The Most Awesome Things To Do In Melbourne This April

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 and a half hilarious weeks. The only question is, which one will you see? The Melbourne International Comedy Festival will run from March 25 to April 19. Browse the program here.

Spiegel Haus will become an official venue of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Discover a side-splitting line-up of comedy, from adults-only shows to family-friendly events. It’s all happening from March 25 to April 19.

If you’ve ever wanted to wander through a dreamscape made of shimmering bubbles and glowing colours, here’s your moment: Bubble Planet is drifting into Melbourne. This immersive, multi-sensory experience invites you to explore 10 playful, interactive environments designed to awaken your senses and bring out your inner child. Find it at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick. Get your tickets here.

See original statues, mosaics, frescos and more at the Melbourne-exclusive exhibition, Rome: Empire, Power, People. Learn all about the spectacle, rise, rule and legacy of this powerful civilisation. The exhibition is on display at Melbourne Museum from Wednesday, April 1. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the extended program, like a Brunetti Classico pop-up or art classes.

Instead of flying to Tokyo, stay right here and visit Melbourne’s first-ever maid cafe. Step into a castle-themed experience, become a Prince or a Princess, and enjoy drinks and omurice from the staff, who will be dressed as cheerful maids. The Royal Maid Cafe will have their grand opening on April 1.

Journey back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth at Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary. Wander along trails and marvel at over 60 animatronic dinosaurs in this prehistoric event. Dinos at the Zoo will run from Friday, April 3 to Sunday, July 12.

Take an intimate look at the human body in the thought-provoking exhibition, BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness. Witness real human specimens, frozen in time, and learn how emotions can change the body from the inside out. Find it at The District Docklands. Get your tickets here.

The Hawker 88 Night Market is returning to Melbourne. Feel transported to the energetic streets of Asia with sizzling dishes, refreshing cocktails, cultural performances and more at Queen Victoria Market. The market will run every Wednesday night from April 8 to May 6.

Be swept away by comedies, drama, romance and more at the Alliance Française French Film Festival. Discover the best in contemporary French cinema in the 37th edition of this incredible film festival. It will run from now until April 8. See the schedule for Melbourne here.

The candlelit performances have taken place at venues like The Athenaeum and The Astor Theatre as well as at The Timber Yard, the Meat Marketand Fed Square. With more venues being added to the growing list, there’s a Candlelight concert around every corner.

Candlelight concerts in April include an epic Lord of the Rings performance, the romantic tunes of Bridgerton and more. See what’s on here.

Visit Abbotsford Convent and check out the interactive installation, Sea of Light, by Patch Theatre. Use a UV torch and paint and stencil with light. There will also be artworks by contemporary Aboriginal visual artist Elizabeth Close illuminated on the floor. Perfect for families, this experience is suitable for children aged 3 and up. It’s on from April 9 to 12. More info here.

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will perform the Academy Award-winning music of Beauty and the Beast. Watch as the magical tale unfolds, while you listen to the live score by Alan Menken. Find it at Hamer Hall on April 10 and 11. See more here.

After delighting thousands of dumpling fans in 2017, 2018 and 2019, Australia’s only festival dedicated to momo is coming back to Melbourne. Feast on these flavoursome Nepali dumplings, and continue the fun with carnival rides, DJs and more. Find Momo Fest at Footscray Park from 12pm to 10pm on Saturday April 11 and Sunday April 12. Entry is free!

Go on a journey through Türkiye at Queen Victoria Market. Look forward to delicious Turkish sweet and savoury foods, cultural displays and traditional music and dance. The Turkish Pazar Festival will take place on Saturday April 11 and Sunday April 12 from 9am to 4pm. See more here.

After delighting visitors in New York, Balloon Story has landed at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Float over to this imaginative wonderland filled with intricate sculptures made from over 400,000 balloons. Get your tickets here.

The Mormons are back! After delighting theatregoers in 2015, The Book of Mormon is making its return to Melbourne. This hilarious, Tony Award-winning musical follows a pair of mismatched Mormon boys, who are sent on a mission to a place that’s as far from Salt Lake City as you can get. Find it at the Princess Theatre.

Head to NGV and chart the careers of two influential fashion designers – Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo, founder of Comme de Garçons. Marvel at nearly 150 designs, including pieces from the NGV collection and loans from international museums and private collections. The Westwood | Kawakubo exhibition is open at NGV International from now until Sunday April 19.

The popular NGV Friday Nights are back this summer, in celebration of the exhibition about Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons. Stay out late and enjoy the exhibition, then stick around for live music, food and drinks. The festivities will take place every Friday night from now until April 17, and will run from 6pm to 10pm.

Watch as talented ballet dancers bring your favourite stories to life, while performing in glowing costumes. Find Ballet of Lights at the Capitol Theatre. See what’s playing here.

Visit your friendly neighbourhood record store and find something to take home on Record Store Day. This will take place on Saturday April 18. Find participating shops here.

Take part in puppy yoga, see live Guide Dog training sessions, and learn about other wonderful working dogs like Therapy Dogs, Wellbeing Dogs and Court Dogs. Beyond the puppies, you can also expect fun activities, live entertainment and food stalls. The Guide Dogs Victoria Community Fair will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 10am to 2pm.

The Makers and Shakers Market is coming back to town, and celebrating ten years of markets in Melbourne. Wander through the stalls and discover a curated selection of homewares, sustainable fashion, food and more! On top of the stalls, you’ll also find creative workshops and activities for the kids. Check it out at the Royal Exhibition Building on Saturday April 18 and Sunday April 19.

Discover a curated range of Latin American traders at Queen Victoria Market. Treat yourself to authentic street food, desserts and handmade products. Have fun with live performances and family-friendly experiences. The Cachivaches Latin Market will take place on Saturday April 18 and Sunday April 19, from 9am to 4pm. More info here.

The annual Australian Heritage Festival is back in Victoria this April. Look forward to hundreds of events around Melbourne and Victoria, such as walking tours, workshops, exhibitions and more. The festival is on from April 18 to May 18. Learn more here.

Internationally acclaimed Glitch festival is coming back to Melbourne. Look forward to a heart-pounding electronic music line-up of international DJs and homegrown talent. Check it out at PICA on Saturday, April 18.

Love pop culture? Supanova is taking over Melbourne Showgrounds with celebrity guests, exhibitors, cosplay and more. It will run from 10am to 6pm on April 18 and 19. Learn more here.

Listen to talented musicians bring your favourite jazz songs to life in The Jazz Room. Grab a drink, soak in the tunes, and feel amazed by spontaneous solos and improv. There’s a few sessions happening around Melbourne for you to enjoy. Get your tickets here.

You’ve been called for jury duty. In this live theatre courtroom drama, you’ll listen to the case and decide who is guilty or not guilty. There’s a few different sessions around Melbourne of The Jury Experience for you to try.

The twinkling evening experience, LIT, is returning to Melbourne’s west. Back for its fifth year, you’ll gaze at lovely light installations and dazzling projections. It’s free to attend, and you’ll find it in Wyndham Park from April 24 to May 3, from 6pm to 10pm. Learn more here.

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will bring Jurassic Park to life, by performing John Williams’ score live alongside the film. See it at Hamer Hall from April 23 to 26. More info here.

Robots of all shapes and sizes have come to Melbourne for the new exhibition, FRIEND, at the National Communication Museum. As you move through the space, you’ll encounter cuddly cushions with wagging tails, an old robot that plays music, little robots that need help and more. This exhibition is on from now until April 26.

Celebrate legendary performers like Maria Callas, Judy Garland, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Prince and more at the DIVA exhibition. See over 250 objects, including costumes, photography, jewellery, art and more. Find it at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts from now until April 26.

Head to The District Docklands and go on a space adventure at Saboteurs. Play with your friends inside converted shipping containers, complete tasks, and eject any suspicious imposters. Your mission starts here.

Challenge yourself and your teammates to escape Prison Island. Instead of breaking out from a single room, you’ll take on a series of tasks in multiple cells and race against the clock. Find it at The District Docklands. Get your tickets here.

At the Museum of Desire, you’ll find over 20 sensory-rich experiences that explore desire and pleasure. Feeling curious? Get your tickets here.

The Australian Sand Sculpting Championships is returning to Frankston. Stroll along the waterfront and see 18 large-scale sculptures, carved from over 400 tones of sand. The theme this year is The Enchanted Realm, so expect mythical creatures and dreamy castles. While you’re there, look forward to light experiences, sculpture talks and more. Check it out from Saturday March 28 to Sunday April 26. See more here.

Head to Lido Cinemas, Thornbury Picture House or Brunswick Picture House and get your fix on cult and arthouse cinema. Fantastic Film Festival Australia will run from April 23 to May 15. Learn more here.

Warburton Bike Park is opening up some exciting new trails. Find something for all skill levels, with short, flat paths for beginners and thrilling descents for experts. The new trails will open on Saturday, April 4.

Spanning over 14 acres, Blue Lotus Water Garden contains over 40 different ponds, lakes and water features. Here, you’ll find the biggest display of lotus and waterlily flowers in the Southern Hemisphere. This dreamy garden is open from now until April 19.

Immerse yourself in fields of colourful flowers this autumn at the Tesselaar KaBloom Festival of Flowers. Wander through the stunning gardens, and be greeted by millions of bright blooms. After admiring the vivid blossoms, stay a little longer and have fun with circus performers, tractor rides, food and more. Head out to the Dandenong Ranges, and see this festival from now until April 19.

Nine colourful and historic villages are embracing autumn with foodie trails, open gardens, bustling farmers markets and more. The Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival will last for the whole month of April.

Escape to Benalla and see new large-scale murals at the Benalla Street Art Festival. This festival began in 2015, and has since transformed the streetscapes of Benalla with over 95 stunning murals. Take part in walking tours, see the artists in action, check out exhibitions and learn more at artist talks. The festival is on from Friday April 17 to Sunday April 19. Learn more here.

Escape to the High Country and admire beautiful autumn colours at the Bright Autumn Festival. See fiery trees, attend a nut festival, check out a market and more. The festival will run from Friday April 24 to Sunday May 3. More info here.