The holidays are over — it’s time to get 2015 going. We’ve scoured the city for the must-do events in January:

Midsumma Festival – The LGBTIQ community know how to party. This is one of my favourite festivals in what’s a packed Melbourne schedule. There’s a host of free events which are outstanding. Last year I went sailing which was a fantastic experience. Make sure you don’t miss out on T-Dance, easily one of the best dance parties I went to last year.

Photo via The Herald Sun

Caribbean Pirates @ the Polly Woodside – Picture swashbuckling pirate battles and Johnny Depp. The National Trust is yet again making great use of its access to amazing Melbourne venues to put on a fun show for all. This one will utilise the skills of the Australian Shakespeare Company, who are set to take us on an adventure.

Sunset Series (Fitzroy Gardens) – I make a point of going to this event every year. The City of Melbourne puts on free live music and dance workshops so you can hang out with your friends, have a dance, and relax on the grass as the sun goes down.

Photo via PedestrianTV

Cirque Du Soleil – Totem – It’s coming, it’s coming! I’m uber excited, given our circus experiences last year (Circus Oz and NICA) and can’t wait to see the creme de la creme of the world’s circus community wow us with the spectacle that will be Totem.

Photo via News.com.au

Australian Open – No Melburnian should miss one of our premier events. I love using the ground pass to experience a few matches and maybe catch a glimpse of a future star prior to stardom. The night passes are around $30 (great value) and let you chill out in the beer tents to see the main matches on the big screen. In my opinion, if you get a warm summer night there’s scant better way to spend an evening.

Photo via Interwatches

Make sure that you pencil all of them in — and visit our calendar of events to find out even more fantastic things happening.

-Ruki