Seniors in Melbourne are gearing up for the much-anticipated Victorian Seniors Festival this October 2026. What was once celebrated as Seniors Week has grown into a month-long program of activities, performances, and special events across Melbourne and Victoria.

While we’re not involved in organising the Festival, we love supporting it by sharing Melbourne’s highlights and helping you find events you’ll enjoy most. With thousands of happenings across the state, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved.

Tip: Look up your local council’s Seniors Festival program for events and experiences near you.

This article rounds up our top picks for Seniors Festival events across metropolitan Melbourne. Find our regional Victoria highlights here, and the best festival deals here.

Want to promote your Seniors Festival event or offer in this guide? Get in touch with Amy today – amy@seniorsinmelbourne.com.au

When is the Victorian Seniors Festival 2026?

From 1 October to 31 October 2026

When is Victorian Seniors Week 2026?

As a Victorian Seniors Card holder, from 3 to 11 October, you can explore Victoria with free public transport during the Victorian Seniors Festival. Read our guide here.

What is the Theme for Seniors Week in Victoria 2026?

The 2026 Victorian Seniors Festival theme is Connect. Create. Celebrate.

What’s on in Metropolitan Melbourne – Victorian Seniors Festival 2026

Celebration Day (Sat 3 Oct 2026). The festival kicks off with a spectacular celebration at Federation Square from 11 am to 5 pm. This event will launch the festival with a full day of free entertainment, live music, inspirational speakers and hands-on activities. Free entry, no booking required. Find more information and our tips here.

History & Culture Events – Seniors Festival

*Swinging Sixties at Old Treasury (open daily). This free exhibition explores life in Victoria during the 1960s through fashion, music, protest, pop culture and social change. Featuring original costumes, memorabilia, photographs and rare artefacts, it revisits one of the most transformative decades in Australian history. 20 Spring Street, Melbourne. Free entry. More info here.

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. Read Kathy’s review. Flinders Street Station, Tickets $60. Book here.

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. PO Building (under the H&M sign) in Bourke Street, Tickets $40. Book here.

Melbourne Athenaeum Library (5 – 10 Oct 2026). Unearth the fascinating history of Melbourne’s oldest cultural institution. The Collins Street building opened in 1842 and houses a subscription library, two theatres and one of the city’s earliest lifts. Explore the library and hear stories behind this enduring icon. Melbourne Athenaeum Library, L1, 188 Collins St, Melbourne. Book here.

College of Surgeons Museum, East Melbourne (Mon & Tues). Explore fascinating medical history on a self-guided tour, Mon–Tue 10am–4pm (or Wed by appointment). Free entry, gold coin donation appreciated. 250-290 Spring Street, East Melbourne

Australian History Talk: Notoriety (Fri 30 Oct). Explore a fascinating chapter of Australian history at this talk hosted by Richmond Neighbourhood Centre. Richmond Neighbourhood Centre, Richmond. Book here.

Seniors in Melbourne events – our own gatherings

Bendigo Day Trip with Lunch & Walking Tour (Sat 3 Oct, Sat 7 Nov & Sat 6 Dec 2026). Travel through the scenic Macedon Ranges before exploring Bendigo’s grand gold rush heritage on a guided walking tour with Paul Daffey. Visit historic landmarks, stroll through Rosalind Park and enjoy a relaxed lunch during the tour. 9 AM – 5.30 PM. Tickets $115. Book tickets here.

Parks & Gardens Cruise Event (Mon 19 Oct 2026, 10 am). Enjoy a relaxed morning cruise along the Yarra with Seniors in Melbourne, including tea, coffee and guided commentary. Meet fellow readers and explore Melbourne from the river as you take in the city’s parks and gardens. Melbourne River Cruises, Berth 2 Southbank Promenade, Southbank. Tickets $32.80. Book tickets here.

One Enchanted Evening Mystery Book Night (Tues 27 Oct 2026, 6.15pm). Join us and enjoy a special evening celebrating books, storytelling and the magic of live author events at Mary Martin Books. Tickets include a mystery book, a cosy venue, a glass of wine, and a moderated author session with signing. Tickets $50. Book tickets 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. State Library Victoria, 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. Corner of Spring Street and Flinders Lane, Tickets $40. Book here.

Free Music & Performance Events – Seniors Festival

Monash Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Gala (Sun 4 Oct 2026). Experience a vibrant celebration of Eastern culture as talented Chinese community members present an entertaining program of music, song and dance. Jordanville Community Centre Hall, 94 Batesford Road, Chadstone. Find more information here.

Big Band Dance (Mon 5 Oct 2026). Enjoy an afternoon of big band music and dancing as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival, with the event running from midday into the afternoon. Melbourne Town Hall, 90–130 Swanston Street, Melbourne. Free entry. Find more information here.

A Morning of Jazz (Tues 13 Oct 2026). Enjoy a morning of Parisian flair and timeless jazz classics from Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Billie Holiday, with complimentary morning tea included. Menzies Malvern, 1306 High Street, Malvern. Free entry. Find more information here.

Dancing from the Heart (Sun 18 Oct 2026). A warm, informal afternoon of group and independent dancing to familiar tunes, MC-led, with afternoon tea included. Come solo or bring friends. Collingwood Town Hall, 140 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford. Free entry. Find more information here.

Let’s Line Dance! (Mon 26 Oct 2026). Put on your dancing shoes for a fun morning of line dancing, followed by coffee and conversation in a relaxed social setting. 1251 High Street, Malvern. Free entry. Find more information here.

Ticketed Music & Theatre Events – Seniors Festival

Harp Meditations (Thurs 8 Oct 2026). Settle into a calming seated meditation followed by a gentle harp concert with Michael Johnson, woven with stories drawn from the Gardens themselves. Royal Botanic Gardens, 100 Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne. Tickets $25. Book tickets here.

Starry Night – Monash Chorale (Sat 10 Oct 2026). Enjoy an uplifting evening of choral music inspired by the beauty and mystery of the night sky. Performed by Monash Chorale with guest artists, the program features a rich selection of classical and contemporary works celebrating the wonder of the stars. Glen Waverley Uniting Church, 10 Bogong Avenue, Glen Waverley, 3150. Tickets $35. Book tickets here.

Steel Magnolias (16–31 Oct 2026). See Robert Harling’s much-loved stage play about friendship, family and the strength of a close-knit group of women, directed by Susan Rundle. Clayton Community Centre Theatre, 9–15 Cooke Street, Clayton. Tickets $35. Book tickets here.

Mozart, Salieri & Pleyel – Australian Brandenburg Orchestra (15-18 Oct 2026). Explore the music and rivalry of Mozart and Salieri, alongside the elegant works of Ignaz Pleyel, in a sparkling performance by the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra on period instruments. Receive our exclusive 20% discount on A & B reserve seats using code SENIORSMELB20 Melbourne Recital Centre, 31 Sturt St, Southbank. Tickets from $52. Book tickets here.

Morning Music: Invictus Quartet (Tues 20 Oct 2026). Melbourne favourites Invictus Quartet present a lively morning of movie music favourites, blending virtuosic strings with humour, storytelling and audience interaction. Morning tea is included, making this a relaxed and entertaining concert to enjoy with friends. Hawthorn Arts Centre, Hawthorn. Tickets $20. Book tickets here.

MSO in Your Neighbourhood (Fri 23 Oct 2026). Enjoy a performance by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra featuring Joe Chindamo’s new Flute Concerto, performed by flautist Eliza Shephard, alongside works celebrating Māori culture. Wyndham Cultural Centre, Werribee. All tickets $10; children free. Book tickets here.

Come Dance! Non-stop 50s/60s Rock and Roll (Mon 26 Oct 2026). Dance the afternoon away to non-stop rock and roll favourites from the 1950s and 1960s at this lively social event. With classic hits, a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of room to dance, it’s the perfect outing for music lovers and anyone who enjoys a great afternoon of entertainment. City of Melbourne Bowls Club Flagstaff Gardens, West Melbourne. Tickets $25 – $35. Book tickets here.

Mostly Mozart Matinee: Piano Concerto No.21 (Thurs 29 Oct 2026). The final concert in the Mostly Mozart matinee series showcases more of Mozart’s timeless masterpieces alongside works by his contemporaries, performed by leading Australian musicians in the intimate setting of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall. Melbourne Recital Centre, 31 Sturt St, Southbank. Tickets from $52. Book tickets here.

Garden & Nature Events – Seniors Festival

Guided Bird Walk at Wilson Reserve (Sun 4 Oct 2026). Explore the varied habitats of Wilson Reserve with urban ecologist Dr Jacinta Humphrey, learning about local bird species, their behaviours and the importance of riverside environments for urban wildlife. Wilson Reserve, 4 Irvine Road, Ivanhoe. Free entry, bookings essential. Find more information here.

Learn About the Flora and Fauna of Valley Conservation Reserve (Fri 9 Oct 2026). Join the Friends of Scotchmans Creek and Valley Reserve for a guided walk through the reserve, learning about its native plants and animals, wetlands and Aboriginal history. Valley Conservation Reserve, corner Waimarie Drive and Wills Avenue, Mount Waverley. Donation. Find more information here.

Discover The World of Honey Bees (Mon 12 Oct 2026). Meet beekeeper and author Mary Trumble for a special talk with honey tastings and garden inspiration. Vermont South Club 30A Livingstone Road, Vermont South. Free Entry. Find more information here.

Seniors Wildflower Walk (Tues 13 Oct 2026). Experience spring at Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary on a special guided walk, learning about the wildflowers blooming throughout the sanctuary with a biodiversity officer. Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary, La Trobe Avenue, Bundoora. Free entry, bookings essential. Find more information here.

Breakfast with the Birds (Sun 25 Oct 2026). Head to Banyule Flats Reserve for a guided birdwatching walk with local experts, followed by a delicious breakfast and presentations back at the starting point. Old Shire Offices, 60 Beverly Road, Heidelberg. Free entry, bookings essential.  Find more information here.

The Explorer Melbourne Royal Botanic Garden Tour (daily). Cruise around in an open-air minibus, soaking in the lush greenery and captivating living collections. The Royal Botanic Gardens hosts a variety of tours to showcase its diverse plant collections. Read our review here, or book tickets for The Explorer tour here.

Arts & Exhibitions – Seniors Festival

Eggshell Artistry: Ashburton (Sat 3 Oct 2026). Explore the delicate art of eggshell decoration at this exhibition showcasing intricate and imaginative works created by members of the Victorian Egg Decorators Guild. Ashburton Community Centre, Ashburton. Ticket price not confirmed on the event page. The Craig Family Centre, 7 Samarinda Ave Ashburton, Free entry. Find more information here.

Stories Through the Lens (5–19 Oct 2026). Explore identity, memories and life stories through a creative three-part photography series for LGBTIQA+ community members, culminating in a community gallery night. No photography experience is required. Power Neighbourhood House, 54 Power Avenue, Ashwood. Find more information here.

Printmaking Workshop (Wed 7 Oct 2026). Carve a linocut plate, roll up ink and print your own artwork in a heritage firestation studio, guided by professional printmakers, with refreshments included. Firestation Print Studio, 2 Willis Street, Armadale. Free entry. Find more information here.

Dementia-Friendly Art Chat (Wed 7 Oct 2026). A relaxed, small-group conversation about two or three artworks in the Gallery, facilitated by trained NGV educators — no prior art knowledge needed. NGV Australia, Fed Square, Melbourne. Free entry. Find more information here.

Explore Shodo: The Art of Japanese Calligraphy (Tues 6 Oct 2026). Join artist, Junko Azukawa, as she hosts a Japanese calligraphy workshop. With Shodo, you will learn various brush techniques, calligraphy styles, stroke order and balance of Japanese characters. Caesia Gardens Retirement Village, Caroline Springs. Free entry. Find more information here.

Tapestry Hanging (15 & 22 Oct 2026). Learn to use a sewing machine to create a patchwork tapestry over two sessions, then collaborate on a larger display for exhibition in Yarra libraries. Carlton Library, 667 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North. Free entry. Find more information here.

Celebrating Our Parks and Gardens (23 Sep – 7 Nov 2026). Explore a vibrant community exhibition inspired by the parks, gardens and natural spaces that enrich everyday life. Featuring paintings, drawings, prints and textiles, the exhibition celebrates creativity, wellbeing and a shared appreciation of nature. Town Hall Gallery, Hawthorn. Free entry. Find more information here.

Noble Park Community Centre Art Show (16–18 Oct 2026). See a diverse collection of artwork created by local artists in this relaxed community exhibition, which gives both emerging and experienced artists the chance to showcase their work. Noble Park Community Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park. Free entry. Find more information here.

Interested in Melbourne’s history? Book our guided walking tour and meet new people while learning something new.

Free Film Events – Seniors Festival

ACMI Seniors Film Festival: An Emma Thompson Season (5–11 Oct 2026). A week-long celebration of Emma Thompson across five films spanning her career — the restrained longing of The Remains of the Day, her Oscar-winning turn in Howards End, Sense and Sensibility (for which she also won Best Adapted Screenplay), Saving Mr. Banks, and the warmth and wit of Good Luck to You, Leo Grande. ACMI Cinemas, Federation Square. Free entry, bookings essential. Find more information here.

City of Melbourne Film Festival (5–15 Oct 2026, multiple sessions). Free screenings across Cinema Nova and Library at the Dock celebrating love, resilience and the richness of later life, with light refreshments and post-movie conversation. LGBTIQA+ inclusive. Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon Street, Carlton. Free entry, bookings essential. Find more information here.

Boroondara Seniors Film Festival (6–22 Oct 2026, multiple sessions). Five free screenings celebrating the richness of older lives on screen — from Spanish drama Calle Málaga to David Gulpilil’s Charlie’s Country, with director Rolf de Heer joining in person for a Q&A. Also showing: The Truffle Hunters, The Richest Woman in the World and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Bookings open Tuesday 8 September, one film per person per day. Village Cinemas Rivoli, Lido Cinemas and Palace Cinema Balwyn. Free entry, bookings essential. Find more information here.

Community & Social Events – Seniors Festival

*Uber Clubhouse – Free Sunset Lawn Bowls (Thurs 8 & Fri 9 Oct 2026). Enjoy free sunset lawn bowls at Middle Park Bowls Club, 4–7pm. Relaxed music, snacks, a welcome drink and prizes. Free, but registration is required. Attendees can also get a hands-on look at the Uber Seniors features, which are designed to make getting around simpler. Find out more here.

LGBTQIA+ Bent Twig Lunch (Thurs 8 Oct 2026). The Bent Twig Alliance’s annual social lunch offers a safe, welcoming space for older LGBTQIA+ people to connect and converse. Djerring Centre, Eddy Court, Abbotsford. Free entry. Find more information here.

Let’s Talk Ageing with Jean Kittson (Thurs 8 Oct 2026). Comedian, actor and author Jean Kittson shares her unique insights on ageing, wellbeing and embracing life’s next chapter — with humour and honesty. Glen Eira Town Hall, Corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield. Tickets $20 (includes snack). Book tickets here.

The Real Deal Chinese Dumpling (Fri 9 Oct 2026). Learn to make authentic dumplings from scratch with U3A Chinese in Yarra, guided by Mandarin-speaking bicultural hosts, then sit down to enjoy what you’ve made. Atherton Gardens Housing Estate, 95 Napier Street, Fitzroy. Free entry (bring an apron). Find more information here.

Coffee and Culture for Seniors – delivered in Italian (Wed 14 Oct 2026). Join an NGV guide for an informal conversation in Italian about artworks from the Gallery’s collection, followed by coffee and conversation. NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Free entry, bookings required. Find more information here.

Hobsons Bay Tea Dance (Wed 14 Oct 2026). Take to the floor for ballroom dancing with a live band, plus light refreshments, tea and coffee, at this non-alcoholic tea dance. Williamstown Town Hall, 104 Ferguson Street, Williamstown. Tickets $13.90. Book tickets here.

Family Life Elwood Op Shop: Behind the Scenes (Fri 23 Oct 2026). Curious about volunteering? Join an interactive behind-the-scenes session over a cuppa to learn about the organisation and how to get involved. Family Life, 22 Ormond Road, Elwood. Free entry. Find more information here.

Intergenerational Playgroup and Morning Tea (Mon 26 Oct 2026). Enjoy a joyful morning of stories, music, singing, dancing, arts and crafts, sensory play and a complimentary morning tea. Bring the grandchildren or join in for a friendly morning of intergenerational connection and community fun.Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub, 275 Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe. Free entry. Find more information here.

Sport & Wellness Events – Seniors Festival

Cycling Tour of Yarra (Thurs 1 Oct 2026). A relaxed 20km ride from Princes Park to Cremorne taking in First Nations heritage and landmarks, with a rest and coffee stop at Abbotsford Convent. Corner of Bowen Crescent and Park Street, Princes Park. Free entry. Find more information here.

Friday Social Golf (2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Oct 2026). Enjoy a relaxed social round of golf on a compact nine-hole course, followed by coffee and friendly conversation at the Pro Shop. Oakleigh Public Golf Course, 7 Park Road, Oakleigh. Pensioners $13.85; concession $20.75; golf club hire $30.85. Book tickets here.

Social Tennis (6, 13 & 20 Oct 2026). A relaxed, friendly social hit for post-beginner/intermediate players, with light refreshments after. Bring your own racket or hire one on the day. Royal Park Tennis Club, 333 The Avenue, Parkville. $5 per session. Book tickets here.

Silver Salties – Free Trial Classes (8–28 Oct 2026). Try Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, Open Water Swimming or Strength & Mobility, free for over-60s across four Thursdays in October. Sandringham Life Saving Club. Free entry. Find more information here.

Free Week of Public Transport

As well as great events and activities happening across Melbourne, Victorian Seniors Card holders receive 9 days of completely free public transport across the state, from 3 to 11 October 2026.

Related reading: Using Your Seniors myki and Navigating Public Transport in Melbourne

Other resources

• Download our Melbourne CBD map as a printable PDF
• Need help getting around Melbourne? Travellers Aid is here to help
• How to Navigate Southern Cross Station with Confidence

More useful guides worth browsing:

• Melbourne Musicals Guide: It’s Showtime
• 2026 Victorian Seniors Card Discount Guide: Your Passport to Savings
• Itinerary Ideas For Spending One Day in Melbourne CBD
• Free Weekend Travel for Seniors in Victoria: Your Handy Guide
• Social Events and Activities for Older People in Melbourne

Seniors Festival events in regional Victoria

• Find highlight events happening across regional Victoria for Seniors Month here.
• Find the best deals on offer during Seniors Month here.
• Read the full Festival Calendar of events via Seniors Online here.

Need accommodation?

Read our guide: Best Hotels in Melbourne CBD: A Senior-Friendly Guide

Or search for a hotel deal in Melbourne right here:

A Brief History of the Victorian Seniors Festival

Did you know the Victorian Seniors Festival has been bringing people together for more than 40 years?

What began as Senior Citizens Week in 1983 has grown into Australia’s largest celebration for older people, with thousands of events held across Victoria each year.

One of the earliest highlights was the introduction of free public transport during the festival in 1984, helping more people get out and enjoy activities in their communities. The launch of the Victorian Seniors Card in 1991, followed by eight days of free festival travel for card holders in 1997, further expanded opportunities for older Victorians to explore the state.

The festival has continued to evolve over the decades. It became the Victorian Seniors Festival in 2002 and moved to October in 2006 to align with the United Nations International Day of Older Persons. Popular traditions such as the Festival Hub at Melbourne Town Hall and Celebration Day at Federation Square were introduced in 2007 and remain festival favourites today.

As Victoria’s population has grown, so has the festival. Event numbers surpassed 2,500 for the first time in 2014, and by 2019 more than 180,000 people attended almost 3,000 events across the state.

Today, the Victorian Seniors Festival continues to encourage older Victorians to stay active, connected and curious. In 2025, more than 3,000 events were held across the state under the theme “Connect, Create, Celebrate”, with everything from concerts and walking tours to workshops, community gatherings and special offers.

It’s a reminder that the festival isn’t just about a month of events. It’s about celebrating the contribution of older Victorians and making it easier to connect with people, places and new experiences throughout the year.

Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our ​Facebook Group ​and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.

Disclaimer: Some events in this article have paid for a little extra spotlight – you’ll spot them with an asterisk (*). We only say yes to partners we think you’ll love, so if it’s here, it’s because we’d happily recommend it to our own friends (and probably have).

Disclaimer: Seniors in Melbourne is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the Victorian Seniors Festival, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH), or the Victorian Government. All content is created and published independently.

Contact the Victorian Seniors Festival organisers via seniorsfestival@dffh.vic.gov.au or 03 8850 6164

Read more:

What’s on in Melbourne This Week for Retirement Rookies Like us

Best Discounts Using Your Seniors Card at Melbourne Attractions

13 Free Walking Tours of Melbourne Attractions

Victorian Seniors Card Explained: How to Apply and Make the Most of It

Grandparents Day in Melbourne 2026: Ideas for a Day Out Together