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What's On in Melbourne: Your Ultimate April Guide

There's something extra enchanting about Melbourne in full Autumn swing.

Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival

As summer comes to a close, we're trying to soak up the last of the rays and enjoy as many activities as we can. No matter the forecast, our beloved city is still abuzz with a fantastic rotation of new openings, events, festivals and exhibitions. 

We've got the return of PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, the Melbourne Food and Wine festival, and markets galore, as well as exceptional dining offerings. Need we say more? 

With all that in mind, get ready to have an extra pep in your step as you explore the wonderful array of things to do in Melbourne this month. 

What's On in Melbourne This Month: Arts & Culture

Holi Festival

Holi Festival

In the mega month of events that is March in Melbourne, this stunning festival stands out. 

Melbourne Holi Festival’s main objective is to celebrate unity in diversity and bring communities together on the occasion of Holi.

Get set for three beautiful days of culture, colour, food, song and dance, live performances and much, much more!

General entry is free

Friday 29th to Sunday 31st March, 11.00am to 10.00pm

Ron Barassi Senior Park West, Docklands 

NGV: My Country (Image Credit: Tom Ross)

My Country: Country Road + NGV First Nations

The Country Road + NGV First Nations Commissions is a national, biennial mentorship and exhibition program where emerging Australian First Nations artists and designers are paired with one of eight esteemed industry mentors.

Together, they've created ambitious new works, responding to the exhibition theme of My Country.

It's a groundbreaking showcase, and a beautiful representation of diverse practices, from textiles to large-scale paintings and innovative installations. These works celebrate Indigenous Australian heritage and artistic talent. 

Free event 

Until 4th August, 10.00am to 5.00pm daily

Ian Potter Centre, Level 3 at Fed Square

Makers and Shakers Market

The Makers & Shakers Market

She's back, ladies and gents! The Makers & Shakers Market is set to cause a stir once again this month in Melbourne, with over 150 stalls showcasing the best sustainable fashion and homewares alongside delicious food and drink. 

Fun fact: It's the only makers market in Victoria to curate a lineup 100 percent dedicated to Australian-made goods alone. 

Indulge in product tastings and enjoy DJs spinning all-vinyl sets. You can also join in on one of the fun creative workshops included in the experience, suited to both adults and kids. 

Kids under 12 get in free - so it's a cracking day out for the whole family. We love! 

$5.00 entry fee

Purchase ticket in advance here

Saturday April 6th to Sunday April 7th, 10.00am to 4.00pm

Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens 

Sorrento Writers Festival

Sorrento Writers Festival

We're really looking forward to this one. Tickets are selling fast for the Sorrento Writers Festival, which is set to take place on Anzac Day long weekend. 

Returning to the Mornington Peninsula for its second year, it's bringing together a vast and diverse program that celebrates Australia's finest writers, academics and community leaders.

Think 100+ events across 10 unique venues (in particular the Intercontinental Sorrento) in both Sorrento and Portsea. Expect to hear from 150 talented wordsmiths including the likes of Miles Franklin Award winners Alex Miller, Anna Funder and Amanda Lohrey, as well as Kate Grenville, Magda Szubanski, Christos Tsiolkas, Julia Baird and Nam Le. 

View the program and purchase tickets/book into sessions here

April 25th to April 28th 

Multiple locations around Sorrento and Portsea

Top Arts 2024 (Image Credit: Kate Shanasy)

Top Arts

The ever-popular Top Arts is celebrating its 30th year in 2024 - and it's set to feature the works of forty-five talented VCE students/artists. 

This exhibition has always gone above and beyond, providing a platform to celebrate the most exceptional work from students who completed the new VCE study designs of Art Making and Exhibiting and Art Creative Practice in the year previous.

The art on show were chosen for their strong conceptual development, imagination, individuality, and technical excellence across a diverse array of mediums and interests. From this multi-faceted display, themes such as perception and chaos, space and repetition emerge.

Top Arts promises a fascinating survey of the curious and creative spirit of young local artists.

Free entry

Until 14th July, 10.00am to 5.00pm daily

The Ian Potter Centre at Fed Square, Melbourne CBD

Now.Here.This (Image Credit: The Toff)
Noosa Eat & Drink Festival

Noosa Eat & Drink Festival

Noosa Eat & Drink Festival is back for another year and this is your reminder to plan a long weekend, stat. The beloved coastal town will host 75+ events over four days with a lineup that’ll grumble your tummy. Over 80 local, international and Australian foodie-focused brands will take over the festival village with events like gourmet pop-ups, chef demonstrations, beach parties (complete with tunes) and interactive masterclasses on offer.

For those keen to immerse themselves even deeper, many of Noosa’s top-tier restaurants will be holding events across the four days. There will also be a swathe of events taking place on Noosa Main Beach from sundowners to brunch. The iconic long lunch event sold out in a matter of minutes but there are plenty of other highly anticipated events available to book via the full schedule here. Just don’t sleep on it! 

Tickets are on sale now here

Thursday, May 30th to Sunday 2nd June 

Melbourne Young Writers' Studio

Writing, Words & Wine

Led by published author Sigrid de Castella, this fun writing session is all for letting you unleash your imagination, paired to soft writing music and inspiring wines.

It's a great way to carve out some personal time, unwind with a glass of fine wine and who knows, maybe even start penciling down an award-winning novel. 

Free event

Monday April 8th and Monday April 22nd, 6.30pm to 9.30pm

Life's Too Short Bar - Tribeca Arcade, Shop 2/412 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne 

Melbourne Comedy Festival

April is when Melbourne International Comedy Festival takes over town! No matter your comedic style preferences, the MCF will have something for you to enjoy. Take a look at the lineup here

Until Sunday 21st April

Multiple locations around the city

Cirque du Soleil: Luzia

Cirque du Soleil: Lucia

Cirque du Soleil is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Australia with its critically acclaimed and jaw-dropping production, Luzia.

Grand visual surprises and incredible acrobatic performances will all be on show. It does a beautiful job of bringing to the stage multiple places, faces and sounds of Mexico, and plays with both tradition and modernity to create something that's unmissable viewing.

Get set for a vibrant journey through the wonders, playfulness and striking artistry of the world. This performance is not to be missed this month in Melbourne. 

Until May 26th

Book tickets here

Under the Big Top, Flemington Racecourse

Titanic: The Artefact Exhbition

Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition 

This Melbourne Museum exclusive exhibition offers a unique chance to explore human stories told through 200+ artefacts recovered from the legendary shipwreck. Set sail for it this month in Melbourne - but watch out for any treacherous icebergs!

Sitchu Tip: There's even an incredible Titanic-inspired high tea to sink your teeth into while you're there. 

Book tickets here

Extended until Sunday 21st April

Chicago The Musical (Image Credit: Jeff Busby)

Chicago The Musical

The longest-running musical on Broadway, this scorching hot masterpiece is coming to Melbourne this month. It would be a crime to miss it! 

Book tickets here

From 23rd March

Her Majesty's Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Wicked the Musical

WICKED the Musical

If you haven't experienced the beautiful story and impressive musicality of WICKED the Musical, here is your chance, Melbourne! 

This Broadway sensation looks at what happened in the Land of Oz… but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood and possessing an extraordinary talent.

When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships… until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”

Book here

Until June 30th

Regent Theatre, 191 Collins Street, Melbourne

The Westin

WICKED High Tea

Speaking of WICKED,  The Westin has put a perfectly wicked twist on their traditional high tea in partnership with WICKED The Musical. Their WICKED High Tea is the perfect pre-performance treat, especially if you're going to see an afternoon show. There is the perfect mix of savoury and sweet, all vividly green, just like Elphaba. 

“Creating this menu has been a lot of fun and the friendship between WICKED’s main characters, Elphaba and Glinda, has been the inspiration to bring it to life...I’ve paired ingredients that share a camaraderie and complement each other when served together, yet hold its own distinct characteristics and identities, just like the main lead," said Executive Chef, Apoorva Kunte.

From 2nd March

205 Collins Street, Melbourne

Leonardo Da Vinci at The LUME

LUME Melbourne - Leonardo Da Vinci

The LUME is known for putting on captivating exhibitions that celebrate the world's greatest artists - and their latest digital art gallery is doing exactly that. Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Geniuswill take over The LUME from the 16th of March, mesmerising audiences as his most famous and lesser known works are projected across the open space, such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.

Book here

From 16th March

THE LUME at The Convention Centre, South Wharf

Nocturnal: Museum After Dark

Nocturnal: Museum After Dark

Step into a world of wonder at Nocturnal, an after-hours Melbourne Museum experience that's adults-only. 

On the second Thursday night of every month, catch up with friends and uncover the secrets and mysteries behind some of the world's most fascinating exhibits. There'll be tours, talks, trivia, live music, and drop-in bingo. Be sure to sip on a cocktail or two and grab a bite to eat at one of the pop-up food stalls. 

Access to Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition is even included with your ticket. It all sounds pretty fun, right? Ben Stiller would be proud!

Thursday 11th April, 6.00pm to 9.00pm

$35.00

Book here

Melbourne Museum, Carlton Gardens, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton

BBC Earth Experience

BBC Earth Experience 

Travel the world and journey through the seven continents in one epic BBC Earth Experience at the MCC. It'll take you on an unforgettable path through the natural world, to explore the extraordinary diversity of each unique continent. See all of the different animals, flora and fauna on large projectors scattered across the room, and be fully immersed through the sounds of nature coming from 142 individually-programmed speakers.

This immersive journey, with bespoke narration from David Attenborough, features breath-taking footage from Seven Worlds, One Planet, projected on multiple multi-angle screens using the very latest digital screen technology. Everywhere, you look, something different is unfolding. Once you've finished watching the 70-minute show, head to the interactive part of the exhibition and have a play around.

$49.90 per ticket

Book here

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne 

Immigration Museum

Check out 'Joy,' the New Exhibition at the Immigration Museum

There are seven new installations at the Immigration Museum for its new exhibition: Joy. Comissioned from seven leading creatives in Victoria, these exhibit takes viewers on an emotive journey to discover the true power and meaning of joy. This uplifting display includes a replica 1990s video store by Callum Preston, evoking a wave of nostalgia for those who grew up in the '90s and early 2000s. And if you can't make it in March, don't worry, because this exhibition isn't going anywhere, anytime soon, and is sticking around until early 2025.

Tickets $15

Get your ticket here

400 Flinders Street, Melbourne

Groundhog Day The Musical

Groundhog Day The Musical

We know and love the classic movie plot of waking up into the one repeating day, every single day. But, have you ever seen it in musical form? We didn't think so.

But, now you can! Groundhog Day The Musical is coming to Melbourne for the first time ever in a 13-week season. Weatherman Phil Connors is trapped inside one day, continuously on repeat. This musical is going to be comedic, heartwarming, and an all-time favourite for theatre lovers. Plus, the award-winning actor, Andy Karl, who was actually the original Phil Connors, will be taking to the stage down under! 

Until April 20th

Secure you tickets here

Princess Theatre, 163 Spring Street, Melbourne

NGV Triennial

NGV Triennial

NGV Triennial is a powerful and moving snapshot of the world today as captured through the work of 100 artists, designers, and collectives at the forefront of global contemporary practice.

Bringing contemporary art, design and architecture together across all four levels of NGV International, the Triennial invites to reflect on the world as it is, while also asking how we would like it to be.

From David Shrigley to Yoko Ono, Sheila Hicks to Petrit Halilaj, the vibrant works on display will truly captivate and inspire. 

Free entry

Until April 7th

Everyday, 10.00am to 5.00pm

NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 

Marshmallow Laser Feast at ACMI

Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature at ACMI

Marshmallow Laser Feast is a London-based collective that has taking over the ACMI with their Works of Nature exhibition. It's a full blown immersive experience, of large-scale moving image and technology designed to take us on a sensory journey - and help us to consider our place in the natural world. 

From the roots of a majestic Amazonian tree to the unseen branches of the body and the birth of galaxies, this hypnotic exhibition explores the rhythm that cultivates and connects all life – breath.

Until 14th April 

$20 per ticket

Book timed tickets here

Federation Square, Flinders Street, Melbourne

Sofar Sounds

Sofar Sounds

Global music community Sofar Sounds creates space where music matters. It brings artists and audiences together through unique live music experiences in surprising spaces. 

There are five upcoming gigs in April to keep an eye out for. Don't miss the Didirri headline performance in Reservoir on April 27th. 

Tickets from $40 per person

Find out more here

Multiple locations around the city

Honey Bones

Honey Bones Arts Club

An open space for the community to explore art-making, expression and self-inquiry, the Honey Bones Art Club is one of our top picks of things to do in Melbourne this month. These group art sessions are held every Saturday morning, hosted by Honey Bones Gallery and Arts Therapist, Donika Fazliu. You're invited to explore a prompt/theme, like a self-portrait, with no set instructions as to how to interpret the theme. From there it's a 2 hour art-making class, that allows individuals to fully immerse in the interpretation and expression of the prompt.

After each piece has been crafted, artworks are displayed and conversations are initiated around the art-making process, people's individual experiences and what has been gained through the experience. It's a prime time for self-reflection and the simple pleasure of putting paint to paper. 

An inclusive space, all are welcome to participate, regardless of artistic skill. 

$10 per person

Book here

46 Trafford Street, Brunswick

What's on in Melbourne This Month: Markets & Festivals

Regional Farmers Monthly Market at Abbotsford Convent 

The Abbotsford Convent has got a new monthly farmers market, with more than 45 stalls of organic fruit and vegetables, locally sourced dairy, homemade desserts and more on offer. After the Convent's beloved weekend farmers market closed down in December last year, its beyond exciting to have a vibrant and community-minded space to return to market once more. Embrace the spring sunshine and stroll through the bustling stalls, with highlights include Spring Creek Organics, Heathmont Honey, the fresh kefir and vintage cheddar at Blue Bay Cheese, and the delightful desserts at Pudding Nana. Bread and butter pudding, anyone? 

$2.00 entry

8.00am to 2.00pm

Second Saturday of every month

What's On in Melbourne This Month: Eat & Drink

Robin Boyd House at Walsh Street
CBCo Brewing

Fill Your Esky With Free Goldy Lager

What better way to kick off the long weekend than with a free slab of beer? CBCo Brewing are inviting you to their Port Melbourne location to fill up your esky with up to 24  cans of beer (equivalent to one slab) of their latest creation: Goldy Lager. This is to celebrate their 20 year brewing anniversary, and they think there's no better way to do it than by thanking their loyal customers with some freebies. We know where we'll be heading Thursday morning!

89 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne

Mamas Dining Group

Celebrate Margarita March with Mamas Dining Group and Patrón

A collaboration between some of Melbourne's dining icons (Hochi Mama CBD and RichmondStraight Outta Saigon and Kiss & Tell) and the world's number one premium tequila brand, Patrón, Margarita March is in full swing. 

To celebrate, there will be classic and hand-crafted, restaurant-exclusive versions of the beloved cocktail available for just $15 each from February 28 until March 31.

Each cocktail pairs perfectly with the delicious dishes on each venue's menu - we highly suggest visiting them all so you don't miss out on the unique creations that are the Honey Mama, Spiced Fusion, Smooth Operator and Watermelon High.

Find out more here.

Various locations, February 28 to March 31

Heide Kitchen

Pay a Visit to Heide Museum of Modern Art & Heide Kitchen 

The Mulberry Group's (Hazel, Dessous) latest breakfast and lunch dining destination can be found at the Heide Museum of Modern Art in Bulleen. Launched late last year, Heide Kitchen's fare is simple but elegantly executed, and features produce grown from Heide's two kitchen gardens, as well Common Ground Project. It's been breathing new life into the former Heide Cafe space, with visitors eager to taste this garden-to-table philosophy inspired by Heide's sustainably minded founders, Sunday Reed and John Reed. 

Sitchu Tip: Grab a takeaway coffee from the coffee cart and purchase a picnic basket, so you can relax within the surrounding gardens and sculpture park.  

Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10.00am - 4.00pm

7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen

Late Nights at Yugen

Every Friday and Saturday night, Yugen Dining is set to presents Late Nights at Yugen. Guests can enjoy tunes all night long from some of Melbourne’s finest DJs with a March line-up that includes Lucas James, Edd Fischer, Kelvin Dana, Sam Roney, Deane Barnes, Leah Marie, Greg Sara and more. Take a seat at the bar and sip on one of Yugen’s signature cocktails, like the Ume Negroni and indulge in the late night supper menu, featuring an array of snacks to satiate all your nighttime cravings. Think Pacific oysters with ginger and yuzu, barbecue char siu pork steamed buns, and grilled prawns in potato rolls with Sichuan yuzu mayonnaise and herbs. 

Whether you are capping the night off or just getting started, Late Nights At Yugen will have you kicking off the weekend in style.

Book here

Walk-ins always welcome

605 Chapel Street, South Yarra 

What's on in Melbourne This Month: Health & Wellness

Yoga at THE LUME

Yoga at THE LUME is back, the only 360-degree, multi-sensory yoga experience in Melbourne to find your inner peace and tranquility. Stretch your limbs and realign your mind, body, and spirit while surrounded by new, never-before-seen themes, including Oceanic Dive, Tranquil Rainforests and the awe-inspiring Magnificent Himalayas. Each week features a fresh, mesmerising theme, all designed to immerse yogis into a calming and tranquil setting, along with beautiful matching soundtracks and THE LUME Melbourne’s signature perfume to ignite every single sense. Book in advance.

$39.00 per person

Various dates, click here to book

THE LUME at The Convention Centre, South Wharf

What's On in Melbourne This Month: Out of Town

Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival

Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival

Let your palate guide the way along Australia's biggest Pie & Tart Trail at this year's Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival. There's also a choice of Tipple Trails to take your tastebuds on, or the Edgy Veg Trail. 

Not just defined by any one location, the magic of the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival is that there are more than 50 events taking place throughout the region. It's hard to know where to start, which is why you should make sure to collect a festival map and passport before you begin your autumnal venturing. 

Alongside the foodie trails, there's live music to be enjoyed in country halls, workshops, exclusive lunches and tastings, and plenty of guided walks through flurries of amber-hued leaves. Don't miss it!

5th April to 28th April

Find out more here

Macedon Ranges

Wild Harvest Seafood Festival

Wild Harvest Seafood Festival

The annual Wild Harvest Seafood Festival is here again, set to celebrate the connection the Mallacoota community has, and has always had, to the ocean. 

It's a unique opportunity for you to uncover the bountiful secrets of the sea - from abalone to sea urchins, oysters to Banded Morwong and everything in between.

Some of the highlights include the illuminated Lantern Parade, a lake cruise aboard the M.V. Loch-Ard in Mallacoota inlet, a seafood market on the Saturday brimming with food vans, craft stalls, live music - and all the freshest seafood you could poke a stick at - a seafood and sunset cruise, paella picnic, and a bush foods walk with Budawang Elder, Noel Butler. 

Friday April 26th to Sunday April 28th

Free and ticketed events available; see the program here

Mallacoota, East Gippsland, Victoria

Pyrenees Unearthed (Image credit: Pyrenees Wine Region)

Pyrenees Unearthed Food & Wine Festival

Experience the Pyrenees Unearthed Wine and Food Festival along the picturesque Avoca River this month, where over 25 Pyrenees and Grampians wineries showcase their finest wines alongside local beer, cider, and gin.

Indulge in a diverse array of Western Victoria's flavors through local food and produce while enjoying live entertainment throughout the day.

Don't miss the chance to bid on rare and valuable vintages at the Wine Auction. This family-friendly event also offers free children's activities and convenient return buses from Maryborough and Ballarat, making it the perfect day out for all ages.

Saturday 13th April, 11.00am to 5.00pm

$65

Buy tickets here

Avoca River Flat, Dundas Street, Avoca 

Bright

Bright Autumn Festival

Mark your calendars - the charms of the Bright Autumn Festival are back to steal your hear! Expect a vibrant celebration of Victoria's Alpine High Country held across ten days, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn colors and locally sourced produce.

Don't miss the Gala on May 6th, featuring a bustling market, live music, and a dazzling grand parade. Other festival highlights include the Wandi Nut Festival, held on April 29th, the Bright Art Gallery's Autumn Exhibition, and the many enchanting open gardens on display. 

Experience the essence of autumn in the valleys of Victoria's Alpine High Country at this unmissable event! 

Friday 26th April to Sunday 5th May 

Bright and Surrounds, Victoria 

Looking for more fun things to do in Melbourne this summer? We have plenty to keep you entertained. From Melbourne's best new restaurants and bars to friendly pubscafés and late-night cocktail haunts, here's all you need for an epic weekend in the city.

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