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 cool festivals, browse through markets and find more ways to stay busy during this frightfully fun month.
Here’s what’s on in Melbourne this October
Feel amazed by Melbourne Fringe Festival
Melbourne Fringe Festival is coming back with over 500 events that push the boundaries with music, dance, cabaret and more. It’s all happening from Tuesday September 30 to Sunday October 19.
Enjoy the good vibes at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Melbourne will soon come alive with the sound of jazz. Get ready for over 150 performances and events across the city, from intimate bars to grander stages. The Melbourne International Jazz Festival (MIJF) will run from October 17 to 26.
Strut your way to Melbourne Fashion Week
Melbourne Fashion Week is coming back for its 31st year, and is set to transform the city with plenty of exciting experiences. It will run from Monday October 20 to Sunday October 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.
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.
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, and this month features the likes of Candlelight Ballet, Best of Fleetwood Mac, and Magical Movie Soundtracks. See what’s on here.
Arguably the standout Candlelight concert in Melbourne this October is the superbly spooky Candlelight: Horror Classics, taking place at the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium on October 28 & 29. It’s been dreamt up by Candlelight in partnership with Warner Brothers, and features a whole host of chilling, thrilling songs from popular horror films. You won’t want to miss out…
See all the action at Monster Jam
Monster Jam is taking over AAMI Park on Saturday October 4. 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.
Gaze at the French Impressionism exhibition at NGV
Find over 100 paintings, including works never-before-seen in Australia, by notable artists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, and more at NGV. Presented in partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), this will be one of the largest and most significant collections of French Impressionism to visit Australia, but it comes to an end on October 5.
Learn all about the history and beauty of kimono at NGV
Another NGV gem coming to an end in early October, Kimono explores the craft and beauty of the timeless kimono, telling its story through over 70 garments from the Edo period to today. Rare and hand-crafted kimono are on display here, including more than 30 never-before-seen garments that are new to the NGV Collection. You’ve got until October 5 to see it.
Have fun at Big Games Night Out
Head to Fed Square and celebrate the vast world of games at Big Games Night Out. Enjoy a nostalgic tribute to arcades at Electric Arcadia, enjoy live performances, see cosplay parades, play games and much more. This free event is on from 3pm until late on Thursday October 9. Learn more here.
Take part in PAX
This famous games festival is back in Melbourne this October. Browse the Expo Hall, join tournaments, see special guests, make friends in the Tabletop Hall and more from October 10 to 12. You’ll find PAX at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. See more here.
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 open at ACMI until February 8, 2026.
Feel the beat at MJ The Musical
The Tony Award-winning show, MJ The Musical, is coming to 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.
Go shopping at the Finders Keepers Markets
Head to Royal Exhibition Building this October and browse for goods from over 260 local makers and designers. Discover fashion, ceramics, art, food and more. The Finders Keepers Markets will run from October 10 to 12. See 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 to explore the museum with friends or on a daring date night.
Celebrate Diwali at Fed Square
Fed Square is lighting up for the Victorian Festival of Diwali on Saturday October 11. Look forward to cultural performances, live music, workshops, delicious food, fireworks and more. More details here.
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 11 from 2pm to 10pm. More info here.
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 12. See more here.
Be enchanted by the breathtaking Ballet of Lights
Enchantment comes in spades at Ballet of Lights, which tells the story of Sleeping Beauty through classical dance and glow-in-the-dark costumes. You’ve never seen ballet like this before, so catch it at the Capitol Theatre on October 31 for a stunning night out.
Watch a movie at the Greek Film Festival
The Greek Film Festival is back in Melbourne for its 30th year. See award-winning films, a curated selection of retrospectives and more. It’s all happening from October 14 to 26. See what’s playing here.
Check out the Fringe Flavours Night Market
Visit Queen Victoria Market on Wednesday nights and see free Fringe performances on a pop-up stage. Look forward to circus, cabaret, comedy and more, as well as roving performances. While you’re there, treat yourself to some food and drink from one of the market stalls. The Fringe Flavours Night Market is on from September 17 to October 15.
Listen to Earth’s mightiest heroes at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
At the Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience, you’ll embark on a cinematic journey through 23 films in one exciting concert. Performed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, you’ll hear thrilling scores from Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and more. Check it out at Hamer Hall from October 16 to 18. See more here.
Celebrate at the Oktoberfest Phillipino Festival
Visit Queen Victoria Market and have fun with traditional Filipino folk dances, delicious food like lechon, games, beer and more. The Oktoberfest Phillipino Festival is on from 9am to 4pm on Saturday October 18. See more here.
Party it up at Oktoberfest in the Gardens
The massive Oktoberfest in the Gardens is coming back to Melbourne for its fifteenth 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 18, from 1pm to 9pm.
Check out the Italian Festa & Expo
Head to Royal Exhibition Building and the Museum Plaza for the Italian Festa & Expo. Indulge in plenty of delectable food and drink from over 50 stalls and marquees, go wine tasting, enjoy live music, go shopping and more at this massive cultural event. Check it out on Saturday October 18 and Sunday October 19. Entry is free! More info here.
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 19. More info here.
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.
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus
Hofbräuhaus is celebrating Oktoberfest with plenty of bier, food, live entertainment and games. Join in on the fun from now until October 25.
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.
Join the party at Fridayz Live
Fridayz Live is coming back to Melbourne with an incredible line-up of superstars including the one and only Mariah Carey, as well as Pitbull, Wiz Khalifa, Lil Jon, Eve, Tinie Tempah and Jordin Sparks. See it at Marvel Stadium on Saturday October 25.
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 newly opened LEGO Star Wars exhibition.
Feel the Force at a LEGO Star Wars exhibition in Melbourne Museum
Fly to a galaxy far, far away and feel amazed by LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition. Marvel at towering structures, awesome starships and your favourite characters, then join in on the fun with your own builds. LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition is now open at Melbourne Museum.
Indulge in High Cheese at The Westin
Stay cosy with three decadent tiers of cheesy goodness, curated in collaboration with fromage fiends The Studd Siblings and the Yarra Valley’s Zonzo Estate. High Cheese at The Westin Melbourne will run from now until October 25. Find it at Allegro Restaurant on Wednesday to Saturday nights, from 5pm to 9:30pm.
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 25 and Sunday October 26. See more here.
Whisk yourself away to the Cat Lovers Festival
It’s all about pets this month, as running alongside (but not too close, for obvious reasons) the Dog Lovers Festival is Melbourne’s own Cat Lovers Festival. Cuddle up with cats, learn more about them, find presents to spoil them with and more when it pops up at Melbourne Showgrounds on Saturday October 25 and Sunday October 26. Pounce this way.
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.
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 October 30.
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.
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.
Satisfy your cravings at Australia’s first Burrata Festival
Head to the rooftop carpark of South Melbourne Market and feel delighted by the Burrata Festival. Run by the team from That’s Amore Cheese, you can look forward to plenty of burrata bites, as well as live music, cooking demonstrations and more. This cheesy event will run from 5pm to 9pm on Thursday October 30.
Have a spooky time at Melbourne Museum
Get in the Halloween spirit with this thrilling event at Melbourne Museum. There’s plenty of family friendly activities, as well as spaces and programming reserved for adults. Have fun at the Halloween Disco, dare to enter the Haunted Cinema, sip on cocktails from the Treasure Tavern and more. Halloween at the Museum will take place on Friday October 31. See more here.
Grow over to the Bolobek Garden Fair
Take a drive over to Bolobek at the base of Mount Macedon for the Bolobek Garden Fair. Browse through over 50 stalls, take garden tours, listen to guest speakers and more. The Fair will take place on October 4 and 5. Learn more here.
Feel pretty in pink at this cherry blossom destination
Drive out to the Yarra Valley and celebrate spring at the CherryHill Orchards. Take your family, your friends, and even your dog, and explore the stunning rows of blooming cherry trees. Throughout the blossom season, there’s a few different events to try, including their annual festival, an after-hours light show and a new market event. It’s all happening on select days from now until October 8.
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 13 to Sunday October 12.
Wander over to the wisteria archway at Alowyn Gardens
Visit these beautiful gardens in Yarra Glen and discover a stunning wisteria archway. Walk underneath this purple canopy, and admire the spectacular blooms. This space is particularly magnificent for four weeks in spring. The wisteria usually looks its best during mid-October. Keep an eye on their social media for updates.
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. Thirteen 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 11 and Sunday October 12. More info here.
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 start blooming from mid-September until mid-October. Check here for more information.
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. Look forward to street parades, historic walking tours, fireworks and more. Check it out from Friday October 24 to Sunday October 26. See more here.
Check out the new Eat Drink Play Gippsland festival
Celebrate all that Gippsland has to offer at the inaugural Eat Drink Play Gippsland. Split into two parts, the day will kick off with a focus on local produce and drinks. Then, when night falls, you’ll dance through the evening with live music. Find it at the Leongatha Railway Precinct on Saturday October 18.
Have a beautiful time at the Bluebell Festival
Visit Duneira Estate in the Macedon Ranges and admire the pretty bluebells, listen to live sax, indulge in treats and explore the house and gardens. The Duneira Bluebell Festival will run from 10am to 3pm on Saturday October 25 and Sunday October 26.
