Events in Melbourne This Week for Golden Oldies 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 on Now
The Museum of Falling, City Gallery (until 14 Feb 2025). Curated by Patrick Pound, this exhibition thoughtfully explores the intersection of civic space and human experience. Through a unique collection of falling images and objects, it invites viewers to consider how these elements shape our everyday lives. Free entry, open during business hours.
The Art of Banksy (until 21 Dec 2024). Step into the captivating realm of Banksy’s art at the Melbourne exhibition, where you’ll find over 70 original works on display. Here, you can truly witness the artistic genius of this renowned street artist through a diverse collection of photos, sculptures, and installations. Book tickets here.
Van Gogh Returns (26 Dec 2024 – 1 Jun 2025). Experience Van Gogh’s art like never before at THE LUME Melbourne, featuring immersive installations and the new VR experience, Finding Vincent.
Yayoi Kusama (until 27 Apr 2025). Celebrate Yayoi Kusama’s 80-year career at NGV International with vibrant art, new installations, and interactive experiences for all ages.
Notre-Dame de Paris (until 27 Apr 2025). Experience Notre-Dame’s rich history through augmented reality at Melbourne’s Immigration Museum, featuring interactive displays and insights into its remarkable restoration.
A Christmas Carol, (until 29 Dec 2024). Enjoy a heart-warming tale of redemption and holiday spirit. Enjoy mid-week tickets for only $99.90 from 28 November to 12 December 2024. Book here.
Candlelight Concerts (until 22 Jan 2025). 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.
Love Actually? The Musical Parody (6 – 23 Dec 2024). From the creators of “Friends! The Musical Parody,” this laugh-out-loud performance showcases the amusing sides of love with a charming cast, making it a must-see for all fans of the original film!
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical (until 2 Mar 2025). Experience the inspiring life story of Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, who didn’t just break the rules – she rewrote them.
Exhibitions and Events in Melbourne on Now
Cherries, Wine, and Dine Experience (weekdays in Nov & Dec 2024). Head to Cherryhill Orchards in the stunning Yarra Valley for a classic cherry-picking adventure with a twist. Book tickets here.
Cherries and Cheese Day Trip (weekdays in Nov & Dec 2024). Experience the perfect combination of cherries and cheese in the Yarra Valley! Start your journey with a delectable cheese tasting at Yarra Valley Dairy, then make your way to Cherryhill Orchards Coldstream.
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.
Underground: The Hidden Archive of the Warsaw Ghetto (until 30 Mar 2025). This significant collection, created by activists documenting the Holocaust, offers an emotional journey into the resilience of the Jewish community and their fight for remembrance. Held at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, tickets from $10. Book here.
Exquisite Classical Experiences (Various dates available). Celebrate 15 years of music excellence with captivating contemporary and chamber music experiences at Melbourne Recital Centre throughout 2024.
Beauty And The Beast (until 16 Feb 2025). A beloved theatrical production that brings the classic fairy tale to life on stage. Her Majesty’s Theatre. Book tickets here.
Upcoming Melbourne Events: Mark Your Calendar
Storytime Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty (9 – 12 Jan 2025). Tailored for children aged three and up, this interactive performance lasts under an hour and includes beloved characters, stunning costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score.
The Other Art Fair (30 Jan – 2 Feb 2025). Renowned for breaking conventions and flipping the traditional gallery model on its head, this edition of the Fair will bring together over 100 emerging and independent artists, interactive installations and unforgettable experiences that will leave art lovers and collectors craving more. The Timber Yard, Port Melbourne.
Best of the Bee Gees (Sat 8 Mar 2025). Celebrate the legacy of the Bee Gees with this captivating tribute show that has wowed audiences across Australia and beyond for 25 years.
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.
Lunchtime Meditation, Atrium Fed Free Workshops (Tuesdays 12.30 pm). Escape the stress and busyness of modern life to discover the peace of meditation for yourself in these free 30-minute meditation sessions, suitable for beginners and regulars. Federation Square. Free entry.
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.
Senior Swans Ballet (weekly). Casual or term-based ballet classes with joint-friendly body movements great for strength-building, improved balance, and brain activity. Various locations across Melbourne and Victoria.
Related reading: 31 Itinerary Ideas For Spending One Day in Melbourne CBD
Ongoing Evening: Melbourne Events & Activities
Lido Comedy (Tuesdays 7.30 pm). Acts like Dave Thornton, Luke Kidgell, Claire Hooper, Dilruk Jayasinha, Reuben Solo, and Lizzy Hoo have graced the stage, making each night unforgettable. Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn.
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.
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.
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