beach Reserve. It features live Latin music, DJs, dance, authentic cuisine, and a lively beachside atmosphere celebrating salsa, reggaeton, bachata and more. The festival brings rhythm, food, and community spirit to St Kilda each February.

WHERE AND WHEN:

• More information here
• South Beach reserve St Kilda
• Saturday 7 February, 2pm to 10pm

Johnston Street Fiesta!

A classic Hispanic event that has captured Melbourne's heart for many years, the Johnston Street Fiesta returns in 2026! Come along to enjoy delicious food, vibrant dancing, and a celebration of many of Latin America's cultures and traditions!

WHERE AND WHEN:

• More information here
• Johnston Street, Fitzroy (between Nicholson Street and Brunswick Street)
• Saturday & Sunday 21-22 February

Paco Peña: Flamenco In Concert

“If you only see flamenco once in your life, make it this. Paco Peña is a true master of his craft—widely regarded as the greatest flamenco guitarist in the world.”
— Independent on Sunday, London

The concert begins with Paco Peña’s spellbinding solo guitar performance—always a highlight for audiences—before the full company joins him in the second half for an unforgettable flamenco experience.

WHERE AND WHEN:

• More information here
• Melbourne Recital Centre
• Friday 10 April 2026 - 8:00pm

Melbourne Salsa Festival with Grupo Niche + More

Enjoy six electrifying hours of live performances featuring: The one and only Grupo Niche, direct from Colombia plus Australia’s top Salsa bands

WHERE AND WHEN:

• More information here
• PICA (Port Melbourne Industrial Centre for the Arts)
• Saturday 11 April, 5pm - 11pm

Spanish Film Festival 2026

The 2026 HSBC Spanish Film Festival presented by Palace returns with a curated selection of films from Spain, Latin America and beyond.

WHERE AND WHEN:

• More info here
• Palace Cinemas
• June 2026 - dates TBC

Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF)

The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) is one of the world’s oldest and Australia’s largest annual film festivals, showcasing global cinema, premieres, talks and immersive experiences in Melbourne each August. It’s ideal for Spanish students to explore diverse films including Spanish-language and world cinema with unique cultural insights.

WHERE AND WHEN:

• More information here
• Many cinemas accross Melbourne and regional Victoria
• August 6 - 23

Take your Hispanic event experience to the next level with some Spanish language skills! Enrol in a class today to get started!