Events 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 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.
Yarra Birrarung: Artists, Writers and the River (until July 2025). Through the perspectives of various artists and writers, the exhibition delves into the rich tapestry of life that flourished on the river, highlighting aspects of recreation, industry, land use, and the river’s enduring influence on the cultural landscape. Visit the Royal Historical Society of Victoria. Free entry, open during business hours.
The Art of Banksy (until 2 Feb 2025). 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.
What’s on in Melbourne This Week
Accidentally Wes Anderson (until 2 Feb 2025). Explore immersive themes at Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition, showcasing idiosyncratic locations worldwide through stunning photography and captivating stories. Book tickets here.
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.
Grand Spaces, Gripping Histories Tour (fortnightly Saturdays from Jan to Apr 2025). Explore the connections between Notre-Dame and the Immigration Museum’s Old Customs House in a fascinating guided tour through French and Australian history.
Candlelight Concerts (until 22 Mar 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.
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. Book here.
Exhibitions and Events in Melbourne on Now
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.
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.
Morning Melodies (held on one Monday each month). Experience joy with Morning Melodies at Arts Centre Melbourne—enjoy 11 captivating performances in 2025, perfect for music lovers!
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
Ocean Photographer of the Year Exhibition (until 13 July 2025). Celebrate marine beauty and conservation through exceptional photography, opening January 29 at Seaworks in Williamstown. Full price $20 and concession tickets $15.
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.
Book Launch, The Polish Museum and Archives in Australia Inc. (Sat 1 Feb 2025). “Our Journeys in Australia 1947-1977” is the English translation of the book “Nasze Drogi w Australii 1947 – 1977” published almost 45 years ago. This book covers the first thirty years of the lives and work of the members of the Carpathian Brigade in Australia.
We Call It Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty Dance & Light Show (Sun 2 Mar, Fri 4 & Wed 23 Apr 2025). Experience “Sleeping Beauty” reimagined with glow-in-the-dark costumes and local dancers at Melbourne’s Capitol Theatre in a captivating 60-minute show.
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.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival (26 Mar – 20 Apr 2025). With a line-up boasting global stars, Australian favourites, and fresh talent, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable month of laughs for comedy lovers of all stripes.
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (21 – 30 Mar 2025). Whether you’re a passionate foodie, a wine connoisseur, or simply looking for a unique experience, this festival is not to be missed.
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
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.
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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