What’s on in Melbourne This Week for Retirement Rookies Like us
Looking for new and engaging things to do in Melbourne this week and beyond?
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! Fill your calendar with fun outings in this vibrant city and do let us know how you get on.
Related reading: Melbourne Musicals What’s On in 2026: It’s Showtime
What’s on in Melbourne this Month – Our Top Picks
WAITRESS The Musical (until 12 Jul 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. Tickets from $59.90. Read Nadine’s review here.
Machu Picchu VR: Journey to the Lost City (until 31 Aug 2026). A new immersive VR experience in Melbourne CBD, giving visitors the chance to walk through the famed ruins of Machu Picchu in extraordinary detail. Seniors card tickets from $37.50. Read Marjie’s review here.
Lightscape – Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne (until 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.
Malvern East Chamber Music Festival (9 – 12 Jul 2026). This new classical music festival brings world-class chamber music to Melbourne’s south-east, featuring internationally trained musicians in a welcoming community setting.
Rare Book Week (23 Jul – 1 Aug 2026). In its twelfth year, this festival of books offers a rich selection of lectures, talks, exhibitions and events that celebrate and explore the wonderful collections and amazing expertise that Melbourne has to offer. Tickets book out early.
Scone Festival (until 12 Jul 2026). This month-long celebration of all things scones features a rotating menu of sweet and savoury creations, from classic favourites to inventive new flavours. Visitors can enjoy the festival through High Tea experiences, à la carte tastings or take-home treats at Mary Eats Cake’s Brunswick and Montrose venues.
Seniors Tea with NGV (Wednesdays). Discover the NGV Collection with their Seniors Tea program, offering insightful conversations and a warm tea experience over four Wednesday mornings starting from 29 July. Tickets from $70 for all four events.
Open House Melbourne (24 – 26 Jul 2026). Don’t miss the rare chance to step inside some of the city’s most intriguing spaces—many of which only open their doors to the public this one weekend a year. The 2026 program goes live on Wednesday 24 June 2026. Read our guide here.
Swiss Festival (8 Aug 2026). Experience a vibrant celebration of Swiss culture with authentic food, chocolate, live music, folk dancing, market stalls and family-friendly activities. Held on Melbourne’s waterfront, this unique festival also showcases Swiss innovation, traditions and community spirit in a fun-filled day for all ages.
Gallery Exhibitions and Events in Melbourne this Week
BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness – Docklands (until 31 Aug 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.
Ragnar Kjartansson: Mercy (until 4 Oct 2026). The first major Australian exhibition by acclaimed Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson features immersive video installations, music and theatre exploring love, melancholy and human connection. Highlights include the celebrated The Visitors and the Australian premiere of Sunday Without Love. NGV International. Tickets from $22.
Light to Night – Chadstone (until 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. Read Kaye’s review.
The Vinyl Factory: Reverb – ACMI & RISING (until 31 Aug 2026). This major multimedia exhibition at ACMI explores vinyl culture and music’s influence on art, fashion, film and social movements through immersive audiovisual installations, interactive sound experiences, rare record collections and works by internationally acclaimed artists. Tickets from $22.
Book Talk Morning Tea: A Seniors in Melbourne Event (Thurs 30 Jul 2026). Join us at Mary Martin Bookshop QVM for an inspiring book talk with owner Jaye over a social morning tea. Tickets $10.
KHT NAIDOC Week First Peoples Art and Design Market (Fri 10 Jul, 2026). More than 20 First Peoples artists and designers come together in this annual market, plus a day of free community celebrations from 12noon to 5.30pm.
Cirque du Soleil: KOOZA – Flemington Racecourse (until 19 Jul 2026). Step under the Big Top for Cirque du Soleil’s dazzling KOOZA, a breathtaking spectacle combining high-flying acrobatics, clowning, live music and lavish costumes in an exhilarating journey exploring identity, fear and discovery through classic circus artistry and theatrical wonder. Tickets from $84.
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.
Fondue Chalet at Fed Square (until 25 Jul 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. An experience for groups of 6 or 8 people. From $79 per person. Read Marjie’s review here.
Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience (until Sep 2026). Embark on an extraordinary virtual reality journey through the universe, exploring distant galaxies, exploding stars and black holes using breathtaking imagery from the Smithsonian, NASA’s Hubble and James Webb telescopes. This immersive experience brings the wonders of space to life for all ages.
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.
Hardware Lane Precinct: 1.5-hour Walking Tour (Fridays, 2 pm – 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.
City of Literature: 3-hour 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.
The Life & Times of Flinders Lane: 1.5-hour Walking Tour (Thurs 2 pm – 3.30 pm). Flinders Lane has lived many lives — and its story is written into the buildings, laneways and corners that most people hurry past. Tickets $40. Book here.
Coburg Multicultural Brunch Tour (18 Jul, 22 Aug 2026). Experience six foodie stops showcasing cuisines from around the globe without ever leaving Melbourne. Food, community, connection, and the simple joy of breaking bread! Tickets $65. Book here.
Box Hill Crawl and Bite Tour (Sundays until July 5, 2026). You’ll visit six delicious stops that highlight the best of Asian cuisine without ever leaving Melbourne. Read Nadine’s review here.
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. Book here.
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.
World of the Book exhibition (until 16 May 2027). The largest and longest-running rare book exhibition in Australia has reopened at The State Library of Victoria. Major highlights this year include Jane Austen’s first editions on show for the first time and a tribute to the highest-selling author of all time, Agatha Christie, marking 50 years since her passing.
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.
Hoddle Grid: The Great Land Grab (until 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. Free entry.
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
EMERGENCE[Y] (until 5 Dec 2026). This major free exhibition brings together artists, scientists and collaborators from around the world to explore how we adapt to a rapidly changing planet. Spanning ecological, technological and social transformation, it features works on topics such as climate resilience, biotechnology, First Nations knowledge, regenerative systems and future cities. Science Gallery. Free entry.
Are You Lonely Tonight? I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry (until 30 Aug 2026). The first exhibition in ACCA’s Art and Emotion series explores loneliness through contemporary art, featuring new commissions and works across painting, sculpture, installation and video. Artists include Polly Borland, Seth Brown, Lucy Liu, Kayla Mattes and Martine Syms, reflecting on isolation, longing and the need for human connection.
Greg Branson: Manifesto Melbourne (until 12 Jul 2026). This free exhibition by artist Greg Branson explores Melbourne through a photographic lens, reimagining the city by referencing the styles of iconic photographers. From laneways and landmarks to everyday urban life, the works reflect how different artistic perspectives shape the way we see the city. City Library, 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.
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.
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.
VAS Winter Select Exhibition 2026 (16 Jul – 2 Aug 2026). This exhibition showcases outstanding works by Victorian Artists Society members across painting, drawing, sculpture and mixed media, with selected artists competing for the Hylton Mackley Artist of the Year Award. It highlights a strong range of contemporary and traditional talent from the VAS community.
Ngarn Wa’ngal: Art of the Gum Tree (10 Jul – 21 Nov 2026). This major free exhibition explores the cultural, environmental and artistic significance of the eucalypt through more than 160 historical and contemporary works. Featuring renowned artists including Arthur Boyd, Albert Namatjira, Vincent Namatjira and Christian Thompson, alongside new commissions created for the exhibition.
World of the Book (until 31 Jan 2027). This free exhibition celebrates the remarkable history of books, showcasing rare manuscripts, beautifully illustrated volumes and literary treasures from the State Library Victoria’s collections. Discover how books have shaped ideas, culture and storytelling across centuries.
Theatre & Concert Events in Melbourne This Week
Wurrtoo: The Wombat Who Fell in Love with the Sky (9, 10 & 11 Jul 2026). This enchanting family-friendly production combines classical music and storytelling, bringing an imaginative Australian tale to life through performance.
Under the Canopy (9 – 12 Jul 2026). A passionate and vibrant program showcasing accordion virtuoso James Crabb, blending flair, texture and dynamic musical storytelling.
Morning Melodies: Orchestra Victoria with Caroline O’Connor – Music and Me (20 Jul 2026). Join acclaimed performer Caroline O’Connor with Orchestra Victoria at Hamer Hall for a special concert featuring personally selected songs from her remarkable career, woven with stories that reflect her journey across Broadway, the West End and Australian stages.
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.
Gimme Gimme Disco – ABBA & Disco Dance Party (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.
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
Max Dupain and Ansel Adams: In Search of Perfection (until – 30 Aug 2026). This landmark exhibition brings together iconic photographs by Max Dupain and Ansel Adams, exploring their shared mastery of light, landscape and modernist photography. Brighton Town Hall.
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.
What’s on in Regional Victoria
Ballarat Winter Festival (27 Jun – 19 Jul 2026). A vibrant winter celebration transforming the city into a seasonal wonderland, featuring a pop-up ice-skating rink, the Hot Choc Showdown café trail, immersive light displays and family-friendly entertainment across multiple venues. The program also includes special events such as Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill and live performances in the festival precinct.
Discovering the Impressionists, Geelong Gallery (until 11 Oct 2026). This exhibition flows across five galleries, presenting more than 70 paintings from across two generations of Impressionist artists, the majority from private collections in France and never before seen in Australia. Tickets from $25.
There is also afree exhibition pairing Claude Monet’s celebrated Haystacks, midday with works by leading Australian Impressionists.
Eclipse: In Bloom – A Luna Light Journey (26 Jun 2026 – 27 Jul 2027). This immersive after-dark experience transforms the gardens into a glowing night walk featuring illuminated installations, soundscapes and nature-inspired light art. Visitors explore a nocturnal “blooming” world celebrating native flora, pollinators and ecosystems in a vibrant, sensory journey through light and imagination.
Tastes of Greater Geelong (until 19 Jul 2026). This month-long winter food and wine festival showcases the region’s best chefs, producers and venues through curated dining experiences, long lunches, wine tastings, markets, masterclasses and special events. From coastal wineries to hidden local gems, it’s a celebration of Greater Geelong’s vibrant food and hospitality scene.
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.
More Ongoing Melbourne Events
Truffle Treasures Trail (Jun – Aug 2026). Follow this delicious self-guided trail through Queen Victoria Market to discover fresh Australian truffles, gourmet cheeses, handmade pasta, artisan produce and indulgent truffle-inspired dishes from some of the market’s favourite traders.
Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu (9 Jul, 13 Aug, 10 Sept 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.
Upcoming Melbourne Events: August 2026
Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) (6 – 23 Aug 2026). One of Australia’s oldest and largest film festivals, MIFF presents a major program of international and Australian cinema across feature films, shorts and experimental works. Screenings take place across Melbourne and regional Victoria, showcasing bold, diverse storytelling and celebrating filmmaking talent from around the world.
Beyond the Page Series (5 Aug – 3 Sep 2026). State Library Victoria’s Beyond the Page series brings together leading writers, journalists and health communicators for a trio of thought-provoking conversations. Highlights include Amy Remeikis with Hannah Ferguson (5 Aug), bestselling fantasy author Stacey McEwan with Dee Salmin (13 Aug), and Dr Norman Swan with Dr Preeya Alexander (3 Sep). Tickets on sale from $19 at slv.vic.gov.au.
Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) Music Theatre Showcase (17 Aug 2026). Part of the Morning Melodies series, this one-hour performance features graduating VCA music theatre students presenting a dynamic program of classic Broadway and musical theatre works. Showcasing emerging talent, the concert highlights solo, duet and ensemble performances filled with energy, polish and storytelling.
Now or Never (19 – 30 Aug 2026). This citywide festival transforms Melbourne into a playground of art, ideas, sound and technology, featuring immersive installations, performances, talks and experimental experiences across iconic venues. The 2026 program explores the theme A Whole New World, where reality blurs with imagination and audiences are invited to experience the city in new and unexpected ways.
Vivaldi’s Legacy (20 – 23 Aug 2026). The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra presents an intimate Baroque program celebrating Anna Maria della Pietà, the remarkable musician who inspired some of Vivaldi’s finest works. Led by acclaimed violinist Augusta McKay Lodge in her Australian debut, the concert combines elegant solo and chamber music with the story of one of classical music’s most fascinating and overlooked figures.
Melbourne Welsh Male Choir (Sat 22 Aug 2026). Enjoy Welsh favourites and well-known classics, this acclaimed choir brings rich harmonies, warmth and plenty of personality to a special afternoon concert at the Mooroolbark Community Centre with the direction of Musical Director Mitch Meyer. Seniors card tickets $24.50.
Wine & Wildlife (29 – 30 Aug 2026). Sample wines, craft beers and spirits from leading Yarra Valley producers while exploring Healesville Sanctuary after hours. With gourmet food, live acoustic music and native wildlife encounters, this unique winter festival also helps support the Sanctuary’s wildlife rescue and rehabilitation programs.
Upcoming Melbourne Events: September 2026
Mostly Mozart: Play with Fire (3 Sep 2026). ANAM musicians present a fiery morning of classical music featuring works by Haydn, De Falla, Debussy, Scriabin and Mozart. Complimentary morning tea is included before the concert.
Morning Melodies: Silvie Paladino (14 Sep 2026). Acclaimed musical theatre star Silvie Paladino celebrates her remarkable career with an uplifting performance of Broadway favourites and personal stories. Part of the popular Morning Melodies daytime concert series.
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! Read our review.
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.
Making Modern Melbourne (until 31 Dec 2026). This free exhibition traces Melbourne’s transformation from the early 20th century to today, exploring major events including the World Wars, the Great Depression, postwar migration and the rise of multiculturalism. It features historic photographs and modern reimaginings that show how the city has evolved over time.
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.
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