Victorian Seniors Festival 2024 – What’s on in Melbourne
The Victorian Seniors Festival, happening throughout October 2024, is an annual celebration dedicated to enriching the lives of Victorians aged 60 and over.
Get your calendars out and join us in exploring the highlights of the upcoming 2024 Victorian Seniors Festival and discover why this is an unmissable celebration for all.
This post outlines key events happening in Melbourne CBD and its surrounding suburbs as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival throughout October 2024..
- For our list of Festival events happening in Regional Victoria head here.
- The full list of 2000+ events as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival official program is here.
- For our Guide to Free Public Transport for Seniors Week, head here.
- Need a hand getting around Melbourne? Travellers Aid is here to help, read more here.
- Want more? Find the Best Deals on Offer During The Victorian Seniors Festival 2024 here.
Get a printable version of this article to stick on your fridge!
When is the Victorian Seniors Festival 2024?
From 1 October to 31 October 2024.
When is Victorian Seniors Week 2024?
Between Sunday 6 to Sunday 13 October 2024 Victorian Seniors Card holders receive a full week of completely free public transport across the state
Victorian Seniors Festival 2024
What’s on in Melbourne – Victorian Seniors Festival 2024
Celebration Day (Sun 6 Oct 2024). The festival kicks off with a spectacular celebration at Federation Square from 12pm to 5pm. This event will launch the festival with a full day of free entertainment, live music, inspirational speakers and hands-on activities. This event is a fantastic opportunity for Melbourne seniors to come together, share stories, and ignite the festival’s celebratory spirit. Free entry, no booking required. Find more information here.
Town Hall Big Band Dance (Mon 7 Oct 2024) – With the largest dance floor in Victoria and a live 10-member band, this event invites seniors to don their best outfits and dance the night away. Held at Melbourne Town Hall from 12pm to 4pm. Free event but bookings essential via phone or email: 0438 988 861 / [email protected]
ACMI Seniors Film Festival (Mon 7 Oct – Sun 13 Oct 2024). Enjoy a week of film at the Australian Centre of the Moving Image. See five films adapted from the unique and introspective works of author Haruki Murakami. Free entry, book here. Wheelchair friendly.
Dandenong Market Cooks’ Tour (Tues 15 & Tues 22 Oct 2024). Book a special Seniors Festival edition of The Cooks’ Tour at Dandenong Market, designed with seniors in mind. This shorter, 2.5-hour experience invites food enthusiasts to explore the unique products and ingredients available at the Market. The $75 tour includes a guided market tour, a cooking demo, a 3-course meal, and more. Book here.
Dandenong Holiday Inn 30% Seniors Discount (1 – 31 Oct 2024). With a welcoming atmosphere, spacious rooms, and the vibrant Dandelion Lounge and Eatery, it’s the perfect destination for a relaxing midweek getaway. Book now via this link and take advantage of this great deal!
> Find more Exclusive Deals on Offer During The Victorian Seniors Festival 2024 here
What’s on in Melbourne – Victorian Seniors Festival 2024
YMCA Victoria (1 – 31 Oct 2024). Discover a wide range of free events and classes at our recreation sites across the City of Melbourne. Each session will be suitable for people of all fitness levels and will be followed by refreshments to encourage socialisation amongst participants. Head here for the full list of events and to book into a session. Some of what’s on offer includes:
- Seniors Sports day at Carlton Baths
- Beginners Golf Clinic at Royal Park Golf Course
- Walking Football at Docklands and North Melbourne Recreation Centre
- Resuscitate Your Mate session at Carlton Baths
- Various classes such as Aqua-aerobics, Yoga, Tai Chi, Low Impact Cardio to name a few
Walking Football (1 – 31 Oct 2024) – Walking Football 4 Health Victoria are offering free Walking Football session at various locations around Melbourne. Please email [email protected] for more information. Free event.
Seniors Festival Afternoon Dance (Wed 2 Oct 2024). Enjoy an engaging performance by Band O’ Gold while dancing and socialising at Springvale Town Hall. Admission is $10, including afternoon tea. Reserve your spot by contacting the Positive Ageing Team on 03 8571 5574.
Saturday Seminar Online (Sat 5 Oct 2024). Discover how making music enhances cognition and wellbeing in later life at U3A Port Phillip’s engaging online seminar led by Dr. Zara Thompson. Free online event.
Maralinga Community Garden Open Days (Saturday 5, 12, 19, 26 Oct 2024). Come and view our wicking beds and raised beds which are growing an abundance of healthy produce right in the middle of an urbanised suburb. We have an orchard and a 3 bay compost bin as well that turns our garden waste into natural fertiliser. There are walking tracks around the reserve with fitness equipment as well that you might like to try out. Ask questions from our experienced gardeners and see what is possible. Free entry.
Bunjil Place Tour and Dance Workshop with The Australian Ballet (Tues 8 Oct 2024). Discover the beauty of Bunjil Place in Narre Warren with a special day tour. Participate in a charming dance workshop with The Australian Ballet, focusing on Alice in Wonderland. After the workshop, enjoy a guided tour of the venue’s award-winning architecture, with morning tea included. Return bus travel from Collingwood Town Hall to Bunjil Place, and morning tea, included. Contact Yarra City Council to book your spot. Phone (03) 9205 5555 or email [email protected]
What’s on in Melbourne – Victorian Seniors Festival 2024
Multicultural Dance Hoppa Hey (Tues 8 Oct 2024). Celebrate the U3A Port Phillip Seniors Festival with Hoppa Hey! Participate in dance and exercise activities that promote wellness and enjoyment. Refreshments provided. Open to non-members. Book here.
Bayside U3A Brighton Open Day and Bayside U3A Beaumaris Open Day (Wed 9 Oct 2024).Try some fabulous U3A activities! Balance and Bones; TaiChi; Creative Writing; Mahjong; Petanque; Finska; Scrabble; Chess; Walking group; and more. Free event. Wheelchair friendly.
Crafty Wednesday – Ageism Awareness Day (Wed 9 Oct 2024). Regardless of your ability or interest in art, be part of creating a group artwork that challenges advertising stereotypes and captures the contribution, diversity, strength, and lived experience of older people. Have fun, morning tea, and connect with others at Fawkner Park. Free event bookings are essential here.
Tea Tasting and Tour (Thurs 10 Oct 2024). The Islamic Museum of Australia is celebrating Seniors Month with a special event just for seniors! Join us for a delightful tea-tasting experience featuring flavours from Palestine, Turkey, Morocco, and Malaysia, along with an exclusive private tour of the Museum.
Silent Disco Walking Tour (Fri 11 Oct 2024). Location on Queens Pde, Fitzroy North. We provide each of you with a pair of headphones that are connected to the host who plays music and gives funny commentary and instruction along the way. Then we travel together dancing, interacting and being guided in flash mob style zaniness. Free event. Book online here.
Art and Music Showcase U3APP (Fri 11 Oct 2024). Experience an interactive musical showcase and art exhibition including refreshments at Mary Kehoe Centre, Hall, Albert Park. Free event—don’t miss out! Bookings essential here.
Dancing on Fridays (Fri 11 Oct 2024). Attend a Dance on Fridays class for a delightful afternoon of music and movement, enhancing wellbeing and social connections at South Melbourne Community Centre. Refreshments provided. Free entry, book here.
Hawthorn Men’s Shed Open Day (Fri 11 Oct 2024). Experience the magic that happens when mates get together in a well-stocked tool shed and carve out wooden artefacts and friendships. The Men’s Shed Open Day will include a shed tour, machinery demonstrations, and the obligatory sausage sizzle. Wheelchair-friendly, free event. Find more here.
Bayside U3A Art and Craft Exhibition (Fri 11 & Sat 12 Oct 2024). A chance to view some beautiful and creative works by our painting, sculpture and craft groups. Free entry. Wheelchair friendly.
What’s on in Melbourne – Victorian Seniors Festival 2024
U3A Croydon Open Day (Mon 14 Oct 2024). Enjoy fun activities and classes including exercise, music, painting, current affairs and sale of arts and crafts on the day. View class displays and demonstrations and chat with friendly tutors and members. BBQ, tea and cake available for gold coin donation. Free event.
Zumba Gold (Mon 14 Oct 2024). Come ready to sweat, and prepare to leave empowered and feeling strong! After class, everyone will be invited to have coffee together somewhere local. Free event. Book online here.
Malvern Heritage Walks (Wed 16 Oct 2024). Guided by the knowledgeable Steve Stefanopoulos OAM, an architectural historian and former Mayor of Stonnington, this walk promises to be an enlightening experience. Book here, tickets cost $20 for seniors.
Seniors Tea with NGV (Wed 16 Oct, 10.30 am) – Join friendly NGV tour guides in the Ian Potter Gallery for an hour of informal conversation about selected artworks in the Joseph Brown collection. Stay on for a cup of tea in the café to continue the discussion! Free, bookings are required.
Guided Tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Cranbourne (Wed 16 Oct 2024). Explore the beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Cranbourne with a guided bus tour. Learn about Australia’s rich flora, savour at Boon Wurrung Cafe, and take a leisurely stroll through the gardens. Tickets are $5 each. Contact [email protected]
Best. Party. Ever. (17 – 20 Oct 2024) – An online event as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival, experience “Best. Party. Ever.” with Matt and Genevieve, a joyful interactive show connecting grandparents and grandchildren despite the distance.
Seniors Festival ‘24 at Victorian Otolaryngology (Fri 18 Oct 2024). Enjoy games and challenges; prizes, giveaways and vouchers for our services. You’ll learn a thing or two about how your hearing system works and how to keep it healthy. Aaaand, we’ll even top you up along the way with some tasty refreshments! Free event, booking required. Wheelchair friendly.
Ability Fest 2024 – Naarm/Melbourne (Sat 19 Oct 2024). A music festival designed for everyone to experience the magic of live music. A not-for-profit event, with all ticket revenue going directly to the Dylan Alcott Foundation.
What’s on in Melbourne – Victorian Seniors Festival 2024
Greythorn Community Hub (1 – 30 Oct 2024). A variety of events are scheduled throughout the month, below are a few of our top picks. Find the full list of events here. Greythorn Community Hub, Balwyn North
- Wed 2 Oct 2024: Social Sing-Along led by Ray Stolz on keyboard, with morning tea.
- Mon 7 Oct 2024: 1. Art Appreciation session with morning tea. 2. Games with Friends, featuring board and card games with afternoon tea.
- Wed 9 Oct 2024: 1. Belly Dancing class with Sandy. 2. Enjoying Poetry Together session, starting with afternoon tea.
- Mon 14 Oct 2024: Flicks with Friends cinema outing at Hoyts Forest Hill, followed by a café chat.
- October 21, 2024: 1. Armchair Travel session to St Helena, a virtual travel experience with Dee Clements, starting with morning tea. 2. Trivia session with morning tea, testing general knowledge and puzzle skills.
- October 29, 2024: Walking Group session around Banksia Park, followed by morning tea, from 9.30-11am.
- October 30, 2024: Artlinks Art Class for Seniors, a creative art group at the Seniors Citizens Centre in Warrandyte, from 10am-12pm.
Inspired By Women – The Johnson Collection Guided Tour (16 – 20 Oct 2024). Experience “Inspired by Women” at The Johnston Collection, where the lives and work of women in the 1700s and 1800s come to life. Enjoy guided tours through beautifully re-imagined rooms filled with textiles and art, complemented by refreshments, and uncover the stories of extraordinary women throughout history. Book via 03 9416 2515 or email [email protected]
Drumming Workshop (Thurs 24 Oct 2024). Come and try a vibrant drumming session with Peter V at Bentleigh RSL Social Club. Drums supplied to use in the session. Free entry. Wheelchair friendly.
Silent Disco Walking Tour (Sat 26 Oct 2024). Beginning at Fed Square. We provide each of you with a pair of headphones that are connected to the host who plays music and gives funny commentary and instruction along the way. Then we travel together dancing, interacting and being guided in flash mob style zaniness. Free event. Book online here.
What’s on in Melbourne – Victorian Seniors Festival 2024
Through The Eyes of Surgeons, College of Surgeons Tour (Mon 28 Oct 2024). One hour presentation in the RACS Museum about the history of the College and its heritage collections. Please book by emailing the curator at [email protected]
Intergenerational Dance for Seniors – The Australian Ballet Education & Outreach (Tues 29 Oct 2024). Experience the joy of dance with your grandchild at Bunjil Place, facilitated by The Australian Ballet. This intergenerational ballet class focuses on gentle movement, creativity, and fun. Suitable for all activity levels, participants can engage independently or with support, fostering connection through the art of dance. Morning tea included! Tickets $15 for one grandparent and grandchild. Book here.
The Finbar Strummer, Ardency Kennedy Place Richmond (Wed 30 Oct 2024). Get ready to be serenaded by talented musicians and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned ukulele enthusiast or just looking for a fun time, this event is perfect for everyone. Free event. Bookings online here.
Author Talk: Robyn Annear and the Corners of Melbourne (Wed 30 Oct). Melbourne’s favourite historian, Robyn Annear, is coming to Sunbury Library! Join us to discuss the hidden, and sometimes bizarre, stories of Melbourne’s street corners, pillar boxes, pubs and larrikins. Free event, book online here.
Free Public Transport for Seniors
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! This is happening from Sunday 6 to Sunday 13 October 2024.
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.
View the official program here, featuring thousands of events happening across the state. Or read on below for our top picks.
Related reading: Guide to Free Public Transport for Seniors Week
Celebrate Victorian Seniors Festival 2024
Don’t forget to check with your local community centres, libraries and activity hubs as there are thousands of live and local events set to take place across the state. Many of which are delivered by local councils, community groups and clubs as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival.
Join us in October for an unforgettable celebration of life, laughter, and the enduring spirit of Melbourne’s seniors.
Don’t forget to check back in on this post regularly! We will continue to update it with new seniors festival events and activities as they are announced.
Want more? Find the Best Deals on Offer During The Victorian Seniors Festival 2024 here.
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
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. View the official program and full list of events here. Contact the Festival Team via [email protected] or 1300 797 210
These events are listed by the event owner on their own independent website and confirmation of any details should be reviewed on their site, as these are subject to change.
Hi
There used to be a booklet for Seniors week.
Now superseded by on line listings…if you can find them and that’s dependent upon one’s I.T. abilities in navigating cyber space.
With Seniors week just 8 weeks away I thought I would google ‘Seniors week dances’ and put any dates in my diary and make any booking I might need to make..
Alas, all I have discerned so far is one at The Melbourne Town Hall on Monday 7th. Bookings needed ???Times ??? Cost ???
Perhaps this post may elicit helpful hints to enable me to ascertain further info ???
Hi Keith,
Thanks for reaching out. Some feedback we received indicated difficulties with event changes, last-minute additions, and cancellations behind the forgoing of the printed booklet.
Many things seem to be confirmed last minute these days! We have been updating this website event listing as soon as we receive the information confirmed by the event organisers.
If you’d like to send me a quick email – [email protected] – I’d be happy to shoot you an email when there are more details locked in for the Town Hall Dance.
Otherwise, keep an eye out for the post to be updated… Enjoy your dance!
Amy
There used to be a seniors festival booklet. I tried on line but it was impossible
Hi Marie,
I know there is a printed guide this year that’s been distributed across the state. It has 65 pages. I found one in my local library just last week but perhaps with the popularity of the festival they have already run out. You can view the official events program online which lists over 2,000 events here: https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival-calendar
With so much on offer, we know it can be a bit overwhelming to navigate. In our website posts, we are highlighting events of special interest to our readers and contributors, which is just a small portion of all the events on offer. I’d love to hear if you have any ideas or particular events you’d like to see listed here.
I hope you’re able to find something fun to see or do and make the most of all the great deals and events happening during the festival in October.
Thanks,
Amy