Melbourne’s night-time economy is continuing to grow, with almost 3,000 new jobs and close to 180 new venues added between 2024 and 2025 as more people head into the city for food, entertainment and late-night experiences.
The latest Measuring the Night-time Economy Report 2026 found Melbourne recorded the fastest growth of any Australian capital city, generating more than $5.1 billion in sales over the 2024-25 period.
Food has been the biggest driver of that growth, accounting for 77 per cent of all new businesses and creating around 2,300 jobs. The report also found younger Melburnians are increasingly choosing experiences over traditional nights out, with the city’s leisure and entertainment sector growing at twice the national rate.
While Thursday has become the busiest evening in many Australian cities due to changing work patterns, Melbourne continues to attract strong crowds on both Thursday and Friday nights. Almost 60 per cent of core businesses remain open between 6pm and 9pm across those evenings, while nearly half stay open past 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Retail is also playing a significant role, with between 40 and 52 per cent of businesses trading after dark on weeknights, making Melbourne one of the country’s strongest performers for evening shopping.
The city’s after-hours economy has also been supported by a packed major events calendar, which attracted more than 4.3 million visitors during 2024-25. Melbourne businesses have also benefited from $600,000 in grants supporting 19 businesses and 20 events designed to encourage more activity after dark.
Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the figures reflected growing confidence in Melbourne’s nightlife.
“Melbourne’s mojo is running red hot at the moment. Recently, we were named best city in the world, today we’re recognised as home to Australia’s fastest-growing night-time economy,” he said.
“It also reflects the changes we’re seeing in consumer habits, particularly among young people, who are more keen on matcha than margaritas and prefer hot pot over pints.”
To read the full report visit here.
