Goodbye Halloween, hello Christmas season! November is here, 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. Immerse yourself in the mesmerising Rain Room
After a sell-out season in 2021, the interactive installation, Rain Room, is coming back to Melbourne. This immersive experience merges art, technology and nature together, in a 100 square metre space of continuous rainfall. The rain responds to your presence and movement, which gives you the feeling of being in a fierce rainstorm, without having to get wet. Rain Room opens in St Kilda on Wednesday November 1.
2. Attend a Day of the Dead celebration at Queen Vic Market
Wander down String Bean Alley and celebrate Dia de Muertos with delicious food, drinks, workshops, costumes and more. The celebrations will run from 9am to 4pm on Saturday November 4 and Sunday November 5. On Sunday, there will also be a parade, starting at Fed Square and ending at Queen Vic Market. The parade will feature costumes, floats and music. More info here.
3. Dance the night away with TWICE
Image courtesy of JYP Entertainment/Live Nation
K-pop sensations TWICE are back in Melbourne this November. See them perform live at Marvel Stadium on Saturday November 4.
4. Celebrate at the Victorian Festival of Diwali
Head to Fed Square on Saturday November 4, and fill your day with colour at the Victorian Festival of Diwali. Look forward to classical and contemporary dances, live music, workshops, activities, food and a fireworks display on the Yarra. The festival will start at 11am and run until late. See more here.
5. Dance your way over to Ritmo Latino
Follow the sound of music to Abbots Yard, and take part in the vibrant Latin American festival, Ritmo Latino. There will be plenty of live music, with genres like urban, samba, folklore and salsa, so you can dance your way through the day. While you’re there, stay refreshed with delicious Latin drinks, and feast on tacos, burritos, nachos, BBQ and more. Check it out on Saturday November 4. Get your tickets here.
6. Have a feast at the Downtown Dumpling Market
Stroll along the banks of the Yarra and discover a bustling hawker centre on Birrarung Marr. The dreamy Downtown Dumpling Market will serve up plenty of delicious dumplings from China, Poland, Turkey, the Philippines and more. On top of the dumplings, there will also be tasty treats like noodles, skewers and bubble tea. This festival will start on November 9 and end on November 26.
7. Voyage around the world in the immersive BBC Earth Experience
Take a 360-degree audio-visual journey through the seven continents of the world, with narration from the iconic Sir David Attenborough. This technological marvel will use footage from the BBC Studios Natural History television series, Seven Worlds, One Planet. Melbourne is the second city in the world to host this incredible experience. The BBC Earth Experience is now showing at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
8. Watch something at the Melbourne Queer Film Festival
Australia’s largest celebration of queer film is back in town. Take part in the 33rd annual Melbourne Queer Film Festival at venues like Cinema Nova, Jam Factory and the Rooftop Cinema at the Victorian Pride Centre. The festival will run from November 9 to 19. See more here.
9. See the smash hit musical La Cage aux Folles
Tony Award winner La Cage aux Folles is playing at Arts Centre Melbourne this November. Celebrate the 40th anniversary of this timeless tale at the Playhouse from November 9 to 19. See more here.
10. Stay out late with the Melbourne Museum Nocturnal program
The electrifying, after-hours event, Nocturnal, is coming back to Melbourne Museum. Explore exhibitions, and enjoy tours, curator talks, trivia and DJ performances. Nocturnal will take over Melbourne Museum on the second Thursday of each month. This time, it will take place on Thursday November 9.
11. Spark your imagination with RELICS: A New World Rises at Melbourne Museum
Perth duo Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler have channelled their creativity to create 15 different LEGO worlds. See an imagined future, and discover LECO minifigures living in discarded treasures. Find RELICS: A New World Rises at Melbourne Museum.
12. See the king of rock and roll at Elvis: A Musical Revolution
Celebrate the life and music of Elvis Presley at the Elvis musical. The show is now playing at the Athenaeum Theatre.
13. Get sparks flying at LoveX
The world’s longest running, adults-only exhibition, Sexpo, has rebranded into LoveX. Explore saucy workshops, live performances, entertainment, performances and more in a safe space. LoveX will run from November 10 to 12 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. More info here.
14. 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 11 and Sunday November 12.
15. Celebrate Polish culture at this festival in Fed Square
Enjoy a taste of Poland in the heart of Melbourne. Enjoy performances, delicious food, music and more. The Polish Festival will take place on Sunday November 12 from 10am to 5pm. See more here.
16. Get into the holiday spirit by watching A Christmas Carol
Five time Tony Award winner and West End sensation, A Christmas Carol, will return to Melbourne this November. This production stars Owen Teale as Scrooge, and will hit the Comedy Theatre from November 12 to December 31.
17. Feel like a dancing queen at Mamma Mia! The Musical
Mamma Mia! The Musical is coming to Melbourne for a round of feel-good song and dance on stage. The musical will feature some of ABBA’s greatest chart-topping hits, sparkly costumes, vibrant set design and classic ’70s nostalgia that’ll get you out of your seat and dancing in the aisles. The timeless dance musical is now playing at the Princess Theatre.
18. Pass go and discover Monopoly Dreams
Australia’s first Monopoly-themed attraction is coming to Melbourne Central. Immerse yourself and wander around Monopoly City and Mr. Monopoly’s Mansion. Monopoly Dreams will open on Wednesday November 15.
19. 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 tenth 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 17 to Sunday November 19.
20. 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 this leisurely festival. This event will take place on Sunday November 19, from 11am to 5pm. Learn more here.
21. Feel spellbound by Maho Magic Bar
Head to Chinatown and discover the Japanese-themed pop-up experience, Maho Magic Bar. Enjoy delicious drinks, and feel captivated by musicians as they perform close-up magic at your table. Get your tickets here.
22. Immerse yourself in the theatre experience, Hour of the Wolf
Explore the fictional town of Hope Hill on the longest night of the year. In this immersive theatre experience, you’ll discover over a dozen fully realised locations and observe a cast of 11 actors. In Hour of the Wolf, you’ll find three interweaving stories about a wolf that visits the town once a year. See it at The Malthouse from now until to December 3.
23. Have a spectacular time at Moulin Rouge! The Musical!
After a sold-out premiere season, Moulin Rouge! The Musical! is now playing in Melbourne. Celebrate truth, beauty, freedom and love at the Regent Theatre.
24. Create a masterpiece at Art and Glow in the Dark
In this unique paint and sip experience, you’ll sit in the dark and create something beautiful with a neon mixture of classic and fluorescent paint. This class includes a complimentary drink. Check it out at Hanover House in Southbank. Grab your tickets here.
25. Smell the roses at the spectacular State Rose & Garden Show
The 9th 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 garden exhibits, plant stalls and food trucks, and listen to live music along the way. The State Rose & Garden Show will run on Saturday November 11 and Sunday November 12, from 10am to 4pm.
26. Go swimming at the Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre
After an 18-month redevelopment, the Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre is reopening. Go swimming indoors and outdoors, check out the fitness centre and more. The venue will open on November 13.
27. Have a royally good time at the Princess Diana: Accredited Access exhibition
Go on a visual journey through Princess Diana’s life with countless photographs, and listen to royal photographers tell the story behind these famous images. You’ll find this exhibition at Tea House in Southbank from November 17. Get your tickets here.
28. Run over to the BTS pop-up store
After taking over Sydney just a few months ago, the highly-anticipated BTS Pop-Up: Space of BTS is coming to Melbourne. This HYBE official store will plenty of merchandise and photo opportunities for keen fans. The pop-up store stay in Emporium Melbourne from November 18 to February 18.
29. Check out the Boost Mobile Air Jam at URBNSURF
Experience the ultimate fusion of surf, skate and music at URBNSURF’s Boost Mobile Air Jam on Saturday November 18. See pro skaters and surfers do what they do best, and dance the night away with plenty of music. This event will kick off at 3pm and run until the evening. More details here.
30. Feel a sense of Connection at The Lume
The Lume is celebrating First Peoples art and music with their immersive exhibition, Connection. Feel amazed by swirling projections around the 3,000 square metre gallery space, and check out a display of original art. Over 110 visual and musical artists are featured, making Connection the largest representation of First Peoples art and culture ever assembled.
31. 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 best of Hans Zimmer, tributes to Taylor Swift, beloved tracks from Joe Hisaishi and more. See what’s coming up here.
32. Feel mesmerised by Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature
Visit ACMI and see digital artworks on an awe-inspiring scale. The exhibition, Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature, will make its world premiere from November 23.
33. Dive into the immersive theatre experience Love Lust Lost
Hop aboard the E.V. Nautilus, and descend into an underwater theatrical playground at the choose-your-own-adventure production, Love Lust Lost. Explore 38 intricately designed spaces across over 1500 square metres at The Austral in Collingwood. Go at your own pace, and become active participants in the story. Love Lust Lost will run until Sunday November 26.
34. 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.
35. Dive in to Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium
Go on an immersive journey with their digital exhibition, Submerged, and see the wonder of underwater worlds. Start on a shimmering shoreline and dive below the depths into the bioluminescent unknown.
36. Head to Fed Square for Lankan Fest
Experience the best of Sri Lanka at Lankan Fest. Look forward to Sri Lankan food, arts, crafts and more when this festival takes over Fed Square on Saturday November 25. It will run from 10am till 9pm. See more here.
37. See Christina Aguilera live
Pop legend Christina Aguilera is back for the first time in 15 years. See her perform in an open-air show at Flemington Racecourse. She will be joined by guests Jessica Mauboy and Natalia Bassingthwaighte. The show will take place on Saturday November 25. Learn more here.
38. Celebrate at the Melbourne Italian Festa
This year, Melbourne Italian Festa is relocating from Argyle Square to the Royal Exhibition Building and Museum Plaza. Celebrate Italian culture with entertainment, exhibitions, music and of course, delicious food and drink. The festival will run from 11am to 9pm on Sunday November 26. Learn more here.
39. 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.
40. Try some Poolside Pilates at W Melbourne
Visit WET at W Melbourne on Tuesday mornings and get moving with their Poolside Pilates sessions. Strengthen your core and focus on alignment in the dreamy poolside setting over 50 minutes. Then, dip in the water after class for a swim. Find out more here.
41. See the thrilling musical Miss Saigon
The acclaimed production of Miss Saigon is coming to Melbourne. This story of love and loss in war-torn Vietnam is playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre until December 3.
42. Embrace the warmer nights at the Summer Night Market
The iconic Summer Night market is returning to Queen Vic Market. Sip on cocktails, feast on delicious food, browse through stalls, enjoy live entertainment and more. It runs on Wednesday nights, starting from November 23 and ending on March 15. Learn more here.
43. Sleep in Candy Cane Lane at DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne
Excited for the holidays? Sleep in a festive, themed room this November at DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne. Sleep surrounded by stockings, candy canes, Christmas trees and more. The Candy Cane Lane room can sleep up to four people, and stays are available from November 24 to December 27. Bookings can be made via their website.
44. Feel enchanted by Christmas Under the Big Top
Follow the sound of sleigh bells to Christmas Under the Big Top, a new event coming to Burnley Oval. This exciting Christmas paradise will feature carols, rides, crafts, food and more. Christmas Under the Big Top will ring in the festive season from November 24 to December 24.
45. Explore the new Food Hall at Queen Vic Market
Queen Victoria Market is revitalising their Food Hall as part of a renewal plan from the City of Melbourne. This space will be a great place to relax and eat, with increased seating and a diverse range of cafés, restaurants and eateries open day and night. Look forward to a sushi bar, tapas, cocktails and more. While the date hasn’t been announced yet, Queen’s Food Hall is set to open in November.
46. 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 November 25 from 9am to 4pm. See more here.
47. Go peony picking around Victoria
Find some spring magic by going peony picking at lovely farms outside of Melbourne this November. See our recommendations here.
48. Go on a Garden Spritz Picnic at the Chandon Yarra Valley Estate
As the weather gets warmer, you’re invited to relax and soak in the sunshine in the stunning grounds of the Chandon Yarra Valley Estate. Treat yourself to a Garden Spritz Picnic, and enjoy locally-sourced and house-made bites, while sipping on a refreshing spritz. This picnic is available from Saturday November 4. See more here.
49. Dazzle your senses with the stunning Christmas Festival of Lights at Adventure Park
Journey to Geelong, and bask in the glow of over 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, such as rides and shows. Adventure Park’s Christmas Festival of Lights is on from November 17 to December 31. Learn more here.
50. Head to regional Victoria for the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is back for their Regional Edition this November. Treat yourself to a little getaway and embark on a culinary adventure in Ballarat, Gippsland and the Yarra Valley. Find a series of one-off events, discover local produce by the sea at The Village Feast and take part in one of the World’s Longest Lunches. The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival will run from Friday November 10 to Sunday November 19.
51. 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 events. The festival in Coldstream will start on November 13 and run until late December, while the event in Wandin East will start on November 27 and end in early January.
52. Sip your way through Budburst Wine Festival
Head to the Macedon Ranges and visit local winemakers at Budburst Wine Festival. Discover over 25 winemakers across 18 sites, with tastings, curated food menus and more. The festival is on from November 17 to 19. See more here.
53. 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 Viking battles, jousting knights, a night-time food market, activities and more. Check it out from November 18 to 19. See more here.
54. Have a blast at Queenscliff Music Festival
Queenscliff is coming alive with over 60 artists and 150 performances spread across 10 venues this November. Queenscliff Music Festival is on from November 23 to 26. Learn more here.
55. Visit Warratina Lavender Farm for their Lavender Festival
Celebrate the warmer months with the 29th 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 25 and 26. Learn more here.