Summer has ended and autumn has begun but that doesn’t mean the fun has run its course. Feel the autumn breeze, 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?
1. Have fun at Moomba
Moomba Festival is taking over the Labour Day long weekend, with Birdman Rally making a return. Have fun at the carnival, watch the parade, see some fireworks and more!
Moomba will run from March 9 to 13. Find more details here.
2. Savour a bite at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
The iconic Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is coming back this month. There’s over 100 events happening around Melbourne, from their exciting hub in Fed Square to their Crawl and Bite tours around the suburbs.
The culinary festival will run from March 24 to April 2. Learn more on their website.
3. Have a laugh at 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 festival will run from March 29 to April 23. Browse the program here.
4. Indulge in a classic combo at Wine & Cheese Fest
Head to the Timber Yard and explore wine and cheese from 50 local producers. There will also be masterclasses, live music, a kids zone and more. Wine & Cheese Fest will take place on Sunday March 5.
5. Treat yourself to some seriously cheesy gnocchi
South Yarra’s Cucinetta is bringing back their famously cheesy gnocchi. This March, you’ll be able to feast on their 29 cheese gnocchi inside their intimate 29 square metre restaurant. Try it for lunch or have it for dinner, from Wednesday March 1 to Sunday March 12.
6. See the best of contemporary French cinema at the Alliance Française French Film Festival
Be swept away by thrillers, dramas, comedy and more at the Alliance Française French Film Festival. Discover the best in contemporary French cinema in the 34th edition of this incredible film festival. It will run from March 8 to April 5.
See the schedule for Melbourne here.
7. Solve the mystery at The Mousetrap
The world’s longest-running play is now showing in Melbourne. See Agatha Christie’s legendary play, The Mousetrap, at the Comedy Theatre. More info here.
8. 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.
9. Check out the Melbourne Fashion Festival
Discover runways, workshops, industry events, exhibitions and more at the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival. This festival will run from March 3 to 11.
See what’s happening at the festival here.
10. Stay out late with Nocturnal x Melbourne Fashion Festival
The electrifying, after-hours party, Nocturnal, is returning to Melbourne Museum. This late-night series features live music, museum tours, curator talks, classes and pop-up performances. And now, they’re serving up fashion too, as part of PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival’s Fashion Culture Program. Check it out on Friday March 10, from 7pm to 11pm.
11. Check out the NGV Teens: Art Party
Teenagers are invited to NGV for one night of art, music, fashion, games, talks and workshops. The NGV Teens: Art Party is Y2K-themed this year, so you’re welcome to channel the period and get dressed up. Explore the Alexander McQueen exhibition after hours, then listen to live music and enjoy snacks, giveaways, a passport-style photobooth and more! This event will take place on Saturday March 4, from 6pm to 9pm.
12. Immerse yourself in this intriguing cocktail exhibition
Dive into the world of cocktails and mixology like never before, with Australia’s first immersive cocktail exhibition at Kingpin in Crown. Explore interactive spaces and engage all of your senses, and go on a journey through a curated cocktail menu. Expect scented bubbles, soundscapes, projections and more. The Art of Mixology will open from a limited time, from March 3 to 12.
13. Have a splashing good time with WET Sunday Sessions
Spend your Sundays lazing by the gorgeous pool in W Melbourne, sipping on cocktails and admiring the gorgeous Melbourne skyline. These poolside parties will take place every Sunday from March 5, and will run from 2pm to 6pm.
14. Dance your way through Sonica Music Festival
Celebrate Asian pop music at Sidney Myer Music Bowl. This new music festival features a stacked line-up of international stars, including ZICO and Henry. A curated selection of food trucks will also be on site in case you get hungry. Sonica will take place on Friday March 17.
15. Walk through an illuminated wonderland at LIT in Wyndham Park
Head to Melbourne’s west and enter a magical, glowing dreamscape. Wander through magical landscapes, see a dazzling laser show, a rainbow sky canopy, interactive projections and more. This immersive experience will transform Wyndham Park over ten glimmering nights. It’s free to attend, and will run from 8pm to 11pm, from Friday March 17 to Sunday March 26.
16. Take part in Melbourne Holi Festival
Bring some colour into your life at the Melbourne Holi Festival. This exciting festival of colours is taking over Docklands for two fun-filled days. Enjoy live music, dance performances, food and more on March 11 and 12, from 12pm to 10pm. Find more details here.
17. Watch a performance of Don Quixote by the Australian Ballet
This remarkable show will bring the 1973 Don Quixote film to life on stage. See it at the State Theatre in Arts Centre Melbourne from March 15 to 25. Learn more here.
18. Celebrate at the Turkish Pazar Festival
Head to Queen Vic Market and feel transported to a traditional Turkish street bazaar. Enjoy tasty traditional street food, arts and craft displays in cultural tents and entertainment. There will also be prayers and fundraising to support the victims of the earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria. The festival will take place on March 11 and 12, from 9am to 4pm.
19. Wander through the Summer Night Market
The iconic Summer Night Market is having its final weeks at Queen Vic Market. Sip on cocktails, go market browsing, and try food from over 125 stalls, shops and bars. It runs on Wednesday nights, from now until March 15.
20. See the pop-tacular Shakespearean musical, & Juliet
See Shakespeare get a remix with some of the most beloved pop anthems in upcoming, Olivier-Award-winning musical, & Juliet. After premiering on London’s West End in 2019, and playing in Toronto, this critically-acclaimed show is having its Australian premiere, right here in Melbourne. Find it at the Regent Theatre this month. More info here.
21. Have a fur-bulous time at The Pet Show
Australia’s first national Pet Show is coming to Melbourne. Whether you’ve got a furry friend, a scaly pal or you just like animals, you’ll be sure to have a great time. Listen to experts, interact with pets, find pawfect products and more at Melbourne Showgrounds on Saturday March 25 and Sunday March 26.
22. Check out the Taste of Asia Festival
At this free event, you’ll celebrate the Asian community of Melbourne. Enjoy Asian street food and fusion bites, and have fun with dance performances, music and cultural activities. The Taste of Asia Festival will take place on Saturday March 25, from 11am to 9pm.
23. Go back in Time with this Rone exhibition in Flinders Street Station
Step into the mysterious third floor and ballroom of Flinders Street Station, and discover a forgotten era of Melbourne. Explore 11 large-scale installations, meticulously placed around the heritage-listed space. This exhibition will run until Sunday April 23.
24. Swing into the Port Phillip Mussel & Jazz Festival
The Port Phillip Mussel & Jazz Festival is returning to its full glory at South Melbourne Market. Expect over six tonnes of mussels on the menu, as well as plenty of pop-up vendors, jazz and soul musicians and more. Celebrate the festival’s eighth birthday over Labour Day weekend, on March 11 and 12.
25. Fall in love with Romeo and Juliet under the stars
Watch Shakespeare’s timeless and tragic tale of romance unfold before your eyes at the Royal Botanic Gardens, from now until March 11.
26. Immerse yourself in the Gandel Gondwana Garden at Melbourne Museum
Go on a journey through Victoria’s ancient landscapes in this 900 sqm adventure garden. Learn about the science of Victoria’s biodiversity, and the prehistoric animals, plants and habitats that shaped our state’s environment over millions of years. The Gandel Gondwana Garden is perfect for children, and opens at Melbourne Museum on Friday March 3.
27. Explore the dome of the Royal Exhibition Building
For the first time in 100 years, the dome of the Royal Exhibition Building is open to the public. Head up there and see it for yourself, and take in gorgeous views of the Melbourne skyline.
28. Keep your spirits high with this decadent gin high tea
Enjoy gourmet bites and gin-infused treats, as well as drinks from Hendrick’s Gin. This indulgent high tea is available at The Waiting Room in Crown on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from now until Sunday March 26.
29. Feel amazed by Grounded at Fed Square
The iconic Parrtjima – A Festival in Light is sharing a taste of their incredible installations outside of the Northern Territory for the first time. See the beloved Grounded installation, a giant display that transforms curated Indigenous artworks into an animated display. Immerse yourself in the artwork, listen to the enthralling soundscape, and absorb the stories, symbols and knowledge for two nights only. Find it at Fed Square from March 10 to 11. See more here.
30. See a movie under the stars at Moonlight Cinema
Enjoy a mix of new releases and nostalgic favourites under the stars at Royal Botanic Gardens. See the March program here.
31. Save money when dining out thanks to TheFork Festival
For one whole month, anyone who makes a reservation at participating restaurants on TheFork’s website will receive up to 50 per cent off their dining bill. Book in for breakfast, lunch or dinner at fine dining restaurants, cafés, bars and more. TheFork Festival will run from March 1 to April 2.
32. Enjoy a throwback with Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical
Back for an encore season, you’ll enter the manipulative world of Manhattan and sing along to the best tunes of the 90s. Cruel Intentions is now playing its final weeks at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre, and must leave on March 12. More info here.
33. See the Alexander McQueen exhibition at NGV
Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos Muse is the first major Australian exhibition to explore his thought-provoking work, sources of inspiration and creative process. This exhibition showcases over 120 garments and accessories, alongside over 80 works of art. The Alexander McQueen exhibition is now on at NGV International, and will run until April 16.
34. Wander through this vivid reimagining of The Parthenon at NGV
See this gorgeous installation, complete with colourful artworks from local creators, in the Grollo Equiset Garden at NGV for free.
35. Stay late at NGV Friday Nights
Browse the McQueen exhibition in the evening, then listen to live DJs, visit pop-up bars and try some English-inspired dining. This event will run from 6-10pm on Friday Nights, from now until April 14.
36. Feel mesmerised by the work of Monet and more at The Lume
Go on a journey across France in this multisensory experience, with vibrant projections and sounds immersing you in the world of French Impressionism. Take a picture on Monet’s Bridge over a Pond, dance with Degas’ ballerinas, plunge yourself into a world of waterlilies, and much, much more.
37. Dive into Submerged at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Go on an immersive journey and see the wonder of underwater worlds in this multisensory digital exhibition. Start on a shimmering shoreline and dive below the depths into the bioluminescent unknown.
38. Be whisked away to Hogwarts with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
The magical story of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been reimagined as a one-part play. See a whole new generation of young wizards take the stage, with fascinating illusions, a heartfelt story and more. Return to Hogwarts at the Princess Theatre.
39. Listen to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in concert
Listen to Melbourne Symphony Orchestra perform the score for part two of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This live performance will run from March 30 to April 1 at Hamer Hall.
40. Race over to the Grand Prix Street Party
Head to Middle Park Hotel and have fun at the Grand Prix Street Party. For four thrilling days, you’ll catch the Grand Prix on a grand screen, and enjoy live music, drinks, and food. This party will run from Thursday March 30 to Sunday April 2.
41. Have a practically perfect time at the Mary Poppins musical
Everyone’s favourite nanny is has flown into Melbourne. See Mary Poppins, Bert and more beloved characters come to life in this spectacular stage adaptation by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
42. Solve a murder mystery at Labassa Mansion
Roam the rooms of this opulent mansion and search for clues to solve a murder.
Get your tickets here.43. 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, high tea and more at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. This festival for all ages will start on Wednesday March 29 and run until Sunday April 2.
Find more details here.44. Escape to this field and Pick Your Own Sunflowers
Drive out to Dunnstown and explore this massive sunflower field. Take gorgeous pictures and pick your own sunflowers to take home and bloom.
The fields are subject to the season and expected to open this month. Stay tuned for updates on their social media.
45. Enjoy a foodie festival at The Peninsula Picnic
At The Peninsula Picnic, you’ll savour all the perks of a foodie festival, with plenty of local food and wine, while listening to some talented Australian musicians. Enjoy the autumn breeze, pack a picnic rug, and drive down to Mornington Racecourse on Saturday March 25.
More details here.46. 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 discover over 80 different stallholders, explore over 20 different cuisines, and have fun with cooking demonstrations, entertainment and kid’s activities. This festival will take place on March 18 and 19.
More info here.47. Take your dog to Warratina Lavender Farm
Visit this beautiful lavender farm in the Yarra Valley with your precious pooch for a fun day out. Browse a doggy market and find beautiful gifts for your furry friend, book them in for a grooming session, take part in competitions, see demonstrations and more! This adorable Dog Day at Warratina Lavender Farm will take place on Sunday March 26.
Learn more about it here.48. Discover arts and culture at Darebin’s FUSE Festival
Streets, parks, venues, theatres, galleries and other public spaces around Darebin will be transformed into hubs of culture and creativity. Explore this multi-arts festival from March 11 to 26.
See what’s happening here.49. 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 25 acres of gardens, and be greeted by over 3 million bright blooms. After admiring the vivid blossoms, stay a little longer and have fun with circus performers, a tractor train and more. Head out to the Dandenong Ranges, and see this festival from March 25 to April 25.
50. 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 live music, workshops, markets, roving performers and more. This festival is completely free, and will run from March 11 to 13.
Learn more about it here.51. *BONUS* Escape to the Barossa Valley with unforgettable events at Jacob’s Creek
Make this the month of spontaneous trips with these exclusive offers from Jacob’s Creek. Sign up to their newsletter for free, and you’ll access great deals on events at their stunning Barossa Valley residence. Sounds tempting right? You could upgrade your Candlelight concert experience with an idyllic packed picnic. Or if you can’t make the concert, pick any date in 2023 and visit for an immersive tasting experience! Just be sure to book before March 14 to access the offer.