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 71 years in Melbourne this March. Have fun at the carnival, watch the parade, see some fireworks, check out a free concert and more! Moomba will run from March 6 to 10.
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 13 to 16. See more here.
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 reimagining of the World’s Longest Brunch and more. The festival will run from March 21 to 30.
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.
Indulge in a classic combo at Wine & Cheese Fest
Head to the Timber Yard and explore wine and cheese from 60 local producers. There will also be masterclasses, live music and more. Wine & Cheese Fest will take place on Saturday March 1.
Feel the Force at The Fans Strike Back exhibition
If you love Star Wars, then this exhibition is for you. Fly to a galaxy far, far away, and see over 600 items collected by fans, for fans. See sculptures, life-size figures, costumes and more! The Fan Strikes Back exhibition is open at The District Docklands until March 2. Get your tickets here.
Have a pawsome time at The Pet Show
Head to Melbourne Showgrounds this weekend and have fun at The Pet Show. Interact with pets, see demonstrations, listen to experts and learn about all sorts of pets, from the fluffy to the slimy. It’s all happening on Saturday March 1 and Sunday March 2 from 10am to 4pm.
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.
Stay out late with Nocturnal at Melbourne Museum
The electrifying, after-hours event, Nocturnal, is returning to Melbourne Museum. Enjoy late-night access to exhibitions, and have fun with DJs, cocktails, talks and more. The next event will take place on March 6.
Get dressed up for the Melbourne Fashion Festival
The Melbourne Fashion Festival is back with over 80 events. Check out the runways, explore exhibitions, listen to talks and more. The festival will run from February 22 to March 8. See more here.
Swing into the Port Phillip Mussel & Jazz Festival
The Port Phillip Mussel & Jazz Festival is returning to South Melbourne Market. Expect plenty of seafood, jazz and soul musicians, cooking demonstrations, roving entertainers and more. Check it out on March 8 and 9. See more here.
See what’s happening at ASIA TOPA
After a five-year hiatus, the triennial festival of Asia-Pacific contemporary performance, Asia TOPA, is coming back to Melbourne. Find installations, events, performances, a pop-up nightclub and more. Asia TOPA will run from February 20 to March 10.
See the whimsical Accidentally Wes Anderson exhibition
An exhibition inspired by the colour and symmetry of Wes Anderson films is now open in Melbourne. See over 200 curated photos from around the world, explored themed areas and have fun with interactive sets. Find Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition at 360 Bourke Street from now until Sunday March 16. Get your tickets here.
Explore the Antopia exhibition at Melbourne Museum
Shrink down to the size of an ant and experience a day in the colony at Antopia. This interactive exhibition will feature projections, immersive spaces and more to help you learn about the secrets of ants. Find it at Melbourne Museum from now until March 10. Learn more here.
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.
Embrace the warmer nights at the Summer Night Market
The iconic Summer Night market is back in Queen Victoria Market. Sip on cocktails, feast on delicious food, browse through stalls, enjoy live entertainment and more. It runs on Wednesday nights, from now until March 12.
Have fun at the F1 Melbourne Fan Festival
Get excited for the Grand Prix and check out the free F1 Melbourne Fan Festival. Have fun with Virtual Driver Selfies, a dedicated games zone, food trucks and more. The festivities will take place at Melbourne Park Oval from Wednesday March 12 to Sunday March 16.
Have fun at the Nepal Festival in Fed Square
Head to Fed Square and celebrate Nepalese culture with traditional music, dance, food, market stalls and more. Nepal Festival Melbourne will run from 10am to 10pm on Saturday March 15. See more here.
Experience the rocking Jesus Christ Superstar musical
Holy moly! The celebrated rock musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, is coming to 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 from March 16.
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 the best of Hans Zimmer, a night of Queen vs. ABBA and more. See what’s on here.
Listen to live music at Palace Foreshore
Head to Palace Foreshore in St Kilda for an incredible line-up of outdoor gigs. Check it out from Thursday February 27 to Sunday March 16.
See Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None
Ten strangers are lured to a mansion on an island, when a storm cuts them off from the mainland. And one by one, things take a deadly turn, and their reason for being on the island becomes horribly clear. Strap yourself in for a stage production of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. Based on her best-selling crime novel of all time, you’ll be on the edge of your seat as the story unfolds. See it at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne.
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.
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.
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 or take part in a guided walking tour. The festival will run from March 17 to 23, and on March 22, there will be a fun block party with food, drink and entertainment. See more 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.
Enter a scandalous world at the Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical Party
Celebrate the cult classic film, Cruel Intentions, at this decadent event. This high-energy experience features theatrical performances that unfold around you. Sing along to ’90s anthems, sip on bespoke cocktails and feel a part of the Manhattan elite. Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical Party is now playing at the Alex Theatre in St Kilda. Get your tickets here.
Have a wild time at Roar and Pour
Spend a cosy autumn evening sipping on a brew or two at Melbourne Zoo. They’re keeping the zoo open after-hours to host their first ever beer and spirits festival. At Roar and Pour, you’ll enjoy tastings from local and interstate breweries and distilleries, and explore the zoo after dark. This event will take place on Friday March 21 and Saturday March 22. The festivities will run from 5:30pm to 9:30pm.
Feel the magic of Disney in Concert
Fall in love with the music of your favourite Disney films at the incredible Disney in Concert. Hear beloved tunes performed live by over 100 musicians from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, MSO chorus and a cast of musical theatre stars, guided under the baton of conductor Jessica Gethin. Disney in Concert will play at Hamer Hall in Arts Centre Melbourne from Friday March 21 to Sunday March 23.
Browse through a Vintage Clothing Sale
Pop by Abbotsford Convent and check out a curated selection of high-end designer pieces, collectables and timeless finds. This Vintage Clothing Sale by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) will take place on Saturday March 22 and Sunday March 23. See more here.
Watch movies under the stars at Moonlight Cinema
Enjoy the summer nights by watching festive favourites and new releases at Moonlight Cinema. Find it on the lush Central Lawn at Royal Botanic Gardens.
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.
Enjoy the outdoor cinema at Fed Square
Spend your summer evenings watching movies for free at Fed Square’s outdoor cinema. Look forward to Hollywood blockbusters, Bruce Lee classics, westerns, sci-fi and more. The screenings will run until March 25. See the program here.
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 26 to Sunday March 30.
See glowing installations at LIT in Wyndham Park
he 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.
Keep your eye on the sky at the Avalon Australian International Airshow
Stretching out over 75 hectares at Avalon Airport, the Avalon Australian International Airshow will feature plenty of thrilling civil and military flying performances, as well as on-ground displays, carnival rides and more. This exciting event will be open to the public from Friday March 28 to Sunday March 30.
See a delightful exhibition about flowers at Bunjil Place
Bunjil Place has partnered up with NGV to showcase over 150 works about flowers at Bunjil Place Gallery. In the exhibition, Floribunda, you’ll see paintings, ceramics, sculpture, photography and more works of art from creatives around Australia and overseas. The exhibition is on from March 29 to July 20. See more 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.
Take part in Holi Festival Melbourne
Bring some colour into your life at the Holi Festival Melbourne. This exciting festival of colours is taking over Docklands for two fun-filled days. Enjoy live music, multicultural performances, food and more on March 29 and 30, from 11am to 10pm. Learn more here.
Dress up in white for Le Dîner en Blanc
Dress up in white and enjoy a picnic in a secret location at Le Dîner en Blanc. This pop-up event will take place on Saturday March 29. More info here.
Cool off at this rooftop infinity pool
Spend the warm summer days lounging on the rooftop of Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands. Book a day pass and swim in the infinity pool on select weekdays, and unwind with cocktails and bites. Back by popular demand, the pool is open from now until March 31.
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.
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, market stalls and more. This festival will run from March 8 to 10.
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 15 and 16.
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 will come straight from Museo Frida Kahlo in Mexico. Frida Kahlo: In her own image will be on display at Bendigo Art Gallery from Saturday March 15 to Sunday July 13 in 2025.
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 22 and 23.
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.
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 22, from 11:30am to 8pm. Learn more here.
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.