Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the City of Melbourne is backing the events sector, with funding and support through the Event Partnership Program.
"We're contributing more than $2.5 million in funding, and an additional $300,000 in in-kind support, for around 60 events in 2022," the Lord Mayor said.
"We expect these events will attract up to five million people in total, which will deliver significant benefits to Melbourne's small business owners.
"Once we reach the 80 per cent vaccination target, there will be no stopping Melbourne from returning to its rightful title as the events capital of Australia.
"We know Melburnians love their events, they love to participate, so we know they will welcome these events and more with open arms."
Highlights from the 2022 Event Partnership Program include:
- The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
- The NGV Kids' Summer Festival
- The Not-so-silent Cinema
- Basketball activities for all age groups in Fed Square, run by the National Basketball League.
When restrictions ease, the City of Melbourne is also preparing to deliver a number of exciting COVID-Safe events and initiatives, to entice people back to the city.
Melbourne Fashion Week is scheduled to bring colour, vibrancy and style to the city from 15 to 21 November. It's anticipated these dates will allow fashion lovers to enjoy the event in-person.
Melbourne Music Week is also back in December, showcasing some of the best local artists and live music venues.
This month, expressions of interest will be sought from innovators, creators and leaders for the next Melbourne Knowledge Week in 2022.
Planning is also underway for an expanded Christmas Festival in the lead up to New Year's Eve celebrations.
In the meantime, Victorians can look forward to a number of other events funded by the City of Melbourne, including The Lume, the Melbourne Italian Festa and the Royal Croquet Club. Conversations are also continuing on a temporary zipline to be installed along the Yarra, just in time for summer.
City Activation portfolio lead, Councillor Roshena Campbell, said the upcoming calendar of events will help to drive foot traffic and spending in the city.
"Before COVID-19, the events sector contributed around $12 billion to Victoria's economy each year, so we know how important they are to our city's recovery in the longer term," Cr Campbell said.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said a number of other initiatives are also being considered which can be rolled out quickly when lockdown lifts, to support business owners and a swift bounce back.
"We know Melbourne businesses have been doing it tough, which is why we're committed to doing whatever we can to entice people back to the city safely, as soon as it's safe to do so." the Lord Mayor said.