Things to do in Melbourne

Live Music & Concerts

Arj Barker's Safe Space

Wed, 28 Oct, 8:00 pm AEDT

Melbourne · Check price with organiser

United States' superstar comedian Arj Barker hits the Basement Comedy Club underneath Morris House to test out new material and drag out some classic hits in an intimate venue. Plus special guests.

Live Music & Concerts

Comedy Therapy

Wed, 28 Oct, 8:00 pm AEDT

Melbourne · From $6.5

A night of stand-up comedy where the show runs on your problems, and the comedians are there to solve them. Upon entry you fill out a slip anonymously with your issues, this is then given to the comedians on stage, who give hilarious ideas to resolve your issues, or sometimes make them worse. Expect a brand new, never-been-heard-before, night of comedy every week, you never know what is going to happen.

Classes & Workshops

A Séance at State Library Victoria with Lawrence Leung

Wed, 28 Oct, 8:30 pm AEDT

Melbourne · From $24

It's 1879 and you have been invited to a gathering to talk to the dead but will the dead talk back? As darkness falls, join acclaimed writer, performer and State Library Victoria fellow Lawrence Leung in the majestic Ian Potter Queen's Hall for a candlelit séance inspired by Melbourne's uncanny past. In the late 1800s, otherwise respectable Victorians gathered in darkened rooms to communicate with spirits. Scientists investigated ghosts. A future prime minister attended Spiritualist meetings. Celebrity mediums filled theatres with the promise of answers and wonder. Drawing on his fellowship research into 19th-century mediumship in the Library's collections, Lawrence reincarnates a forgotten time of superstition and supernatural spectacle. Through historical storytelling, interactive rituals and psychological experiments, this immersive performance lecture explores a question that fascinated Victorians, and still resonates today: why do people believe? Some willing audience members may be invited to join the circle to participate in this experience. Plus, join in earlier for a drink and a special collection viewing of rare books and artefacts about ghost communication. Book your tickets now. This event is supported by the City of Melbourne Arts Grants and State Library Victoria.

Festivals & Fairs

Luna Dark - Halloween Festival at Luna Park

Thu, 29 Oct, 12:00 am AEDT

St Kilda · From $59

Luna Dark is back – and Halloween at Luna Park Melbourne is getting bigger, darker and scarier in 2026. Across six nights this October, Luna Park transforms into Melbourne's ultimate Halloween playground with three horror mazes including the all-new Carnival of Screams, Extreme Phobia and Harvest of Horrors, plus scare zones, roaming performers, DJs, live entertainment, a neon zone, Haunted Spirits Bar, costume competitions and unlimited rides after dark. For families, four daytime sessions bring a lighter side of Halloween with trick-or-treat fun, characters, entertainment, costumes and rides. Luna Dark sponsor Wizz Fizz will bring extra Halloween fun to the Park with the Wizz Fizz Pumpkin Patch, trick-or-treat treats, monster photo opportunities and Wizz Fizz prize packs up for grabs in the daytime costume competitions. Luna Dark 2026, proudly supported by Wizz Fizz.

Festivals & Fairs

Japanese Film Festival 2026 - Melbourne

Thu, 29 Oct, 12:00 am AEDT

Melbourne · From $20

Celebrate three decades of Japanese cinema on Australian screens. The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) returns to Melbourne to showcase the best of contemporary Japanese filmmaking, featuring Australian premieres, international festival favourites, award-winning features and box-office hits from some of Japan's leading directors. The festival opens with the Australian premiere of Look Back, the highly anticipated new title from acclaimed filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda. Other highlights include Tokyo Taxi from the legendary Yōji Yamada, Cannes-selected animated feature We Are Aliens, Kiyoshi Kurosawa's samurai drama The Samurai and the Prisoner, Berlinale prize winner AnyMart, Takashi Miike's SHAM, and the hit romantic drama 1st Kiss. In addition to its festival lineup, the Japanese Film Festival 2026 presents a dedicated Animation Showcase, a free retrospective celebrating legendary composer Tōru Takemitsu, and a selection of the latest releases direct from the Japanese box office. Whether you're a long-time fan of Japanese cinema or discovering it for the first time, this anniversary edition offers a unique opportunity to experience some of the year's most exciting films on the big screen. Visit the event website to browse the full program and book in your favourite session.

Markets & Expos

Bavarian Sunset Market

Thu, 29 Oct, 12:00 am AEDT

Melbourne · Free admission

Step into the Bavarian Sunset Market and be transported to a charming Munich village for an unforgettable evening. Wander through a world inspired by traditional Bavaria, with castle backdrops, bustling market stalls, delicious German-inspired food, flowing beer and live entertainment. As the sun sets, the market will come alive with music, laughter and Bavarian festivities. Grab a beer with friends, explore the stalls, enjoy great food and join in the fun and games. With plenty of activities and entertainment for kids too, there's something for everyone. Come eat, drink, shop and experience a little piece of Bavaria in Melbourne.

Live Music & Concerts

Coady Green at Graduate House

Thu, 29 Oct, 5:30 pm AEDT

Carlton · From $20

Enjoy an afternoon of exceptional piano music and fine dining at Graduate House, in collaboration with 3MBS. Internationally acclaimed pianist Coady Green brings together works by Franz Liszt and Australian composer Linda Kouvaras in a program exploring how landscape holds histories, memories and human experience. The recital pairs selected pieces from Liszt's Années de pèlerinage: Première année—Suisse, inspired by his travels through Switzerland, with Kouvaras's Herring Island Piano Sonata. Developed in collaboration with N'arweet Dr Carolyn Briggs AM and Dr Tiriki Onus, the sonata draws on stories of Country and ancestry, with the piano evoking places and stories without narration. The recital is followed by a delicious three-course dinner. Tickets include the performance and dinner, at Graduate House, University of Melbourne.

Classes & Workshops

Learn to Meditate - Melbourne

Thu, 29 Oct, 6:00 pm AEDT

Carlton · Free admission

Guided meditations with simple techniques to help reduce stress and achieve the peace of true meditation. Tips on how to help stay in balance during the day and how to meditate at home. Classes are suitable for both complete beginners and regular meditators. No prior knowledge or experience of meditation is required. Chairs are provided. No physical exercises, postures or special clothing are required. Class duration is 60 to 90 minutes per week. Classes are always free of charge.

Classes & Workshops

In Fragments: Art-Making with Sherds

Thu, 29 Oct, 6:00 pm AEDT

Melbourne · Check price with organiser

This is Analog Art Club – inspiration, without interruption. In archaeology, broken pieces of ancient pottery are known as sherds. Once part of a whole, these surviving fragments are still able to reveal a lot about their original vessel, and the art, history and culture of their creation. In this session, participants will select their own pieces of (modern) sherds, paint them with their own design, and then attach either a magnet or a brooch clasp to create a piece of unique decorative or wearable art.

Live Music & Concerts

Halloween Symphoniq

Thu, 29 Oct, 6:30 pm AEDT

Brunswick · From $33.15

Crash-landing on Earth in search of the human experience, ONIQ is a cosmic protégé with a new purpose: to explore what becomes possible when fear, doubt and self-imposed limitations no longer hold power over the human spirit. Through music, performance, movement and spectacle, ONIQ continues the work of mysterious celestial visitors who have inspired humanity throughout history, communicating through the language people understand best today. And what better night to explore these ideas than Halloween? A night to dress differently. Explore the forbidden. Play with monsters. Break conventions. Dance, indulge and become strange anyway. Conceived, produced and curated entirely by ONIQ, Halloween Symphoniq is a personal commitment to creating something truly special this Halloween. Every artist, sound, visual, costume and theatrical detail has been deliberately chosen to create a night where the ordinary gives way to the extraordinary. ONIQ joins forces with a handpicked assembly of Melbourne music artists, each bringing their own distinctive sound, aesthetic and connection to the mysterious, mystical and unknown. Special guests include Michael Kay, KING IV, and LÂLKA. Feel everything. Fear nothing. The unknown awaits.

Live Music & Concerts

Laughs on Tap - Comedy Night

Thu, 29 Oct, 7:00 pm AEDT

Melbourne · From $10

Looking for a fun, affordable comedy night in Melbourne? Laughs on Tap serves up big laughs and cheap drinks every Thursday night at the Speakeasy Theatre. Enjoy a rotating lineup of Melbourne's best established comedians alongside exciting up-and-coming talent. Expect sharp stand-up, smart storytelling, and laugh-out-loud moments from start to finish. With a fresh lineup each week, no two shows are ever the same. Make the most of your night with $7 beers, wines, and shots available during the show; it's the perfect midweek treat or catch-up with friends. Speakeasy Theatre is an intimate live performance venue in Melbourne, known for showcasing comedy, cabaret, burlesque, circus, and special events year-round. With close-up seating and a constantly evolving program, it's a favourite destination for locals and visitors seeking bold, entertaining live shows.

Classes & Workshops

How To Solve Human Problems: The Four Noble Truths Public Talk

Thu, 29 Oct, 7:00 pm AEDT

Brunswick · From $25

If the way you've been trying to solve your problems really worked, you would be running out of problems, but new problems keep appearing and the old ones often come back to haunt you. Join this special public talk with visiting teacher Gen Kelsang Tonglam and discover practical methods for a better, happier life. In his teachings on the Four Noble Truths, Buddha encourages people to examine and look into their problems with wisdom, instead of running away from them. By doing so, you will discover the path that leads to real solutions and be able to solve your problems once and for all. Through Buddhist meditation and practical wisdom, you can put these teachings into practice. By examining some fundamental truths about your mind and life in general, you will gain clear insight into what you need to do to find the happy, peaceful life you've always wanted. As your wisdom grows, you'll naturally stop getting annoyed or irritated by others, however they behave. Gen Kelsang Tonglam is the National Spiritual Director of Kadampa Buddhism for East Asia, who has trained under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for over 30 years. Everyone welcome.

Image: Old Treasury Building

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Old Treasury Building

East Melbourne

The Old Treasury is regarded as one of the finest public buildings in Australia. Completed in 1862, it was the major government office in Melbourne throughout the 19th century, and second only to Parliament House as the centre of state affairs. Designed by a 19 year old architect, John James Clark, it is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of Renaissance Revival architecture in Australia. Until 1992, the building housed a succession of government departments including the city office of the Victorian Governor. Restored and opened to the public as a museum in 1994, it provides an ideal orientation to Melbourne for visitors wishing to understand and explore the city's history, architecture, art and contemporary life. It houses permanent exhibitions: 'Yarra: Stories of Melbournes River', 'Melbourne: Foundations of a City', 'Making Modern Melbourne' 'Protest Melbourne', Growing Up in the Old Treasury' and the story of gold in the original vaults. Current temporary exhibition 'Belongings: Objects and Family Life' looks at the objects you own and how you've changed them, and they've changed you. See areas of the building inaccessible to the general public, including the Executive Council Chamber, find out more about Melbourne's fascinating gold rush past and see rare paintings from the Roy Morgan Research Centre collection by joining their monthly guided tour.

Image: @Walking_Perspective

Entertainment Venues

Marvel Stadium

Docklands

The world's busiest multi-purpose stadium is alive with extraordinary experiences for everyone, every day. A blend of great food and entertainment, alongside world-class sporting events is only a taste of what's on offer. Beyond the regular AFL programming, Marvel Stadium hosts global artists, major sporting events and precinct events such as Stadium Golf and live sites. A world-class renovation has transformed Marvel Stadium's main entry (Gates 2 and 3) into Stadium Square – a precinct that is equal parts gateway to excitement and vibrant entertainment hub. This precinct, just a four-minute walk from Southern Cross Station, is a vibrant entertainment hub where the community can meet and enjoy events 365-days per year. Stadium Square is an ideal space to soak up the atmosphere before or after an event, with food outlets such as Earl, 8Bit Burgers, and restaurants Friends of Fire, Amphora and The Wine Room. For Marvel mega fans, the Super-Store is one to put on your hit list. Located at Gate 5, the outlet is the ultimate destination for Marvel and AFL products. Whether you're looking for collectible bobbleheads, AFL merchandise, superhero apparel or toys, the Super-Store has it all. Visit their website for store opening hours. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, concert goer, or visiting Melbourne, there's always something happening at Marvel Stadium.

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Australian Museum of Performing Arts

Melbourne

The Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA) is Arts Centre Melbourne's newest venue. Unveiling treasured objects from circus, dance, music, opera, theatre and popular entertainment, the Australian Museum of Performing Arts brings untold stories of the stage to life through major exhibitions. The museum will showcase highlights from Australia's extraordinary performing arts history, found in the Australian Performing Arts Collection, and the very best from international museums and galleries. Every exhibition is a love letter to the performing arts.

Image: Arts Centre Melbourne

Entertainment Venues

Arts Centre Melbourne

Melbourne

With its iconic spire, Arts Centre Melbourne is both an architectural and cultural landmark in Melbourne. It is the flagship of the performing arts in the state of Victoria and the focal point of the cultural precinct in Melbourne. Housing an array of venues including the Theatres Building (under spire), Hamer Hall and Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Arts Centre Melbourne is Australia's largest and busiest performing arts venue, staging more than 1000 performances and public events each year. Showcasing the best of performing arts for over 40 years, it is host and partner to companies such as Opera Australia, the Australian Ballet, Melbourne Theatre Company, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Victorian Opera, Sydney Dance Company and Bangarra Dance Theatre. A visit doesn't stop at the stage. Discover the Australian Museum of Performing Arts, the Australian Performing Arts Collection, the Australian Music Vault, guided venue tours and many dining options.

Image: Arts Centre Melbourne

Galleries, Museums and Collections

The Australian Music Vault

Melbourne

The Australian Music Vault is a free exhibition showcasing the Australian music story, interactive and digital experiences, iconic objects from the Australian Performing Arts Collection. Explore the musical influences on the Australian 'sound', see costumes worn by international stars and unlock the stories of hip hop in Australia. The exhibition includes a highly interactive digital experience allowing visitors to listen to interviews with musicians, promoters and behind-the-scenes people sharing their stories within the engagement zones. To make sure that you have an enjoyable and safe experience there have been some adjustments including QR code contact tracing.

Image: Crown Melbourne

Entertainment Venues

Crown Melbourne

Southbank

Set alongside the Yarra River in Melbourne's vibrant Southbank precinct, Crown is Melbourne's premier entertainment venue. Attracting over 18 million visitors each year, Crown Melbourne offers a brilliant combination of luxury, warm service and non-stop excitement. Crown is home to three iconic hotels surrounded by restaurants, shopping, entertainment, opulent day spa, and the excitement of the casino. Experience the unsurpassed opulence of Crown Towers, the contemporary luxury of Crown Metropol, or the relaxed style of Crown Promenade. The central location, impeccable service and flawless attention to detail make every stay memorable. Wind down at the world-renowned Crown Spa, take time out by the pool, indulge in some shopping at Crown's collection of leading international and Australian designers or just enjoy the city skyline and river views from the comfort of your room. Boasting over 40 restaurants, cafes and bars, cinemas, Kingpin, interactive amusement arcade plus a live entertainment theatre and two nightclubs.

Landmarks and Buildings

Melbourne Skydeck

Southbank

Located in the heart of the city,  Melbourne  Skydeck captures  everything  that is special about  Melbourne  and beyond. Featuring the Southern  Hemisphere’s highest observation deck, the Melbourne Skydeck experience dazzles, entertains and informs through its spectacular and ever-changing views,  and state-of-the-art virtual and augmented reality technology. The multi-million-dollar Voyager Theatre is the first of  its kind in the Southern Hemisphere taking guests on a voyage of discovery through Melbourne and Victoria in glorious Super high definition 8K video with 6D sensory immersion. Conclude your experience at Bar 88  with a delicious array of drinks and snacks. This is Melbourne, on another level.

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Tasma Terrace

East Melbourne

Tasma Terrace is located in East Melbourne, just moments from Parliament House, and stands today as a powerful symbol of grass-roots heritage advocacy. Saved from demolition in the 1970s, it has been reimagined as a creative and dynamic space for exhibitions, shopping, and learning. Originally built between 1879 and 1887 as a series of elegant lodging houses designed by renowned architect Charles Webb, Tasma Terrace provided stylish accommodation for visitors and long-term residents alike. Its distinctive Victorian architecture and detailed ironwork reflect the prosperity of the era, while its preservation tells a story of community action and the birth of the heritage movement in Victoria. Today, Tasma Terrace offers visitors a unique experience that blends history, creativity, and culture. Explore rotating exhibitions, browse a curated retail offering, visit the heritage resource library, or join engaging talks and workshops that bring Victoria's heritage to life. The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) welcomes visitors to discover, learn, and connect in this beautifully restored landmark. Tasma Terrace is easily accessible by train and tram from Melbourne's city centre. There is limited street and paid parking available nearby. Please note, Tasma Terrace is accessible by stairs only.

Image: La Mama Theatre

Entertainment Venues

La Mama Theatre

Carlton

Come for the show. Stay for the experience. La Mama, Australia's most iconic intimate theatre, was founded in 1967 by Betty Burstall returning from NYC's coffee-house theatre scene. Since then extraordinary talent has trod her stages, including Cate Blanchett, Julia Zemiro, and Uncle Jack Charles among many others, and iconic plays such as David Williamson's The Removalists premiered here. Nowadays La Mama still offers you free coffee and bickies on arrival, the famous La Mama raffle at each performance and the opportunity to chat with the artists after the show. All whilst showcasing the best new Australian plays. You simply cannot leave Melbourne without having seen a show at its beloved La Mama Theatre. La Mama Presents 2026 now on sale.

Entertainment Venues

Holey Moley Crown Melbourne

Southbank

Holey Moley Crown Melbourne have brought the sweetest mini golf experience to Crown Melbourne. If you've ever harboured dreams of being Happy Gilmore, now's your chance. With 18 themed holes, over two courses, you're in for the craziest round of mini golf you've ever played. Feelin' thirsty? Lay back, relax and count your wins at the poolside Caddyshack. With their deluxe cocktail bar and gourmet food offerings, they've got you covered.

Image: Mary Glowrey Heritage Limited

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Mary Glowrey Museum

Fitzroy

The Mary Glowrey Museum tells the story of Dr Sr Mary Glowrey JMJ (1887-1957), a Victorian born and educated doctor, who went to Guntur, India, in 1920, where she became a religious Sister. As Sister Mary of the Sacred Heart JMJ, she spent the rest of her life serving the medical and spiritual needs of the most marginalised people. She oversaw the medical care of hundreds of thousands of people and set up training systems and medical networks, including the Catholic Health Association of India, which today serves more than 21 million people annually. On 21 November 2025, Pope Leo XIV recognised Mary's heroic virtues, and she became titled Venerable Mary of the Sacred Heart Glowrey, only the second Australian to be accorded this status The Mary Glowrey Museum is situated on Level two of the historic Cathedral Hall, today part of the Fitzroy campus of Australian Catholic University. Visitors are asked to book in advance via email, so as to facilitate guided tours. Groups are particularly welcome. More information about the Museum and related sites can be accessed via the (free) Catholic Precinct Walking Tour App, a digital resource to support visits to the area surrounding St. Patrick's Cathedral in East Melbourne and Fitzroy. For more information see the museum's website.

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Fox Classic Car Collection

Docklands

Housed in what was once a royal mint, the Fox Classic Car Collection stands as a testament to some of the rarest and most prestigious vehicles in the world. Opened in 1997, the collection showcases almost a century in automotive technology and design with models from Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, Porsche, Ferrari, Bentley, Volkswagen, Ford, Lexus, Nissan and MG made between 1923 and today found at the museum. Pulling from over 250 rare and exotic vehicles, this ever changing collection is a must visit for any car enthusiast, historian and lover of all things spectacular.