What’s On in Melbourne: Your Ultimate Guide for April & Beyond

As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to glow in shades of amber and gold, Melbourne eases into its most enchanting season. Autumn is a time for slow afternoons spent sipping wine in cosy courtyards, brisk evening strolls through art-filled laneways, and settling into the rhythm of live music, cultural festivals, food festivals, comedy festivals, theatre performances, and new-season dining. The city’s energy doesn’t fade—it just takes on a richer, more refined pulse, with golden-hour drinks, regional experiences, and the first whispers of truffle season.

Get ready to embrace the city in all its autumnal glory—here are our top picks of things to do this month in Melbourne.

What’s On in Melbourne This Month: Play

Wes Anderson ‘Bathe in Cinema’ at the Peninsula Hot Springs

What better way to embrace the cool change of the weather than to amp up the heat at the Peninsula Hot Springs? Kicking off from the 3rd of April, Peninsula Hot Springs will host a comforting, relaxing cinematic experience like no other with their ‘Bathe in Cinema’ series—except this time, it’s exclusively Wes Anderson-themed. Let your hair down and unwind in natural geothermal waters under the stars, all while enjoying Wes Anderson’s iconic films including The Grand Budapest Hotel, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Isle of the Dogs and Moonrise Kingdom. Occurring every Thursday, it’s the perfect nearly-end-of-week mood boost to get you through. The cinematic screening is free with every bathing experience.

There are plenty of other school holiday activities for the whole family to enjoy, too. From morning yoga to fire and ice workshops and family body clay rituals, there are opportunities to both involve and escape the little ones.

Book here

Every Thursday from 3rd April to 24th April

140 Springs Lane, Fingal

Nimbus Co Fitzroy Studio Launch Community Day

Nimbus Co is soft launching their brand new Fitzroy studio on the 26th of April through hosting a suite of free sauna sessions. A limited number of people will be able to book in a time to tour the studio, meet the team, and enjoy Nimbus Co’s renowned holistic approach to wellness through relaxing saunas, cold plunges and breathwork classes. Numbers are filling up fast, so don’t wait before reserving your spot.

Free event, secure your spot here

26th April, 9am to 12pm

400 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy

Upstate Elsternwick: The Ultimate Fitness Destination this Month in Melbourne

Get ready, South Siders—Upstate Elsternwick is here to take your fitness game to the next level! This brand-new space boasts two Reformer Pilates studios, a dynamic Boxing room, Hot Pilates, Yoga, and even Sound Bath Meditation for the ultimate high-vibe workout experience. To celebrate its grand opening, Upstate Elsternwick is offering free classes the weekend of May 3rd and 4th, plus exclusive membership deals, prizes, and a chance to win a 3-Month Unlimited Membership.

Whether you’re a fitness newbie or a seasoned pro, this place has everything you need to sweat it out, feel great, and get stronger every day. Mark your calendars and get ready to crush it at Melbourne’s hottest new fitness hub!

Free classes May 3rd and 4th, 2025 (Classes running throughout the day—check via your Upstate app or website)

590-596 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick

YIRRAMBOI Festival 2025: A Ten-Day Celebration of First Nations Culture and Artistic Power

From May 1st to 11th, Melbourne’s arts precinct will come alive with the electrifying YIRRAMBOI Festival, a transformative celebration of First Nations creativity, identity, and unity. Spanning ten days and taking centre stage at Malthouse Theatre and Chunky Move, this year’s festival pushes boundaries, exploring themes of Legacy, Joy, Reclamation, and Akin through groundbreaking performances, art installations, and world premieres. Expect an unforgettable mix of theatre, music, dance, and radical storytelling—highlighting works like Cut the Sky, BLAKOUT 2.0, and the world premiere of Three Blak Ravers.

A standout event, the Uncle Archie Roach Block Party on Saturday May 10th, will honour the legacy of Uncle Archie and Aunty Ruby Hunter with performances from over 40 First Nations artists, including headliners KANINNA and Snotty Nose Rez Kids, along with celebrated acts like Kutcha Edwards, Jem Cassar-Daley, and the fiery Sam V. With performances that shatter convention and honour heritage, YIRRAMBOI is not to be missed this month in Melbourne.

Join the celebration and witness the power of art to ignite change.

May 1st to 11th, 2025

Titanic A Voyage Through Time

It may have sunk to the bottom of the North Atlantic Ocean, but for a limited time, you can step inside the Titanic in A Voyage Through Time. This isn’t any ordinary exhibition—it’s an immersive VR experience that’ll trick you into believing you’re cruising the seas with Rose and Jack. From it’s grand departure to its tragic gate, you’ll walk the decks and the luxurious halls just like the original passengers in 1912. After the Titanic sinks, you’ll be able to descend the 4000 metres beneath the ocean’s surface 9—from the safety and comfort of your VR headset, of course—and explore the shipwreck in a way that’s reminiscent of a deep-sea scuba dive. This experience isn’t only a feast for the eyes, it’s an emotionally moving retelling that’ll leave you in awe.

Book here

3rd April until 29th June

Level 1, 206 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Melbourne Comedy Festival

Get ready to laugh until your cheeks hurt! The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is set to take over the city at the end of this month, turning every corner into a punchline. With a stellar line-up of stand-up, cabaret, and theatrical performances, you’ll catch local heavy hitters like Tommy Little, Ruby Wax, Luke McGregor, and Dave Hughes, alongside impressive international comedians such as Julio Torres and Ed Gamble. Whether you’re a comedy aficionado or just in it for a good time, this festival guarantees a non-stop rollercoaster of laughs.

March 26th to April 20th

Multiple locations across Melbourne

Live at The LUME

Every first Friday of the month, THE LUME Melbourne invites you to step into a world of Van Gogh’s masterpieces, where art and music intertwine in a symphony of colour and sound. From string quintets to operatic duets, each evening promises an unforgettable experience. Enjoy a complimentary glass of De Bortoli prosecco upon arrival, with gourmet food and drinks available throughout. Highlights include Symphony In Motion (7th March), French Jazz Soirée (4th April), and Ethereal Opera (2nd May).

Book here

Friday 2nd May

THE LUME Melbourne, 5 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf

Visit Frankston Foreshore for the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships 2025

You’ve never seen sandcastles like this before, that’s for sure. Head down to the Frankston Foreshore between the 5th and 27th April to see the most captivating, impressing sand sculptures you’ll ever lay your eyes on. 300 tonnes of sand will be transformed and carved into jaw-dropping artworks showcasing iconic literary villains, with the theme of the championships being “The Villains of Storytime”. Watch as sculptors race to the finish line as the Frankston Foreshore becomes a sand-filled arena where masterpieces are carved minute by minute. It’s the perfect family-friendly Easter holidays event.

Tickets from $12, kids 2 and under enter free

Secure tickets here or at ticket box on arrival

5th April to 27th April

Frankston Foreshore, Frankston

The Outsiders Melbourne

Melbourne’s street art scene just got a serious glow-up with The Outsiders Melbourne, a world-first exhibition showcasing over 100 iconic works from Australia’s largest street art collection. Running from 12 December until late May, it brings together local legends like Rone, Adnate, and Sofles alongside global icons Banksy, Shepard Fairey, and Invader. Expect a whole room dedicated to Banksy, never-before-seen works, and intimate artist panels. Curated by street art champions Sandra Powell and Andrew King, this free exhibition is a must-see for art lovers and street art fans alike.

Free entry

Until 25th May

167 Flinders Lane, corner of Hosier Lane, Melbourne

Cats & Dogs Exhibition at NGV

A pawfect exhibition the whole family can attend this month, Cats & Dogs explores the cultural, historical and artistic impact of our beloved cats and dogs over time and across different cultures. The exhibition features over 250 works, with pieces by artists such as Rembrandt and Pierre Bonnard to Atong Atem, Alison Lester and Jeff Koons. 

Fun, accessible and perfect for all ages, this exhibition is guaranteed to give you the warm and fuzzies.

Until 20th July

180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne

Beauty & The Beast

Disney’s stunning new production of Beauty and the Beast the Musical premieres this month in Melbourne, promising a feast for the eyes, heart, and soul.

This timeless tale is reimagined on stage in a breathtaking production that will captivate audiences like never before. The original creative team reunites to bring this enchanting musical to life, featuring all the spellbinding songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice, including “Belle,” “Gaston,” “Human Again,” and “Be Our Guest.” A much-loved classic, this tale as old as time will enchant a new generation, filling hearts with magic and wonder. 

The production has announced its final Melbourne performance for the season—20th April, 2025—before it travels to Adelaide and Perth. And after selling over 900,000 tickets, it’s a must watch! if you haven’t watched the musical yet, now’s your final chance.

Book here

Until 20th April

Her Majesty’s Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 

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. Each week at The Toff in Town, the Now.Here.This All-Star Band will jam it out alongside a fantastic array of guest singers and musicians.

Get set to hit the dance floor as it shimmers to the sound of live improvised jazz, as projections illuminate the walls, and as music fills the air. It’s about to get a little wild, Melbourne. Will you be there to get in on the spirit? 

Free event. Book a table here

Every Tuesday, 9pm to 5am; DJs from 9pm, live jazz from 11:30pm

The Toff, 2F/252 Swanston Street, Melbourne

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

La Dolce Vita at Tippy-Tay

Transport yourself to the heart of Italy for an unforgettable evening at Tippy-Tay, Garden State Hotel’s Italian-inspired gem. On Thursday, 8th May, indulge in a four-course shared feast featuring irresistible dishes like cacio e pepe bucatini served from a glorious cheese wheel, accompanied by three Aperol cocktails to kick things off. Enhance the experience with wine pairings or an Aperol Fountain, all set to the tunes of a roaming accordion. Cap it all off with a pistachio and raspberry tiramisu—deliziosa! It’s the perfect way to treat yourself to la dolce vita—good food, great drinks, and the best of Italian charm. Buon appetito!

Thursday 8th May, sittings at 6:00pm, 6:15pm, 6:30pm, and 6:45pm

$145 per person (includes three Aperol cocktails and a four-course Feed Me menu; wine pairing an extra $45 per person, or Aperol fountain 500ml for $80 / 1 litre for $155)

Garden State Hotel, 101 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 

First Look: Fondue Chalet Brings the French Alps to Fed Square

Melbourne got a taste of winter magic last week as Fondue Chalet unveiled its cosy French alpine dining experience with a one-day pop-up at Fed Square—complete with free fondue tastings that had crowds queuing for a taste of what’s to come. Now, from 15th May to 22nd June, Fondue Chalet will transform Fed Square into a snow-kissed Alpine escape, featuring 18 private timber chalets nestled among twinkling lights and pine trees.

Guests can indulge in gooey cheese fondue, warming mulled wine, and a menu designed to melt hearts. Perfect for groups of six or eight, it’s an unforgettable setting for winter nights, special occasions, or just a cheeky fondue fix. Step inside, slow down, and savour the French Alps—no passport required.

15th May to 22nd June, 2025

Fed Square, Melbourne CBD

Sip, Savour & Learn: The Torbreck Long Lunch at The Vic Hotel

The Vic Hotel is set to host an exquisite long lunch, offering guests a chance to indulge in a beautifully curated four-course feast. Each dish will be expertly paired with seven exceptional Torbreck wines, chosen by Ben Yoffa, Torbreck’s Sales Manager and Ambassador. As the afternoon unfolds, Ben will guide guests through a masterclass, sharing the fascinating stories behind each wine.

The event will feature magnums of red, exclusive cellar door pricing, and the chance to win a signed magnum. For just $150 per person, this is an afternoon of indulgence and discovery not to be missed.

Book here

Saturday 17th May, 12pm to 4pm

One Night Only: Circl Wine House x Messmates Dining

Punch Lane’s award-winning Circl Wine House is teaming up with regional favourite Messmates Dining for an exclusive one-night-only dinner — and it’s shaping up to be a must-book for Melbourne food lovers.

Taking place on Wednesday 30 April, the event will see Circl’s Executive Chef Elias Salomonsson (ex-Scott Pickett Group, Vue Group) and Sommelier Xavier Vigier (ex-Ten Minutes by Tractor, Catalina) team up with Messmates’ culinary duo Jodie Odrowaz and Michael Clark for a collaborative nine-course feast.

Expect refined European plates with a distinctly Nordic twist — like ‘Tinned Tuna’ with yellowfin, capers, and sushi rice — alongside seasonal bistro-style hits from Messmates, including a lamb skewer with fermented jalapeño gravy and a Santa Rosa plum semifreddo with chewy strawberry and EVOO.

To top it all off? Thoughtful wine pairings selected from Circl’s impressive 1,500-bottle cellar.

Wednesday 30th April

$160pp, with an $85pp wine pairing available

Book here

Circl Wine House, Punch Lane, Melbourne

Do More Than Dine Fundraising Gala Dinner

Mark your calendar for Do More Than Dine, Scarf’s unmissable fundraising gala dinner at Square One Rialto in the city. This heart-filled evening supports Scarf’s hospitality training programs for young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Enjoy a one-night-only 5-course menu from Melbourne’s finest—including Rosheen Kaul, Helly Raichura and Calendar Cheese—alongside a live auction led by Matt Preston.

Hosted by Dani Valent and Scarf graduate Thelma Rutsate, it’s a celebration of impact, flavour and community.

Thursday 1st May, from 6pm

Buy tickets here

Square One Rialto, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne

Sip Society at The Douglas Club: Melbourne’s Luxe Happy Hour Fix

Forget ordinary happy hours—The Douglas Club is redefining cocktail indulgence with Sip Society, a daily ritual of expertly crafted classics at just $16, paired with luxe bites from $3. Think Negronis with arancini, Old Fashioneds with steak tartare, and martinis with oysters. Set within Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street, this plush, old-world cocktail lounge is where serious drinks meet effortless elegance. No bookings. No fuss. Just incredibly good cocktails and some serious swagger. Make a mental note to swing by this month to experience Melbourne’s most stylish sip-and-snack affair.

Monday to Sunday, 4pm to 7pm

The Douglas Club, 472 Bourke Street, Melbourne

L’Enoteca’s ‘Mercoledì Di-Vino’

Melbourne’s favourite Italian dining hub, il Mercato Centrale, has opened its latest stall, l’Enoteca. This wine bar goes against the grain of traditional, more formal settings, and instead invites guests to casually experience and learn about wine. And now, they’ve introduced a brand new wine tasting series: Mercoledì Di-Vino. This monthly series celebrates the beauty and diversity of wine paired with authentic Italian culinary delights in a fun, casual setting,a nd allows people to ecplore and hone their palette.

“I want to show Melbournians how Italians view and consume wine. You do not need to be an expert to understand the difference between wines but rather be open to tasting and experiencing it in its truest form,” says founder, Clarissa Lorenzato.

Upcoming Mercoledì Di-Vino sessions include:

• 30th April: Southern White Symphony
• 28th May: Bold & Beautiful: Anglico Spotlight
• 25th June: The Aromatic Affair

Secure your tickets here

546 Collins Street, Melbourne 

Soak Up the Vibes and Sip on Zoncello at Afloat Capri

Euro summer has arrived on the Yarra! That’s right, the new iteration of Arbory Afloat is here—Afloat Capri—transforming Melbourne’s floating bar scene with a sun-drenched, Italian beach club vibe. Inspired by the magical island of Capri, the venue boasts a beach club design, vibrant cocktails, and an elevated food menu featuring sharing plates, Neapolitan pizzas, fresh pasta, and indulgent desserts.

Sip Aperol spritzes and Zoncello under striped umbrellas, enjoy stunning Yarra River views, and dive into summer fun with the Aperol Pool Bar & Deck.

With exciting events like pizza-making parties, festive feasts, and a world-exclusive floating photobooth (from the same owners of the Flinders Street photo booth), Afloat Capri is the place to be this summer.

Don’t miss out—this is La Dolce Vita, Melbourne style!

2 Flinders Walk, Melbourne

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 entry

8:00am to 2:00pm

Second Saturday of every month

What’s On in Melbourne this Month: Regional Adventures

Seek Golden Foliage, Heritage Towns, Observatories & Orchards This Month

As autumn sets in, regional Victoria transforms into a wonderland of crisp air, golden hues, and seasonal delights. Now’s the time to lace up your boots, hop in the saddle, or sip your way through charming towns that truly come alive in March.

Seek out the season’s most spectacular foliage along Honour Avenue and in Forest Glade Gardens in the Macedon Ranges or wander through the historic town of Walhalla, where golden leaves frame heritage buildings. Adventure seekers can kayak the Ovens River with Bright Adventure Company, cycle the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, or saddle up for a horseback trek in the Grampians. For a more leisurely escape, stroll among koalas at Creswick’s Koala Park or pick fresh apples straight from the orchard at Payne’s Orchards in Bacchus Marsh.

As night falls, the real magic begins. Stargazers should head to the Winton Wetlands or Ballarat Observatory for an uninterrupted view of the cosmos. Or, cosy up by a campfire with a glass of local pinot and embrace the crisp, starry night. However you explore, regional Victoria in autumn is a dream of colour, adventure, and seasonal indulgence.

Tesselaar KaBloom

Get ready for a riot of colour at the Tesselaar KaBloom Festival, where over a million flowers burst into bloom across five acres of the Dandenong Ranges. From tractor rides to international food stalls, it’s a sensory overload you won’t want to miss. Grab your crew, soak in the blooms, and catch live performances, including a Circus Oz show. It’s the perfect way to spend a spring day – tickets are on sale now!

March 29th to April 27th, 10am to 5pm daily

357 Monbulk Road, Silvan, Victoria

Djaara Lights in Bendigo

Step into the story of the land at Djaara Lights, a mesmerising fusion of art, culture, and technology illuminating Bendigo’s Oscars Walk and Bath Lane Precinct. Through stunning Dja Dja Wurrung artwork and augmented reality, experience the six seasons of Djandak as told by the Traditional Owners. It’s immersive, moving, and a must-see this month.

Daily, 7pm to 11pm

Until March 2027

Bendigo, Victoria

Frida Kahlo: In Her Own Image

Frida Kahlo: In Her Own Image offers a rare, intimate glimpse into the life of one of the 20th century’s most iconic artists. For the first time in Australia, discover personal belongings, from her vibrant clothing to her medical prostheses, on loan from the Museo Frida Kahlo. This rediscovery reveals the bold, multi-layered expression of Kahlo’s artistry, where personal pain and political statements are woven into every brushstroke and meticulously crafted detail.

15th March to 13th July

Bendigo Art Gallery, Bendigo

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