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 in 2025 & 2026: It’s Showtime
What’s on in Melbourne this Week – Our Top Picks
Under The Clocks: City Walking Tour (Fridays 5, 12, & 19 Dec 2025). 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 starting at Flinders Street Station. Tickets $60.
Opera Australia: Orpheus & Eurydice (2 – 5 Dec 2025). Join Orpheus on a heart-wrenching quest in Gluck’s opera, where he ventures into Hades to reclaim his lost love, Eurydice.
BIG Christmas Spectacular (Sat 6 – Mon 8 Dec 2025). Filled with dazzling performances, award-winning musical theatre stars, festive music and breathtaking choreography, this enchanting production will transport you to a Christmas wonderland.
A Christmas Carol (until 24 Dec 2025). Celebrate the festive season with this award-winning production features Lachy Hulme as Scrooge, a captivating storyline, and beloved carols.
Titanic: A Voyage Through Time (until 31 Jan 2026). 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.
CherryHill Orchards Cherry Picking (until 4 Jan 2026). Choose from two locations in the Yarra Valley and enjoy fresh cherries, scenic landscapes, and a relaxing day out.
Chocolate, Cherries & Cheese Day Trip (weekdays until 19 Dec 2025). CherryHill Orchards and Yarra Valley Dairy are offering the ultimate mid-week day trip (self-drive experience) in the heart of the Yarra Valley.
Cherries, Wine & Dine Package (weekdays until 19 Dec 2025). CherryHill Orchards and Rochford Wines are teaming up once again for an unforgettable experience that combines two of the Yarra Valley’s greatest treasures: fine dining and fresh cherries.
Christmas Events (throughout Dec 2025). Read our list of upcoming Christmas concerts, shows, displays, markets, shopping, dining and more. Also, read our list of Christmas Markets celebrating the festive season.
Gallery Exhibitions and Events in Melbourne this Week
Making Good: Redesigning the Everyday (until 1 Feb 2026). The free exhibition at NGV Australia explores how designers are reshaping the products and systems that shape our daily lives – transforming them into solutions that are better for people and the planet. Free entry, open daily.
Martin Grant Exhibition (until 26 Jan 2026). This Australian-born designer’s work is on full display, capturing four decades of fashion brilliance. Tickets from $20. NGV Australia at Federation Square.
Westwood | Kawakubo (7 Dec 2025 – 19 Apr 2026). A bold double-bill fashion exhibition at NGV pairing iconic designers Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo, presenting more than 140 avant-garde designs that challenge norms of beauty, identity, and the function of clothing.
Women Photographers 1900–1975: A Legacy of Light (until 3 May 2026). A global survey at National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) showcasing the groundbreaking work of more than 70 women photographers — from suffrage-era portraiture to revolutionary 20th-century documentary, fashion and experimental photography.
The Formula 1 Exhibition Melbourne (until 19 Apr 2026). For the very first time, Australia is hosting the internationally acclaimed Formula 1® Exhibition — an unmissable, immersive experience celebrating the past, present, and future of the world’s greatest motorsport.
Creative Acts: Artists and their inspirations (until 31 May 2026). This free exhibition at State Library of Victoria features new works by Australian artists, uncovering their spiritual connections, personal quests, and creative processes. Free entry, open daily.
Joy Exhibition (until 7 Dec 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. Read our review here.
Order Up: A City Fed by Many Cultures (until 5 Apr 2026). At Immigration Museum, this immersive exhibition uses thousands of handwritten restaurant dockets, soundscapes and visuals to celebrate Melbourne’s multicultural food heritage and the diverse communities behind its legendary dining scene.
Harry Potter™: The Exhibition (until Feb 2026). Step into the wizarding world in Melbourne to explore authentic film props and costumes, brew potions, cast spells, practice Quidditch, and relive iconic moments from the Harry Potter universe.
History & Culture Events in Melbourne this Week
The Burying of Melbourne (until Mar 2026). This fascinating exhibition explores a little-known chapter of Melbourne’s history: in the mid-1850s, parts of the CBD were deliberately buried under layers of clay by the City Council to manage flooding. Free entry, Monday to Friday, at Royal Historical Society of Victoria.
You Are Here: Melbourne Memory-Scapes, City Gallery (until 6 Feb 2026). Curated by Angela Bailey, the exhibition features poetry by Susie Anderson, emphasizing memory’s role in shaping our connections to and the boundaries that define our experiences. Free entry, open daily.
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.
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.
Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard (until 26 Jan 2026). Travel back in time to early medieval Scotland and discover the unique and mysterious treasure trove of Viking-age treasures, from jewellery, personal heirlooms and one-of-a-kind objects from as far away as Central Asia. At Melbourne Museum, Seniors Card tickets $24.
HERstory (until 8 March 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.
World of the Book, State Library of Victoria (until 27 May 2026). Explore the 20th anniversary of the Library’s most beloved exhibition. Experience the rare, the sacred and the iconic in this one-of-a-kind exhibition. Free entry.
Theatre & Concert Events in Melbourne This Week
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.
MJ The Musical (until 1 Feb 2026). Centred around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, MJ the Musical goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Jackson into legendary status.
The Jazz Room (various dates). Set in the charming Brunswick Ballroom, enjoy an hour of dynamic music, improvisation, and delicious dining. Secure your tickets!
Love Actually? The Musical Parody (5 – 23 Dec 2025). From the creators of “Friends! The Musical Parody,” this comedic production explores love through the antics of nine quirky couples, delivering awkward meet cutes and grand gestures that will have you laughing and singing along.
Darkfield: Invisible and Flight (until 4 Jan 2026). Returning to Arts Centre Melbourne with two mind-altering shows in complete darkness – including the Melbourne premiere of INVISIBLE.
ANASTASIA (From 20 Dec 2025 – 11 Jan 2026). This dazzling musical, featuring the award-winning talents of McNally, Flaherty, Ahrens, and Tresnjak, tells the tale of a brave young woman on a quest to uncover her identity.
Find more shows in our guides:
- Melbourne Musicals : 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
Home Comforts (until 12 April 2026). Exhibition at The Johnston Collection, East Melbourne. Explore re-imagined rooms of an 1860s townhouse, revealing stories of home life in the 1700s–1800s. Features over 50 historical quilts from Janet O’Dell’s collection alongside Georgian and Regency fine and decorative arts. Seniors Card tickets $28, includes guided tour and tea or coffee.
Badass Women of the Yarra Ranges (until 7 Dec 2025). Discover inspiring stories through video narratives, illustrated maps, and engaging discussions, celebrating women who have shaped the region and the nation.
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.
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.
Free Guided Garden Walks – Melbourne & Cranbourne (Daily until 31 Dec 2025). 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.
The Pallet Collective at Queen Victoria Market (9 Dec 2025 – 28 Feb 2026). A curated retail pop-up showcasing independent makers, boutique producers and emerging designers under one roof — ideal for shoppers after unique gifts and artisan goods.
What’s on in Regional Victoria
Desmonde Downing at Benalla Art Gallery (until 22 Mar 2026). Presents watercolour illustrations by Desmonde Downing, a distinguished set and costume designer, actor, and singer who contributed to Australian theatre in the 1950s and 1960s.
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.
Geelong Revival Motoring Festival (28–30 Nov 2025). Visitors can explore vintage cars, motorbikes, and a high-octane quarter-mile sprint along Geelong’s waterfront for a weekend full of retro style, food, and family fun.
Art of the Table – Last Chance Summer Tours (dates vary). A rare opportunity to view handcrafted, modernist tableware by Karl and Slawa Duldig before the collection is archived.
More Melbourne Events in December 2025
Australian Brandenburg Orchestra 2025 Program (6 Dec 2025). Audiences can enjoy a blend of classical brilliance, innovative performances, and festive celebrations that promise unforgettable evenings. Read our guide to upcoming Melbourne Concerts.
Library Cinema at narrm ngarrgu (11 Dec 2025). Held monthly, contemporary, classic and documentary films on the big screen. Stay for snacks and a chat afterwards.
Morning Melodies (8 Dec 2025). Experience joy with Morning Melodies at Arts Centre Melbourne—enjoy 11 captivating performances in 2025, perfect for music lovers!
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: January 2026
Legends in Concert, The Palms at Crown (8 – 24 Jan 2026). Witness powerhouse live performances from dazzling tributes to some of the world’s best voices.
Online Publishing Options for Over 50s at Melbourne City Library (10 Jan 2026). A workshop for older adults eager to learn how to publish their stories, poetry or research online with lasting visibility.
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!
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! Free entry.
Impossible Occurrences Magic Show (various dates). Award-winning magician Luke Hocking presents a performance of sophistication and intrigue with his Impossible Occurrences.
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.
Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour – Melbourne CBD (various dates). 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.
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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