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.
This includes free public transport for Seniors Week, where Victorian Seniors Card holders receive a full week of completely free public transport across the state!
So get your calendars out and join us for an unmissable month of fun at the Victorian Seniors Festival.
Read our Guide to Free Public Transport for Seniors Week.
P.S. Are you hosting an event or promotion for the Victorian Seniors Festival? Submit a free listing here!
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.
This year’s theme, “Explore. Engage. Evolve,” encourages us to stay curious and connected.
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 receive a full week of completely free public transport across the state for dates TBC 2025.
Read our Guide to Free Public Transport for Seniors Week.
During Seniors Week, here’s what you need to do:
- On Metro Services (Trains, Trams, and Buses): Touch on and off as usual with your Seniors myki card, but don’t worry—you won’t be charged for your trip!
- On Regional Services (Trains, Coaches, and Buses): Simply show your Victorian Seniors Card to the conductor or bus driver if you’re travelling on services that don’t use myki. Note that reservations are required for long-distance V/Line trains or certain coach services.
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.
Mark Your Calendars: READ HERE our extensive list of the best events happening across Melbourne and Victoria throughout the Victorian Seniors Festival 2024.
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 2025 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.
