Say goodbye to summer and say hello to the cosy days of autumn. Watch the trees begin to change their colour and feel spoiled for choice with all the incredible things to do in Melbourne and beyond this March. Have fun at festivals, try delicious food, see a cool show and more! Scroll through this list and start popping these ideas into your diary. What will you try first?
Here’s what’s on in Melbourne this March
Have fun at Moomba
Moomba Festival is celebrating 72 years in Melbourne this March. Have fun at the carnival, watch the parade, see some fireworks and more! Moomba will run from March 5 to 9.
Race over to the Grand Prix
Zoom over to Albert Park and watch F1 cars race around the Grand Prix Circuit. Off the track, there will be other cool stuff to check out like live music, activities for all ages, delicious food and more. The Grand Prix will run from March 5 to 8. See more here.
Beyond Albert Park, look forward to all sorts of cool events around Melbourne, including McLaren pop-ups and live music parties.
Savour a bite at the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is coming back to town with plenty of festival favourites over ten tasty days. Look forward to the return of the World’s Longest Lunch, Baker’s Dozen, a cake picnic and more. The festival will run from March 20 to 29.
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 25 to April 19. Browse the program here.
Soak up some cricket action at Sheffield Shield Cricket: Victoria vs South Australia
Cricket fans won’t want to miss the action as Sheffield Shield Cricket: Victoria vs South Australia takes over Junction Oval from 14th – 17th March. As part of Australia’s notorious domestic cricket competition, this epic clash sees Victoria face off against South Australia in what promises to be an action-packed few days of test-style cricket. Expect big hits, sharp bowling, and plenty of tension as both sides battle for a strong finish to the season. With a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and the chance to see some of the country’s top players up close, this the perfect way to celebrate one of Australia’s most beloved sports. Get tickets here.
Explore below the surface at BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness
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 from March 27.
Explore the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
The heritage-listed Carlton Gardens and iconic Royal Exhibition Building will be transformed into a plant paradise. Be amazed by enchanting floral and landscape designs, workshops and more at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. This festival for all ages will run from Wednesday March 25 to Sunday March 29.
Don’t miss the Greek street party, Antipodes Festival
Celebrate Greek culture at this colossal festival on the historic Lonsdale Street Greek Precinct. Look forward to plenty of delicious food, live entertainment, market stalls and more. Antipodes Festival will take place on Saturday February 28 and Sunday March 1. See more here.
Experience a world of colour at Holi Festival Melbourne
Celebrate Holi across two massive days, with live music, dance performances, food and drink, and of course, a rainbow of plant-based, non-toxic colours. Holi Festival Melbourne will take place in Ron Barassi Snr Park (West) in Docklands on February 28 and March 1. More details here.
Listen to the original singers from your favourite Studio Ghibli films
Head to the Palais Theatre and listen to The Music of Studio Ghibli Original Singers Symphony. Hear the voices of original singers like Yoshikazu Mera and Sumi Shimamoto, alongside the 17-member Tokyo Asia Orchestra. This concert will take place on Sunday March 1.
Catch jaw-dropping aerial acts at Blanc de Blanc Encore
Blanc de Blanc Encore is no ordinary night at the circus – it is an adults-only extravaganza, combining sexy circus, sultry cabaret and risqué comedy. The opulent show has arrived at Spiegel Haus for a summer season, and this is not one to be missed. Expect to be dazzled and delighted by a line-up of world-class performers, all set within the immersive and intimate Spiegel Haus venue. Tickets are now on sale – get yours fast!
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 37th edition of this incredible film festival. It will run from March 4 to April 8. See the schedule for Melbourne here.
Dance the night away at Melbourne’s Biggest Race Weekend After Party
This month, Revolut is taking over The Timber Yard to celebrate Race Weekend with a bang, hosting a massive after party on Saturday March 7 which is set to keep the celebrations going long after the track goes quiet. Expect high-energy sets from breakout stars of the Australian electronic and club scene like Baby J & more, plus two drinks included with every ticket to get the night started right. Doors open at 9pm and the music and good vibes will flow until late. Tickets are $30, strictly limited and selling fast, so make sure you secure yours now!
Have fun at the F1 Melbourne Fan Festival
Soak in the thrilling atmosphere of the Grand Prix at the free F1 Melbourne Fan Festival. Have fun with live broadcasts, racing simulators, a show car and more. The festivities will take place at Fed Square from Friday March 6 to Sunday March 8.
Join the party at Live at the Gardens
Live at the Gardens is returning to Melbourne this March. Head to the Royal Botanic Gardens, and listen to live music from world-class artists. While you’re there, enjoy a bite from food trucks and swing by the bar for a drink. There will be performances on March 6, 7, 8, 13 and 15.
Watch movies under the stars at Moonlight Cinema
Enjoy the warm nights by watching familiar favourites and new releases at Moonlight Cinema. Find it on the lush Central Lawn at Royal Botanic Gardens.
Embrace the warmer nights at the Summer Night Market
The iconic Summer Night market has returned to Queen Victoria Market. Sip on cocktails, feast on delicious food, browse through stalls, enjoy live entertainment and more. Find it on Wednesday nights from now until March 11.
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 March include a tribute to Taylor Swift and the best of Joe Hisaishi. See what’s on here.
Feel the beat at MJ The Musical
The Tony Award-winning show, MJ The Musical, is now playing in Melbourne. Set in 1992, this production offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Michael Jackson’s Dangerous World Tour. Hear over 25 of MJ’s greatest hits, including Beat It, Thriller and Smooth Criminal. Find it at Her Majesty’s Theatre from now until March 13. Learn more here.
Check out the new K-pop festival 안녕 (Hello), Melbourne
See K-pop artists ENHYPEN, TREASURE and TAEMIN at the new Hello, Melbourne music festival. Find it at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday, March 14.
Indulge in a classic combo at Wine & Cheese Fest
Head to the Timber Yard and explore wine and cheese from over 70 local producers. There will also be masterclasses, entertainment and more. Wine & Cheese Fest will take place on Saturday March 14.
Don’t miss the Heated Rivalry lookalike contest
Yah Yah’s is hosting a Hudson and Connor Lookalike Competition on Saturday March 14 at 9pm. Swing by and find Melbourne’s own Hudson Williams or Connor Storrie.
Have a killer night out at Cluedo the play
Love a good murder mystery? Then you’ll love seeing Cluedo on stage. Inspired by the popular board game, and based on the 1985 film, Clue, this chaotic show has come to Melbourne. Follow a group of suspicious dinner guests, and embrace your inner detective. Find it at the Comedy Theatre from now until March 15.
Feel dazzled by Ballet of Lights
Watch as talented ballet dancers bring your favourite stories to life, while performing in glowing costumes. Find Ballet of Lights at the Capitol Theatre.
Check out Frankston’s Street Art Festival
Frankston is transforming into an open-air art gallery with their Street Art Festival. Stroll through the laneways, take part in a guided tour, try out a workshops and more. The festival will run from March 16 to 22. See more here.
Have a laugh at The Book of Mormon
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.
Strut your way to NGV’s Westwood | Kawakubo exhibition
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.
Party at NGV Friday Nights
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.
Marvel at the dazzling DIVA exhibition
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.
Feel swept away by music in The Jazz Room
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.
Enter a courtroom drama in The Jury Experience
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.
See a movie at Sunset Cinema
Spend a leisurely evening at St Kilda Botanical Gardens, and watch movies under the stars at Sunset Cinema,from now until March 21.
Browse through a Vintage Clothing Sale
Pop by Abbotsford Convent and check out a curated selection of high-end designer pieces, stylish accessories and timeless finds. This Vintage Clothing & Collectables Sale by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) will take place on Saturday March 21 and Sunday March 22. See more here.
Take part in the Rialto Runup
Run, walk or even crawl your way up 1240 stairs from the bottom to the top of the Rialto Building. This event aims to raise funds charity Giant Steps, which provides services for children and adults impacted by autism. The Rialto Runup will take place on Sunday March 22. Registrations are open.
See awesome movies at the Best Biggest IMAX Film Festival
The IMAX at Melbourne Museum is showcasing some incredible movies like Sinners, Dune, Oppenheimer and The Dark Knight Trilogy as part of the Best Biggest IMAX Film Festival.
Pop over to Balloon Story
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.
Make a new FRIEND in this cool robot exhibition
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.
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.
Try to escape Prison Island
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.
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?
Celebrate the Victorian Multicultural Festival at Grazeland
Head to Grazeland and soak in a global atmosphere, with live performances like Polynesian drumming, Irish dance, Vietnamese lion dancing, roving Brazilian entertainers and more. While you’re there, feast on plenty of delicious cuisine and enjoy live music and DJs. The Victorian Multicultural Festival will run from Friday March 27 to Sunday March 29.
Feel amazed by sand sculptures on the Frankston waterfront
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.
See the Melbourne debut of Africa Film Fest Australia
After two successful years in Sydney, Africa Film Fest Australia is coming to Melbourne for the first time. Head to Cinema Nova and watch a curated selection of movies from Friday March 27 to Sunday March 29. See the program here.
Play your way through the Game Worlds exhibition at ACMI
This exciting exhibition will put you inside the worlds of 30 videogames, and 20 of them will be playable. Explore pioneering games from the 1970s and continue on to beloved modern titles. Expect original concept art, rare objects, playable demos and more. Game Worlds is now open at ACMI and will stay in town until March 29.
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.
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 from December 26 to April 19.
Escape to the Ballarat Begonia Festival
Feel enchanted by the Ballarat Begonia Festival over Labour Day weekend. See thousands of beautiful blooms in the begonia display, as well as roving entertainment, a parade and more. This festival will run from March 7 to 9.
Celebrate seafood at Hooked on Lakes Entrance
Lakes Entrance will be bustling with activities for fishing enthusiasts and seafood lovers. Expect cooking demonstrations, fishing clinics for kids, live music and more. Hooked at Lakes Entrance will take place onSunday March 8. The main event will run from 11am to 4pm, with live music, food and drinks continuing until 8pm.
Sip your way through Tastes of Rutherglen
Escape to Rutherglen and sip over 200 wines across 17 cellar doors. Beyond the cellar door, you’ll also find local food pairings, harvest activities and live music. Tastes of Rutherglen is on from March 6 to 8.
Heat things up at the Herb and Chilli Festival
The annual Herb and Chilli Festival is coming back to Wandin. Take a drive out to the Yarra Valley and challenge your taste buds with food and market stalls. There will also be cooking demonstrations, live music, competitions and more. The festival will take place on March 14 and 15. Learn more here.
Put on your reading glasses for the Clunes Booktown Festival
The Clunes Booktown Festival is returning, with book traders, workshops, author talks, food stalls and live entertainment descending upon the charming gold rush town on March 21 and 22.
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 21 to April 19.
Have a frothy good time at The High Country Hop
Drive out to Beechworth and mark the end of the annual hop harvest at The High Country Hop. Sip your way through plenty of delicious beer, and enjoy a stellar line-up of live music. The festival will take place on Saturday March 28. Learn more here.