What's On in Melbourne: Your Ultimate April Guide
There's something extra enchanting about Melbourne in full Autumn swing.
Autumn is officially in full swing, but no matter the forecast, our beloved city is still abuzz with a fantastic rotation of new openings, events, festivals and exhibitions.
From stunning theatre productions to art exhibitions, The Sorrento Writer's 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 Week
Score Yourself a Free Focaccia at Farro
Farro’s latest concept - a grab-and-go window dedicated to everyone’s favourite sandwiches - is introducing a fresh new menu with five delicious combinations made from the finest local produce. Made from the same tasty spelt flour of their beloved pizzas, the rustic, fluffy flatbread serves as the perfect base upon which to layer the likes of blistered tomato and mozzarella and fried calamari and eggplant. To celebrate their new takeaway venture, Farro will be serving up the first 100 focaccias for free for one day only.
Thursday 18th April, 11:30am to 1:30pm
112 Swan Street, Richmond
HoMie's Hoodies for Homelessness
HoMie’s annual Hoodies for Homelessness campaign is back, bigger and better than ever in 2024 - and we think it's one of the best causes to get behind!
Each year, the HoMie-led initiative encourages everyday Australians to buy and wear a hoodie to raise awareness for the ongoing youth homelessness crisis.
This year, the Melbourne streetwear label and social enterprise has released a limited edition hoodie collection. 100% of profits with every purchase will go towards supporting young people affected by homelessness or hardship.
HoMie's Principal Partner, Champion, will also match all sales from the collection – donating a hoodie to a young person affected by homelessness with every purchase.
To mark the release of the new collection, HoMie has transformed its Fitzroy store on Youth Homelessness Matters Day into a real-life content studio, offering customers the chance to snap a free portrait in their new threads. It's a brilliant way to support this incredible cause - and a no brainer on your lunch break today.
Purchase in-store Wednesday 17th April, 12.00pm to 4.00pm
296 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Order online here
RRP $109.00, available in sizes XS-3XL
'Let's Hear it For the Girls' Takeover Dinner at Lona Misa
South Yarra's delightful plant-based hot spot Lona Misa is celebrating women in hospitality this month with a 'Women's Takeover Dinner.' Partnering with our city's very own gelato queen, Sandra Foti (founder of Piccolina) this special evening will see celebrity chef and culinary mastermind, Shannon Martinez, playing host, alongside keynote and motivational speaker, Kim Payne.
Spend the evening being guided through a journey prepared by some of the industry's finest female chefs including Pamella Tomio (Head Chef at Lona Misa), Kya Knights (Sous Chef at Za Za Ta Brisbane), Cristina Delgado (Chef de Cuisine at Monster Kitchen and Bar in Canberra) and Federica Lunato (Sous Chef at Monster Kitchen and Bar).
A five-course menu awaits, including dishes like smoked eggplant and shitake mushroom roll, stuffed pepper with creamy pepper sauce, and a decadent Piccolina chocolate sorbet with chocolate and berry truffle on soil. It promises to be a night of culinary excellence and celebration; don't miss it.
$105 per person
Wednesday 17th April, from 6.00pm onwards
Book here
234 Toorak Road, South Yarra
What's On in Melbourne This Month: Arts & Culture
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
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
Art of the Brick
Got any LEGO fans in the family? The you need to take them to this awe-inspiring exhibition, Art of the Brick. Returning to Melbourne at the Showgrounds from the 14th of Spril, this immersive exhibition explores how LEGO can be used to create all sorts of masterpieces. This may be one of the most unique art shows you ever attend, in the best way possible.
From 14th April
Buy tickets here
Epsom Road, Ascot Vale
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
Have you heard? Now.Here.This has been six years in the making - and it's all about nurturing our city's rich and dynamic local music community, in particular its vibrant jazz scene.
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
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: 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 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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
Guide Dogs Victoria Pup-up Café
Guide Dogs Victoria is teaming up with Studley Ground in Kew to deliver the most paw-fect event to ever exist: a Pup-up Café! For one day only, this café will be filled with the most adorable pups that are training to become guide dogs - and you'll be able to play with them! You'll be able to watch them train, give them a cuddle, enjoy a photobooth and plenty more activities! All of the proceeds go towards a range of services and support programs that support Guide Dogs in keeping Victorians with low vision and blindness living independently.
Wednesday 24th April, 10.30am to 12.00pm
Secure your tickets here
121 Studley Park Road, Kew
Bahama Gold x Da Paolo Pizza Residency
This pizza pop-up is serving up a slice of serious vibes - and it's the ultimate date idea for you to try this month.
Settle in at this buzzing little bar and bottle shop and order yourself a Negroni to start - it's the right level of bitter, in our humble opinion. You'll also have a hard (but wonderful) time choosing from the mammoth wine list, with everything from orange wine from Macedon to supple Italian Sangiovese.
Whatever you decide, it's hard to beat a wine and pizza combo - and the pizzas being slung out by the Da Paolo team are some of the best in Melbourne right now. They're all charred-to-perfection, with playful toppings to match. Go for the zucchini with stracchino, capers, and a marjoram and mint sauce; stay for their special XO pizza, with pickled pineapple and fresh onion.
You'll love watching the pizza chef's prepare and sling out each pizza with absolute ease from behind the bar, with the Bahama Gold bartenders easing in and out around them like a dance they've done a thousand times before. The smooth records spinning will also have you bopping along as you savour every sip and bite, and the affable staff and warm retro fit-out will have you feeling welcome.
Until June
Monday, Friday, Saturdays and Sundays, 5.00pm to 10.00pm
135 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
Autumn Sunset Cocktails at Walsh Street
The design of Robin Boyd's Walsh Street was always intended to complement a modern lifestyle, with a floating salon and private central courtyard made for sophisticated nights of entertaining.
That's why you need to get around this tour, where your guide will share anecdotes of one of Melbourne’s hot-ticket party houses, and mixologists serve signature 1960s-inspired cocktails.
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
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
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
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 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 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 pubs, cafés and late-night cocktail haunts, here's all you need for an epic weekend in the city.
