50 Fantastic Things To Do In Melbourne This April
Melbourne is a great time all year round, but the middle of autumn is something special.
The leaves are changing and the school holidays are on the horizon. With comedy on every corner, and delightful food festivals to discover, Melbourne is truly a wonderful place to be in April. If you need inspiration on what to do, both in the school holidays and all month long, here are our recommendations on some of the best things to do in Melbourne this April.
1. Have a laugh at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Laugh your way through the month at everyone’s favourite comedy festival. There’s a huge roster of local favourites and international comedians that will hit the stage over three hilarious weeks. The only question is, which one will you see?
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival has kicked off, and will run until April 24. Browse the program here.
2. Wander through the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
Delight your senses at this spectacular show. Try a floral-inspired high tea, see fabulous displays and exhibits, explore the gardens at night and more!
This festival will end on Sunday April 3, so you’ll have to move fast. Find more info here.
3. Savour the moment at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
The iconic Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is back, and celebrating its 30th anniversary. The festival program is full of incredible events, including a pasta fair, a plant-based party, and a special lunch with Nigella Lawson.
The culinary festival will run until April 9. Learn more on their website.
4. See ‘Girl From The North Country’
It might not make its Melbourne premiere until April 29, but tickets to ‘Girl From The North Country’ are selling fast. The musical weaves multiple storylines in a free-flowing production that fuses narrative with the songs of Bob Dylan for an extra dose of hope and heartbreak.
Don’t miss out on the magic and spectacle of “Girl From The North Country” and get your tickets before the season sells out.
5. Have fun over the school holidays at Fed Square
To keep your kids happy and occupied over the Easter school holidays, Fed Square is throwing heaps of fun activities this April. Let them discover their inner foodie at the Little Food Festival, enjoy family-friendly stand-up comedy, dig for dino bones, try a workshop and more!
See what’s on here.6. Frolic in the Tesselaar KaBloom Festival of Flowers
Immerse yourself in fields of colourful flowers this autumn at the Tesselaar KaBloom Festival of Flowers. Wander through 25 acres of gardens, and be greeted by over 3 million bright blooms. In this spectacular festival, flowers and circus acts will collide to create something extraordinary. Head out to the Dandenong Ranges, and see this festival from April 2 to 25.
Learn more here.7. Go on a journey to Ancient Greece at Melbourne Museum
Discover significant items from the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, in the upcoming exhibition, Open Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections. This will open on April 23, and stay until August 14.
Find more info here.8. Meet Horridus the Triceratops at Melbourne Museum
See the world’s most complete triceratops at Melbourne Museum this April. This creature, 67 million years in the making, has taken over two levels at the museum. On top of the specimen, there’s also interactive displays, soundscapes, animations and more.
Find more info here.9. Jump for joy at The Big Bounce
The world’s largest inflatable bouncy castle is coming to Melbourne for a limited time only. And if you think this 1,500 square metre delight is just for kids, you’re wrong. There will be adults-only sessions too!
The Big Bounce has added more sessions, so you can still join in on the fun. Find it at Flemington Racecourse, from April 16 to 18, 21 to 24, 29, 30 and May 1. Find more info here.
10. Gaze at the marvellous Museum of the Moon
To celebrate the premiere of Marvel Studios’ Moon Knight on Disney+, Fed Square is displaying a massive moon installation in The Atrium. Created by artist Luke Jerram, this luminous moon model stretches out at 7 metres in diameter.
See it for free from now until April 15. More info here.
11. Have fun at Summer Night Market before it goes
Roam the stalls at Queen Vic Market while listening to great music and sipping on cocktails. Summer Night Market will take place on Wednesday nights, from now until April 6.
12. Join the revolution and see Hamilton
Don’t throw away your shot! The ground-breaking musical, Hamilton, is finally here. Be swept away by the thrilling score and lyrics, which blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway.
Rise up and see it at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Check out their website for booking information and more.
13. Get your fill of hot cross buns
It’s the season of hot cross buns, so eat your fill before Easter is over! Try hot cross baos from Din Tai Fung, find fun flavours like jalapeño and cheese or Caramilk, or go for a drive to try the best hot cross buns in Victoria. If you’re feeling thirsty, try some rum inspired by hot cross buns.
14. Celebrate Easter at Queen Vic Market
Enjoy fun and free Easter events at Queen Vic Market. Design your own Easter egg, make bunny ears, try face painting, meet the Easter Bunny and more!
Find the dates and times here.15. See the Sistine Chapel before it closes on April 2
The highly-anticipated Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition must close on April 2. This is your last chance to envelop yourself in the iconic frescoes of the hallowed halls without stepping a foot out of Melbourne.
Get your Sistine Chapel tickets here.
16. See the last of Moonlight Cinema before it goes for the season
Bring a blanket and watch movies under the stars. Moonlight Cinema has extended its season until April 2. See what’s playing here.
17. Feel blown away by the spectacular Moulin Rouge
This is your last month to see Moulin Rouge. With dazzling costumes, amazing songs and breath-taking sets, this is a show you can’t miss! See it at the Regent Theatre before it goes on April 29.
18. Head to Carlton for the Melbourne Italian Fiesta
Head to Piazza Italia on Lygon Street for one day only, and discover delicious Italian street food. Feast on pizza, arancini, cannoli and more, and grab a drink from the aperitivo bar. Then, listen to live music, and check out the roving entertainers. Celebrate Italian culture and tradition, on Sunday April 3, from 10am to 9pm.
19. Feel amazed by a massive sculpture of the Earth at St Paul’s Cathedral
Artist Luke Jerram is back with another incredible installation. Prepare to be dazzled and humbled at the same time, when you gaze at a seven-metre sculpture of the Earth. This detailed installation, known as Gaia, will be displayed at St Paul’s Cathedral Melbourne, from April 22 to the end of June.
20. Feast on a long lunch at Lollo
Visit W Melbourne’s signature restaurant, Lollo, every Saturday this April for a delicious long lunch. Discover vibrant dishes, drink bottomless cocktails, listen to live music and catch up with your friends. These long lunches will start on April 2.
21. Celebrate at Vida: Melbourne Latin Summer Festival
Enjoy some fun this April by heading to this free festival. Try food from over 20 Latin vendors, relax in the beer garden, take outdoor dance classes, see a cooking show, check out a salsa dance championship and listen to live music. For the little ones, there will be face painting, maraca-making workshops, puppeteers and magic shows.
Find it in King’s Domain, from April 15 to 17. Find more info here.
22. Feel chic at NGV’s Chanel exhibition
Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto, is as fabulous as it sounds. See this exhibition at NGV International before it goes on April 25.
23. Take a stroll through Paris on Collins Street
Enjoy an autumn afternoon in Paris, thanks to these fun pop-up events on Collins Street. Look forward to delicious French snacks, live music and more. The pop-ups will end on April 9. See the schedule here.
24. See the magical musical An American in Paris
Ballet and Broadway join forces in this mesmerising musical. Feel swept away by the music, enjoy the dances, and fall in love with the beautiful story at Arts Centre’s State Theatre. This musical will leave Melbourne on April 23.
Learn more here.25. Drink bottomless Champagne at this High Tea
Surrounded by 17th-19th Century French antiques, guests will be treated to bottomless Champagne, homemade quiche, delectable desserts and Parisian pastries for a full two-hour extravagant experience.
This is high tea but elevated to a whole other level where guests will feel as if they have travelled to the City of Light and stepped into an opulent world of antique treasures right here in Melbourne.
L’heure du thé takes place on select Saturdays and Sundays in April.
26. Go French at this fine dining and wine tasting
Inside Apartment 26, guests are served oysters, French cheese and French charcuterie, as well as wines from a carefully curated French wine list. It is all a part of Melbourne’s Le Souper Club, an enchanting evening dinner party inspired by Paris and the Palace of Versailles.
The intimate dining experience takes place on Wednesday and Thursday in April. Tickets include six courses paired with six wines and Champagne, too.
Don’t miss out and get your French fine-dining tickets here.
27. See Melbourne Symphony Orchestra perform the music of Fantasia
See this magical Disney film live in concert, thanks to Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The concert will take place at The Plenary in Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. See it at 2pm on Saturday April 9.
More info here.28. Keep the magic going with a live music performance of Toy Story
See Melbourne Symphony Orchestra perform the soundtrack of Toy Story live in concert at Hamer Hall. The music will accompany a screening of the film on April 29 and 30.
Learn more here.29. Indulge in a seaside feast at The Continental Sorrento
After some refurbishments, The Conti is back with some amazing food to try. The Conti Public Bar & Beer Garden are currently open, with late-night speakeasy Barlow and fine dining restaurant Audrey’s to open on April 1.
See more here.30. Experience Candlelight
The candlelit performances have taken place at venues like The Athenaeum and The Astor Theatre as well as at The Timber Yard, the Meat Market, St James’ Old Cathedral and Fed Square. With more venues being added to the growing list, there’s a Candlelight concert around the corner.
Candlelight concerts in April feature tributes to Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Queen, Nina Simone and Elton John among many, many more.
See all upcoming concerts here.
31. See Admissions by Melbourne Theatre Company
Watch this provocative satire hold a mirror up to privilege and power in the education system. See it at The Sumner in Southbank Theatre before it goes on April 9.
Find more info here.32. Watch a performance of The Heartbreak Choir by Melbourne Theatre Company
Catch the world premiere of this original production at Southbank Theatre. Set in an old CFA hall, a group of locals come together to sing and connect.
This show will start on April 25 and end on May 28.
33. See a live performance at Reunion Park
Head to this pop-up performance space in Burnley and enjoy a show! There’s live music to enjoy, as well as heaps of comedy and circus acts.
Reunion Park will leave Melbourne on April 10. Learn more here.
34. Catch a show at Live at the Bowl
Enjoy wonderful, open-air performances at this iconic location. This April, there will be heaps of contemporary music shows to listen to at Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
See what’s performing here.35. Laugh out loud at Kings of Comedy
It’s comedy season in Melbourne and Kings of Comedy are rolling through with its showcase every weekend where the funniest comedians in town and brutally hilarious headline acts get up on stage to make you laugh and perhaps pee your pants.
Make it dinner and drinks at Kings of Comedy.
36. Visit this retro, pop-up locker room at QV
See the work of over 30 artists in a free exhibition at QV’s No Vacancy Gallery. On top of the artwork, there will also be a workshop, a panel discussion and a celebratory night. This exhibition will end on April 3.
Learn more here.37. Release your inner Karen at Karen’s Diner
At this pop-up in Carlton, you’ll feast on delicious food but suffer from terrible service. If you’ve got a lot of pent up rage, you’re welcome to go to Karen’s Diner and let it all out in one fell swoop.
Embrace your inner Karen here.38. See a performance of Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers
This family-friendly, interactive story is playing in Melbourne as part of the comedy festival. Immerse yourself in this imaginative story from April 11 to 24.
Learn more here.39. See the best of contemporary French cinema at the Alliance Française French Film Festival
Feel swept away by drama and romance at this French film festival. See it before it ends on April 6.
Check out the schedule here.
40. Road trip to the supermarket
On your countryside adventure to the Yarra Valley or the Mornington Peninsula, you’ll hit the road and meet the growers, farmers and producers of the ingredients you’ll need to make a tasty roast dinner, which sounds just delish as the colder weather blows in.
There’s even wine or cider to collect on your adventure plus clues, games and puzzles to play along the way to make it not only an exciting day out but also a great night in.
Find out more about the Farmgate Experience and get prepped for your next weekend outing.
41. Satisfy your cravings at Melbourne Street Eatz
Be surprised by a weekly rotation of delicious food trucks in South Wharf. Enjoy it Friday to Sunday, all the way until April 25.
See more info here.42. Be immersed in Van Gogh at The LUME
See Van Gogh’s masterpieces come to life in this multi-sensory exhibition at the LUME.
Learn more about this experience here.43. Find your Happy Place
Take a visit to the most Instagrammable exhibit in the world at Crown. This exhibit has extended its dates, so you can take perfect and wholesome photos during the school holidays. Tickets are currently selling until April 25.
See more here.44. Go on an aquarium adventure with Peppa Pig
Meet Peppa Pig at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium this April. Visit between April 1 and May 20 to meet Peppa, take a picture and collect a free activity booklet.
Learn all about it here.45. Amplify flavours by Dining in the Dark
Juliet Melbourne is dimming the lights and handing out blindfolds on select Wednesday nights in April for the Dining in the Dark experience.
The experience has been backed by psychologists as an ‘amplified’ way to enjoy food as your sense of taste will become heightened by your loss of sight.
Sounds a little bit incredible, right?
46. Check out MPavilion for its final month
Enjoy cultural events, talks, performances, installations and more at MPavilion. These events will end on April 24.
Find the program here.47. Celebrate the weird and wonderful at Fantastic Film Festival
Head to Lido Cinemas and get your fix on cult and arthouse cinema. This film festival will run from April 21 to May 6.
See what’s playing here.48. See autumn leaves around the state
Put on a cosy jumper and go for lovely afternoon walks underneath the autumn trees. Get in the spirit of the season at the Bright Autumn Festival, which will run from April 22 to May 1. For more autumnal hues, check out the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival, which is running from now until April 25.
49. Discover Elvis: Direct from Graceland in Bendigo Art Gallery
In this exclusive exhibition, you’ll explore the life and style of the famous Elvis Presley. See a wide range of costumes, memorabilia, and treasured items straight from the Graceland archive. This incredible exhibition is now open at Bendigo Art Gallery, and will stick around until July 17.
50. Solve the murder
Labassa Mansion is home to an interactive and immersive Murder Mystery experience where players get to roam its rooms and search for clues. Do you have what it takes to put two and two together or will the true assassin/s of Labassa Mansion’s wealthy widow escape justice?
Murder Mystery Melbourne takes place on select dates over the coming few months with four dates in April.