Spooky season is almost here! And while we can’t wait for Halloween, there’s plenty of wonderful (non-scary) things to see, do and eat in Melbourne this October. Have fun at some blockbuster events, check out some festivals and stay busy during the month of October with this list of recommendations.
1. Feel amazed by Melbourne Fringe Festival
Fringe is back! And this year, there’s 470 incredible events to discover. You’re invited to ‘Eat Your Art Out’ across three incredible weeks, and enjoy a feast for the senses with plenty of events for art and food lovers. Expect a curated program that will push the boundaries with music, dance, cabaret and more. Melbourne Fringe Festival will run from Tuesday October 1 to Sunday October 20.
2. Enjoy the good vibes at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Melbourne will soon come alive with the sound of jazz. Get ready for over 109 performances and events across the city, from the streets of Melbourne to grander stages. The Melbourne International Jazz Festival (MIJF) will run from October 18 to 27.
3. Strut your way to Melbourne Fashion Week
Melbourne Fashion Week is coming back for its 30th year, and is set to transform the city with plenty of exciting experiences. Look forward to over 100 events and sessions, like runways, exhibitions, talks and more. Melbourne Fashion Week will run from Monday October 21 to Sunday October 27.
4. Return to the Melbourne Royal Show
The iconic Melbourne Royal Show is back in town for another season of family fun. Look forward to over 100 experiences and activities, such as animal encounters, fireworks, rides and more. Find it at Melbourne Showgrounds from Thursday September 26 to Sunday October 6.
5. Check out the Melbourne Italia Festa
Head to Royal Exhibition Building and the Museum Plaza for the Melbourne Italian Festa. Indulge in plenty of delectable food and drink, explore stalls, go wine tasting, enjoy live performances and more at this massive cultural event. Check it out on Saturday October 5 and Sunday October 6. More info here.
6. Embark on an illuminated woodland trail in Magic by Moonlight
Look forward to over 400 light installations across four magical realms in Magic by Moonlight. This enchanting experience for the whole family will take over the George Pentland Botanical Gardens in Frankston. Check it out on select days from Thursday September 12 to Sunday October 6, from 5:30pm to 10pm.
7. Have fun at Festival Indonesia
Pop over to Argyle Square in Carlton for Festival Indonesia. Find treasures at a variety of stalls, feast on Indonesian cuisine and see cultural performances. This cultural event will take place on Sunday October 6 from 10am. More info here.
8. See all the action at Monster Jam
Monster Jam is taking over AAMI Park on Saturday October 5. See The Amazing Spider-Man, Thor and more face off against fan favourites like Grave Digger and Megalodon in a series of freestyle, skill and racing competitions. Find out more.
9. Unwind at the candlelit meditation experience, Mindful Glow
Feeling stressed? Calm your mind and release tension in the body at Mindful Glow. Lose yourself in the tranquil candlelit space, and take part in mindful meditation and a revitalising sound bath. This experience will take place at Collingwood Town Hall on Saturday October 5. Get your tickets here.
10. Stay out late at NGV Friday Nights
The popular NGV Friday Nights is back in celebration of the exhibition, Pharaoh. Expect a massive line-up of pop-up performances, music residencies, Middle Eastern-inspired food and plenty of drinks. NGV Friday Nights is on from now until October 4.
11. Journey through history with the Pharaoh exhibition at NGV
6 October 2024 at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Sean Fennessy
Explore three thousand years of ancient Egyptian art and culture at the NGV Winter Masterpieces exhibition for 2024, Pharaoh. This ambitious partnership with the British Museum showcases over 500 works, including monumental sculpture, architecture, jewellery, coffins and more. Many of these works are on display in Australia for the first time. Find it at NGV from now until October 6.
12. See the whimsical Accidentally Wes Anderson exhibition
An exhibition inspired by the colour and symmetry of Wes Anderson films is coming to Melbourne. See over 200 curated photos from around the world, explored themed areas and have fun with interactive sets. Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition is open from Wednesday September 18. Get your tickets here.
13. 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 September 17 to February 16, 2025.
14. 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 now until Sunday October 6.
15. Have fun at Big Games Night Out
Head to Fed Square for a fun night of games, music and cosplay. Free and fun for all ages, Big Games Night Out features plenty of games for you to try, such as arcade, esport, tabletop and roleplay. In the Main Square, you’ll also find live music, DJs, performances and a cosplay runway. Check it out on Thursday October 10 from 3pm to late. Learn more here.
16. Take part in PAX
This famous games festival is back in Melbourne this October. Browse the expo hall, take part in tournaments, see special guests, play games and more from October 11 to 13. You’ll find PAX at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. See more here.
17. Light up your night at So Soirée
So Soirée is returning to Prahran this October. Produced by the City of Stonnington and part of Melbourne Fringe Festival, this event will showcase talented performers, pushing the boundaries of comedy, circus, cabaret and burlesque. It will run from October 10 to 20. See more here.
18. 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.
19. Go shopping at the Finders Keepers Markets
Head to Royal Exhibition Building this October and browse for goods from over 250 local makers and designers. Discover fashion, ceramics, art, food and more. The Finders Keepers Markets will run from October 11 to 13. See more here.
20. Party it up at Oktoberfest in the Gardens
The massive Oktoberfest in the Gardens is set to return to Melbourne for its fourteenth year. Get ready to party like a Bavarian with colossal beer halls, German food stalls, thrill rides, entertainment and lots, lots more. This exciting festival will take over Catani Gardens in St Kilda on Saturday October 12, from 1pm to 9pm.
21. Do your best at the NIKE Melbourne Marathon Festival
Whether fitness is your life, or you’re just looking to give it a go, all are welcome at Australia’s largest running festival. There’s a few different races to try, with a classic marathon experience, a wheelchair marathon, a 5km run and more. The Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival will take place on Sunday October 13. See more here.
22. Take part in Indian Community Day at NGV
NGV is hosting a free and family-friendly Indian Community Day. Look forward to vibrant cultural performances, learn more about Indian art and treat yourself to some delicious food. It’s all happening on Sunday October 13 from 11am to 5pm. Learn more here.
23. 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 Sunday October 13 to Tuesday November 5. Learn more here.
24. Watch the peregrine falcons on 367 Collins
Watch all the highs and lows of the peregrine falcon family as they wait for their eggs to hatch this spring.
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. Watch a movie at the Greek Film Festival
Head to Palace Cinemas and celebrate the essence of Greek culture at the Greek Film Festival. The festival will run from October 15 to 27. See what’s playing here.
27. Find feasts and more at the Fringe Flavours Night Market
Queen Victoria Market has teamed up with Melbourne Fringe Festival to bring the Fringe Flavours Night Market to Melbourne. Browse through the market and discover plenty of delicious food and drink, as well as spectacular live performances. Check it out on Wednesday nights from September 18 to October 16.
28. Join the fun at Ability Fest
The accessible and inclusive music festival, Ability Fest, is taking over Alexandra Gardens and Birrarung Marr. See a stacked line-up of performers and DJs across two stages. Check it out on Saturday October 19.
29. 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.
30. 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.
31. Have a royally good time at SIX the Musical
Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. If that’s all you know about Henry VIII and his six wives, then strap yourselves in. The fun and witty show, SIX the Musical, is back in Melbourne. See Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr take the mic and belt out their stories for all to hear. The ex-wives have seized throne at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne, and will stay in town until October 20.
32. See the mighty T. Rex at Melbourne Museum
Victoria the T. Rex is one of the largest and most complete fossils in the world. She’s also the first real T. rex to ever be shown in Victoria. Check out the dinosaur at Melbourne Museum from now until October 20.
33. 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.
34. 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.
35. Celebrate Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus
Hofbräuhaus is celebrating Oktoberfest with plenty of bier, food, live entertainment and games. Join in on the fun from September 21 to October 26.
36. Find something tasty at the Asia Oasis Street Food Festival
Wander over to Alexandra Gardens, and taste your way through nearly 200 different dishes at the Asia Oasis Street Food Festival by the Yarra. Check it out from Thursday October 24 to Sunday October 27.
37. Have a super good time at “Batman” – Live In Concert
See the 1989 Tim Burton film, accompanied by an orchestra playing the score live as the movie unfolds. “Batman” – Live In Concert will take over the Regent Theatre from Thursday October 24 to Saturday October 26.
38. Celebrate Diwali at Fed Square
Fed Square is lighting up for the Victorian Festival of Diwali on Saturday October 26. Look forward to cultural performances, live music, workshops, delicious food, fireworks and more. More details here.
39. 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 market will run on October 26 from 9am to 4pm. See more here.
40. Celebrate at Melbourne Diwali
Marvel Stadium will light up with cultural performances, festival stalls, activities and more at Melbourne Divali. The festivities will take place on Saturday October 26 from 3pm to 10pm. More info here.
41. Have a pup-tacular time at the Melbourne Dog Lovers Festival
If you’re a dog lover, this might just be your idea of heaven. Meet and interact with heaps of dogs, listen to educational talks, check out the adoption zone, shop for pet goodies and more. The Melbourne Dog Lovers Festival will take place at Melbourne Showgrounds on Saturday October 26 and Sunday October 27.
42. Whisk yourself away to the Cat Lovers Festival
Have a purr-fect time at the Cat Lovers Festival. Cuddle up with cats, learn more about them, find presents to spoil them with and more. The festival will take place at Melbourne Showgrounds on Saturday October 26 and Sunday October 27.
43. 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. On top of the delightful food and drink, there’s also merchandise, an art installation and a school holidays program. The cafe is open daily from 10am to 9pm, from September 20 to October 27.
44. 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.
45. 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.
46. 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 October include the music of Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones, a night of Halloween classics and more. See what’s on here.
47. 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.
48. Grow over to the Bolobek Garden Fair
Take a drive over to Bolobek at the base of Mt Macedon for the Bolobek Garden Fair. Browse through over 50 stalls, selling rare plants, garden tools, botanical art and more. The Fair will take place on October 5 and 6.
49. Check out the Food, Fire & Light Festival at Sovereign Hill
Gaze at blazing light installations, feel the heat from fiery performances, and tuck into some smoky food and drink at Sovereign Hill. The Food, Fire & Light Festival will run from 5pm to 10pm on Friday October 11, Saturday October 12, Friday October 18 and Saturday October 19.
50. Wander through colourful fields at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival
Drive out to the Dandenong Ranges and feel delighted by the visual splendour of the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. There’s nearly one million bulbs spread across five acres to discover. On top of the tulips, there will be food, drinks and entertainment. The Tesselaar Tulip Festival will run from Saturday September 14 to Sunday October 13.
51. Sip your way through Shedfest in the Yarra Valley
Embrace the spring sunshine and take a day trip or a weekend getaway to the Yarra Valley for Shedfest. Fourteen wineries will open their cellar doors and sheds for wine tasting, live music and delicious food. The wineries stretch all around the Yarra Valley, in locations like Seville, Healesville and Yarra Glen. Check it out on Saturday October 12 and Sunday October 13.
52. Take a drive to the Swiss Italian Festa
Take a day trip to Hepburn Springs and join them for their Swiss Italian Festa. This fabulous event celebrates the Swiss Italian migrants, who first came to the Hepburn Springs and Daylesford region in the 1850s. Check it out from Friday October 25 to Sunday October 27.
53. Admire the Bendigo Annual Tulip Display
Head to Pall Mall and Conservatory Garden to see this year’s Bendigo Annual Tulip Display. There, you’ll find over 43, 000 tulips with a whole range of colours, sizes and blooming times. The tulips usually bloom from mid-September until mid-October. Check here for more information.