Public listings checked 25/10/2026. Dates use each event’s local time. Check organiser details before travelling.
Explore the region
Explore Melbourne and its surrounding neighbourhoods, from Carlton and Fitzroy to St Kilda, Footscray and Dandenong. Listings show their suburb so you can plan beyond the CBD.
Listings across Brunswick, Carlton, Collingwood, Dandenong, Docklands, East Melbourne, Fitzroy, Footscray, Melbourne, Moonee Ponds, Northcote, Port Melbourne, Prahran, Richmond, South Melbourne, South Yarra, Southbank, St Kilda, Williamstown.
Upcoming events
105 matching events listed in the next 60 days. Admission prices are shown where supplied.
Featuring original statues, mosaics, frescoes, jewellery and everyday objects from the humblest to the most sumptuous, this Melbourne-exclusive exhibition is a vibrant exploration of Rome's political, cultural and social life.
From the fall of Julius Caesar to the power and ambition of an Empire, the exhibition showcases the luxury of Imperial Rome, the spectacle of the gladiator arena, the bustling marketplaces and the everyday experiences of Romans.
Explore Ancient Rome's political, social and spiritual worlds through over 180 objects dating from the Imperial period 1st Century CE to the 3rd Century CE, with all of the objects on display in Melbourne for the first time ever.
The splendour, drama and humanity of Rome is brought to life in detail with scenography and multimedia, giving visitors an immersive experience and vivid portrait of a civilisation that continues to shape the world today.
The exhibition, designed by Museums Victoria and developed in collaboration with Contemporanea Progetti and curators from Museo Nazionale Romano and Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze, will draw on the extraordinary collections of two of Italy's most prestigious museums for a never-before seen exhibition.
NGV's new retrospective exhibition on Margaret Preston showcases how her work has shaped the cultural and aesthetic landscape of Australia.
A central figure in the story of modern art in Australia, the exhibition charts her career and contextualises her work alongside peers and in direct conversation with contemporary First Nations artists who have responded to her use of Indigenous iconography.
Best known for her paintings and woodblock prints of native flora and landscapes, Preston's work continues to inspire and generate debate, emphasising her important contribution to Australian art of the twentieth century.
Come and enjoy the Pinoy Octoberfest - a weekend full of cultural parades and Filipino live music, with over 20 food stalls serving up delicious Filipino barbecue, street food, seafood and desserts.
Come for a weekend of flavour, music and community.
Australia had its own Thermopylae. People have just forgotten it.
In 480 BC, one of history's most famous battles was fought in central Greece at the narrow coastal pass of Thermopylae. For three days, a few thousand Greeks, led by 300 Spartan warriors and their king, Leonidas I, held back a vast Persian army. Eventually encircled, the Spartans and their allies were killed. Their stand, however, allowed thousands of comrades to escape and fight on, leaving an enduring example of courage and sacrifice.
In April 1941, on the eve of Anzac Day, Australian and New Zealand troops returned to this same ground. Outnumbered and under relentless pressure from advancing German forces, ANZAC units used the rugged terrain of Thermopylae and nearby Brallos Pass to delay the enemy, enabling thousands of Allied soldiers to withdraw to safety.
Spartans and ANZACs draws a powerful connection between these two defining moments. It reveals how service, sacrifice and mateship transcend time, linking ancient warriors with modern soldiers in a shared legacy of courage.
This exhibition invites reflection on the enduring values forged in conflict, and how these stories continue to shape the meaning of remembrance today.
Journey through the past, present and future of the moving image with interactive experiences and captivating stories in this unforgettable exhibition.
Featuring playable videogames, movie sets, iconic costumes and props, this interactive FREE exhibition travels across time and cultures to explore the screen-based art, film, TV and videogames that changed the world.
Five distinct sections frame the major moments in moving image history, including the origins and future of cinema, production design and the creative process, Australian culture and stories, the rise of videogames, and how screens inform, influence and empower us.
These stages come to life through interactive experiences that let you animate shadows, craft optical toys, experiment with time, assemble film scenes and create soundscapes in a custom Foley studio.
These moments can be collected with the Lens, a free tool that collects your favourite objects, artworks and creations in the exhibition. It also animates the Constellation, connecting what you collected to the cosmos of screen content outside ACMI.
Southbank Makers Market offers visitors the opportunity to discover a curated selection of local makers showcasing handmade jewellery, art, ceramics, homewares and unique gifts from talented Melbourne creatives.
Come and explore, meet the makers and artists face-to-face, and learn about their products and what inspires their work. All handmade and made in this great city; take home a piece of Melbourne.
Stallholders are positioned in marquees along the Yarra River Promenade between the Evan Walker and Princes bridges. The market is complemented by some of Melbourne's long-standing and much-loved cafes and restaurants in the Southgate complex.
St Kilda Esplanade Market – Melbourne's Makers' Market by the Sea.
A St Kilda Sunday tradition since the 1970s, the Esplanade Market is a vibrant open-air showcase of Melbourne's creative spirit. Set along the scenic Upper Esplanade with views of St Kilda Beach, it's just steps from Luna Park, Acland Street and Fitzroy Street.
Browse up to 131 unique stalls featuring handcrafted artwork, woodwork, jewellery, accessories, pet products, original designs, and artisan food products. Whether you're hunting for a unique gift or simply enjoying the atmosphere, there's something for everyone.
Take a break in the Foodie Zone, where global flavours and gourmet street food await.
The market is pet-friendly and perfect for a relaxed day out with family and friends. It's Melbourne's open-air gallery by the sea – a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
Getting there is easy: hop on tram Route 16 or 96 for a quick 15-minute ride from the city. Parking is available nearby.
From leather grown from fungi to fibreboard made from hemp, Plant Life: The Nature of Design explores humanity's evolving relationship with the plant world through design, from ancestral craft knowledge and devotional making, through industrial exploitation and the rupture of the petrochemical century, to the designers building a regenerative material future today.
Plants have always been our most essential material collaborators – the source of shelter, sustenance, utility, beauty and meaning across every culture and era of human making. This exhibition traces that relationship from its deepest roots to its speculative futures, presenting furniture, architecture, decorative arts, craft, photography and film drawn from the NGV Collection alongside new commissions, recent acquisitions and key international loans.
You Have a New Memory is a State Library Victoria exhibition that explores how and why people remember, through the lens of the Library's enduring collections.
A meditation on the idea of memory, the exhibition invites curiosity about how memories are made, preserved and shared.
Through a cinematic slideshow alongside objects on display, encounter extraordinary and little-known memories hand-picked from the State Library's collection, spanning more than 4.5 million items – from deeply personal diaries and sacred cultural artefacts to stories we may never fully know.
Across 170 years of collecting and stewardship, the exhibition elevates the ordinary and the exceptional alike to show that our collective memory is built as much from everyday life as it is from historic events.
Moving between the intimate and the collective, You Have a New Memory invites you to reflect on your own memories – and leave with new ones.
As the saying goes, an army marches on its stomach. Yet the essential contributions of those who cook, research, and serve food to hundreds of hungry troops often go unrecognised.
This new exhibition at the Shrine honours the vital work of the Catering Corps and unveils the fascinating science and innovation behind military meals.
Step into the world of military catering to explore what and how troops have eaten—from the Boer War to Afghanistan. This immersive exhibition brings you personal stories from cooks on submarines to soldiers with field rations, showcasing the skill and adaptability of Defence chefs. Whether cooking in combat zones or delivering fine dining for diplomats, these chefs embody resilience and creativity.
Discover what First World War soldiers thought of their rations, hear stories from the most unexpected field kitchens and find out what's in a modern-day ration pack.
Sparks in the Dark celebrates the resilience, creativity and courage of women living with the enduring impacts of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021).
Created by emerging artists Mursal Azizi and Kat Rae, the exhibition brings together traditional artistry and contemporary artistic practice. At its heart are 260 embroidered handkerchiefs, created by 45 women living in Afghanistan—one for every week since the Taliban regime seized control of the country in August 2021. These are presented alongside powerful new works by Azizi and Rae, creating a moving dialogue across cultures, generations and lived experiences.
The exhibition is shaped by the artists' deeply personal connections to conflict. Rae is an Australian Army veteran and war widow, while Azizi is an Afghan artist based in Melbourne whose practice explores women's empowerment, identity and social justice through her lived experience.
Together, these works create a rare and powerful connection between Afghan women, Australian veterans and Victoria's Afghan community. Through intricate embroidery and contemporary art, Sparks in the Dark shares stories of resilience, loss and hope, honouring the women who continue to create beauty and meaning despite oppression.
The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the enduring human impact of war and the extraordinary strength of those whose stories continue long after conflict fades from the headlines.
Shop directly from Melbourne’s best artists, designers, crafters and makers at Fitzroy’s iconic Rose Street Market.
Each weekend there is a huge line-up of creative types, so expect to feast your eyes on plenty of unique gems and one-off wonders that you will not get anywhere else.
There is everything from art, homewares, photography, clothing, accessories, jewellery and more. Come along and see it for yourself.
Thirsty or hungry? The market has its own eatery complete with rooftop bar to make sure you are well fed for the day.
Marche Board Game Cafe is located on lively A'Beckett Street in the heart of Melbourne CBD, just a block from Melbourne Central. This inviting space offers hours of entertainment with board games, karaoke, and a menu featuring delicious popcorn chicken rice, refreshing bubble tea, and creamy milkshakes.
Let the board games take you on an adventure. Outsmart opponents, guess the word, share a laugh, or enjoy a classic round of Monopoly—the choice is yours. As the first board game café in Melbourne, Marche brings people together over games and great food.
Beyond board games, Marche features sixteen private karaoke rooms with a diverse selection of songs in English, Chinese, K-pop, J-pop, Thai, Malay, and more—perfect for karaoke lovers to sing their hearts out.
This family-friendly café hosts kids' birthday parties, board game tournaments, student club events, and company team-building sessions.
Marche is the perfect spot for fun and connection.
Archie Brothers QV in Melbourne is serving up amazing food, drink, and all-round good vibes while you team up with friends in the most mesmerising arcade bar around.
From modern arcade games, claw and ticket machines, virtual reality, coveted collectables and more - Archie Brothers QV is the night out.
Hijinx Hotel is an immersive interactive game experience housed within the theme, wonder and theatre of a quirky New York style hotel where the rooms are reimagined into quick play, challenge rooms. Leave the suitcases at home - these are rooms where you play, not stay.
Each of the hotel wings home highly fun and experiential, game-afied rooms made up of five different collaborative games, including massive adult ball pits, giant size scrabble tiles and rubix cubes and even a chance to win prizes from a claw machine in one of the rooms. Throw in unicorns a plenty and Hijinx is perfect for five and 500 year olds, fun for the young and the young at heart in a group, on a date or just out with a mate, Hijinx Hotel is the best place to play.
Step into Melbourne's fascinating past at the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, housed in an iconic art deco former military drill hall. As Victoria's oldest historical society (founded in 1909) and the second oldest in Australia, this is the perfect place to discover the stories that shaped Melbourne.
Just steps from the historic Flagstaff Gardens, this heritage building houses an exhibition gallery showcasing Melbourne's rich history, a specialist library, and a bookstore filled with local historical treasures. Whether you're interested in colonial Melbourne, gold rush tales, or the evolution of its neighborhoods, the free gallery exhibitions offer something for every history enthusiast.
Join their popular weekly Flagstaff Gardens heritage tour every Monday, where you'll uncover the hidden stories of one of Melbourne's most significant green spaces. There are also regular events featuring nationally-recognised historians, author talks, and book launches that bring Melbourne's past to life.
Their welcoming spaces are perfect for history lovers, students, researchers, or anyone curious about Melbourne's remarkable journey. There is also a function room for hire for corporate events in a unique heritage setting.
Welcome to State Library Victoria, the oldest public library in Australia, and one of the first free public libraries in the world. With 170 years of history, the State Library has become a must-do destination for visitors to Melbourne with a passion for books, history and beautiful spaces.
Located in the heart of the city opposite Melbourne Central, the State Library is a vibrant hub of activity within Melbourne's knowledge and arts precinct, with a packed program of free exhibitions, events, and activities all year round.
With free Wi-Fi and storage lockers, food and beverage options, books and magazines to read, a beautiful forecourt to take in the sunshine and dedicated quiet zones, the Library is an excellent base for tourists and a home away from home.
Art lovers, history buffs, holidaying families and tranquillity seekers will all find something to love at the State Library. Its spectacular spaces, including the iconic domed reading room, house thousands of items reflecting Victoria's diverse cultural and social history.
Be sure to see Ned Kelly's armour, pore over rare books, first editions and significant artworks, and join a free tour to learn about the building's fascinating history. Come and experience the magic of the State Library Victoria - an essential stop on your Melbourne itinerary.
Trapt Bar and Escape Rooms delivers infamously challenging Trapt Rooms and sumptuous prohibition cocktails in the heart of Melbourne's City Centre.
Designed for groups of up to eight people, your team must find clues and solve puzzles to escape before time runs out.
The themed adventures will transport you to a world you could previously only imagine. Your team has 50 minutes to solve a series of puzzles guaranteed to challenge your thinking. You will need intuition, logic and teamwork to succeed.
Can you escape?
Strike QV, located in the heart of the city, is one of Melbourne's best entertainment experiences, fully equipped with a cocktail bar and gourmet kitchen.
With 12 bowling lanes, three escape rooms and a private karaoke room, allowing you to 'belt' out the latest tunes Strike QV's got it all.
So whether you're having a kids party, Christmas function, team building event - or a night out with mates, they've got you covered.
Emporium Melbourne: The House of Melbourne, is more than a shopping centre, it's the heartbeat of Melbourne's cultural scene. Since its 2014 opening, it's been the ultimate space where the city's vibrant spirit merges with fashion, dining, and unique experiences. It's where Melbourne's most stylish gather, culture thrives, and the community connects.
Fashion and Retail Emporium showcases over 150 stores, featuring premier fashion from Australian and international designers. Iconic retailers like UNIQLO, Muji, and Coach make it the go-to for trendsetters and quality seekers.
Dining Level 3 offers a culinary haven that reflects Melbourne's diverse food culture, with 30 dining options from exclusive restaurants to a premium food court, offering everything from quick bites to gourmet meals.
Architecture and Connectivity Emporium seamlessly blends modern architecture with Melbourne's heritage, connecting effortlessly to Myer, David Jones, and Melbourne Central via pedestrian bridges, making it an easily navigable hub.
Cultural Engagement More than retail, Emporium is a celebration of Melbourne's culture, hosting exclusive fashion shows, art installations, and unique events, constantly evolving as an all-inclusive cultural destination.
Open daily with extended hours on Thursdays and Fridays for late-night shopping. Visit the official website for the latest on store openings and events.
Emporium Melbourne embodies the best of style, culture, and community. Experience the house of Melbourne.
Queen Victoria Market is an authentic, bustling, inner-city market that has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for 140 years. Home to over 600 small businesses, it is a great place to discover fresh and specialty produce, hand-made and unique products, great coffee and food, souvenirs and clothing.
Shopping at the Market has always been one of life’s great pleasures. It is not just the abundance of fresh food, it’s the friendly banter with the traders, the vibrant and multicultural atmosphere, the special events and festivals, and the sense of belonging that comes with it.
While you’re here, make sure you visit String Bean Alley which is home to a colourful collection of Melbourne’s best independent makers, creators, designers and artists.
Be sure to take the Ultimate Foodie Tour, a two-hour guided walking tour where you’ll taste the freshest produce, discover unique ingredients, learn tips and tricks for shopping and cooking, discover the Market's history and meet some of our beloved traders. Bookings essential at the website.
Queen Victoria Market is also home to the Night Market on Wednesday nights, showcasing global street food, live music and entertainment, festival bars, specialty shopping and a great Melbourne night out. The Market also offers a historic venue space with a range of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Piccolo Teatro, Melbourne's newest bespoke magic theatre, specialises in astonishing magic shows and immersive live entertainment.
Discreetly nestled in one of Melbourne's iconic city laneways, Piccolo Teatro seats a cosy 32 audience members, blending French Gothic design with the old-world historic charm that Melbourne's laneways are famous for. Accessible only by a secluded door and an ascending wooden staircase, the space offers a uniquely bespoke experience, with sophisticated illusion, mind reading and magic shows performed by Sam Angelico and Richard Vegas and open to cabaret, vaudeville and unique live entertainment.
Piccolo Teatro features Miracles Up Close - Magic, performed by some of Australia's and Melbourne's best magicians, Sam Angelico and Richard Vegas. Each session is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Illusion, mind reading and incredible magic performances up close in a newly designed theatre space made for magic. The space offers a unique and immersive experience and the ultimate in magic shows.
The Queen Victoria Women’s Centre is an iconic Melbourne landmark that supports women through creative experiences, community resources and the power of connection. QVWC Shop showcases locally sourced products by some of Victoria's finest women and non-binary artists, designers, authors and makers.
QVWC Shop is a registered social enterprise and exists to support the talented makers in their community with an independent retail space in the middle of the bustling Melbourne CBD.
The store offers a wide range of beautiful, unique and ethically sourced gifts including clothing, ceramics, jewellery, art, homewares, books and more.
Step inside Old Melbourne Gaol, one of Melbourne's most iconic heritage attractions and home to Victoria's oldest surviving prison. Opened in 1845, it's where some of Australia's most infamous figures, including bushranger Ned Kelly and gangster Squizzy Taylor, were once imprisoned.
Explore three levels of the Gaol at your own pace with the included self-guided audio tour. See the historic gallows, discover Ned Kelly's death mask, learn about the 133 people who were executed at the gaol, and uncover the stories of the men, women and children who passed through its cells. Try on Ned Kelly's replica armour and capture your own Old Melbourne Gaol mug shot.
Looking to delve deeper? Join an expert guided Gaol tour, uncover the legend of Australia's most famous outlaw on the Ned Kelly's Last Stand Tour, experience life as a prisoner in the interactive Life in the City Watch House, or visit after dark for the Hangman's Night Tour or 'Ghosts? What Ghosts!?' Night Tour.
During school holidays, families can enjoy special children's programs and hands-on activities.
Only a short walk from Melbourne Central station or take Melbourne's free City Circle Tram to Stop 7.
Pre-purchase tickets online or on the day. National Trust Members receive free general admission, plus free or discounted entry to more than 1,000 National Trust properties and experiences across Australia and around the world.
