Victorian Seniors Festival 2025: Everything you Need to Know
Seniors in Melbourne are gearing up for the much-anticipated Victorian Seniors Festival happening throughout October 2025. What has for many years been celebrated as Seniors Week, has now turned into a month-long festival of activities!
This annual extravaganza, dedicated to honouring and celebrating Victorians aged 60 and over, promises a myriad of over 2,000 events, activities, and experiences tailored to make the golden years truly shine.
Contact the Festival organisers via [email protected] or 1300 797 210.
When is the Victorian Seniors Festival 2025?
From 1 October to 31 October 2025
When is Victorian Seniors Week 2025?
2025 dates are TBC for when Victorian Seniors Card holders receive a full week of completely free public transport across the state
Victorian Seniors Festival 2025
The Victorian Seniors Festival is an initiative delivered by the Victorian State Government through the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) by the Card Operations Team of Equity Strategy and Projects Unit. In collaboration with local councils, community organisations, and cultural partners, the festival takes place throughout October, offering a plethora of events and activities at little or no cost.
The 2024 theme, “Explore. Engage. Evolve,” encouraged us to stay curious and connected. We can’t wait to hear what the 2025 theme will be!
With a focus on free and low-cost events, the festival has become an annual pilgrimage for retirees in Melbourne and beyond. It’s an invitation to get active, try something new, and embrace the wealth of opportunities Melbourne has to offer.
Free Week of Public Transport
As well as great events and activities happening across Melbourne, Victorian Seniors Card holders received a full week of completely free public transport across the state in 2024. This is currently TBC for 2025.
Related reading: Using Your Seniors Myki and Navigating Public Transport in Melbourne
Events at Victorian Seniors Festival 2025
In 2024, the festival commenced on October 1, featuring vibrant live events across the state, such as the much-anticipated Celebration Day at Federation Square, which kicked off the festivities with a lineup of free entertainment.
Notable highlights included Town Hall Dances in Melbourne and Hawthorn, the ACMI Seniors Film Festival, and an engaging Country Tour that brought live performances to regional towns. Additionally, the Aged Care Tour ensured that the magic of the festival reached residents in aged care facilities, enhancing community spirit and connection.
Victorian Senior of the Year Awards
The Victorian Seniors Festival also hosts the esteemed Victorian Senior of the Year Awards, recognising the invaluable contributions of older Victorians to their communities. This initiative, which has celebrated over two decades of achievements, underscores the talents and dedication of older Victorians.
With a rich history dating back to 1983, the festival has evolved significantly, reflecting the growing importance of inclusivity and celebration within the senior community. Attended by hundreds of thousands each year, the Victorian Seniors Festival remains a vital platform for fostering connection, joy, and engagement among older Victorians.
Join us in October for an unforgettable celebration of life, laughter, and the enduring spirit of older Victorians.
DISCLAIMER: Seniors in Melbourne is not affiliated with the Victorian Seniors Festival and all content represented here has not been approved by Victorian Seniors Festival, its owner DFFH or the Victorian State Government.
Fancy using the photo of the 2024 Town Hall Big Band dance. Our two favourite old time bands so sought after around Melbourne.
The Hippocratics have cancelled it and disappointed over 1,300 senior dancers.
NOT HAPPY!!!
Hi Joanna,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It’s clear that this event has meant a great deal to you and many other dancers over the years. The annual Town Hall dance has always been a highlight of the Seniors Festival, and it’s understandable that any changes to its format would be disappointing—especially for those who were looking forward to it in 2025. (Us included!)
We weren’t involved in the decision-making process, but we’ve heard similar concerns from others who love New Vogue and Old Time dancing. If you haven’t already, it might be worth reaching out to the festival organisers or the City of Melbourne for more information about the changes and whether traditional dance events will still be part of the program.
We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, and we’ll be keeping an eye out for any updates on the 2025 festival program.
Best wishes,
Amy
G’day from FNQ
This year my husband and I were planning to be in Melbourne for this week, in particular so that we could attend the 2025 Senior’s Week Festival Dance at the Melbourne Town Hall. We attend New Vogue/Old Time Dances twice a week and this has always been on our bucket list.
I have been saddened to hear that a public servant has decided to change the format of this annual dance. I could not find out the reason for the change but heard that it was to enable the dance to be “more diverse & inclusive”. Not sure what that is supposed to mean. I can understand this, if the dance was not well attended, but I believe that this is not the case. Thought you would like to share. Regards Marg
Hi Marg,
We, too, were very saddened to hear from Peter that the Town Hall Dance may be cancelled this year!
We hope he is able to find another way to continue this outstanding event for seniors.
Amy