Seniors in Melbourne are gearing up for the much-anticipated Victorian Seniors Festival this October 2026. What was once celebrated as Seniors Week has grown into a month-long program of activities, performances, and special events across Melbourne and Victoria.

While we’re not involved in organising the Festival, we love supporting it by sharing Melbourne’s highlights and helping you find events you’ll enjoy most. With over 1,600 happenings across the state, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved.

Contact the Victorian Seniors Festival organisers via seniorsfestival@dffh.vic.gov.au or 03 8850 6164

Tip: Check your local council’s Seniors Festival program for events and experiences close to home.

This article lists our top pick of Seniors Festival events in the Melbourne metropolitan area. Find highlight events happening across regional Victoria here. And find the best deals on offer during Seniors Month here.

Want to promote your Seniors Festival event or offer in this guide? Get in touch with Amy today (free listings available) – amy@seniorsinmelbourne.com.au

When is the Victorian Seniors Festival 2026?

From 1 October to 31 October 2026

When is Victorian Seniors Week 2026?

As a Victorian Seniors Card holder, you can explore Victoria with free public transport during the Victorian Seniors Festival. The 2026 dates are TBC.

What is the Theme for Seniors Week in Victoria 2026?

The 2025 Victorian Seniors Festival theme was Connect. Create. Celebrate. We can’t wait to hear what the 2026 theme will be! Still TBC at this stage.

What’s on in Metropolitan Melbourne – Victorian Seniors Festival 2025

History & Culture Events – Seniors Festival

Melbourne City Pub Tour (Thursday 9 Oct, 2–5pm). Join writer and guide Paul Daffey for an afternoon exploring Melbourne’s pub history. Meet at 1.45 pm outsiwde the Oxford Scholar Hotel. Tickets $60, includes a drink at Young & Jackson’s. Pay on the day in cash or on card. Book via email pauldaffey27@gmail.com, or phone/text 0417 160 911. Highly recommended, read more here.

Robin Boyd’s Neighbourhood (Sat 4 Oct & Sat 8 Nov 2025). Discover South Yarra’s architectural gems on a 2.5km guided walk with the Robin Boyd Foundation. Tickets $45. Bookings essential.

Celebration Day (Sun 5 Oct 2025). The festival kicks off with a spectacular celebration at Federation Square from 12 pm to 7 pm. This event will launch the festival with a full day of free entertainment, live music, inspirational speakers and hands-on activities. Free entry, no booking required. Find more information here.

Tours of Athenaeum Library (Mon 6 – Fri 10 Oct 2025). Discover the fascinating history of the historic Melbourne Athenaeum Library. Take a tour and hear about this important part of Melbourne’s living history. Tours will be held daily from 11 am. Bookings required.

ACMI Seniors Film Festival (6–10 Oct 2025). Free week-long screenings of films celebrating older people, including Marjorie Prime, Seconds, San Junipero, and Robot & Frank. Allocated seating.

Guided Walk: Artists, Designers and Landscapes of Port (Sun 12 Oct 2025, 2–4 pm). Join Janet Bolitho on a walking tour of Port Melbourne exploring landscapes that have inspired artists and designers. Free, bookings required.

NGV Italia: Coffee and Culture for Seniors (Thu 16 Oct 2025, 10.30am). Explore Italian art at NGV International in an hour-long guided conversation delivered in Italian, followed by coffee. Free, bookings required. Delivered in Italian.

History & Culture Events – continued

Poetic Portraits Exhibition (1–31 Oct 2025). Discover poems and portraits from 20 local writers, celebrating stories across generations. Free exhibition at Mount Waverley and Oakleigh.

B-24 Liberator Seniors Festival (Tues, Thurs & Sun throughout Oct 2025, 9:30 am–3:30 pm). Seniors are invited to explore the B-24 Liberator restoration hangar, enjoy a guided tour with light refreshments, and learn about volunteering opportunities. Free.

#OldIsBeautiful Photographic Art Exhibition (13 Oct–14 Nov 2025). Suzanne Phoenix’s striking portraits of older Bayside residents explore ageing, beauty and community attitudes. Bayside City Council Corporate Centre, Sandringham. Free, no bookings required.

The Sound of Music in Port Phillip (14 Oct 2025). Discover the story of French music stars M. et Mme Gautrot, celebrated performers on Melbourne’s colonial music scene. Held at the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, 239 A’Beckett Street, Melbourne. Tickets $30.

The Swinging Sixties Exhibition (from 20 Oct 2025). 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.

Under the Clocks 3-Hour Walking Tour (Tues 21 Oct 2025). Explore Melbourne’s historic lanes, alleys, and arcades, beginning from the iconic Flinders Street Station. Tickets $60. Pay on the day in cash or on card. Book via email pauldaffey27@gmail.com, or phone/text 0417 160 911.

Sikh Cultural Tour and Lunch (Sat 25 Oct 2025). Discover Sikh religion and culture on a guided temple tour, followed by a free vegetarian meal in Blackburn. 12.00–2.00 pm. Free, bookings required.

Same, Same – Join the Melbourne Photoshoot (Sat 25 Oct, 12–4pm). Intergenerational pairs (65+ with someone 18+ years younger) are invited to dress alike and take part in this creative Same, Same photoshoot exploring fashion and identity. Free, bookings required to participate.

Gulf Station Heritage Festival (Sun 26 Oct 2025). Step back in time with traditional trades, stories, and family-friendly fun at historic Gulf Station, Yarra Glen. $20, tickets via National Trust.

Country Immersion Workshop with Kerri Clarke (28 & 30 Oct 2025). Narrm Ngarrgu Library. A cultural workshop led by Boon Wurrung, Wemba Wemba artist Kerri Clarke. Explore connection to Country, culture and community through storytelling, sensory engagement and hands-on making. Free.

Step Back in Time Williamstown Walking Tour (Tuesdays & Fridays in October, 11:45 am). Free guided tour exploring Williamstown’s historic seaport, hidden lanes, morgue, monuments and heritage buildings. Departs Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre, Nelson Place.

Free Music & Performance Events – Seniors Festival

*Jen & Lisette’s Morning Melodies – Wollert & Nunawading. Step back in time with the much-loved Morning Melodies, where Jen Hawley and Lisette Payette will have you singing along to favourites from days gone by. Held in the welcoming clubhouses of Keyton retirement villages, and include morning tea. Book now: Sherwin Rise, Wollert (Mon 6 Oct 2025, 10–11.30am), Forest Hills, Nunawading (Fri 17 Oct 2025, 10am–12pm).

Learn Comedy: Help Keep Dementia at Bay (Sat 4 Oct 2025). A fun workshop blending comedy training with dementia awareness. Boost wellbeing, creativity and confidence through laughter. Elwood + St Kilda Neighbourhood Learning Centre (ESNLC). Free entry, bookings essential.

Big Band Dance (Tue 7 Oct 2025). Enjoy an afternoon of jazz and swing style dance. You don’t need to be an experienced dancer to join in the fun – this event is open to everyone. Free entry, bookings required.

Seniors Showtime (Thu 9 Oct 2025, 2–3:30 pm). Enjoy a free multi-media showcase by U3A Melbourne City Scriptwriters Group at the Blue Room, Multi Cultural Hub. Stories include the Loch Ard shipwreck, Ned Kelly, and more.

Silent Disco for LGBTI+ Seniors & Allies (Fri 10 Oct 2025, 6–8 pm). Dance to ’70s–’90s hits at Nunawading Library with Guru Dudu’s Silent Disco. Free, bookings essential, headphones and refreshments provided.

Silent Disco Walking Tour (Sat 11 Oct 2025). Dance your way through Melbourne’s streets with music, commentary and fun. Starts at Fed Square. Free, bookings essential. Highly recommended, read our review here!

Mid-Autumn Festival Concert (Sun 12 Oct 2025, 1.30–4.00 pm). Celebrate with 140+ performers in classical, folk, chamber, dance and a cappella. Light refreshments included at Jordanville Community Centre, 94 Batesford Road, Chadstone. Free entry. Bookings required.

Multicultural Dance: Hoppa Hey (Tue 14 Oct 2025, 11.00 am–1.00 pm). Experience diverse cultural dances at South Melbourne Community Hall led by expert tutors. Watch, enjoy, and maybe join in. Free event with refreshments provided.

Silent Disco (30 Oct 2025, 11:30am–1pm). Join Guru Dudu for a fun, free silent disco held at Manningham Function Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster. Free, bookings required.

Multicultural Seniors Celebration – Seddon (Fri 31 Oct 2025, 10am–1.30pm). Enjoy a vibrant day of music, dance, stories and connection, with morning tea and lunch provided. 296 Nicholson St, Seddon, free, bookings required.

Tango for Parkinson’s (Wednesdays in Oct 2025, 10–11 am). Join free, inclusive tango classes designed to improve balance, coordination, and connection. Avenue Neighbourhood House, Blackburn South.

Paid Music & Theatre Events – Seniors Festival

Circa Ensemble: Duck Pond (Thu 2 Oct 2025, 7:30–8:45 pm). A cheeky, acrobatic take on Swan Lake with feathers, circus thrills, and humour. Seniors’ tickets from $48. Frankston Arts Centre. Bookings essential.

Sincerely Yours, Tribute Show (Fri 3 Oct 2025). This special show brings Dame Vera Lynn to life in a 70-minute performance filled with music, memories, and a few surprises. Dingley Village Neighbourhood Centre. Concession tickets $25.

Niusia (Sat 4 Oct 7:30–9:00 pm & Sun 5 Oct 2:00–3:30 pm 2025). A granddaughter explores her Holocaust-surviving nana’s complex legacy. Touching, honest theatre at Clocktower Centre, Moonee Ponds. Seniors tickets $39–$42. Bookings essential.

Retro Entertainment Cruises (Tue 7 & Tue 21 Oct 2025). Enjoy live music, laughs and themed entertainment on the water with Retro Entertainment Cruises. Departing Docklands 2.30–4.00 pm. Tickets $25.

AJM Jazz Concerts (8 Oct 2025, 11 am and 2 pm). Enjoy two special concerts at the Australian Jazz Museum in Wantirna — admission is just $10 and includes tea, coffee, and biscuits.

Water Music, Australian Brandenburg Orchestra (9 – 12 Oct 2025). A deeply resonant performance at Melbourne Recital Centre that pairs Handel’s Water Music with a brand-new piece composed by Rrawun Maymuru and Nick Wales. Use promo code SENIORSMELB20 for a 20% discount on A & B reserve seats.

Disorderly Women (9–12 Oct 2025). A lively new musical as part of Melbourne Fringe at Curate Space. Songs, scandals & camaraderie on the first female convict ship. $30–$40, bookings essential.

FreeSteps – Swinging Years (14–18 Oct, Meat Market). Acclaimed choreographer Wei-Chia Su and dancers 60+ celebrate resilience, beauty, and movement shaped by time. Tickets from $28.

Air Force Band, Arts Centre Melbourne Morning Melodies (Mon 20 Oct 2025). Rooted in the rich military heritage of the 1940s Big Band Swing era, this dynamic ensemble echoes the golden age of jazz that once lifted the spirits of WWII troops. Tickets from $34.

Australian Jazz Museum Open Day (Sat 25 Oct 2025). Performances from 5 jazz bands, guided museum tours, Inner FM live broadcast, sausage sizzle, coffee vans, and sales of LPs, CDs and books. Located in Wantirna. Tickets $5.

*Spotlight on Events with Active Melbourne

Active Melbourne is hosting a vibrant program of activities to mark the Victorian Seniors Festival, encouraging healthy, active, and connected living across City of Melbourne recreation facilities.

Staying Safe Around Water (Wed 8 Oct 2025). Our Water Safety Session is an interactive workshop designed especially for seniors, with a particular focus on supporting those from multicultural backgrounds to build confidence in and around aquatic environments. You’ll learn how to identify common water hazards, correctly use a life jacket, and perform a reach rescue without entering the water – all in a safe, supportive space.

A Day of Sport and Fun (Wed 29 Oct 2025). The Senior Sport & Activity Day brings people together for a morning filled with variety and movement. Participants will rotate through a selection of sports and activities, making it the perfect chance to try something new in a friendly, no-pressure setting. It’s all about participation, enjoyment, and maybe discovering your next favourite pastime.

Teeing Off with Golf Clinics (Tues 14 Oct 2025). If you’ve ever thought about giving golf a try – or want to fine-tune your skills – our Golf Clinics are a great place to start. Sessions are available for beginners, intermediate players, and advanced golfers, so there’s something for every level. With a focus on stance, swing, and enjoying the game, these clinics are open to non-members of Royal Park Golf Course, making them an ideal introduction to the sport.

Move Your Way with Fitness Classes. Prefer a steady, low-impact approach to fitness? We’re offering a variety of classes across multiple sites, including Aqua Aerobics (Thu 23 Oct 2025), Low-Impact Cardio (Mon 13 Oct 2025), and Reformer Pilates (Every Tuesday 14 – 28 Oct 2025). All are tailored to support mobility, balance, and overall wellbeing, while catering to a range of fitness levels.

More Sport & Wellness Events – Seniors Festival

SMILE Mobility Course – First Session Free (Wed 2 Oct & Mon 7, 14, 21, 28 Oct 2025). Learn healthy joint movement with APT’s mobility series. Details here.

Falls & Injury Prevention Workshop Series (15 – 29 Oct 2025). Free workshops in Pakenham covering falls prevention, nutrition, and balance exercises. Easy access venue. Bookings essential.

Carers Swing Class (16 Oct 2025, 11am–12:30pm). Celebrate National Carers Week with a fun, free swing dance class at the Djerring Centre in Abbotsford. Designed especially for carers and seniors, this session is a joyful way to connect, move, and celebrate positive ageing. A light lunch is included.

Fun Dance Class for Seniors – Thornbury (17 Oct 2025, 10 am–1:30 pm). Enjoy Latin rhythms, easy steps, and a welcoming community. Accessible venue. Free, bookings essential. Highly recommended.

Garden & Nature Events – Seniors Festival

The Explorer Bus Tour – Melbourne & Cranbourne (1 – 31 Oct 2025). Guided 30-minute open-air bus tours through Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and Cranbourne. Bookings recommended, Seniors Card tickets $12. Read our review.

Bloom Garden Party (Wed 8 Oct 2025). Enjoy tea, treats, music, games, and friendship at The Grange Community Centre, Hoppers Crossing. 10.00 am–12.00 pm. Dress up and join the fun.

Secret Life of Birds (1, 11, 15, 25 & 29 Oct 2025). Guided birdwatching walk at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Take-home bird guide included. Bookings essential, tickets from $18.

Friends Plant Sales – Cranbourne (11 & 12 Oct 2025). Browse and buy Australian natives, climbers, orchids, and more at Royal Botanic Gardens. Free entry.

Friends Plant Sales – Melbourne (18 & 19 Oct 2025). Browse and buy Australian natives, climbers, orchids, and more at Royal Botanic Gardens. Free entry.

Australian Plant Safari Bus (17 Oct & 20 Oct 2025). Explore Australian Garden landscapes on a guided bus tour at RBG Cranbourne. Bookings essential, Seniors Card tickets $15.

Grow Together: Gardening Workshops (16 & 30 Oct 2025). Kathleen Syme Library. Relaxed, hands-on workshops as part of the Seniors Festival. Learn food-growing tips, sustainable practices, and enjoy practical activities in a friendly, social environment. Free, bookings essential.

Birds in the Australian Garden (Sun 19 Oct 2025). Guided tour at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne to see native birds in action. Bookings essential, Seniors Card tickets $12.

Dahlias, Dates and Danish Delights (Wed 29 Oct 2025, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm). Learn all about growing dahlias in Melbourne’s climate and enjoy a themed afternoon tea with date loaf, Danish biscuits, and more. Take home free marigold seedlings. Held at Caulfield South Community House. $10. Bookings essential. Accessible venue.

Enchanted Adventure Gardener’s Talk (Every Wednesday in October 2025). Join Head Gardener Matt for an inspiring morning exploring the 20 themed gardens and 25-acre landscape he and his team lovingly maintain. Learn about the new Garden & Art Trail and enjoy a relaxed chat about plants, creativity, and nature. General Admission ticket required.

Art & Craft Events – Seniors Festival

Eggshell Artistry Exhibition (Sat 4 Oct 2025, 10.00 am–2.00 pm). Discover decorated eggs, live demonstrations, craft stalls and vintage finds at The Craig Family Centre, Ashburton. Free entry, with items available for purchase.

Petals and Pinot (Mon 6 Oct 2025). A special afternoon at Sherwin Rise, with respected local artist and educator Melissa who will lead a tulip-themed painting session, designed to inspire creativity and enjoyment. Free tickets, bookings essential.

Paint and Sip with Lorraine (Wed 15 Oct 2025, 6.00–8.00 pm). Inclusive, creative paint and sip celebrating LGBTI+ seniors and allies. Relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Free entry, bookings required.

U3APP Art & Music Showcase (Fri 17 Oct 2025, 2.00–4.00 pm). Enjoy a relaxed afternoon with choir, ukulele, recorder music and an art exhibition at Mary Kehoe Centre, Albert Park. Free event with refreshments.

Creative Mosaics 3-Part Workshop (15, 22 & 29 Oct 2025). Learn mosaic design, glass cutting, tiling and grouting over three creative sessions in Endeavour Hills. Free, bookings essential via Casey Council website.

Friendly Craft Class (Thu 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Oct 2025). Join this fun, social craft session at Noble Park Community Centre. All materials provided. $5 per class. Accessible and suitable for all skill levels.

Art of the Table (7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 & 30 Oct 2025). Tour Duldig Studio, discover artists’ home and tableware, enjoy stories and afternoon tea. Tickets $15, Malvern East 1.30–3.00 pm.

Bold Landscapes in Watercolour with Rehann (17 Oct–7 Nov 2025). Join a 4-week short course in Brighton to build confidence and expression in watercolour painting. Cost $100, bookings essential.

Weaving Play at Heide (21 Oct 2025, 10am–12pm). Join a tactile and creative weaving workshop at Heide’s Education Centre, led by an artist from the Australian Tapestry Workshop. Inspired by the exhibition Face Everything by Sydney-based artist Nell, this session is suitable for all abilities and includes all materials—plus you’ll take home your own mini cardboard loom. Seniors $85, Members and Manningham Residents $65. Museum admission included.

Food & Drink Events – Seniors Festival

*Cooks’ Tours: How-To Series (11, 19, 25 & 31 Oct 2025). Explore Dandenong Market, watch a cooking demo, and enjoy a shared feast with Vietnamese, Japanese, and Sri Lankan editions available. Save $20 with promo code SENIOR20. Highly recommended, read our review here.

Wine & Cheese Afternoon (Tue 7 Oct 2025). Enjoy wine, cheese, and friendly conversation at Studio 1 Community Hub, Richmond. $5, 3.00–5.00 pm. Connect, relax, and celebrate good company.

Seniors Wanders: St Albans Food Adventure (Wed 8 Oct 2025). Explore St Albans Market with guided tastings, live music, local history, and sweet treats. 10.30 am–2.00 pm. Free event, bookings required.

High Tea at Balwyn Evergreen (Wed 8 Oct 2025). Celebrate Seniors Festival with sweet and savoury treats, live entertainment, and a raffle. 1.00–4.00 pm. Tickets $25.

Sunshine Veterans Food & Culture Walk (Wed 15 Oct 2025). Explore Sunshine’s cuisine, culture, live music, and history on a guided walking tour. 10.30 am–2.00 pm. Free event, bookings required.

Deepavali Festival with Tamil Senior Citizens Fellowship (Sat 18 Oct 2025). Celebrate the Festival of Lights with music, culture, and a curry lunch at Oakleigh Town Hall. 10.30 am–1.30 pm. $12.

Together @ the Shed – Whitehorse Seniors Festival (Sat 18 Oct 2025, 5.30–7.30 pm). Enjoy a relaxed evening at Box Hill Community Shed with food, entertainment, and community connection. Free, no bookings required.

Scones and Songs: Morning Tea with the Divas (Tue 28 Oct 2025). Enjoy a musical morning tea with Sunbury’s Divine Divas Show Choir. 10.30–11.30 am. Free event, bookings required.

Bush Bites – Truffle Delights! (Thu 30 Oct 2025). Discover indigenous bush foods with Aunty Sammy and make native truffles at Cardinia U3A. 10.00–11.30 am. Free event, bookings required.

*Mornington Peninsula Festival Passport (1–31 Oct 2025). A free guide featuring special offers, discounts and experiences from local businesses across the Mornington Peninsula, including hotels, restaurants, attractions and more. Pick up a printed copy at Visitor Information Centres and Shire Customer Service Points, or browse online.

Education & Learning – Victorian Seniors Festival

Challenging Assumptions with Linda Black (14 Oct 2025, 10am–12pm). An interactive, thought-provoking session exploring ageing, meaning, and self-discovery. Held at Manningham Function Centre, Function Room 1, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster. Free, bookings required.

Tour, Tea & Cuddles (15 Oct 2025). Cat-lovers are invited to a guided tour of the Cat Protection Society of Victoria’s Adoption Shelter in Greensborough, followed by Devonshire tea and cat cuddles. Session times at 10 am and 1 pm, tickets $20.

Online Events – Victorian Seniors Festival

Embolden Festival Congress Online (Wed 1 Oct 2025). Hear from older people in marginalised groups and join discussions on ageism, inclusion and strategies for change. Free, online, 1–4pm.

The Great Australian Dream – A Home of our Own (Online, Thur 2 Oct 2025). Join Margaret Anderson as she reflects on the highs and lows of home building in Victoria, from boarded-up streets in the Great Depression, through the acute shortages of the post-war years, to the peak of home ownership during the ‘long boom’ of the 1960s. Presented by Old Treasury Building Museum.

Embolden Festival Symposium Online (Thu 2 Oct 2025). Explore ageism across generations and how it intersects with power, privilege and identity. Includes presentation of a draft framework for prevention. Free, online, 1–4pm.

U3APP Saturday Seminar: Royal Botanic Gardens (Sat 11 Oct 2025, 2.30–3.30 pm). Join Andrew Laidlaw online via Zoom to explore creativity, community and health in garden design with Global Gardens of Peace. Free event, bookings essential.

Tracing Kimono Fashion (Thu 17 Oct, 12–1pm | Online). Join Dr Jenny Hall as she explores how kimono styles evolved over time through Japanese prints and photographs in the NGV Collection.

Royal Australasian College of Surgeons – Online Exhibitions (1–31 Oct 2025). Explore free digital exhibitions showcasing the history of surgery, art and medical practice. Available online anytime. Free.

Watch this space for more events coming soon.

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, dates TBC for 2026.

Related reading: Using Your Seniors Myki and Navigating Public Transport in Melbourne

Other Useful Resources

• Download our Melbourne CBD map as a printable PDF
• Need help getting around Melbourne? Travellers Aid is here to help

Seniors Festival Events in Regional Victoria

• Find highlight events happening across regional Victoria for Seniors Month here.
• Find the best deals on offer during Seniors Month 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: Some events in this article have paid for a little extra spotlight – you’ll spot them with an asterisk (*). We only say yes to partners we think you’ll love, so if it’s here, it’s because we’d happily recommend it to our own friends (and probably have).

Disclaimer: Seniors in Melbourne is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the Victorian Seniors Festival, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH), or the Victorian Government. All content is created and published independently.

Contact the Victorian Seniors Festival organisers via seniorsfestival@dffh.vic.gov.au or 03 8850 6164

Read more:

What’s on in Melbourne This Week for Retirement Rookies Like us

Best Discounts Using Your Seniors Card at Melbourne Attractions

13 Free Walking Tours of Melbourne Attractions

Victorian Seniors Card Explained: How to Apply and Make the Most of It