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.
Here’s what’s on in Melbourne this November
Have a hole-some day out at Melbourne Donut Festival
Melbourne Donut Festival is rolling back to Queen Victoria Market. Have a sweet time with oodles of donuts, as well as live music, roving performers and more. Check it out on Saturday November 1 and Sunday November 2, from 9am to 4pm.
Feel dazzled by DroneArt Show
Visit Caulfield Racecourse and watch the night sky transform into a work of art with hundreds of synchronised drones. Along with the drones, you’ll listen to a live string quartet, surrounded by the gentle glow of candlelight. DroneArt Show is on from November 7 to 8. Get your tickets here.
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.
Dance over to Queen Victoria Market for live music and DJ sets
Queen Victoria Market is celebrating some of the world’s biggest touring artists with Market Rocks, a free concert warm-up series. Taking place each weekend in November, you can look forward to live performances and DJ sets inspired by your favourite artists. The festivities will run from 9am to 4pm each day.
Swing into the festive season in Melbourne
Can you hear the sound of sleigh bells? Christmas is on the horizon, which means Melbourne will soon light up with dreamy decorations! Details are scarce at the moment, but the Christmas Festival is set to kick off on November 28. Stay updated here.
Check out the official Oasis Live ’25 Fan Store
Keen to see Oasis? Get excited by browsing through the official Oasis Fan Store. Head to Melbourne Central and discover official merchandise, including brand collaborations and limited editions, with tees, hoodies, accessories and more! The store is on from now until November 23. Walk-ins are welcome, but you’re encouraged to book a visit to avoid the queues.
See the penguins in St Kilda
See a colony of adorable little penguins for free from the new 150-metre elevated platform at St Kilda Pier. Just note that you will need to make a booking before you go.
See K-pop icons TWICE
TWICE are returning to Melbourne for their <This Is For> World Tour. This will be their sixth world tour, and in an exciting twist, they will perform on a 360-degree stage, removing the barrier between the artist and the audience. See the girl group at Rod Laver Arena on November 8 and 9.
If you’re keen for merch, head to Westfield Doncaster and check out their pop-up store from Wednesday November 5 to Tuesday November 11.
Explore Our Wondrous Planet at Melbourne Museum
Explore our planet’s incredible range of natural environments, from polar ice flats to colourful reefs, at the multisensory gallery, Our Wonderous Planet. See over 800 animals from the museum collection, learn about interconnected ecosystems and hear stories from First Peoples around the world. This permanent gallery is now open at Melbourne Museum. See more here.
Feel captivated by The Talented Mr. Ripley
In this thrilling stage adaptation, you’ll watch as the infamous Tom Ripley targets and models himself after the wealthy Dickie Greenleaf. The Talented Mr. Ripley will play at Arts Centre Melbourne from now until November 23. Learn more here.
Freshen up your wardrobe when Revamp takes over Prahran Market
Treat yourself to a sustainable shopping spree when Revamp brings their pre-loved fashion to Prahran Market. Throughout the stalls, you’ll find racks from sustainable fashion labels, independent local designers and curated pre-loved wardrobes. Entry is free, and the fashion market will run from Friday November 7 to Sunday November 9.
Float over to Prahran Square for some bubbly fun
Pop over to Prahran Square and explore a series of massive bubble installations in the Ephemeral Collection from November 10 to 23. Then, have fun in the evening with live performances from The Bubble Emporium, surrounded by 20,000 bubbles per minute. The shows will run from November 12 to 16.
Join the fiesta at Preston Market
Preston Market is bringing back the colourful Latin Day Festival. Head over to this northside market and listen to live music, see rhythmic dances and feast on delicious flavours from around Latin America. The party will take place on Sunday November 9, from 8am to 3pm.
Listen to a special twilight concert at the Shrine of Remembrance
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chorus and the Royal Australian Navy Band will come together for an evening of music and reflection at the Shrine of Remembrance. Commemoration in Concert will take place on Sunday November 9, from 4:45pm to 5:45pm. It’s free to see. Learn more here.
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 over 140 feature films, shorts and documentaries. The festival is on from November 13 to 23. Learn more 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 November include a magical evening at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, the best anime OSTs and more. See what’s on here.
Don’t miss the Street Feast at Dandenong Market
Head to the Southern Carpark at Dandenong Market and find plenty of delicious flavours at Street Feast. Treat yourself to Polish dumplings, fried pasta, loaded pitas, souvlaki and more. Listen to a live DJ set, then find fresh produce and unique gifts from their regular traders. It’s all happening from 10am to 3pm on Saturday November 15.
Celebrate Polish culture at this festival in Fed Square
Enjoy a taste of Poland in the heart of Melbourne. Have fun with traditional dancing, delicious pierogi, music and more. The Polish Festival will take place on Sunday November 16. See more here.
Head to Crown Riverwalk 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 the Crown Riverwalk on Sunday November 16. It will run from 10am till 8pm. See more here.
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’s set to return on Wednesday nights from November 19 to March 11. Keep an eye out for updates here.
Feel the beat at MJ The Musical
The Tony Award-winning show, MJ The Musical, is now playing in Melbourne. Set in 1992, this production offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Michael Jackson’s Dangerous World Tour. Hear over 25 of MJ’s greatest hits, including Beat It, Thriller and Smooth Criminal. Find it at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Learn 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.
Have a stellar time at the Star Wars Galactic Café
Transport your taste buds to a galaxy far, far away at the Star Wars Galactic Café in Melbourne Museum. This stellar cafe is a first for Star Wars fans in Australia. Dine aboard a Corellian Star Cruiser, then explore the LEGO Star Wars exhibition.
See rare objects from the Galloway Hoard at Melbourne Museum
See one of the most significant Viking Age discoveries ever found from the United Kingdom, right here in Melbourne. Found in southwest Scotland in 2014, the Galloway Hoard was buried around AD 900 during a time of upheaval in the region. This treasure trove of jewellery and unique objects offers a fascinating insight into this period of time. Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard will be on display at Melbourne Museum from now until Monday January 26.
Discover the potential of your senses 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, and is suitable for visitors over the age of 7.
Make a new FRIEND in this cool robot exhibition
Robots of all shapes and sizes have come to Melbourne for the new exhibition, FRIEND, at the National Communication Museum. As you move through the space, you’ll encounter cuddly cushions with wagging tails, an old robot that plays music, little robots that need help and more. This exhibition is on from November 1 to April 26.
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.
Check out the reimagined Tasma Terrace
The historic Tasma Terrace has a fresh new gallery, shop and heritage library for you to explore. Swing by to see garments from the National Trust’s Costume Collection at their inaugural exhibition, from now until December 13.
Try to escape Prison Island
Challenge yourself and your teammates to escape Prison Island. Instead of breaking out from a single room, you’ll take on a series of tasks in multiple cells and race against the clock. Find it at The District Docklands. Grab your tickets here.
Frolic at Live at the Gardens
Source: Supplied
Head over to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne and enjoy live music this November. Artists on the line-up include The Living End, Franz Ferdinand and more. Live at the Gardens will take place on November 21, 22, 28, 29 and 30. Learn more here.
Dash over to the 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 kids activities, Seeing Eye Dogs puppies, live entertainment and more. The Santa Fun Run will take place on Saturday November 22. More info here.
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 12th year. See over 40 African countries represented through music, food, fashion, film, market stalls, workshops and more. This festival is completely free to attend. Check it out from Friday November 21 to Sunday November 23. More info here.
Sink your teeth into this Third Wave BBQ takeover at Moon Dog Wild West
Third Wave BBQ is bringing their crowd favourites to Moon Dog Wild West for one special weekend. Feast on BBQ platters, Oink Balls, massive burgers and more. There will also be specialty drinks to try, like a Long Island slushie. Check out this tasty takeover on November 22 and 23. For more details and bookings, click here.
Check out the East Malvern Food & Wine Festival
Discover a wide range of Victorian wineries, local craft brewers and small batch distillers, then dine on delectable treats and browse through the marketplace at the East Malvern Food & Wine Festival. This event will take place on Sunday November 23, from 11am to 6pm. Entry is free! Learn more here.
See over 100 ancient artefacts at the Hellenic Museum
The Hellenic Museum has teamed up with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, Greece, to bring a global exclusive exhibition to Melbourne. See 119 ancient artefacts from over a dozen museums and ephorates of antiquities in Greece, including the Acropolis Museum, Hellenic National Archaeological Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Delphi and more. Rituals: Gifts for the Gods is open daily from 10am to 4pm.
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.
Listen to live music (for free!) at Fed Square
Detroit’s Moodymann and Melbourne’s own DJ Jnett are taking over Fed Square. Moodymann is known for his deep house sound, which fuses soul, funk, disco and hip hop, as well as his unpredictable sets. Meanwhile, DJ Jnett is a pioneer of Australia’s electronic scene, with genre-blurring sets and decades of influence. This stacked show will take place on Thursday November 27 from 7pm to 10:30pm.
Play your way through the Game Worlds exhibition at ACMI
This exciting exhibition will put you inside the worlds of 30 videogames, and 20 of them will be playable. Explore pioneering games from the 1970s and continue on to beloved modern titles. Expect original concept art, rare objects, playable demos and more. Game Worlds is now open at ACMI and will stay in town until February 8 in 2026.
Have a sublime time at the Malibu Barbie Cafe
A cheerful Malibu Barbie Cafe has popped up at Chadstone. Treat yourself to themed dishes and drinks, then have fun at the roller rink. The cafe will stay at The Social Quarter in Chadstone until summer 2026.
Discover the Night Sky at Melbourne Planetarium
Get ready to Discover The Night Sky in all its glory in this monthly event for adults only. Taking place on the last Thursday of each month, you’ll learn about a different topic each time at Melbourne Planetarium, hosted by astronomer Dr Tanya Hill. The next event will occur on November 27.
Get into the holiday spirit by watching A Christmas Carol
Five time Tony Award winner and West End sensation, A Christmas Carol, is returning to 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 Thursday November 27.
Go shopping at The Big Design Market
The Big Design Market is taking over the Royal Exhibition Building from November 28 to 30. Find over 280 designers at this event, with homewares, ceramics, fashion, pet wares, stationary and much more.
Have a jolly time at Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland
Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland is taking over Caulfield Racecourse with multiple themed zones, festive characters and fun activities. Check it out from November 28 to December 24. Learn 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.
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 a trip on a Twilight Train at Puffing Billy
Puffing Billy has launched a dreamy timetable that’s perfect for night owls. Hop aboard the Twilight Train, and ride through the Dandenong Ranges at dusk. This experience is a 3.5 hour return journey, and will take you from Belgrave to Lakeside. The Puffing Billy Twilight Train will run on November 13, 20 and 27. Check it out.
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. Have a picnic while you’re there, sample some cherry ice cream and treat yourself to some refreshing drinks. The cherry picking will start in Coldstream on November 7, and in Wandin East on November 24. Learn more here.
Visit Warratina Lavender Farm for their Lavender Harvest Weekend
Celebrate the warmer months with the 31st annual Lavender Harvest Weekend at Warratina Lavender Farm. Feel mesmerised by rows of vibrant lavender, and enjoy live music, check out a market, see demonstrations, have fun with farm animals and more. This festival will take place on November 29 and 30. Learn more here.
Dazzle your senses with the 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 November 29. See more here.
Listen to live music on The Blues Train
Head to Queenscliff and hop aboard a steam train. Roam between four carriages, and listen to four, distinct music acts along the way. The Blues Train is back for the season, with shows available on weekends. See more here.
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 28 to 30. Learn more here.
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 take place on Saturday November 15. Learn more here.
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 15 and Sunday November 16. See more here.
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 22 and 23. See more here.