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: It’s Showtime
Exhibitions and Events in Melbourne this Week
Melbourne Rare Book Week (24 Jul – 2 Aug 2025). Discover an exciting program of free talks, workshops and tours that celebrate the importance of books, publishing, book production and collecting, and will be held at venues across Melbourne.
The Melbourne Fair (31 Jul – 3 Aug 2025). Explore a curated selection of fine art, decorative arts, and vintage fashion, alongside unique antiquities and collectibles.
Beetlejuice (until 31 Aug 2025). Experience the darkly hilarious world of Beetlejuice come to life on stage at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne. Based on the iconic Tim Burton film, this eight-time Tony Award-nominated musical promises a jaw-dropping funhouse of irreverent and reckless entertainment.
Lightscape, Melbourne Botanic Gardens (until 10 Aug 2025). This immersive evening event features over 20 stunning new illuminations, including glowing floral canopies and mesmerizing soundscapes. Enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate, and delightful treats while wandering through this enchanting winter wonderland. From $32 for Pensioners.
Exhibitions and Events in Melbourne this Week
Joy Exhibition (until 29 Aug 2025). Featuring seven innovative installations by local artists, Joy at the Immigration Museum showcases the beauty and significance of happiness. Free entry for pension cards.
The Dirty Dozen, City Gallery (until 29 Aug 2025). Curated by food writer Richard Cornish, this free exhibition explores Melbourne’s culinary history, highlighting street food and the dining habits of 19th-century elites.
DISTRACTION (until 2 May 2025). Free entry exhibition held at Melbourne’s Science Gallery. DISTRACTION plugs into the streaming torrent of content and the places our brains go when we want to focus on anything but the thing.
The Playground Project (until October 2025). Explore a vibrant playground inside Incinerator Gallery, featuring interactive installations, historic playground photographs, and a permanent Lozziwurm climbing structure. Tickets $10, kids under 16 are free.
Melbourne Winter Masterpieces at NGV International (Until 5 Oct 2025). Featuring renowned artists like Monet and Morisot, this exhibition immerses visitors in the beauty of everyday life captured through revolutionary brushwork. Seniors Card tickets $39.
What’s on in Melbourne This Week
Titanic: A Voyage Through Time (until 31 Dec 2025). 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 Jazz Room (various dates). Set in the charming Brunswick Ballroom, enjoy an hour of dynamic music, improvisation, and delicious dining. Secure your tickets!
Legends of Brass PROMS Concert (Sun 3 Aug 2025). Come along and have a ball as you sing, wave flags and stomp your way through a fabulous afternoon concert held at The Ivanhoe Centre. Tickets $30, book here.
Ocean Photographer of the Year Exhibition (until 10 Aug 2025). Celebrate marine beauty and conservation through exceptional photography, opening January 29 at Seaworks in Williamstown. Full price $20 and concession tickets $15. Read our review here.
What’s On in Melbourne and Surrounds
High Tea and History Tour (every second Wednesday). Experience a luxurious High Tea or Devonshire Tea and guided historic tour of Overnewton Castle, a 175-year-old Scottish baronial estate in Keilor – blending elegance, charm & colonial history! Prices from $55. Book here.
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.
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.
Footloose (25 Jul – 10 Aug 2025). Experience the thrill of the 80s with the remastered production of Footloose! Join Ren, the rebellious city kid, as he challenges a town that bans music and dancing.
Circa & The Art of Fugue (7-10 August 2025, Melbourne Recital Centre). The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra presents a spectacular fusion of music and acrobatics. Use promo code SENIORSMELB20 for 20% off A & B reserve seats! Find out more here.
Upcoming Melbourne Events: Mark Your Calendar
Music of the Night – Australia’s Premier Tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber (Sun 31 Aug, 2.30pm matinee, The Palms at Crown, Southbank). With a stellar cast led by Joey Fimmano, this production promises an evening filled with magic, emotion, and unforgettable melodies.
Melbourne International Film Festival (7 – 24 Aug 2025). Discover a closely curated program of the best films of the year with events happening at venues across the city.
Now or Never Art Festival (21 – 31 Aug 2025). Challenging conventional boundaries, Now or Never asks us to imagine new realities, prompting us to consider the real illusions that define our perceptions of what lies ahead.
Morning Melodies (held once per month). Experience joy with Morning Melodies at Arts Centre Melbourne—enjoy 11 captivating performances in 2025, perfect for music lovers!
Australian Brandenburg Orchestra 2025 Program (various dates). Audiences can enjoy a blend of classical brilliance, innovative performances, and festive celebrations that promise unforgettable evenings. Read our guide to upcoming Melbourne Concerts.
Upcoming Melbourne Events: Mark Your Calendar
Dolly Parton Here You Come Again (23 – 26 Oct 2025). Dolly Parton’s music comes to life in ‘Here You Come Again,’ a captivating musical comedy at the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne. With performances running from July 12-20 and October 23-26, this show promises laughter, lessons, and entertainment for ages 10 and up. Don’t miss out—secure your tickets today!
Meet @ The Market (12 Sept). Experience classical music like never before at Orchestra Victoria’s new home in North Melbourne’s iconic Meat Market. Enjoy a one-hour performance followed by a drink, tasty bites, and the opportunity to mingle with musicians in a relaxed, contemporary setting. Concession tickets are $35. Book here.
National Science Week (9 – 17 Aug 2025). An annual opportunity to meet scientists, discuss hot topics, do science and celebrate its cultural and economic impact on society – from art to astrophysics, chemistry to climate change, and forensics to future food.
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.
Ongoing Daytime: Melbourne Events & Activities
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! Wheelchair friendly. Free entry.
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 seniors 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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