The last month of autumn is here, and just because the days are getting shorter and chillier, doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to do. Melbourne is full of wonderful things to do in May. Discover some awesome festivals, see cool exhibitions, try some delicious food, watch a show and more!
Here’s what’s on in Melbourne this May
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. Get your tickets here.
See what’s on at YIRRAMBOI festival
Celebrate First Nations art and culture at YIRRAMBOI. The festival this year will explore Legacy, Joy, Reclamation and Akin, with over 400 First Nations creatives across 180 performances and over 40 venues. The festival is on from May 1 to 11. See the program here.
Celebrate Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival
Head to Golden Square and check out the wonderful Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival. Look forward to an animated mural projection, multicultural performances, mindfulness spaces and more. The festival will run from Friday May 2 to Sunday May 4.
Stay up for Sleepless Festival in Footscray
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Melbourne’s inner west will light up with art, music, performances and immersive installations this May at Sleepless Festival. This event will showcase the celebrate the rich culture and talent of Footscray and the western suburbs. Check it out from May 2 to 18. See more here.
Get a little wicked at Prahran Market’s Sin Series
Explore a different sin, such as Gluttony, Wrath or Envy, with limited-edition food offers at Prahran Market. Each weekend in the Sin Series will also have themed music and entertainment related to the sin of the week. It starts on May 3 and will run until June 22.
Find pre-loved treasures at Round She Goes
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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 4, from 10am to 3pm. More info here.
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 is now open at 206 Bourke Street in Melbourne. Get your tickets here.
Feel the Force at a LEGO Star Wars exhibition in Melbourne Museum
Fly to a galaxy far, far away and feel amazed by LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition. Marvel at towering structures, awesome starships and your favourite characters, then join in on the fun with your own builds. LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition will open at Melbourne Museum on May the Fourth.
Have a frightfully fun time at BEETLEJUICE the musical
It’s showtime! The eight-time Tony Award-nominated musical BEETLEJUICE will exclusively haunt Melbourne in the Regent Theatre from Wednesday May 7. This irreverent production is based on the iconic Tim Burton film.
Munch your way through a Beetlejuice High Tea
It’s showtime! To celebrate Beetlejuice The Musical, The Westin Melbourne is throwing a Beetlejuice High Tea. Treat yourself to the themed sweet and savoury bites, then have a devilishly delightful time by trying some cocktails or staying overnight. This high tea will be served daily in the Lobby Lounge from Monday May 12.
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 now until May 7.
Explore the Melbourne Writers Festival
Celebrate the written word with storytellers and more at Melbourne Writers Festival. Check it out from Thursday May 8 to Sunday May 11. Find out more.
Grab a bite at The Observatory in the Royal Botanic Gardens
Nestled in the Royal Botanic Gardens, near Melbourne Observatory, you’ll find a new eatery from Darling Group. This space, known as The Observatory, will be a great place for coffee and relaxed brunches. It will open daily from May 8.
Check out South Side Festival
Head down to Frankston this May for heaps of installations, performances, activities and more at South Side Festival. This festival will run from May 8 to 18. See the full program 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 May include movie soundtracks at the aquarium, a tribute to Taylor Swift and more. See what’s on here.
Journey to the underworld in the award-winning musical Hadestown
The Tony and Grammy-award winning musical, Hadestown, is coming to Melbourne. Follow the intertwining love stories of Orpheus and Eurydice, and King Hades and Persephone. Find it at Her Majesty’s Theatre from May 8. See more here.
Immerse yourself in The Door In Question
Coming back to Melbourne after an excellent run in 2021, The Door in Question will take you across multiple sites in Footscray. This surreal show will give you the experience of psychosis through VR, interactive AI and other forms of cross reality (XR) technologies. It will play in Melbourne as part of Sleepless Footscray Festival from May 8 to 17.
Have a whimsical time at the Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe
Say hello to the whole Sanrio family at the Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe. This sweet spot will open on the Ground Floor of Melbourne Central on Friday May 9.
Check out the Cachivaches Latin Market
Explore the vibrant flavours and sounds of Latin America at the Cachivaches Latin Market. Find plenty of delicious Latin American food, as well as fashion, crafts, music and family-friendly experiences. Find it at Queen Victoria Market on Saturday May 10 and Sunday May 11. See more here.
Celebrate Korean culture throughout the month
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Get swept up in the Hallyu wave this May with the Month Of Korea, a celebration of Korean culture, community and heritage in Melbourne. Look forward to the opening ceremony of Koreatown, a festival in Fed Square and a Korean film festival. Learn more here.
Celebrate Mother’s Day
Your mum deserves the best! Celebrate Mother’s Day on May 11 with tasty food experiences, fun activities and more. See our ideas 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 is now playing at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne.
Tantalise your taste buds at Dining in the Dark
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.
Hear the people sing at Les Misérables – The Arena Spectacular
Les Misérables is the longest running musical in the world, and the London production has just entered its 40th year. To celebrate, an exciting arena production of this musical is going on a world tour. After dazzling crowds in the UK and major European cities, Les Misérables – The Arena Spectacular, is coming to Australia. See it at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne from May 14, 2025.
Feel whisked away to the French Alps in a Fondue Chalet
A wonderfully cosy French foodie experience is coming to Fed Square. Escape to the French Alps and warm up with cheese fondue and mulled wine in your own private chalet. Fondue Chalet will run from Thursday May 15 to Sunday June 22.
See what’s happening at Melbourne Design Week
Celebrate design with a program of talks, tours, exhibitions, installations, workshops and more at Melbourne Design Week. This year, there’s over 350 events to look forward to. Check it out from May 15 to 25. Learn more 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 now until May 16. Learn more here.
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 now until May 18. Learn more here.
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.
Sink your teeth into the MeatShare Food & Music Festival
Look forward to free meat tastings, as well as global street food, live music, eating competitions and more at the MeatShare Food & Music Festival. Find it at Queen Victoria Market on Saturday May 17 and Sunday May 18. Learn more here.
Feel drawn to the Melbourne International Animation Festival
Celebrate storytelling at the Melbourne International Animation Festival. Back for its 25th edition, there’s an exciting line-up of screenings, panels and events to look forward to. It’s on from May 18 to 25. Learn more here.
Check out an 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 now until September 11. See 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.
Experience Star Wars: The Force Awakens in concert
Listen to the iconic score of John Williams, performed live by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra while you watch The Force Awakens unfold on screen. This concert will take place at Hamer Hall from May 22 to 24. 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.
Browse through The Big Design Market
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 23 to 25. Learn more here.
Embark on The Long Walk
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 23. Find more info here.
Gaze at the dazzling DroneArt Show
Let a live string quartet enchant you in an open-air, candlelit concert, while drones light up the sky and dance in harmony with the music. DroneArt Show will take over Caulfield Racecourse on May 23 and 24. Sign up to the waitlist here.
See a free street art exhibition with over 100 works
Supplied/Image credit: Shannyn Higgins
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.
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 now until July 20. See more 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
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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.
Feel a sense of Joy at the Immigration Museum
Source: Museums Victoria/Image: Eugene Hyland
Seven Victorian-based artists are sharing what joy means to them with a variety of delightful rooms at the Immigration Museum. Journey back in time to a 90s video store, cuddle up with a gigantic soft toy rabbit and more. The Joy exhibition is now open for you to explore, and will stay in town until August 29, 2025.
Check out the Good Food & Wine Show
Look forward to artisanal goods, fine wines, spirits, sweet treats and more at the Good Food & Wine Show. Sample the produce, take part in masterclasses and see plenty of celebrity chef demonstrations. This event will take place at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from Friday May 30 to Sunday June 1.
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.
Take a drive to the Rocky Road Festival
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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.
Sip your way through the Grampians Grape Escape
Head to Halls Gap for a weekend of food, wine and music. Explore over 90 stalls, take part in masterclasses, see cooking demonstrations and more. The Grampians Grape Escape will run from Friday May 2 to Sunday May 4. See more here.
Dig in to The Great Trentham Spudfest
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 carby delights, foodie trails, fun activities and more. Check it out on Saturday May 3 and Sunday May 4.
Step back in time for the Ballarat Heritage Festival
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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, live performances and more. The festival will run from Friday May 16 to Sunday May 25.
See the beauty of the Great Ocean Road at this running festival
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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 17 and Sunday May 18. More info here.
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.
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.
Go camping
Image credit: Parks Victoria
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.