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Local events · Attractions · Places to explore

Things to do in Melbourne

Find things to do in Melbourne. Explore local events, attractions, markets and family activities, with dates, places and prices.

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

107 matching events listed in the next 60 days. Admission prices are shown where supplied.

Live Music & Concerts

Kings of Comedy Uncensored Underground Unrivalled

Sat, 31 Oct, 7:00 pm AEDT

Melbourne · From $35

Join them for a solid night of live entertainment at one of Melbourne's best quality comedy clubs. Showcasing some of Australia's best new talent, supported by celebrity headline acts. Hand-selected quality lineups mean you are assured laughter from the get-go, then closed off with a professional headline act. Previous headliners include; Steve Hughes, Dave O'Neil, Dave Hughes, Lehmo, Jimeoin, Luke Heggie, Denise Scott, Fiona O'Loughlin, Marty Sheargold, Richard Stubbs, Nick Cody and more. This really is the night out you've been needing. Often patrons leave the night with sore jaws and stomachs with a positive vibe that can't be matched. So book a babysitter, send the kids to the Grandparents and head on down for a scrumptious meal and night you won't forget. Call that person you've been meaning to take on a date, now you have a 'good excuse'. Make this that special 'date night' you've been needing. Hurry and book now. Go on, You deserve a good laugh. Please note dinner sessions are on before the show. Please check the website for more details.

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Live Music & Concerts

Simply The Best - Rebecca O’Connor As Tina Turner Show - Moonee Ponds

Sat, 31 Oct, 7:30 pm AEDT

Moonee Ponds · From $50

Get ready for the ultimate Tina Turner experience. In 2026, Rebecca O'Connor will set stages ablaze with a high-octane tribute to the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. Following her sold-out 2025 world tour, Rebecca returns with an electrifying new show that blends nostalgia with fresh, fiery energy. Her powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence make this more than a tribute - it's a celebration of Tina's indomitable spirit. Don't miss your chance to sing, dance, and feel the power of Rebecca O'Connor's Simply The Best World Tour - a night you'll never forget.

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Live Music & Concerts

House of Games

Sat, 31 Oct, 8:00 pm AEDT

Northcote · Check price with organiser

House of Games is the new show from Tim Ellis for 2026. Join the Laneway Theatre as we explore the time before screens dominated our lives and rediscover the magic of play. Every single piece of magic in this show would be the big finish of any other show. It's a big claim, but this is Tim's most ambitious and exciting show ever. Recommended for all ages, it's a joyous trip back in time with magical versions of Scrabble, Uno, Pictionary, Lego, and so much more. Written by Tim Ellis. Original music by Dane Certificate. To protect the secrecy of The Laneway Theatre, a map with the precise address will be emailed to you as soon as you book.

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Festivals & Fairs

Swap Meet

Sun, 1 Nov, 9:00 am AEDT

Melbourne · Check price with organiser

Join in the excitement of Swap Meet: Cards, Collectors and Fandom Edition. With over 40 new and returning exhibitors, there's sure to be something for all collectors. They are talking rare Pokémon, slabs, singles and booster packs; One Piece and Anime. Plus vintage trading cards, toys and merchandise. And a DJ bringing the best tunes. This is your chance to connect, swap and sell with fellow fans and collectors under the iconic Queen Vic Market sheds. So bring your cards, bring your mates, and don't miss Melbourne's newest community event.

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Markets & Expos

Southbank Makers Market

Sun, 1 Nov, 10:00 am AEDT

Southbank · Free admission

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.

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Markets & Expos

St Kilda Esplanade Market

Sun, 1 Nov, 10:00 am AEDT

St Kilda · Free admission

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.

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Markets & Expos

Slow Foodscray

Sun, 1 Nov, 10:00 am AEDT

Footscray · Check price with organiser

A new weekend tradition is coming to the heart of Footscray. Slow Foodscray is a vibrant monthly community event celebrating the Inner West's renowned food culture. Showcasing a diverse mix of local food vendors, street eats, and artisan producers, the event will be complemented by free family activities, live music, and roaming entertainment, creating a lively atmosphere for visitors of all ages. Held on the first Sunday of each month, Slow Foodscray is set to become a regular destination for locals and visitors alike. More than just a market, it is a place to gather, discover new flavours, support local businesses, and experience the rich cultural diversity that makes the West unique. With something to enjoy for everyone, Slow Foodscray will bring the community together to eat, explore, and celebrate everything the Inner West has to offer.

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Festivals & Fairs

Steamrail Victoria - Rail and Sail

Sun, 1 Nov, 10:32 am AEDT

Melbourne · Check price with organiser

Combine the romance and excitement of a sea voyage with the nostalgia and style of a heritage steam train onboard Steamrail Victoria's Rail and Sail. Choose your way to travel on a day return journey between Melbourne and Geelong. A great day out for the whole family; with Steamrail Victoria's Rail and Sail tour providing three exciting options for you to choose from: Rail first - Rail First from Melbourne, Southern Cross to Geelong and Return by Sail to Melbourne, Docklands. Rail only - Rail from Melbourne, Southern Cross to Geelong and Return to Melbourne, Southern Cross. Sail first - Sail First from Melbourne, Docklands to Geelong and Return by Rail to Melbourne, Southern Cross. These options are set out in more detail on the booking page. Ride onboard 'The Vintage Train’, fully restored by Steamrail as an important part of Victoria’s rail heritage. The diesel locomotives date from 1959 to 1965, while the carriages range from as early as 1906. The train features beautiful timber work and pressed-tin ceilings, walk-through corridors, comfortable compartment style seating, a licensed bar and kiosk, and toilets with washrooms. All rail seating is reserved.

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Live Music & Concerts

My Leonard Cohen - Brunswick

Sun, 1 Nov, 7:30 pm AEDT

Brunswick · Check price with organiser

After a sellout tour in Europe and Ireland, Stewart and his band provide gutsy and arresting interpretations of Cohen's powerful works, framed by a personal narrative. The stories give an insight into Cohen's life and the motivations behind the songs, with a sprinkling of laconic humour. Few bodies of musical work rouse, seduce and are of such great solace as that of the great singer songwriter Leonard Cohen. Soulful lyrics are laced with raw emotion and sheer se-ductiveness. D'Arrietta's arrangements add an uplifting, upbeat feel. For two decades, Stewart D'Arrietta and his collaborators have brought their own musical personality to the works of great songwriters, including Tom Waits, John Lennon and Randy Newman, and have received praise for shows in Australia and overseas. My Leonard Cohen was the toast of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2016 and 2017, with sold out shows and rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Expect Cohen's best, including the heartrending Suzanne, the iconic Tower Of Song, the desperately sensual I'm Your Man, and the mournful, but mighty Hallelujah - all delivered as you've never heard them before.

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Festivals & Fairs

Auslan Storytime

Mon, 2 Nov, 12:00 am AEDT

Melbourne · Free admission

Auslan Storytime brings stories to life through visual language, expression and movement – delivered entirely in Australian Sign Language (Auslan). Come along every first and third Monday of each month at State Library Victoria as they welcome Deaf storytellers from Expression Australia for Auslan Storytime. This is an inclusive early years program designed to be engaging and accessible for Deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing children alike. Sessions are delivered directly in Auslan (not interpreted from spoken English), providing authentic language modelling and a rich introduction to Deaf culture. A qualified Auslan interpreter supports each session so hearing participants can follow along, creating a shared and inclusive experience for all families. These interactive sessions may include signed storytelling, movement, repetition and informal interaction after the session. Perfect for kids aged three to five years and their families. No bookings required. Sessions run on the first and third Monday of each month, excluding public holidays and Victorian school holidays. Presented by State Library Victoria with Expression Australia, as part of the Victorian Government's Multicultural Storytime Program. This program is funded by the Victorian Department of Health under the Multicultural Storytime Grant Program (2023–2027).

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Theatre & Shows

Six

Tue, 3 Nov, 12:00 am AEDT

St Kilda · Free admission

Discover an inspiring exhibition of painting and sculpture by six women artists, united by curiosity, collaboration and a passion for creativity. Featuring abstract and representational works in oil, watercolour, acrylic, gouache and sculpture, Six celebrates the many ways you see, interpret and experience the world. Come see artworks from Maria Cartwright, Valerie Conboy, Pennie Cowie, Kathie Mathes, Judy Thompson and Janice Whetton. Opening event is Saturday 7 November at 2pm.

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Sports & Recreation

Melbourne Cup Day Transfer Package

Tue, 3 Nov, 8:45 am AEDT

Southbank · From $265

Immerse yourself in the pinnacle of horse racing glamour with Melbourne River Cruises on Melbourne Cup Day. Departing from Southgate, their luxury cruise promises an enchanting experience. Cruise along the picturesque Maribyrnong River in their 90-minute all inclusive morning transfer. Absorb the scenic beauty of Melbourne along the Maribyrnong River, concluding with an exclusive drop-off at Flemington Race Course. Join Melbourne River Cruises for a day of opulence, excitement, and world-class racing as they elevate your Melbourne Cup Day to new heights.

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Attractions and places to visit

84 places in this selection. Opening hours, access and admission vary; check the place details.

Sense Of Self (SOS) Bathhouse

Spas and Retreats

Sense Of Self (SOS) Bathhouse

Collingwood

Sense Of Self is a bathhouse and spa for the modern being, where ancient rituals meet contemporary techniques. Located in Collingwood, Melbourne, Sense Of Self is an oasis among the hustle of the everyday. Beloved in Melbourne since 2020, this is a must-visit for anyone looking for an exceptional bathing and spa experience. Facilities include magnesium-rich pools, steam, sauna, cold plunge, massage, gifts and treatment rituals for deep rest and relaxation with self and others. The bathhouse offers quiet mornings, accessible options for bathing and massage, as well as as holding a no-phones policy, allowing guests to fully switch off. Centrally located with train, bus, tram and parking nearby.

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Portable Iron Houses

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Portable Iron Houses

South Melbourne

See what life was like in Melbourne during the gold rush era when you visit one of the few remaining prefabricated buildings in the world. The three houses in South Melbourne are among the last nineteenth-century prefabricated iron buildings. With gold discovered in Victoria in 1851 accommodation was needed for the many migrants flocking to the colony. Tents and prefabricated iron houses met that need. Ordered from a catalogue, the buildings offered ranged from modest cottages to theatres and even churches that could hold over 700 people. Constructed in Britain, the houses were dismantled, every component labelled then packed into crates and shipped abroad to be reassembled in their new location. Specialist labour was not required and anyone could assemble them by following the instructions. By 1855 South Melbourne comprised nearly 100 portable buildings, of which Patterson House is on its original site. Abercrombie House and Bellhouse were relocated to the current sites from North Melbourne and Fitzroy. All three make up the Portable Iron Houses experience. The Portable Iron Houses are open on the first Sunday of the month from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

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La Trobe's Cottage

Galleries, Museums and Collections

La Trobe's Cottage

Melbourne

La Trobe's Cottage was the original home of Victoria's first Lt. Governor, Charles Joseph La Trobe, from 1839 to 1854. Described by a visitor in 1852 as 'small but elegantly furnished and standing in spacious grounds', La Trobe’s Cottage is now a vital part of Victoria’s history. The cottage was made from prefabricated materials brought from England to be the home of La Trobe, his wife Sophie and their children. As Melbourne’s oldest surviving building, the restored cottage replicates the original prefabricated structure and contains items belonging to La Trobe along with artefacts from the earliest time of Victoria’s settlement. Combined Tours of La Trobe's Cottage and Government House are also available on select Mondays. The tours provide a tangible link between the pre-gold rush and the legendary Marvellous Melbourne eras, granting a fascinating insight into the city's origins.

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Shrine Kids

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Shrine Kids

Melbourne

Shrine Kids provides a fantastic opportunity for indoor and outdoor play, allowing young imaginations to take flight as they uncover the Shrine's rich history. Shrine Kids is a free self-guided program for families with primary school-aged children. Four different activity cards provide a starting point for fresh perspectives of the Shrine. Children are asked to locate key sites and creatively respond to a range of questions related to different aspects of the Shrine. Borrow an Explorer Kit from the Information Desk as the perfect accessory for fact-finding around the Shrine. Make your next visit to the Shrine a memorable one for the whole family.

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Man and Donkey statue at the Shrine of Remembrance

Image: Shrine of Remembrance

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Shrine of Remembrance

Melbourne

The Shrine of Remembrance is Victoria's national war memorial, built in 1934 to honour First World War veterans and now commemorating all Australians who have served. Recognised as Australia's leading cultural tourism destination, the Shrine offers a moving and immersive visitor experience. Step inside to explore the Galleries of Remembrance, home to over 800 artefacts, including an original Gallipoli landing boat and personal stories of Australians in war and peacekeeping. Discover the Sanctuary's classical interior, where Ray of Light demonstrations occur every half hour. From the Balcony, take in breathtaking views of Melbourne and the surrounding memorial gardens. Families can embark on a Shrine scavenger hunt with free Shrine Kids activity cards. Experience the Last Post Service every Sunday at 4.45 pm, featuring buglers, bagpipers, and the Shrine Guard in historic uniform. Free entry. Open daily. Guided tours run hourly (except 1pm). Gold Winner: Cultural Tourism, 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.

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Guilfoyle's Volcano

Image: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Gardens

Melbourne

Attracting over two million visitors annually, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Melbourne is a treasured part of cultural life and a valuable asset to the city. With stunning vistas, tranquil lakes and diverse plant collections, the gardens are a place of continual discovery and delight. Enjoy a First Peoples led Aboriginal Heritage Walk, a ride on The Explorer bus or Punting on The Lake, all set against a beautiful backdrop and just moments from the city. These beautiful gardens are home to amazing and diverse plant collections such as camellias, rainforest flora, succulents and cacti, roses, Californian species, herbs, perennials, cycads and plants from Southern China. Guilfoyle's Volcano offers fabulous city skyline views, a precinct to explore, and a natural sanctuary for native wildlife. The children's garden has everything that children could want to help them discover the natural world, with plant tunnels that they can crawl through, rocks that they can climb and a bamboo forest in which they can hide. Visitors can unwind at the Terrace café, The Observatory all day dining venue or find botanical-inspired souvenirs and gifts at the Gardens Shop. The Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne hold seasonal plant sales twice a year, see their website for further details. During summer, the lawns come alive with outdoor cinema, live music, theatre performances and exhibitions.

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Robin Boyd's iconic Walsh Street house museum

Image: Robin Boyd Fopundation

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Robin Boyd's Walsh Street House Museum

South Yarra

The Robin Boyd Foundation is the custodian of the legacy of Australian modernist architect, author, critic, and public educator Robin Boyd and the iconic Walsh Street house he designed, built and inhabited. The Foundation is committed to advocating Boyd's belief that good design can improve people's lives and their world. Their guided tours and events provide public access to the Walsh Street House Museum, an exemplar of modernist residential architecture. The Foundation is also known for its architectural walking tours, speaker series, film screenings, open days, and digital tours that activate awareness, amplify voices and increase architecture and design participation.

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Australian Made Knitted Australian Animals

Image: House of Handmade

Shopping and Markets

House of Handmade

Richmond

The House of Handmade offers beautifully curated Australian handmade and designed goods outside of market days. Featuring products by big and small Australian makers, the store offers jewellery, candles, prints, souvenirs, baby gifts, toys, and so much more. With so many unique items, come visit the House of Handmade and experience shopping like a local today! Staying in Melbourne for long? Come join the team for a craft workshop. Get to know the locals and take home a functional piece of artwork that you made!

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Port Phillip

National Parks and Reserves

Port Phillip

Port Melbourne

Port Phillip is the entrance to Australia's busiest port and is one of Victoria's most popular recreational destinations. Although Port Phillip is commonly referred to as 'the Bay' or 'Port Phillip Bay', Port Phillip is actually not a bay at all. It's a local port area that is actually made up of over 16 bays. Every year millions of people enjoy its vast coastline, world-class swimming beaches and coastal parks. An entirely different perspective however is available to those who explore Port Phillip by boat. Island, shipwrecks and marine reserves dot Port Phillip, while scuba diving and fishing reveal the colourful diversity of Port Phillip's marine life. Over 3.2 million people live around its shore, making Port Phillip Australia's most densely populated catchment. Port Phillip is a large expanse of water that is surprisingly shallow in many places. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

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Auscarts Indoor Go Kart Racing

Entertainment Venues

Auscarts Indoor Go Kart Racing

Port Melbourne

Auscarts is a state of the art indoor karting venue and entertainment complex just seven minutes from the heart of Melbourne's city centre. Auscarts is an ideal venue for corporate functions, team building activities, bucks and hens or just a fun time with friends. Test your sensory threshold and advance your driving skills at speeds of up to 55 kilometres per hour. The weather free track is open seven days a weeks which makes it possible to plan your karting experience without limitations. Race statistics are recorded and displayed on the scoreboard and individuals receive printed out lap times to take home. To ensure the safety and hygiene, helmets of the correct size are provided along with hairnets. The track has safety monitors and lighting and speed controls. A video safety briefing is presented before racing. All drivers need to be 13 years of age and older and need to approximately 143 centimetres tall to race. Karts can safely hold weights up to 145 kilograms. All drivers need to be 0.00 blood alcohol to race on the track.

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Counihan Gallery

Image: Janelle Low

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Counihan Gallery

Brunswick

The Counihan Gallery is Merri-bek City Council's free public gallery located in the heart of Brunswick, on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. The Counihan Gallery opened in 1999 and is named in honour of the Australian artist and activist Noel Counihan (1913-1986), who was a champion of social justice and a vocal supporter of free speech. The exhibition program reflects the commitment to political activism, sustainability, and creative expression. The Counihan Gallery acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and waterways in the area known as Merri-bek. They recognise their continuous connection to culture, community and Country and embrace their traditional and contemporary cultural and creative expression. They pay their respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging, and to all First Nations people who are part of the community today.

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Monsterz Ink

Image: Rush Escape Game

Amusement and Theme Parks

Rush Escape Game - South Yarra

South Yarra

Rush Escape Game provides adrenaline filled live escape game experiences to thrill seekers from all over the world. Our goal for every player of the game is to feel the rush of escaping - others would refer to this experience as 'being in the zone' while researchers call it 'flow'. At the peak of this state you will feel great and perform at your best, action and awareness merge, time flies and self vanishes. If you have ever been involved in an activity or project where everything else was forgotten, then you will be familiar with this state. Rush Escape Game deliberately focuses on maximising fun, playing this game feels even more exciting and engaging as you realise that no one escapes alone, this means you will need to work together as a team to overcome all of the challenges. Co-operation, critical thinking, pattern recognition and fast decision making will be required, and before you know it, your primal survival and problem solving instincts will surface to help solve unusual puzzles, uncover clues, keys and codes with the ultimate aim of escaping.

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