After Halloween, we’re launching straight into the start of the Christmas season. November is coming up, and with it, comes the last month of spring, and lots of delightful festivals, exhibitions and events. Whether it’s raining everyday, or there plenty of spring sunshine for you to bask in, there’s lots of wonderful things to do in Melbourne this November. Here are some of our top recommendations to get you started.
1. Listen to music at Always Live
Always Live is a major event that celebrates contemporary music across the state. Look forward to over 289 artists, performing in over 65 events. Find music all around Victoria, from Gippsland to Bendigo, and in Melbourne and the surrounding suburbs. Always Live will run from Friday November 22 to Sunday December 8.
2. Have a pawsome time at the Cats & Dogs exhibition in NGV
Explore our love for Cats & Dogs in this wholesome exhibition by NGV. See over 250 works of art and design from both contemporary and historical artists. Find it at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia in Fed Square from November 1. See more here.
3. Dance over to Ritmo Latino
Ritmo Latino is taking over Abbots Yard with lively Latin American music and delicious bites this weekend. Feast on Brazilian BBQ, burritos, tacos and more, while you hear the sounds of salsa, reggaeton, samba and more lively beats. There’s also dance workshops if you want to get up and groove. It’s all happening on Saturday November 2. Get your tickets here.
4. Stomp your way to GodzillaFest at ACMI
ACMI is throwing a monstrous celebration in honour of the 70th anniversary of Godzilla. Expect a stacked range of free and ticketed activities, including films, talks, trivia, videogames and even an after-hours Halloween bash. GodzillaFest will take over ACMI from Thursday October 31 to Sunday November 3.
5. See something at the 100 Years Film Festival
The Capitol is turning 100, and to celebrate, RMIT is throwing a fantastic film festival. Enjoy classics like The Wizard of Oz, complete with a light show, as well as other great films like My Fair Lady, Sunset Boulevard, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and more. Tickets are just $10 plus booking fee. The 100 Years Film Festival is on from now until Tuesday November 5.
6. Catch all the action at MARVELous the Show
In this risqué reimagining of the Marvel Universe, you’ll find superheroes and villains performing a hilarious parody, filled with stunts, dance, music and more. Find MARVELous The Show at The National Theatre in St Kilda from November 6 to 10. Get your tickets here.
7. Have a magical time with Peter and the Starcatcher
Hear the untold story of Neverland in Peter and the Starcatcher. This Tony Award-winning play features over 100 characters, puppetry, live music and technical wizardry. See it at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Playhouse from November 8.
8. Stay in one of the new Eco Lodges at Peninsula Hot Springs
Stay a little longer at Peninsula Hot Springs and unwind in their new luxury accommodation. The Eco Lodges will open on Saturday November 9.
9. Have nun-stop fun at the Sister Act musical
Get ready to sing praises to the smash-hit musical comedy, Sister Act. Check it out at the Regent Theatre from November 3.
10. Discover over 100 stalls at the Makers & Shakers Market
Head to Williamstown for a special Christmas edition of The Makers and Shakers Market. Expect over 100 stalls, with homewares, fashion, food and more. The event will take place on Saturday November 9 and Sunday November 10. More info here.
11. Take a ride on a Port of Melbourne boat tour
Take a guided tour around the port and see areas that aren’t normally open to the public, including a cruise under the Westgate Bridge. The tour will include commentary about the history and operations of the port, as well as fun activities for the kids. The Port of Melbourne’s Public Boat Tours will take place on November 9 and 16. Learn more here.
12. Smell the roses at the spectacular State Rose & Garden Show
The 10th annual State Rose & Garden Show is coming back to Werribee Park. This two-day festival for the senses will feature over 5000 blooming roses spread across six acres. While you’re there, check out some stalls, workshops, talks and entertainment. The State Rose & Garden Show will run on Saturday November 9 and Sunday November 10, from 10am to 4pm.
13. Celebrate Polish culture at this festival in Fed Square
Enjoy a taste of Poland in the heart of Melbourne. Have fun with performances, delicious food, music and more. The Polish Festival will take place on Sunday November 10. See more here.
14. Walk among the dinosaurs at Jurassic World: The Exhibition
Journey through the iconic Jurassic World gates and come face-to-face with roaring dinosaurs from the legendary movie franchise. Encounter a brachiosaurus, velociraptors, a Tyrannosaurus Rex and more. Check it out at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick. Get your tickets here.
15. Wander through Home Truth at NGV
Explore a house within a house at the 2024 NGV Architecture Commission, Home Truth. Designed by architecture studio Breathe, this installation invites you to reflect on how small-scale architecture can encourage more sustainable living environments. It will be free to visit, and open daily from Wednesday November 13.
16. 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.
17. Watch something at the Melbourne Queer Film Festival
Australia’s oldest and largest celebration of queer cinema is coming back to town. Take part in the annual Melbourne Queer Film Festival and see 42 features and 19 documentaries. The festival is on from November 14 to 24. Learn more here.
18. Frolic at Live at the Gardens
Head over to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne and enjoy live music over two weekends this November. Artists on the line-up include Matt Corby, The Presets, Tash Sultana and more. Live at the Gardens will take place on November 15, 16, 22, 23 and 24. Learn more here.
19. Feel dazzled by Eurovision on Tour
For the first time since the Eurovision Song Contest began in 1956, this exciting music show is going on tour. See live performances from 18 Eurovision legends in this fun experience for fans. Eurovision on Tour will take over the Palais Theatre on Friday November 15.
20. 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. Get your tickets here.
21. Have a blast at the African Music and Cultural Festival
The incredible African Music and Cultural Festival (AMCF) is coming back to Fed Square for its 11th year. See over 35 African countries and community organisations represented through music, food, fashion, film, dance, art and culture. This festival is completely free to attend. Check it out from Friday November 15 to Sunday November 17. More info here.
22. Check out the East Malvern Food & Wine Festival
Discover a wide range of Victorian wineries, dine on some delectable treats, and check out some live entertainment at the East Malvern Food & Wine Festival. This event will take place on Sunday November 17, from 12pm to 6pm. Learn more here.
23. Go peony picking at a flower farm
Head out to Romswood Peony Farm and pick your own peonies to take home. The farm will open for select days throughout November, and the first peony picking day will kick off on Sunday November 17.
24. See a new exhibition at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum
At the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, you’ll see rare artefacts from the hidden archive of the Warsaw Ghetto. The archive was created to document life and death inside the ghetto, and was secretly buried. This harrowing time capsule will be on display for the first time outside of Europe. Underground: The Hidden Archive of the Warsaw Ghetto opens on November 17, and will stay in Melbourne until March 30. More info here.
25. Experience a tale as old as time with Beauty and the Beast
Feel enchanted by the magical Beauty and the Beast musical. Watch in wonder as your favourite characters perform spectacular songs, like ‘Be Our Guest’, ‘Belle’, ‘Gaston’ and more. This production is now playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
26. Check out this exciting Banksy exhibition
After successful runs in Brisbane, Adelaide, and Sydney, the Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” exhibition is now here in Melbourne. This museum-quality exhibition features over 180 Banksy artworks as well as multiple installations. Find it at The District Docklands. Get your tickets here.
27. 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.
28. Keep it sweet at the Hello Kitty Cafe
A kawaii pop-up cafe dedicated to Hello Kitty has come to Chadstone. This pop-up cafe celebrates the 50th anniversary of the beloved Sanrio character. The cafe is open from now until December 31.
29. Embrace the warmer nights at the Summer Night Market
The iconic Summer Night market set to return to Queen Victoria Market this November. Sip on cocktails, feast on delicious food, browse through stalls, enjoy live entertainment and more. It runs on Wednesday nights, starting from November 20 and ending on March 12 in 2025. Keep an eye out for updates here.
30. Get into the holiday spirit by watching A Christmas Carol
Five time Tony Award winner and West End sensation, A Christmas Carol, is playing at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne. This classic Christmas tale by Charles Dickens is a must-see, with interactive elements, merry music, and a message of hope. Check it out from November 22.
31. Sip your way through Pinot Palooza
Pinot Palooza is coming back to Melbourne this November. Look forward to a wine-derful line-up of up to 100 local wineries, including a new precinct that showcases the best drops from New Zealand. Find it at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton on Friday November 22 and Saturday November 23.
32. 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.
33. Party at the Arriba! Melbourne Mexican Festival
Head to Kings Domain and celebrate Mexican culture at the Arriba! Melbourne Mexican Festival. Expect plenty of delicious food and drink, live entertainment, activities and more. It’s free to attend, and is on from November 22 to 24. More info here.
34. 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 will open at The District Docklands from November 23. Get your tickets here.
35. Enjoy a meal from Le Petit Chef
At Le Petit Chef, your table is transformed into a screen, with entertaining performances from a virtual, tiny chef. As he tries to cook, he faces some amusing blunders, but thankfully, the kitchen staff in real life are there to assist before things get too out of hand. Check it out at The Langham Melbourne from Tuesday to Saturday at select times.
36. Have the best time at TINA: the Tina Turner Musical
Celebrate the life and music of Tina Turner at TINA: The Tina Turner Musical. This spectacular show features over 20 of her iconic songs, including Simply the Best and What’s Love Got to Do with It. See it at the Princess Theatre.
37. Head outdoors for Polo in the City
See live polo matches while mingling in a stylish spring gathering at Polo in the City. Find it in Albert Park on Saturday November 23. Get your tickets here.
38. Vision Australia Santa Fun Run
Hundreds of Santas are set to walk, run and roll along the Tan Track in the Royal Botanic Gardens. All funds raised will support Vision Australia’s Life Ready Program. The event village will also include Santa photo opportunities, face paining, Seeing Eye Dogs puppies, live music and more. The Santa Fun Run will take place on November 23. More info here.
39. Head to Fed Square for Lankan Fest
Experience the best of Sri Lanka at Lankan Fest. Look forward to Sri Lankan food, music, crafts and more when this festival takes over Fed Square on Saturday November 23. It will run from 10am till 8pm. See more here.
40. See The Future & Other Fictions at ACMI
The Future & Other Fictions exhibition will feature over 180 works from 19 creative visionaries from around the world. Explore how futures are imagined across film, videogames and screen-based art with sets, props, scripts, costumes and more. The Future & Other Fictions will take over ACMI from November 28 to April 27, 2025.
41. Fly over to Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition at ACMI
Have a gander at the development behind the beloved Untitled Goose Game at this free, world premiere exhibition at ACMI. Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition will run from now until February 16, 2025.
42. Have fun at Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland
Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland is taking over Caulfield Racecourse with multiple themed zones, festive characters and fun activities. Find it under the Big Top from Friday November 29 to Tuesday December 24.
43. Go shopping at The Big Design Market
The Big Design Market is taking over the Royal Exhibition Building from November 29 to December 1. Find over 250 exhibitors at this event, with homewares, ceramics, fashion, kids toys, books, stationary and much more.
44. Have fun at the Colours of Malaysia event at Queen Vic Market
Swing by Queen Victoria Market for heaps of traditional food, music, dance, art and workshops at Colours of Malaysia. It’s all happening on Saturday November 30 and Sunday December 1, from 10am to 4pm. Learn more here.
45. 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 November include the music of Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones, the best of Hans Zimmer and more. See what’s on here.
46. 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.
47. Escape to Portland for the Upwelling Festival
Drive out to the foreshore in Portland for the Upwelling Festival. Celebrate the natural phenomena, The Bonney Upwelling, with market stalls, parades, bands, workshops and more. It’s all happening from November 1 to 3. See more here.
48. Dilly dally through the Duneira Bluebell Festival
Head to the historic Duneira Estate on Mount Macedon and have a beautiful time at the annual Bluebell Festival. Admire the bluebells in the heritage garden, take a guided tour of the house, feel entertained by live music and enjoy tasty treats and local wine and gin. It’s all happening on November 2 and 3. Learn more here.
49. Have a laugh at Comedy in the Vines
Comedy in the Vines is coming back to Mitchelton Wines in Nagambie for its second year. On the line-up, you’ll find international sensations like Jen Brister (UK), as well as local stars like Joel Creasey and Rove McManus. There will also be delicious food, and plenty of drinks. It’s all happening from November 8 to 10. See more here.
50. Visit Warratina Lavender Farm for their Lavender Festival
Celebrate the warmer months with the 30th annual Lavender Festival at Warratina Lavender Farm. Feel mesmerised by rows of vibrant lavender, and enjoy live music and entertainment, check out a market, see demonstrations, have fun with farm animals and more. This festival will take place on November 9 and 10. Learn more here.
51. Visit the new Road to Food Discovery Festival
Journey to CherryHill Orchards in Coldstream and find plenty of gourmet food and wine from Yarra Valley growers and producers. There will also be market stalls and fun activities for the whole family. The new Road to Food Discovery Festival will take place on Saturday November 9.
52. Have fun at this Cherry Picking Festival
CherryHill Orchards are throwing a delightful Cherry Picking Festival. Wander through rows of trees in either Wandin East or Coldstream, eat as many cherries as you like straight from the tree, and pack some cherries to take home. During the festival, there will also be food trucks, cherry ice cream, cherry drinks and special experiences. The festival in Coldstream will start on November 2 and run until late December, while the event in Wandin East will start on November 25 and end in early January.
53. Dazzle your senses with the stunning Christmas Festival of Lights at Adventure Park
Head to Geelong, and bask in the glow of 3.3 million lights at this gorgeous festival. Wander down enchanting trails and glittering bridges in this 50-acre wonderland. On top of the glistening lights, there’s plenty of Christmas activities and entertainment for the family. This special Christmas Festival at Adventure Park will return from mid-November. See more here.
54. Take a trip on a Twilight Train at Puffing Billy
Puffing Billy has launched a dreamy new timetable that’s perfect for night owls. Hop aboard the Twilight Train, and ride through the Dandenong Ranges at dusk. This new experience is a 3.5 hour return journey, and will take you from Belgrave to Lakeside. The Puffing Billy Twilight Train will run on Thursdays, from October 10 to December 12.
55. Have a pawsome time at this Dog Lovers Day
Are you a puppy pawrent? You and your dog are invited to the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie for their first ever Dog Lovers Day. Have fun with a dog selfie photo booth, special dog treats, competitions and prizes. It’s all happening on Saturday November 16 from 9am to 5pm. See more here.
56. Sip your way through Budburst Wine Festival
Head to the Macedon Ranges and visit local wineries at Budburst Wine Festival. Discover over 20 winemakers and enjoy tastings, curated food menus and more. The festival will take place on Saturday November 16 and Sunday November 17. See more here.
57. Visit Kryal Castle for the Victorian Medieval Festival
Head out of Melbourne this November and visit Kryal Castle. They’re throwing the annual Victorian Medieval Festival, with jousting knights, a Reenactors Village, activities and more. Check it out on November 16 and 17. See more here.
58. Have a blast at Queenscliff Music Festival
Queenscliff is coming alive with heaps of live performances spread across three days. Queenscliff Music Festival is on from November 22 to 24. Learn more here.