The leaves are changing and the school holidays are on the horizon. With comedy on every corner, stunning evening experiences and delightful food festivals to discover, Melbourne is truly a wonderful place to be in April. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out this list for some of the best things to do in Melbourne this April.
Here’s what’s on in Melbourne this April
Have a magical time at Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Feel like you’ve Apparated from Melbourne to Hogwarts at Harry Potter: The Exhibition. See authentic props and set pieces from the films, and go on your own magical journey. Conjure your own Patronus, test your Quidditch skills and more! Find it at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick from Friday April 4. Get your tickets here.
Sip your way through the Great Australian Beer SpecTAPular (GABS)
Grab a drink and celebrate beer at GABS. There’s 120 exclusive brews to try that were crafted just for this occasion, as well as cocktails, whiskies, wine and non-alcoholic drinks. When you’re not tasting beer, have fun with live music, masterclasses, a silent disco and more. There will also be plenty of food to pair with your drink. It’s on at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on April 4 and 5. Learn more here.
Browse through the Makers & Shakers Market
Discover a curated line-up of over 175 stalls, featuring homewares, sustainable fashion, food and more! On top of the stalls, you’ll also find creative workshops and activities for the kids. Find The Makers and Shakers Market at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton on Saturday April 5 and Sunday April 6.
Have a spirited day out with Puffing Billy and Four Pillars Gin
Local icons Puffing Billy Railway and Four Pillars Gin have joined forces to create a fun new experience. Hop aboard the beloved heritage train, and journey through the Dandenong Ranges. Then, enjoy a few hours of gin tasting, cocktail making, live music and more! This event will take place on Saturday April 5.
Celebrate Eid at Fed Square
Head to Fed Square on Saturday April 5 in celebration of Eid. The festivities kick off at 4pm, and you can expect a variety of food trucks, free henna art, a colourful installation and a free concert from Pakistani musicians Fareed Ayaz, Abu Muhammad and ensemble. More info here.
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 of course, lots of delectable food. This fantastic Greek party will take place for one day only, on Sunday April 6 from 10am to 3pm.
Set sail on Titanic: A Voyage Through Time
Experience the tragedy of the Titanic like never before with this virtual reality experience. Dive to the wreck site, then journey back in time to explore iconic spaces around the ship, such as the Grand Staircase. Along the way, you’ll meet characters based on real passengers and crew members. Titanic: A Voyage Through Time opens in Melbourne on April 10. Get your tickets here.
Celebrate autumn at Montsalvat
The picturesque Montsalvat is celebrating the season with an Autumn Gathering on Sunday April 6. Walk around the historic grounds, meet resident artists, check out the Pottery Fair and relax with a coffee or pastry. Entry is free for the day, and you can check it out from 10am to 4pm. See more here.
Feel dazzled by Lightfall
Wander along a 1km light trail in the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. Lightfall will feature large-scale light sculptures, lakeside reflections and immersive soundscapes. Check it out from Sunday April 6 to Sunday April 20.
Check out Wall to Wall Festival in Mordialloc
Mordi Village will transform into an open-air art gallery, decked out with murals from ten of the world’s most exciting street artists. There will also be market stalls, art tours and a block party to enjoy. Wall to Wall Festival will return on Saturday April 5 and Sunday April 6.
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 26 to April 20. Browse the program here.
Experience the Hawker 88 Night Market
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. This vibrant event will whisk you around the region every Wednesday night from April 9 to May 7.
See a parody of your favourite heroes in MARVELous The Show
Have a super good time at this risqué reimagining of the Marvel Universe. In this parody show, you can expect funny twists, cool stunts, live vocals and more. MARVELous The Show will take over the National Theatre in St Kilda from April 10 to 20. Get your tickets here.
Feel amazed by the Australian Sand Sculpting Championship
Wander over to the Frankston Waterfront and marvel at the Australian Sand Sculpting Championship as they depict ‘The Villains of Storytime’ out of 300 tonnes of sand. Beyond the sculptures, there’s fun for the whole family with food trucks, mini golf, workshops and more. Check it out from April 5 to 27. See more here.
See the best of contemporary French cinema at the Alliance Française French Film Festival
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 36th edition of this incredible film festival. It will run from March 5 to April 9. See the schedule for Melbourne here.
See glowing installations at LIT in Wyndham Park
The twinkling evening experience, LIT, is returning to Melbourne’s west. Back for its fourth year, you’ll gaze at lovely light installations, dreamy landscapes, dazzling projections and more. This free experience will transform Wyndham Park over 14 glimmering nights. Check it out from Thursday to Sunday, from March 27 to April 13.
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 12. Find participating shops here.
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 12. Get your tickets here.
Have fun at the Turkish Pazar Festival
Experience a traditional Turkish Ramazan Festival at Queen Victoria Market. Look forward to traditional street food, cultural demonstrations, fun activities and more. The Turkish Pazar Festival will take place on Saturday April 12 and Sunday April 13 from 9am to 4pm. See more here.
Check out a new exhibition at National Communication Museum
Head to the National Communication Museum (NCM) in Hawthorn, and explore their new exhibition, Signal to Noise. This exhibition features the work of renowned international artists, and looks at how glitches, interference and disruptions in signals reshape our understanding of communication. It’s open from April 12 to September 11. See more here.
Find your bliss at Soak Bathhouse
After winning plenty of awards and accolades in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the luxurious Soak Bathhouse has finally set its sights on Melbourne. Look forward to a wide range of relaxing experiences, like mineral pools, hot spas, saunas, wellness experiences and more. You’ll find it near Chapel Street, within the $100 million Alfasi Development Precinct in South Yarra. Soak Bathhouse is set to open in mid-April.
Unearth the past at the Australian Heritage Festival
The annual Australian Heritage Festival is back in Victoria this April. Look forward to over 250 free and ticketed events around Melbourne and Victoria, taking over libraries, boats, trains, museums and more. Check out walking tours, workshops, exhibitions and more. The festival is on from April 18 to May 18. Learn more here.
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 movie soundtracks at the aquarium, a tribute to Joe Hisaishi and more. See what’s on here.
See the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at NGV
Nearly 200 works by Yayoi Kusama are on display NGV. This is the largest Kusama exhibition in Australia. See iconic pieces from her eight-decade career, as well as never-before-seen works like a new infinity mirror room.
Party at NGV Friday Nights
The popular NGV Friday Nights are back this summer in support of the aforementioned Yayoi Kusama exhibition. Taking place every Friday night until April 18, you can expect a massive line-up of pop-up performances, music residencies, food, and plenty of drinks.
Embark on an immersive art journey through Van Gogh’s masterpieces
THE LUME Melbourne has brought back their dreamy Van Gogh exhibition. Rediscover his most iconic masterpieces, then embark on a new adventure with the Finding Vincent virtual reality experience.
Experience the rocking Jesus Christ Superstar musical
Holy moly! The celebrated rock musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, is here in Melbourne. This award-winning production by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber is set against some extraordinary events in the final weeks of the life of Jesus Christ, seen through the eyes of Judas. Find it at the Princess Theatre.
See stunning works of art at the Floribunda exhibition
Celebrate the connection between humans and flowers at Bunjil Place Gallery with their exhibition, Floribunda. See over 150 works from NGV, spanning paintings, photography, fashion and more. This exhibition is on from March 29 to July 20. See more here.
Tantalise your taste buds at Dining in the Dark
Embark on a gastronomic adventure while blindfolded at Dining in the Dark. Taking place at Cha Ching, you’ll choose between vegan, seafood or meat options and feast on a three-course meal. Get your tickets here.
Feel the sparks at the Museum of Desire
At the Museum of Desire, you’ll find over 20 sensory-rich experiences that explore desire and pleasure. Feeling curious? Get your tickets here.
Play the ‘Among Us’-style game, Saboteurs
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. Get your tickets here.
See a free street art exhibition with over 100 works
Head to the corner of Hosier Lane and marvel at incredible works of art in The Outsiders Melbourne exhibition. Taken from the Sandrew Collection, you can expect a room dedicated to Banksy, as well as pieces from Rone and more. It will run from now until May 25.
Immerse yourself in a sensory experience at SENSAS
Round up some friends and tackle some fun challenges at SENSAS. Test all five of your senses in some wacky experiences. This playful space is now open. Get your tickets here.
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. Fantastic Film Festival Australia will run from April 24 to May 16. Learn more here.
Take part in an Easter egg hunt
Help the kids have some fun this Easter by taking part in one of the eggcellent Easter egg hunts around Melbourne. See our recommendations here.
Join a thrilling immersive arcade game experience at 123Boom!
You’ll be on the edge of your seat throughout your time at 123Boom!, an immersive puzzle adventure where you and your team are tasked with diffusing a ‘bomb’ to save the day. To do so, you’ll require teamwork, skill, and problem-solving, all racing against the clock as the story advances and the seconds tick down. It’s open now, and you can find your tickets here.
Experience Middle-earth like never before with The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale
Created under licence from Middle-earth Enterprises, you’ll follow Frodo and other beloved Tolkien characters on their quest to destroy the evil One Ring. The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale will play at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne from April 26.
Lock in plans to check out Alcotraz
In this interactive experience, you’ll smuggle liquor into prison and receive up to four personalised cocktails. Alcotraz is now open in Melbourne. Get your tickets here.
Listen to your favourite film scores at Hans Zimmer Live
After a sold-out tour in North America last year, Hans Zimmer is coming to Australia to showcase the music of Pirates of the Caribbean, Interstellar, The Dark Knight, The Lion King and more. See Hans Zimmer Live in Melbourne at Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday April 29 and Wednesday April 30.
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 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 29 to April 27.
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 Australia. This dreamy garden will stay open until April 21.
See an exclusive Frida Kahlo exhibition in Bendigo
See artworks and objects by Frida Kahlo that have never been seen before in Australia. These works have come straight from Museo Frida Kahlo in Mexico. Frida Kahlo: In her own image will be on display at Bendigo Art Gallery from now until Sunday July 13 in 2025.
Stick around for Fiesta Bendigo
After seeing the Frida Kahlo exhibition, stay in Bendigo and find plenty of fun with taco trails, colourful installations, workshops and more experiences inspired by Frida Kahlo and Mexico. Learn more about Fiesta Bendigo here.
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.
Check out Benalla Street Art Festival
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 85 stunning murals. Take part in walking tours, see the artists in action and learn more at artist talks. The festival is on from Friday April 11 to Sunday April 13. Learn more here.
See the spectacular Trail of Lights in Mildura
Travel out to Mildura and wander among 12,500 twinkling ‘firefly lights’ on Lock Island. The spectacular Trail of Lights art installation has been designed by renowned artist, Bruce Munro. Check out this attraction when it opens on Friday April 4.
Go camping
From now until June 30, camping is free in every national park and state forest in Victoria. Not sure where to go first? See our recommendations here.