The Most Magnificent Things To Do In Melbourne This May

A retro market dedicated to pre-loved fashion and accessories is coming to Melbourne. At Round She Goes, you’ll find over 50 stalls, showcasing a range of designer clothing, handmade jewellery, retro accessories and quality knick-knacks. You can find it at Coburg Town Hall on Sunday May 3, from 10am to 3pm. More info here.

The Immigration Museum is lighting up with the striking, immersive show, Eonarium: Enlightenment. Paired with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, you’ll feel hypnotised by colourful projections that will sweep you away on a journey through spring, summer, autumn and winter. Get your tickets here.

The twinkling evening experience, LIT, is back in Melbourne’s west. Back for its fifth year, you’ll gaze at lovely light installations and dazzling projections. It’s free to attend, and you’ll find it in Wyndham Park from now until May 3, from 6pm to 10pm. Learn more here.

The Broadway musical, Waitress, is making its Australian premiere in Melbourne. Follow Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie maker, who longs to escape her marriage and start again. Find it at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne from May 1. Learn more here.

Composer and songwriter Alan Menken is performing in Melbourne for just one night. This EGOT winner was behind the music in Disney films like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, as well as Broadway favourites like Little Shop of Horrors and Sister Act. See him perform at the Palais Theatre on Wednesday, May 6.

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. The market will run every Wednesday night from now until May 6.

Celebrate the written word with storytellers at Melbourne Writers Festival. Look forward to conversations, workshops and special events. Check it out from Thursday May 7 to Sunday May 10. Find out more.

See Sarah Giles’ lavish production of Verdi’s La Traviata. In this opera, the coveted courtesan Violetta meets Alfredo, and her life changes forever. See it at the Regent Theatre from May 8 to 16. More info here.

If you’ve ever wanted to wander through a dreamscape made of shimmering bubbles and glowing colours, here’s your moment: Bubble Planet is drifting into Melbourne. This immersive, multi-sensory experience invites you to explore 10 playful, interactive environments designed to awaken your senses and bring out your inner child. Find it at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick. Get your tickets here.

The annual South Side Festival is coming back to Frankston. Look forward to ten thrilling nights of art and culture, with dazzling light installations, live performances, a cold water swim, hands-on workshops and more! It’s all happening from Friday, May 8 to Sunday, May 17.

The Royal Exhibition Building is having an open day on May 9 and 10. Explore the Dome, check out an exhibition, look forward to live performances, enjoy food trucks and more. See the program here.

A wonderfully cosy French foodie experience is coming to Fed Square. Escape to the French Alps and warm up with either cheese fondue or raclette in your own private chalet. Fondue Chalet will run from Thursday, May 14 to Sunday, June 28.

Celebrate design with a program of talks, tours, exhibitions, workshops and more at Melbourne Design Week. This year, there’s over 400 events to look forward to. Check it out from May 14 to 24. Learn more here.

The NBA is bringing NBA House, an immersive basketball experience and fan event, to Australia for the first time. Taking over The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne, this event will feature live viewing parties, player appearances, basketball activities, limited-edition merch and more. Check it out from May 14 to 17.

Join Melbourne City Mission at the MCG, and sleep overnight. On the night, there will be live music, games, DJs, a fashion parade, prizes and more. Funds raised will go towards supporting young people that are experiencing homelessness. Sleep at the ‘G will take place on Thursday, May 14. Learn more here.

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. Get your tickets here.

Head to Lido Cinemas, Thornbury Picture House or Brunswick Picture House and get your fix on cult and arthouse cinema. Fantastic Film Festival Australia will run from now until May 15. Learn more here.

Experience thrilling shows like Blanc de Blanc Encore, enjoy the return of Late Night Vice, feel enchanted at The Magician’s Table and more! See what’s playing at Spiegel Haus here.

At the Museum of Desire, you’ll find over 20 sensory-rich experiences that explore desire and pleasure. This experience must close on May 17. Feeling curious? Get your tickets here.

The annual Australian Heritage Festival is back in Victoria this April. Look forward to hundreds of events around Melbourne and Victoria, such as walking tours, workshops, exhibitions and more. The festival is on from April 18 to May 18. Learn more here.

See original statues, mosaics, frescos and more at the Melbourne-exclusive exhibition, Rome: Empire, Power, People. Learn all about the spectacle, rise, rule and legacy of this powerful civilisation. The exhibition is now on display at Melbourne Museum. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the extended program, like a Brunetti Classico pop-up or art classes.

For three days and nights this May, Footscray will light up with music, performances and art for Sleepless Festival. Check it out from May 15 to 17. See more here.

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 May include the best of Hans Zimmer at the aquarium, a classical event for babies and more. See what’s on here.

Journey back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth at Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary. Wander along trails and marvel at over 60 animatronic dinosaurs in this prehistoric event. Dinos at the Zoo will run from now until Sunday, July 12.

Witness death-defying acrobatics, hilarious clowning and whimsical characters under the Big Top at KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil. Find it at Flemington Racecourse from May 20 to July 19.

The Big Design Market is coming back to Melbourne for their ‘Almost Winter’ edition this May. Check out creations from over 250 designers and makers, then indulge in some gourmet food and drinks. Check it out at the Royal Exhibition Building from May 22 to 24.

In 2004, former AFL player Michael Long walked all the way from Melbourne to Parliament House in Canberra to raise awareness about Indigenous issues. This year, head to the Birrarung Marr Hilltop and listen to live music from Indigenous artists, try some free sport and art activations, fuel up with food trucks and Walk To The G as part of the traditional Dreamtime match between Essendon and Richmond. The Long Walk will take place on Friday May 22. Find more info here.

Throw it back, and dance all night long to your favourite disco tunes from ABBA, The Bee Gees, Cher and more. Disco attire is encouraged! Find the Gimme Gimme Disco at Ms Collins on Friday May 22. Get your tickets here.

Watch as talented ballet dancers bring your favourite stories to life, while performing in glowing costumes. Find Ballet of Lights at the Capitol Theatre. See what’s playing here.

In The Vinyl Factory: Reverb, you’ll explore the influence of vinyl culture and music on art, fashion, film and social movements. Originally produced in London, this exhibition showcases The Vinyl Factory Collection and takes a deep dive into different eras of music. Expect a deep listening room, interactive moments, large-scale installations and more. The exhibition will open at ACMI on Friday, May 22, and run until Monday, August 31.

ACMI and the ABC are celebrating 60 years of Play School! Young fans are encouraged to visit this free exhibition, and explore the behind-the-scenes of this beloved show. Play School: Come and Play! is great for those aged two to five, and is running from now until July 12.

RISING festival is coming back to Melbourne. Embrace the colder nights and look forward to over 100 events, featuring 376 artists, seven world premieres and 11 Australian premieres. Find the festival all across the city, in railway ballrooms, galleries, town halls, theatres and more. RISING will run from Wednesday May 27 to Monday June 8.

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.

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. Get your tickets here.

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.

If you’re a foodie, you don’t want to miss the annual Good Food & Wine Show. Look forward to over 300 exhibitors, live cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and more! New to the event this year is a precinct dedicated to bakeries, as well as intimate cooking sessions with celebrity chefs. It’s all happening at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from Friday May 29 to Sunday May 31.

Scream, jump and dance through the night at this high-energy rave, featuring bangers from Blink-182, My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Paramore and more. Emo Night Brooklyn will take place on Friday, May 29 at Rubix Warehouse. Get your tickets here.

State Library Victoria is transforming into an after-hours party. Check out the latest exhibition, Rebel Heart: Love letters and other declarations, hear from curators, and dance under the Dome with the help of the best DJs around town. Library Up Late will take place on Friday May 29 from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Learn more here.

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie are dedicating the month to an old favourite — Rocky Road. There’s 31 flavours on offer, plus tasting sessions and more treats at the Rocky Road Festival.

Head to Halls Gap for a weekend of food, wine and music. See over 100 exhibitors, including local winemakers, brewers and artisans, listen to live music, take part in hands-on experiences and more. The Grampians Grape Escape will run from Friday May 1 to Sunday May 3. See more here.

Drive 90 minutes away from Melbourne to the tiny town of Trentham and have a feast at The Great Trentham Spudfest. Have a spudtacular time with food, market stalls, live entertainment and more. Check it out on Saturday May 2 and Sunday May 3.

Escape to the High Country and admire beautiful autumn colours at the Bright Autumn Festival. See fiery trees, attend a nut festival, check out a market and more. The festival will run from Friday April 24 to Sunday May 3. More info here.

Taking over sites like the historic Mining Exchange and the Rare Trades Centre, the inaugural Ballarat Craft and Design Week will feature a central exhibition, as well as creative workshops, open studios, talks and more. It’s all happening from Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 10.

Escape to the Yarra Valley and listen to live music, take part in workshops, browse through a market and more at Healesville Festival. The first day will be all about venue hopping through some awesome bars, wineries and distilleries, while the second day will be packed with family fun at Queens Park. The festival will take place on Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10. More info here.

Travel to the picturesque Wombat Park Estate in Daylesford and watch as the grand avenues and enchanting gardens are set ablaze with autumn splendour. Then, check out the market on the lawn for food, drink and local produce. The autumn open garden will take place on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17.

Take in gorgeous seaside views from Lorne to Apollo Bay at the Great Ocean Road Running Festival. On top of the running, there’s also heaps of fun activities and entertainment to discover, including live music and a kite festival. This running festival will take place on Saturday May 16 and Sunday May 17. More info here.

Bundle up and travel to Fish Creek in South Gippsland for a charming celebration of the humble tea cosy. Set over nine days, you can expect cute teapots dressed in woolly works of art, plenty of Devonshire tea, a community market and more. The Fish Creek Tea Cosy Festival will run from Saturday, May 16 to Sunday, May 24.

Dive into Ballarat’s reputation as a historic destination, and uncover plenty of interesting stories and fun activities at the Ballarat Heritage Festival. Celebrate this regional town with unique experiences, special events, exhibitions and more. The festival will run from Thursday May 21 to Sunday May 24.