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 this month. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out this list for some of the best things to do in Melbourne this April.
1. Have a magical time at Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Embark on a spellbinding walk through the forest and come face-to-face with magical creatures and scenes from the Harry Potter universe. The Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience will take place at The Briars in Mount Martha from April 6. Get your tickets here.
2. Have a brilliant time at The Art of the Brick
The Art of the Brick is coming to Melbourne! This immersive experience has over 100 sculptures made from over 1 million LEGO® bricks, as well as moving sculptures, cool projections and more. Check it out at Melbourne Showgrounds from April 14. Get your tickets here.
3. Feel razzle dazzled by Chicago
The longest-running American musical in Broadway and West End history is playing in Melbourne. Chicago, the multi-award winning musical, will soon paint the town with murder, greed, corruption and all that jazz. Check it out at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
4. Bounce over to The NBA Exhibition
Get your head in the game at The NBA Exhibition. Explore over 20 themed sections, see cool memorabilia, play arcade basketball games, check out the VR zone and more. This fun experience will open at The District Docklands on April 3. Get your tickets here.
5. Browse through the Makers & Shakers Market
The Makers and Shakers Market is coming back to Melbourne this April. Discover a curated line-up of over 150 stalls, featuring homewares, sustainable fashion, food and more! On top of the stalls, you’ll also find creative workshops for all ages. Check it out at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton on Saturday April 6 and Sunday April 7.
6. Have a super good time at Supanova
Explore the best in comics, anime, gaming, fantasy, nostalgia and more at Supanova. Dress up in cosplay, find merch at exhibitors, meet celebrities and much, much more. Check it out at Melbourne Showgrounds on April 6 and 7. More info here.
7. Celebrate at the Greek Day festival
The beloved Greek Day celebration is coming back to Preston Market. Have plenty of fun with live music, dance, activities for the kids and plenty of food and merch pop-up stalls. This fantastic Greek party will take place for one day only, on Sunday April 7 from 10am to 3pm.
8. Take your taste buds on a trip at the Hawker 88 Night Market
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Asia at the Hawker 88 Night Market. Find sizzling street food, cultural performances, eating competitions and more. This event at Queen Victoria Market will run on Wednesday nights for five weeks, with a different theme each time. It’ll kick off on April 10 and end on May 8.
9. Have fun over the school holidays at Fed Square
Keep your kids busy over the school holidays by taking them to The Little Food Festival at Fed Square. There will be heaps of cool activities to nourish their inner foodie, and teach them about the food system, health and protecting the environment. This festival will take place on April 10 and 11. Find out more here.
10. Feel spellbound by Wicked
The gravity-defying musical, Wicked, is now playing at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne. Almost 20 years after its premiere on Broadway, this popular musical has won over 100 major awards, including the Grammy Award, the Olivier Award and three Tony Awards.
11. Voyage through history with the Titanic exhibition at Melbourne Museum
The most extensive Titanic exhibition in the world now showing in Melbourne. Feel transported back to 1912, and see over 200 artefacts recovered from the wreck site. In this experience, you’ll discover recreated ship interiors, including the Grand Staircase, First Class Parlour Suite and Verandah Café, combined with real objects rescued from the depths of the ocean. TITANIC: The Artefact Exhibition will dock at Melbourne Museum from now until April 21.
12. Stay out late with Nocturnal at Melbourne Museum
The electrifying, after-hours event, Nocturnal, is returning to Melbourne Museum. Listen to DJs, play drag bingo, enjoy late-night access to exhibitions and more on Thursday April 11.
13. 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 and a half hilarious weeks. The only question is, which one will you see? The Melbourne International Comedy Festival will run from March 27 to April 21. Browse the program here.
14. Assemble for Marvel Universe LIVE!
Suit up for an action-packed adventure with the touring show, Marvel Universe LIVE! See over 20 superheroes and villains from Marvel clash in a fight for the universe. Look forward to your favourite characters, including Spider-Man, Captain America, Loki and more. This production is coming to Australia for the first time, and will take over Rod Laver Arena from Friday April 12 to Monday April 15.
15. Sip your way through the Autumn Gin Market
Lift your spirits with the Autumn Gin Market at The Craft & Co. Try local gin from nine distillers, chat with the makers and find something to take home at the pop-up bottle shop. This market will take place on Friday April 12 and Saturday April 13. See more here.
16. Have a paw-fect time at The Pet Show
Whether your best friend is furry, slimy or scaly, all pet parents are welcome to check out The Pet Show. Listen to talks, see cool demonstrations, interact with pets and more. This event will take place at Melbourne Showgrounds on Saturday April 13 and Sunday April 14.
17. Dance over to Ritmo Latino
Abbots Yard will soon light up with Latin American festival, Ritmo Latino. Listen to live music, take part in dance workshops, try some delicious Latin cuisine from food trucks and more! The fiesta will take place on Saturday April 13. Get your tickets here.
18. Celebrate the end of Ramadan at Eid Festival
After a month of fasting for Ramadan, immerse yourself in the flavours of Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and more at Eid Festival. This celebration will have plenty of delicious food, as well as live performances, interactive arts and more. Find it at Queen Vic Market on Saturday April 13 and Sunday April 14, from 9am to 4pm. More info here.
19. Immerse yourself in the mesmerising Rain Room
After a sell-out season in 2021, the interactive installation, Rain Room, is here in Melbourne. This immersive experience merges art, technology and nature together, in a 100 square metre space of continuous rainfall. The rain responds to your presence and movement, which gives you the feeling of being in a fierce rainstorm, without having to get wet. Find it in St Kilda from now until April 14.
20. Feel mesmerised by Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature
Visit ACMI and see digital artworks on an awe-inspiring scale. The exhibition, Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature, will stay in town until April 14, 2024.
21. Paint in the dark at Neon Brush
Head to Hanover House for the fun paint and sip experience, Neon Brush. Sip on your chosen beverage and paint a neon masterpiece that glows in the dark. See dates and times here.
22. Celebrate the weird and wonderful at Fantastic Film Festival
Head to Lido Cinemas or Thornbury Picture House and get your fix on cult and arthouse cinema. This year, there’s 24 movies and 14 short films for you to discover. Fantastic Film Festival Australia will run from April 18 to May 9 at Lido Cinemas, and April 25 to 30 at Thornbury Picture House. Learn more here.
23. Take part in Record Store Day
Visit your friendly neighbourhood record store and find something to take home on Record Store Day. This will take place on Saturday April 20. Find participating shops here.
24. Dance the night away at Alive Garden Party
Grab your picnic blankets and your dancing shoes, and listen to a live symphony orchestra put their majestic spin on iconic hits from Daft Punk, Fatboy Slim, Swedish House Mafia and more. Headlined by UK sensation Club Symphony, Alive Garden Party will take over Rochford Wines in the Yarra Vally on Saturday April 20.
25. Relax with a candlelit sound bath at Mindful Glow
Feel the stress melt away with the calming sound bath and meditation experience, Mindful Glow. Check it out at Collingwood Town Hall on Saturday April 20. Get your tickets here.
26. Watch Groundhog Day the Musical
See the hilarious 1993 film, Groundhog Day, brought to life on stage at the Princess Theatre. With music and lyrics from Tim Minchin, you’ll watch weatherman Phil Connors live the same day over and over again. Groundhog Day The Musical is playing in Melbourne until April 20.
27. Have a great time at The Big Vegan Market
The Big Vegan Market is coming back to Melbourne this April. Head to the Royal Exhibition Building and browse through over 170 stalls, bursting with vegan food, drinks, fashion, crafts and more. Check it out on Saturday April 20 and Sunday April 21, from 10am to 6pm. Learn more here.
28. Feel a sense of Joy at the Immigration Museum
Seven Victorian-based artists are sharing what joy means to them with a variety of delightful rooms at the Immigration Museum. Journey back in time to a 90s video store, cuddle up with a gigantic soft toy rabbit and more. The Joy exhibition is now open for you to explore, and will stay in town until August 29, 2025.
29. Check out the work of Steve McCurry in the ICONS exhibition
Steve McCurry is an established contemporary photographer whose work has been featured on the front cover of National Geographic and has won countless international awards. He is probably most famous for his iconic photograph “Afghan Girl” which has become one of the most recognisable images in history. Now, in this exhibition you will be able to see over 100 of his photographs from all around the world, each one telling a unique and powerful story. Find the ICONS exhibition at Seaworks in Williamstown. Get your tickets here.
30. Marvel at the work of Leonardo da Vinci at The LUME
Take a journey back in time, and explore the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. Step into the 3,000m², and watch some of the worlds most famous artworks come to life, like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius is now open at The LUME.
31. Have a poo-fect day out at Unko Museum
Japan’s surprise sensation, Unko Museum, has taken over 360 Bourke St, Melbourne. Unko Museum is the only international touring museum dedicated to poop, but don’t hold your nose – the focus here is all about kawaii exhibits and photo-friendly moments, making it a fun and family-friendly day out. Get your tickets to Unko Museum here.
32. Pass go and discover Monopoly Dreams
Australia’s first Monopoly-themed attraction is here in Melbourne. Immerse yourself and wander around Monopoly City and Mr. Monopoly’s Mansion. Find Monopoly Dreams at Melbourne Central.
33. Walk with the dinosaurs at Dinos Alive
Travel back millions of years and explore the world of the dinosaurs. Life-sized animated replicas of more than 80 dinosaurs have filled a Melbourne venue, and aside from being jaw-droppingly impressive, Dinos Alive will teach you a few things about the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. Entry tickets are available here.
34. Voyage around the world in the immersive BBC Earth Experience
Take a 360-degree audio-visual journey through the seven continents of the world, with narration from the iconic Sir David Attenborough. This technological marvel will use footage from the BBC Studios Natural History television series, Seven Worlds, One Planet. Melbourne is the second city in the world to host this incredible experience. The BBC Earth Experience is now open at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
35. Have some topsy-turvy fun at House Down Under
Flip your world on its head at House Down Under. See an inverted house that looks like it dropped straight from the sky in Docklands. When you enter, you’ll walk on ceilings and explore heaps of upside down rooms.
36. Unleash your creativity at Chaos Lab
From the Control Room to the Science Lab, the Mirror Maze to the Ball Pit, Chaos Lab is a fun experience for all kids who want to play, explore and create. Find it at The District Docklands. Tickets are on sale now.
37. Explore the tremendous NGV Triennial
NGV Triennial is back in Melbourne for its third iteration. This incredible exhibition has taken over all floors of NGV International, showcasing works by 120 artists, designers and collectives from 30 countries, including Yoko Ono, David Shrigley and fashion label Schiaparelli. Get ready for painting, sculpture, robotics, fashion, multimedia and interactive art installations, and marvel at over 25 world-premiere projects commissioned by the NGV.
38. Have a spectacular time with Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil is back to Melbourne with another round of awe-inspiring acrobatic acts. This time, they’re whisking us away to an imaginary Mexico. In this surreal world between dreams and reality, you’ll see a tapestry of vibrant locations as a traveller meets a variety of mystifying characters. The show, LUZIA, is also the first touring production by Cirque du Soleil that artistically incorporates water into the acrobatic performance. See it in Melbourne from now until May 19.
39. Tantalise your taste buds at Dining in the Dark
Embark on a gastronomic adventure while blindfolded at Dining in the Dark. Taking place at Gingerboy, you’ll choose between vegan, seafood or meat options and feast on a three-course meal. Try it on select Wednesdays and Thursdays this month. Get your tickets here.
40. Have a claw-some time at the Ministry of Crab pop-up
After a sold-out season in 2022, the world-renowned seafood restaurant, Ministry of Crab, is back in Melbourne. Try it for yourself in the Evergreen dining space at Crown Towers from March 28 to April 27.
41. Check out the Starry Sky exhibition at Met Art World
Visit Met Art World in Port Melbourne and feel transported to another world, with their immersive Starry Sky exhibition. Journey through mazes, enter a digital tunnel, see plenty of twinkling lights and more. Get your tickets here.
42. Make your mark at the Rites of Passage Tattoo Festival
Head to Royal Exhibition Building for this terrific tattoo festival. 450 of the best Australian and international tattoo artists will be there, as well as live art activations, retail offerings, food trucks and more. Check out the Rites of Passage Tattoo Festival from April 26 to 28. See more here.
43. Celebrate at the South Asian Festival
Head to Docklands this April and celebrate the New Year of South Asian countries. This free festival will feature stage performances, food trucks, community stalls, a laser light show and more! The South Asian Festival will take place on Sunday April 28, from 11am to 9pm. Stay up-to-date here.
44. Check out the Sri Lankan Festival at Queen Victoria Market
Celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with the Sri Lankan Festival at Queen Vic Market. Have plenty of fun with delicious food, like kottu, hoppers and curries, as well as cultural performances. Check it out on Sunday April 28, from 9am to 4pm. More info here.
45. See SZA perform live at Rod Laver Arena
Grammy winner SZA is bringing her S.O.S. tour to Melbourne this April. She’ll take over Rod Laver Arena on April 29 and 30.
46. Experience the magic of a Candlelight Concert
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 and 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 Oasis tribute at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, a show devoted to Nolan’s movie soundtracks and more.
47. Explore Blue Lotus Water Garden
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 until April 14.
48. Frolic in the enchanting Tesselaar KaBloom Festival Of Flowers
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 over 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 March 23 to April 21.
49. Escape to the Wild Harvest Seafood Festival
Travel to Mallacoota in East Gippsland for the Wild Harvest Seafood Festival. Feast on plenty of seafood, go on an oyster and champagne cruise, browse through a seafood market, go on a bush food walk and more. The festival will take run from April 26 to 28. Learn more here.
50. Take part in some exciting autumn festivals
Head out of Melbourne this April, and embrace the wonders of the autumn season with fantastic events like the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival or the Bright Autumn Festival. See what’s on here.