It’s the last month of autumn, 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 are some of our top recommendations on where to go, what to see and what to look forward to in Melbourne this month.
1. Attend The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience
Calling all lords and ladies! You’re invited to a remarkable social affair that will transport you into the world of Bridgerton. Visit the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick for the magnificent Queen’s Ball. Sip on cocktails, dance to live music, and perhaps, be named Diamond of the Season. This splendid event will run from Friday May 24. See more here.
2. Celebrate Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival
Head to Fed Square and check out the wonderful Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival. Look forward to fireworks, multicultural performances, meditative spaces and more. The festival will run from Friday May 3 to Sunday May 5.
3. Dance over to We Call It Flamenco
Find a touch of Andalusia in The Capitol Theatre at the unique show, We Call It Flamenco. Watch professional dancers showcase the passion of flamenco along with live music. See it on Friday May 3. Get your tickets here.
4. Stay up for Sleepless Festival in Footscray
Melbourne’s inner west will light up with art, music, performances and 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 4 to 19.
5. Find pre-loved treasures at Round She Goes
A retro market dedicated to pre-loved fashion and accessories is coming to Melbourne. At Round She Goes, you’ll find 60 stalls, showcasing a range of designer clothing, handmade jewellery, retro accessories and quality knick-knacks. The best part? Prices start at just $10! You can find it at Coburg Town Hall on Sunday May 5, from 10am to 3pm.
6. Feel drawn to the Melbourne International Animation Festival
Celebrate storytelling at the Melbourne International Animation Festival. Back for its 24th edition, there’s 29 curated screenings to look forward to, featuring over 170 films from Australia and overseas. It’s on from Sunday May 5 to Sunday May 12 at the Treasury Theatre. Learn more here.
7. Explore the Melbourne Writers Festival
Celebrate the written word with storytellers, journalists and more at Melbourne Writers Festival. Check it out from Monday May 6 to Sunday May 12. Find out more.
8. Take your taste buds on a trip at the Hawker 88 Night Market
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Asia at the Hawker 88 Night Market. Find sizzling street food, cultural performances, eating competitions and more. This event at Queen Victoria Market will run on Wednesday nights for five weeks, with a different theme each time. It will end on May 8.
9. 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. This year, there’s 24 movies and 14 short films for you to discover. Fantastic Film Festival Australia will run from now until May 9 at Lido Cinemas. Learn more here.
10. Have a brilliant time at The Art of the Brick
The Art of the Brick is now showing in Melbourne! This immersive experience has over 100 sculptures made from over 1 million LEGO® bricks, as well as moving sculptures, cool projections and more. Check it out at Melbourne Showgrounds. Get your tickets here.
11. Have fun at Korea Festival in Fed Square
Korea Festival is coming back to Melbourne this May. This free festival will have plenty of food to try, performances to see and cultural booths with craft and clothing. Find it at Fed Square on May 10 and 11. Learn more here.
12. Feel enchanted by A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Bell Shakespeare are taking over the Arts Centre with their production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Check it out in Fairfax Studio from now until May 11. Learn more here.
13. Watch the play, RBG: Of Many, One
After a sold-out encore season at the Sydney Opera House, RBG: Of Many, One is playing at Arts Centre Melbourne. This one-woman play honours the life of Ruth Bader-Ginsberg, an American trailblazer and Justice of the Supreme Court. Check it out from now until May 12. Learn more here.
14. Marvel at the work of Leonardo da Vinci at The LUME
Take a journey back in time, and explore the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. Step into the 3,000m², and watch some of the worlds most famous artworks come to life, like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius is now open at THE LUME.
15. Check out South Side Festival
Head down to Frankston this May for heaps of installations, performances, art and more at South Side Festival. This festival will run from May 10 to 19. See the full program here.
16. Celebrate Mother’s Day
Go out and celebrate the mother figure in your life with high tea, painting and more. See our list of recommendations here.
17. Feast on dishes from MasterChef alumni at Crown
Crown and MasterChef have teamed up to create Alumni, a restaurant that will showcase the delicious dishes of MasterChef Australia alumni cooks. This pop-up restaurant will have rotating chefs, with each alumni taking over the venue for three weeks. In May, you can sample a curated menu from Kishwar Chowdhury. Her residency will run from May 16 to June 2. More info here.
18. Paint in the dark at Neon Brush
Head to Hanover House for the fun paint and sip experience, Neon Brush. Sip on your chosen beverage and paint a neon masterpiece that glows in the dark. See dates and times here.
19. Embrace your inner fairy with this event by Daisy Soirée
Forget your everyday troubles and enter a world inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Dress up in themed outfits, nibble delicious treats and make paper crowns. This enchanting evening will take place on Saturday May 18, from 7pm to 10pm.
20. Uncover the mystery of The Grinning Man
The cult production of The Grinning Man is now showing at the Alex Theatre in St Kilda. Based on the novel, The Man Who Laughs by Victor Hugo, this award-winning musical will take you to the freakshow at Trafalgar Square. Who is Grinpayne and how did he get his hideous smile? Learn the secrets of his past and the truth of his disfigurement in this gothic horror, filled with magic, mayhem, romance and pitch-black humour. The show will play in Melbourne until May 19. Learn more here.
21. Have a spectacular time with Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil is back in Melbourne with another round of awe-inspiring acrobatic acts. This time, they’re whisking us away to an imaginary Mexico. In this surreal world between dreams and reality, you’ll see a tapestry of vibrant locations as a traveller meets a variety of mystifying characters. The show, LUZIA, is also the first touring production by Cirque du Soleil that artistically incorporates water into the acrobatic performance. See it in Melbourne from now until May 19.
22. 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 performances in Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, a tribute to Taylor Swift, the best of Bollywood and more. See what’s on here.
23. Feel spellbound by Wicked
The gravity-defying musical, Wicked, is now playing at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne. Almost 20 years after its premiere on Broadway, this popular musical has won over 100 major awards, including the Grammy Award, the Olivier Award and three Tony Awards.
24. Feel a sense of Joy at the Immigration Museum
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.
25. See the sensational Sunset Boulevard
Feel transported to the Golden Age of Hollywood with the Tony Award-winning masterpiece, Sunset Boulevard. Based on the 1950 film of the same name, this revival will take over the Princess Theatre in Melbourne from May 21.
26. See curious characters at the Beings exhibition in ACMI
Meet and play with an assortment of curious characters born from code at the world premiere ACMI exhibition, Beings. Created by the international art and design collective, Universal Everything, this exhibition features 13 artworks made with ever-evolving algorithms. Move, dance and play with these creatures on screen, and enjoy a different experience each time. The Beings exhibition will take over ACMI from May 22 to September 29.
27. Get a kick out of Global Football Week
Some of the best soccer teams and players in the world will take over the MCG and Marvel Stadium for Global Football Week. Look forward to games with Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Arsenal Women. See the matches on Wednesday May 22 and Friday May 24.
28. Check out the work of Steve McCurry in the ICONS exhibition
Steve McCurry is an established contemporary photographer whose work has been featured on the front cover of National Geographic and has won countless international awards. He is probably most famous for his iconic photograph “Afghan Girl” which has become one of the most recognisable images in history. Now, in this exhibition you will be able to see over 100 of his photographs from all around the world, each one telling a unique and powerful story. Find the ICONS exhibition at Seaworks in Williamstown. Get your tickets here.
29. 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 300 events to look forward to. Check it out from May 23 to June 2. Learn more here.
30. Feel razzle dazzled by Chicago
The longest-running American musical in Broadway and West End history is coming to Melbourne this March. Chicago, the multi-award winning musical, will soon paint the town with murder, greed, corruption and all that jazz. Check it out at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
31. 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 200 designers and makers, surrounded by a forest with twinkling lights. While you’re there, indulge in gourmet food and drinks. Check it out at the Royal Exhibition Building from May 24 to 26.
32. 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 Yarra Park MCG 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 Saturday May 25. Find more info here.
33. Find something wonderful at this craft fair in Queen Vic Market
At CRFT*WRK, you’ll discover locally-made goods from independent creators at Queen Vic Market. Find art, ceramics, jewellery, homewares and more. This festival will run on Saturday May 25 from 9am to 4pm. See more here.
34. Feel swept away by the music at Live at Toorak
Renowned violinist József Lendvay will sweep you away with live music, accompanied by pianist Edward Neeman. Lendvay will perform with an original Stradivari violin from 1693. See this unforgettable performance at Toorak Synagogue on Sunday May 26. Get your tickets here.
35. Have a poo-fect day out at Unko Museum
Japan’s surprise sensation, Unko Museum, has taken over 360 Bourke St, Melbourne. Unko Museum is the only international touring museum dedicated to poop, but don’t hold your nose – the focus here is all about kawaii exhibits and photo-friendly moments, making it a fun and family-friendly day out. Get your tickets to Unko Museum here.
36. Have some topsy-turvy fun at House Down Under
Flip your world on its head at House Down Under. See an inverted house that looks like it dropped straight from the sky in Docklands. When you enter, you’ll walk on ceilings and explore heaps of upside down rooms.
37. Bounce over to The NBA Exhibition
Get your head in the game at The NBA Exhibition. Explore over 20 themed sections, see cool memorabilia, play arcade basketball games, check out the VR zone and more. This fun experience is now open at The District Docklands. Get your tickets here.
38. 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.
39. Pass go and discover Monopoly Dreams
Australia’s first Monopoly-themed attraction is here in Melbourne. Immerse yourself and wander around Monopoly City and Mr. Monopoly’s Mansion. Find Monopoly Dreams at Melbourne Central.
40. Check out the Starry Sky exhibition at Met Art World
Visit Met Art World in Port Melbourne and feel transported to another world, with their immersive Starry Sky exhibition. Journey through mazes, enter a digital tunnel, see plenty of twinkling lights and more. Get your tickets here.
41. Gaze at garments at Africa Fashion in NGV
The largest and most comprehensive exhibition in Australia of fashion from Africa is coming to Melbourne. This massive exhibition, from the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, will showcase historical and contemporary creations from influential fashion designers around the continent. Expect nearly 200 works from over 50 designers. Africa Fashion will be on display in NGV from May 31 to October 6. Learn more here.
42. 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. Over 300 artisans and brands will be there, offering goods for every budget. 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 31 to Sunday June 2.
43. Have a magical time at Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Embark on a spellbinding walk through the forest and come face-to-face with magical creatures and scenes from the Harry Potter universe. You’ll find the Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience at The Briars in Mount Martha. Get your tickets here.
44. Sip your way through the Grampians Grape Escape
Head to Halls Gap for a weekend of food, wine and music. Explore up to 100 stalls, take part in masterclasses, see cooking demonstrations and more. Grampians Grape Escape will run from Friday May 3 to Sunday May 5. See more here.
45. 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. This community festival in the Great Dividing Range is back for its 16th iteration, and will showcase the best offerings and products from the region. You’ll have a spudtacular time with plenty of food, local potato growers, music, artisans, activities and more. Check it out on Saturday May 4 and Sunday May 5.
46. Step back in time for the Ballarat Heritage Festival
Head to Ballarat for ten days of unique experiences, live performances, steam train rides and much more. The Ballarat Heritage Festival will run from May 17 to 26.
47. See the beauty of the Great Ocean Road at this running festival
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 18 and Sunday May 19. More info here.
48. Take a drive to the Rocky Road Festival
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.