What’s on in Melbourne This Week for Retirement Rookies Like us
Looking for new and engaging things to do in Melbourne this week?
Here you will find our master list of Melbourne events and activities happening across town that we think are perfectly suited to retirement rookies like us!
From art and history collections, to live music and social activities, there’s so much variety out there to keep us active and exploring this great city. Have a look at what’s on in Melbourne this week and fill your calendar with fun outings in this vibrant city.
Related reading: Melbourne Musicals What’s On in 2026: It’s Showtime
What’s on in Melbourne this Month – Our Top Picks
Australian Heritage Festival (18 Apr – 18 May 2026). A month-long celebration of history across Victoria, featuring over 250 events including guided tours, open days, talks and workshops that bring Melbourne’s rich heritage, culture and stories to life.
Newport Jazz Festival (2 – 3 May 2026). Experience a vibrant weekend of live jazz across multiple venues in Newport, featuring over 40 bands performing everything from swing and blues to bebop and big band, in a lively, community-driven celebration of Melbourne’s jazz scene.
Overgrown Paths – Melbourne Chamber Orchestra (7 – 10 May 2026). Experience a luminous fusion of music and poetry led by Sophie Rowell, featuring works by Vivaldi, Janáček and more, with acclaimed narrator Helen Morse bringing The Four Seasons to life at Melbourne Recital Centre. Save 10% using the promo code MCOFAN10 when booking via the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra website.
Titanic: A Voyage Through Time (until 30 Apr 2026). Experience the Titanic like never before. This immersive VR journey allows you to explore the ship’s stunning interiors, dive into its wreck, and engage with real-life characters. Perfect for history enthusiasts and families. Seniors Card tickets $29. Read our review of the VR experience here.
The Book of Mormon (until 30 Jun 2026). This nine-time Tony Award® winner promises laughter with its outrageous storyline of two missionaries sent on a wild mission. Created by South Park’s Trey Parker and Matt Stone, it’s a musical comedy hailed as a modern classic.
Sing Along Spectacular (Fri 1 – Sun 3 May, 2026). Fancy a good old-fashioned sing-along? This lively music hall show takes you back to the beginning of the 20th century, to the city of London, and the players of the Music Hall Royale! Located at the Mission to Seafarers, Docklands. Save 10% using discount code SENIORSINMELB
Mostly Mozart: Concert Two – Mannheim to Paris (4 May 2026). Continuing the Mostly Mozart series at Melbourne Recital Centre, this refined chamber concert showcases a beautifully balanced programme of Mozart’s timeless works alongside other Classical masterpieces, performed by leading Australian musicians in an elegant morning recital.
Botanica Festival at Rippon Lea (Sun 10 May 2026). A celebration of gardening, sustainability, and our natural environment. Explore guided tours, sales, and local crafts while enjoying delicious scones. Proceeds support the National Trust’s efforts in Victoria’s heritage.
Gallery Exhibitions and Events in Melbourne this Week
The Melbourne Fair (30 Apr – 3 May 2026). Discover an exquisite showcase of antiques, art, jewellery, furniture and vintage design at Caulfield Racecourse, where over 60 leading dealers present rare and collectible pieces spanning centuries alongside expert talks and special events.
Royal Exhibition Building Open Day – Melbourne Museum (9 – 10 May 2026). This free special event invites visitors to explore the iconic World Heritage-listed building through guided tours, exhibitions, live performances, talks and family-friendly activities, celebrating over 125 years of history and marking the anniversary of Australia’s first Federal Parliament.
WARNE: Treasures of a Legend (Daily until August 2026 at Australian Sports Museum). A special exhibition celebrating Shane Warne and the moments that saw him crowned the ‘King of Spin.’ Included in museum entry. Tickets from $35.
BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness – Docklands (until Jul 2026). A globally acclaimed immersive exhibition arrives in Melbourne for the first time, revealing how joy and emotion affect the human body through real anatomical specimens and interactive displays that explore the science of happiness. Seniors card tickets $28. Read Marjie’s review here.
Eonarium Enlightenment Melbourne (until 14 Jun 2026). Discover a unique light and sound experience that blends art, music and immersive storytelling, inviting visitors to reflect, relax and explore deeper themes of consciousness and connection in a multi-sensory setting. Seniors card tickets $31.
Fondue Chalet (14 May – 28 Jun 2026). With 18 private wooden chalets, two tonnes of imported French cheese, and a team of French waiters to serve you, every detail has been carefully curated to transport you to a winter wonderland. Read more here.
Rome: Empire, Power, People – Melbourne Museum (until 25 Oct 2026). This major Melbourne-exclusive exhibition brings ancient Rome to life through more than 150 original artefacts—including statues, mosaics and jewellery—exploring the Empire’s power, culture and everyday life through immersive displays and storytelling. Tickets from $38. Read Kathy’s review here.
History Walking Tours in Melbourne this Week
Under The Clocks: Premium City Walking Tour (Fridays 10 am – 1 pm). Join us for a guided tour of Melbourne’s laneways, meet new friends and savour revelations about the city you thought you knew. 3-hour walking tour, including coffee or tea mid-way. Tickets $60. Book here. Read Kathy’s review.
City of Literature Walking Tour (Thursdays 10 am – 1 pm). This tour is ideal for curious readers, history lovers and anyone interested in the cultural forces that shaped Melbourne. 3-hour walking tour, including coffee or tea mid-way. Tickets $60. Book here.
Flinders Lane: 3-Hour Walking Tour (Thursday 10 am – 1 pm). Flinders Lane has lived many lives — and its story is written into the buildings, laneways and corners that most people hurry past. 3-hour walking tour, including coffee or tea mid-way. Tickets $60. Book here.
Hardware Lane Precinct: 90-minute Walking Tour (Fridays 2 – 3.30 pm). Behind Bourke Street, uncover the old warehouses, service lanes and quiet corners revealing how the city has reinvented itself over time. Tickets $40. Book here.
Through the Arcades: 90-minute Walking Tour (Thursdays 2 – 3.30 pm). Uncover where grand arcades, narrow laneways and European-style cafés tell the story of Melbourne’s early ambition and enduring charm. Tickets $40. Book here.
Market Day: 90-minute Walking Tour (Fridays 2 pm – 3.30 pm). If you’re someone who enjoys hearing stories around the dinner table, you’ll love the stories of the Vic market. Tickets $40. Book here.
Melbourne Royal Exhibition Building Tour (until 17 May, 2026). Step inside this spectacular building and onto its dome promenade for an immersive guided tour that reveals its stunning architectural design, history and the hidden artwork of one of the city’s most iconic heritage spaces.
Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour – Melbourne CBD (Thursday evenings). Enjoy spirits and ales at a former police station with an unsolved murder, Melbourne’s oldest pub haunted by unrequited love, a 5 Star Hotel shrouded in mysteries and a scandalous members club. Tickets $39.
History & Cultural Events in Melbourne this Week
MOTHER – National Gallery of Victoria (until 12 Jul 2026). This powerful exhibition brings together more than 200 works from Australian, First Nations and international artists, exploring the many dimensions of motherhood—from love and care to identity, loss and cultural connection—across history, cultures and artistic mediums. Free entry.
Top Arts 2026 – National Gallery of Victoria (until 19 Jul 2026). This annual exhibition showcases emerging artists from across Victoria, highlighting innovative works by students completing their VCE studies, with themes exploring identity, nature and contemporary life through diverse creative mediums. Free entry. Read Angie’s review.
On The Street Where I Live: Viva Gibb’s Portrait of North and West Melbourne (until 7 Aug 2026).
Discover a landmark exhibition at City Gallery celebrating photographer Viva Gibb, featuring over 200 powerful images capturing life in North and West Melbourne during times of social and urban change. Free entry.
Part I: On Collecting – Jeromie Maver & Dean Keep (6 May 2026). Join leading design researchers and collectors Jeromie Maver and Dean Keep at Duldig Studio Museum for an insightful talk exploring the meaning, motivations and stories behind building a collection, with a focus on Australian mid-century design and cultural preservation.
Women Photographers 1900–1975: A Legacy of Light (until 3 May 2026). A global survey at National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) showcasing the groundbreaking work of more than 70 women photographers — from suffrage-era portraiture to revolutionary 20th-century documentary, fashion and experimental photography. Tickets $25. Read Angie’s review.
Portable Iron Houses (Open the First Sunday of each Month). Visit three rare 19th-century prefabricated iron homes in South Melbourne—among the last of their kind—offering a glimpse into Melbourne’s Gold Rush era. Tickets from $7.
Tall Ship Harbour Sailing from Williamstown (various dates). Set sail on a historic tall ship from Williamstown, enjoying a scenic harbour cruise under full sails, guided commentary and unforgettable views of the bay — a unique outdoor experience that’s both relaxing and adventurous.
FREE Events in Melbourne this Week
Hoddle Grid: The Great Land Grab (27 Mar – 11 Nov 2026). This compelling exhibition explores Melbourne’s origins through the 1837 land auctions led by Robert Hoddle, revealing the stories of early settlers—from convicts to merchants—whose ambitions shaped the city, while tracing how the original allotments on Wurundjeri Country have evolved into today’s CBD.
LIT – Wyndham City (24 Apr – 3 May 2026). This award-winning free light festival transforms Wyndham Park in Werribee into a glowing wonderland of illuminated installations, projections and interactive artworks, featuring local and interstate artists in a vibrant celebration of creativity, community and immersive night-time experiences.
Treading Lightly (until 17 May 2026). This striking exhibition at the Koorie Heritage Trust showcases contemporary First Peoples fashion and textiles, featuring more than 38 garments and accessories by Victorian Aboriginal artists exploring culture, sustainability and connection to Country through innovative design. Free entry.
Creative Antarctica: Australian Artists and Writers in the Far South (until 2 May 2026). This major free exhibition at RMIT Gallery and Design Hub Gallery brings together over 35 Australian artists and writers whose works — from historic pieces to new site-specific installations — explore human encounters with the remote and fragile Antarctic landscape through visual art, literature, sound and immersive storytelling. Free entry.
Rebel Heart: Love Letters and Other Declarations (until 27 Jan 2027). A free exhibition at State Library Victoria exploring centuries of romantic devotion, heartbreak and bold confessions through intimate letters, diaries and rare manuscripts that celebrate defiant expressions of the heart. Free entry.
HERstory (until 30 Aug 2026). This inspiring free exhibition at the Shrine of Remembrance honours the stories of Australian women who have served in the military through vivid portraits and personal reflections. Free entry. Read Angie’s review.
Creative Acts: Artists and their inspirations (until 31 May 2026). This free exhibition at State Library of Victoria features new works by Australian artists, uncovering their spiritual connections, personal quests, and creative processes. Free entry, open daily.
Pride Centre Tours (Saturdays at 3 pm). Visitors can join free guided tours at the Pride Centre to learn about LGBTQIA+ history, culture and community in Victoria through engaging stories and exhibitions.
The Swinging Sixties Exhibition (until 2027). Discover life in Victoria during the 1960s — from miniskirts to The Beatles, protest to the Pill. Explore whether Victoria truly “swung” in the sixties at this free exhibition at the Old Treasury Building. Free entry.
World of the Book, State Library of Victoria (until 27 May 2026). Explore the 20th anniversary of the Library’s most beloved exhibition. Experience the rare, the sacred and the iconic in this one-of-a-kind exhibition. Free entry.
Free Talk: Walking the Camino de Santiago – What It Is and How It’s Done (Sat 23 May, Sat 13 Jun 2026). A practical, engaging introduction to the Camino de Santiago. How to prepare, what to expect, and why this iconic walk often becomes a deeply meaningful journey. Held at City Library.
Play School: Come and Play! (until 12 Jul 2026). Celebrate 60 years of the beloved children’s show with this free interactive exhibition at ACMI, where families can step behind the scenes of Play School, sing favourite songs, climb aboard the Rocket Clock and explore hands-on activities inspired by the iconic TV program. Free entry. Bookings required. Read Diane’s review.
Dancing from the Heart – Seniors Dance Series (31 May 2026). Enjoy a joyful afternoon of music, movement and social connection at Collingwood Town Hall, with familiar tunes, a lively MC and easy group dances in a warm, welcoming ballroom setting — free to attend with bookings required.
Theatre & Concert Events in Melbourne This Week
ART (22 Apr – 21 May 2026). Starring Richard Roxburgh, Damon Herriman and Toby Schmitz, this internationally acclaimed comedy follows three friends whose decades-long friendship is hilariously tested after one of them buys an outrageously expensive painting.
Morning Melodies: Rhys Tolhurst – A Tribute to the Greats (11 May 2026). Singer-pianist Rhys Tolhurst brings his warm vocals and piano flair to Arts Centre Melbourne’s Morning Melodies series with a charming programme of classic favourites and timeless standards from across the decades.
The Glass Menagerie (27 Apr – 5 Jun 2026). Melbourne Theatre Company presents Tennessee Williams’ timeless classic at Southbank Theatre, a haunting and poetic portrait of a fragile family led by Alison Whyte, exploring memory, longing and the delicate illusions we cling to.
WAITRESS The Musical (1 May – 21 Jun 2026). This heartwarming and empowering musical tells the story of Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie maker who longs to escape her rocky marriage and start again.
Melbourne Magic Show – Impossible Occurrences (Fridays, 7.30 pm or 9.30 pm). Experience mind-blowing illusions and mind-reading up close in this intimate magic performance by master magician Luke Hocking at the Marriott Hotel, Melbourne, blending sleight of hand, theatrical flair and audience interaction.
We Call It Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty Dance & Light Show (various dates). Experience “Sleeping Beauty” reimagined with glow-in-the-dark costumes and local dancers at Melbourne’s Capitol Theatre in a captivating 60-minute show.
Once – Australian Tour (8 – 30 May 2026). Experience the beloved Broadway musical Once, telling a tender, award-winning love story through heart-felt performances and a live ensemble playing its unforgettable folk-inspired score.
EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert – IMAX Melbourne (until 19 Jul 2026). Experience the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll like never before with Baz Luhrmann’s immersive cinematic celebration built from newly restored, long-lost 1970s concert footage and rare archival material that brings Elvis’s electrifying live performances to life on the giant screen.
The Eagles Story – Another Tequila Sunrise Tour (various dates and locations 2026). Australia’s premier Eagles tribute show brings the legendary band’s greatest hits to life with stunning harmonies and musicianship, performing classics like Hotel California, Take It Easy and Desperado across venues in Victoria and beyond.
The Jazz Room (various dates). Set in the charming Brunswick Ballroom, enjoy an hour of dynamic music, improvisation, and delicious dining. Secure your tickets!
Find more shows in our guides:
- Melbourne Musicals Guide: It’s Showtime
- Music Concerts in Melbourne: Free Midweek Recitals & More
- Halftix Melbourne: the Original Bricks-and-Mortar Home for Show Deals
What’s On in Outer Melbourne
Auto-Photo: A Life in Portraits (Until 2 May 2026). This fascinating exhibition at Frankston Arts Centre explores the life and legacy of photobooth technician Alan Adler, featuring thousands of self-portrait strips captured over decades that document everyday people, relationships and Melbourne’s social history through analogue photography.
Glen Eira Galleries & Visual Art Exhibitions (ongoing). Explore a diverse program of free art exhibitions across Glen Eira’s local galleries throughout the year, featuring contemporary works by emerging and established Victorian artists in painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media. The Gallery is closed public holidays.
The Language of Flowers – Jill Kempson (27 May – 20 Jun 2026). This solo exhibition at Lennox St Gallery showcases Melbourne artist Jill Kempson’s evocative works exploring the symbolism and emotional language of flowers, drawing on the long tradition of floriography where blooms convey meaning, memory and personal expression through art.
Lyon Housemuseum Exhibitions – Kew (until 31 May 2026). Discover contemporary Australian art at Lyon Housemuseum’s current exhibition featuring Ry David Bradley’s EPOCH and Christopher Langton’s BLOW, showcasing large-scale paintings, kinetic works and sculptures within a unique space that blends gallery and residential living.
Offbeat Sari (until 30 Aug 2026). A vibrant contemporary performance blending dance, storytelling and South Asian cultural expression, Offbeat Sari at Bunjil Place celebrates identity, tradition and modern creativity through bold movement, music and visual design.
Day’s Walk, Talk & Harvest Farm Tour – Day’s Walk Farm (Various dates 2026). Experience a behind-the-scenes organic farm tour in Keilor where visitors can explore regenerative farming practices, harvest their own veggie box and enjoy a guided walk, Q&A and morning tea with expert growers.
Boroondara Cemetery Walking Tours – Kew (Various dates 2026). Step back in time with guided walking tours through the historic Boroondara Cemetery, uncovering fascinating stories, notable figures and hidden heritage across themed experiences like Ned Kelly – Hero or Villain and Love Stories for the Ages, all led by passionate local historians.
Kew Court House Live (every Thursday and Fri). Discover a new side of Melbourne’s live music scene every Thursday and Friday night in the heart of Kew.
Rachael Grace – Live Shows & Concerts (Various dates & venues 2026). Acclaimed vocalist Rachael Grace performs a range of live shows across Victoria — from intimate piano bar performances to her celebrated Australian Barbra Streisand Show — with multiple dates and venues including Geelong, Ballarat, Dandenong and Frankston throughout 2026.
Free Guided Garden Walks – Melbourne & Cranbourne (Daily except Mondays). Hear stories about plants, design, and the unique landscapes that make these gardens so special, with an expert guide. Free and running daily. Bookings essential.
Candlelight Concerts (various dates). Discover the beauty of Candlelight Concerts in iconic venues across Melbourne, showcasing a variety of musical genres under the soft glow of candlelight. Various dates and venues. Tickets from $25. Book tickets here.
Punting on the Lake – Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne (until 31 May 2026). Glide around the picturesque Ornamental Lake in an elegant wooden punt with a professional guide, taking in stunning views of one of the world’s finest gardens and learning about its history, wildlife and plant life.
What’s on in Regional Victoria
Bright Autumn Festival (24 Apr – 3 May 2026). A vibrant 10-day celebration in Bright, Victoria, showcasing stunning autumn colours with open gardens, markets, live music, food events, art exhibitions and the famous Gala Day parade, all set in the picturesque High Country landscape.
Grampians Grape Escape (1 – 3 May 2026). Set in the stunning Grampians National Park (Halls Gap), this iconic food, wine and music festival brings together over 90 stalls, live performances, chef demonstrations and local producers for a weekend of tastings, entertainment and regional flavours in one of Victoria’s most scenic destinations.
Kalorama Chestnut Festival (3 May 2026). Enjoy a free family day out in the Dandenong Ranges at the annual Kalorama Chestnut Festival, featuring roasted chestnuts, gourmet food, live music, market stalls, workshops and community activities at Kalorama Memorial Reserve.
Beneath Roads – Yarra Ranges Regional Museum (until 5 Jul 2026). This thought-provoking multimedia exhibition explores the hidden Indigenous pathways beneath Australia’s roads, blending archival footage, iconic road movies and contemporary storytelling to reframe history, culture and connection to Country.
The Q Train Experience – Q Class (Mondays, Thursday & Fridays). Swerve your way through the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula as you dine on the iconic Q Train departing Drysdale. Be welcomed with a drink on arrival before taking a seat in the Q Class dining area for a sumptuous degustation, showcasing the exceptional produce from the region.
Hidden Lanes Ballarat City Tour (various dates). This leisurely 2–2.5 hour walking tour, limited to small groups, explores heritage buildings and captivating stories from the Goldfields era.
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum Events (Various dates 2026). Enjoy a range of engaging talks, guided tours and special experiences that bring Victoria’s rich maritime history to life at the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum.
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden bus tour (Mondays & Wednesdays, from March to May 2026). Sit back and enjoy the garden’s highlights, then after the tour, make your way down to the award-winning Chelsea Australia Garden of Olinda and Cloud Forest conservation garden. Tickets $9.10
Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival (1 – 30 Apr 2026). A month-long celebration across nine charming villages in the Macedon Ranges featuring autumn gardens, food and wine trails, markets, workshops, live music and scenic experiences showcasing the region at its most colourful.
More Ongoing Melbourne Events
Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu (14 May, 11 Jun 2026). Held monthly, contemporary, classic and documentary films on the big screen. Stay for snacks and a chat afterwards.
Live Music at Prahran Market (Saturdays & Sundays). Enjoy free live music every Saturday and Sunday in the Market Square at Prahran Market, where different local bands play from around 12 noon to 3 pm while you shop, dine and relax in one of Melbourne’s most beloved food destinations.
Morning Melodies (throughout 2026). Experience joy with Morning Melodies at Arts Centre Melbourne—enjoy 11 captivating performances in 2026, perfect for music lovers!
ACMI Matinees (Fri – Sun, ongoing 2026). Enjoy a curated program of local and international films at ACMI Cinemas with relaxed daytime screenings every Friday, Saturday and Sunday — perfect for a laid-back cinema experience with new titles rotating regularly.
Australian Brandenburg Orchestra 2026 Program (throughout 2026). Audiences can enjoy a blend of classical brilliance, innovative performances, and festive celebrations that promise unforgettable evenings. Read our guide to upcoming Melbourne Concerts.
Silent Disco Walking Tours (various dates). Participants don wireless headphones and dance to beloved disco tracks, led by a spirited guide. This engaging experience is perfect for all ages, fostering a sense of community while exploring the city’s hidden gems, laughter, and joy every step of the way.
Gimme Gimme Disco – ABBA & Disco Dance Party (22 May – 24 Jul 2026). Get ready for a glitter-filled night at Ms Collins, Melbourne, where a live DJ spins nonstop ABBA favourites and classic 70s–80s disco hits from artists like Donna Summer, The Bee Gees and Cher, creating a feel-good dance party for Dancing Queens and disco lovers alike.
Upcoming Melbourne Events: May 2026
Town Hall Tours – Australian Heritage Festival (May 2026). Step behind the scenes of historic Glen Eira City Council buildings with guided Town Hall Tours as part of the Australian Heritage Festival, discovering heritage architecture, civic history and hidden stories that shaped the local community.
Upcoming Melbourne Events: June 2026
Morning Melodies: En Pointe – Arts Centre Melbourne (2 Jun 2026). As part of the beloved Morning Melodies daytime concert series at Hamer Hall, this special performance from The Australian Ballet School brings together gifted emerging dancers—and in 2026 a new collaborative work with musicians—showcasing breathtaking contemporary and classical ballet pieces with vibrant artistry and youthful energy.
Light to Night – Chadstone (11 Jun – 12 Jul 2026). This month-long winter festival transforms Chadstone into a vibrant after-dark destination, featuring immersive art installations, live music, dining experiences and major highlights including RONE’s large-scale exhibition HOME and the World’s Longest Dinner, celebrating creativity, food and culture in a dynamic evening setting.
Lightscape – Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne (12 Jun – 2 Aug 2026). Step into a magical winter night trail where the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne transforms into an illuminated wonderland of glowing installations, music and immersive art, with a stunning after-dark journey through light, colour and nature. Tickets from $33. Read Kathy’s review.
Glen Eira Storytelling Festival – Various locations across Glen Eira (18 Jun – 5 Jul 2026). This vibrant annual festival celebrates storytelling in all its forms, featuring author talks, performances, workshops and engaging discussions that bring together diverse voices and creative expression for all ages.
Italian Serenatas – Australian Brandenburg Orchestra (18 – 21 Jun 2026). This captivating Baroque concert experience features Italian baritone Renato Dolcini alongside the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, blending music and drama in a rich program of works by composers such as Vivaldi and Corelli. Receive our exclusive 20% discount on A & B reserve seats using code SENIORSMELB20
Unseen/Undone – Ann Gillespie (20 Jun – 4 Jul 2026). This powerful exhibition at MARS Gallery presents sculptural ceramics, installation and participatory works exploring the invisible labour of care, with raw clay garments continuously transformed in an evolving cycle that reflects themes of vulnerability, memory and human connection.
Upcoming Melbourne Events: July 2026
Melbourne Sake Festival (4 – 5 Jul 2026). Discover a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture at the Royal Exhibition Building with over 100 stalls, 400+ varieties of sake to taste, delicious food, cultural experiences and interactive workshops including guided tastings and masterclasses.
Ongoing Daytime: Melbourne Events & Activities
Purpose Precinct at Queen Vic Market (various dates). Join a tour of the Purpose Precinct and learn about the amazing local businesses doing great things for people and planet. Or take a class in the Moving Feast Kitchen to upskill in low-no waste cooking!
St Paul’s Cathedral Lunchtime Concerts (Wednesdays at 1 pm). These half-hour concerts showcase young local talent and offer a delightful blend of fine music and a tranquil space for contemplation. Wheelchair friendly. Free entry.
Lunchtime Organ Recitals (Thursdays at 1 pm). From timeless classics of Bach to modern pieces from the likes of Fletcher and Farjeon, it’s free for visitors to come in and enjoy live music on the impressive grand organ. Wheelchair friendly. Free entry.
Music Matinee Concert Series (on most Tuesdays at 1 pm). Music Matinee is a not-for-profit organization based in Melbourne, focused on delivering live and free classical music performances. Since its inception in 2018, it has partnered with prestigious music institutions to support young musicians, offering them valuable public performance opportunities in an inspiring venue, the Scots’ Church. View the calendar of events here.
Austral Salon Recital (fourth Monday of the month). With a rich history dating back to 1890, the Austral Salon of Music supports emerging musicians through monthly recitals in the CBD. Join this musical community in celebrating 134 years of talent. Wheelchair friendly. Visitors $20. Students $10. Members $15. Tea/coffee and biscuits provided – BYO sandwiches.
Related reading: 32 Itinerary Ideas For Spending One Day in Melbourne CBD
Ongoing Evening: Melbourne Events & Activities
Dave O’Neil’s Comedy Funhouse (Wednesdays 6.00 pm). Dave’s relaxed and funny style makes this a great midweek comedy fix, with a line-up of talented comedians to keep you entertained.
Sea Shanties & Folk Songs (Thursdays at 7 pm). Head along to a free evening of music, history, and seafaring spirit! Free entry.
Impossible Occurrences Magic Show (Friday evenings until 29 May 2026). Award-winning magician Luke Hocking presents a performance of sophistication and intrigue with his Impossible Occurrences. Seniors Card tickets $35.
Motley Jazz (Saturdays 5 pm). Unwind with smooth jazz tunes at this free weekly event featuring talented musicians at The Motley Bauhaus in Carlton.
Sunday Night Stand-Up Comedy (Sundays 7.30 pm). Every show is a mix of comics from the TV, radio, and TikTok, alongside some of the future stars of Australian comedy. Club Voltaire, North Melbourne. Book $10 tickets here
Live Music Sundays (Sundays from 2.30 pm). Each Sunday afternoon the Elsternwick Club feature a band. Head along for the low cost of $15 and enjoy, have a drink and a dance if you wish to.
Related reading: 10 Top Comedy Shows Melbourne: A Guide to Laughter in the City
Social Events for Seniors in Melbourne
Chatty Cafe at City of Melbourne Bowls Club (Mondays at 10.30 am). Head to the Bowls Club in Flagstaff Gardens on Mondays for a cuppa and a casual chat with people of all ages and interests. The event is free and you don’t need to register.
Melbourne Men’s Shed at Fed Square (Mon, Tues, Wednesdays). Melbourne Men’s Shed provides a range of activities for both working and retired men, from cards and digital photography to woodwork as well as opportunities to become involved in volunteer work, a walking group and social activities.
Seniors Tea with NGV (Monthly). Join friendly NGV Guides in the Gallery each month for an hour of informal conversation about selected artworks and stay on for a cup of tea in the café to continue the discussion!
U3A Network Victoria. The slogan of the U3A Network is LIVE LEARN ENJOY. There are over 60 U3A clubs in Victoria alone – all providing a diverse range of activities for retired or semi-retired Australians over the age of 50.
Read our extended list of fun social activities for older Victorians here.
Not able to head out this week? Enjoy these free online concerts by the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music from the comfort of your home.
Tried a spot from our guide? Let them know Seniors in Melbourne sent you! It helps us keep supporting local favourites.
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
This post contains affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase.
